Faux Fur Suzette Stockings Free Pattern – Knit Plush Holiday Socks
Cozy Up Your Mantel: Knit the Faux Fur Suzette Stockings
There's something truly magical about a hand-knit stocking, especially one that combines the elegance of lace with the irresistible coziness of faux fur. Today, I'm thrilled to share a pattern that has become a holiday favorite in my own home: the Faux Fur Suzette Stockings. These aren't just any holiday socks; they are plush, cloud-like wonders designed to wrap your toes in luxurious softness. With a delicate lace cuff that adds a touch of vintage charm and a body that feels like a warm hug, these stockings are perfect for lounging by the fire, adding a handmade touch to your mantel, or gifting to someone truly special.
This pattern is wonderfully accessible, using basic knit and purl stitches to create a truly stunning result. The magic lies in the combination of a smooth, worsted-weight yarn for the structured cuff and a fluffy faux fur yarn for the dreamy, plush body. Let's dive into the details so you can create these beautiful stockings for your own holiday traditions.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather your supplies. This project is all about the texture, so choosing the right yarns is key.
- Yarn (MC - Main Color): Worsted weight yarn in cream. This will be used for the structured cuff, heel, and toe. A smooth, slightly heathered cream works beautifully.
- Yarn (FC - Faux Fur Color): A faux fur yarn in soft white. This is the star of the show, creating the plush, cloud-like body of the stocking. Look for a yarn that is labeled as "faux fur" or "eyelash" for the best effect.
- Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) straight knitting needles for the cuff and heel flap. You will also need US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles (or a set of double-pointed needles) for working the leg and foot in the round.
- Notions: Stitch markers, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and scissors.
Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch with MC. Getting the gauge right ensures your stocking is the perfect size, so take a moment to knit a small swatch first.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create your very own Suzette stocking. We'll work from the cuff down to the toe, just like a classic sock.
Part 1: The Cuff (Worked Flat)
We'll start with a classic ribbed cuff that gives the stocking its structured top.
- With your straight needles and MC, cast on 40 stitches.
- Row 1 (Right Side): *K2, p2; repeat from * to end of row.
- Row 2 (Wrong Side): *P2, k2; repeat from * to end of row.
- Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until the cuff measures 2 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a Wrong Side row. This creates a nice, stretchy ribbed band.
Part 2: The Lace Pattern (Worked Flat)
Now for a touch of delicate elegance. This simple lace pattern adds beautiful eyelet details just below the cuff.
- Row 1 (Right Side): K1, *yo (yarn over), k2tog (knit two together); repeat from * to the last stitch, k1.
- Row 2 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.
- Row 3 (Right Side): K1, *k2tog, yo; repeat from * to the last stitch, k1.
- Row 4 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.
- Repeat Rows 1-4 once more, then repeat Rows 1-2 once. You will have completed a total of 10 rows of the lace pattern. This creates a lovely, airy band.
Part 3: The Leg (Worked in the Round)
This is where the magic happens! We'll switch to the faux fur yarn and work in the round to create the plush body of the stocking.
- Switch to your circular needles or DPNs. Carefully distribute your 40 stitches and join in the round, being extremely careful not to twist your stitches. Place a stitch marker at the beginning of the round to keep track.
- Round 1: With MC, knit all stitches.
- Round 2: With FC (faux fur), knit all stitches.
- Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 until the leg measures 6 inches from the lace pattern, ending with a round of FC. The alternating rounds of MC and FC will create a beautifully dense and fluffy fabric.
Part 4: The Heel Flap (Worked Flat)
Now we'll shape the heel. We'll work back and forth on half of the stitches to create a sturdy heel flap.
- Transfer the first 20 stitches onto one of your straight needles for the heel. Leave the remaining 20 stitches on hold for the instep (top of the foot).
- You will now work back and forth on these 20 heel stitches only.
- Row 1 (Right Side): *Sl1 (slip one stitch purlwise), k1; repeat from * to end of row.
- Row 2 (Wrong Side): Sl1, purl to end of row.
- Repeat Rows 1 and 2 for a total of 20 rows, ending with a Wrong Side row. This creates a strong, reinforced heel.
Part 5: Turn the Heel
This technique shapes the bottom of the heel, creating a cup for your foot. Follow these short rows carefully.
- Row 1 (Right Side): K11, ssk (slip, slip, knit), k1, turn your work.
- Row 2 (Wrong Side): Sl1, p5, p2tog (purl two together), p1, turn.
- Row 3 (Right Side): Sl1, k6, ssk, k1, turn.
- Row 4 (Wrong Side): Sl1, p7, p2tog, p1, turn.
- Continue in this manner, working one more stitch before the decrease each time, until all heel stitches have been worked. You should now have 12 stitches remaining on your needle.
Part 6: The Gusset
We'll now pick up stitches along the heel flap to rejoin the instep stitches and shape the foot.
- With the Right Side facing you and using your circular needle, pick up and knit 10 stitches along the side of the heel flap.
- Knit across the 20 instep stitches that were on hold.
- Pick up and knit 10 stitches along the other side of the heel flap.
- Knit across the first 6 heel stitches to bring your marker to the center of the heel. You should now have a total of 52 stitches on your needles.
Part 7: The Foot (Worked in the Round)
Now we'll work in the round again, decreasing stitches to shape the foot before knitting the toe.
- Round 1: Knit all stitches.
- Round 2: K1, ssk, knit to the last 3 stitches before the instep marker, k2tog (knit two together), k1, knit to end of round. (This decreases 2 stitches).
- Round 3: Knit all stitches.
- Repeat Rounds 2 and 3 until you have 40 stitches remaining on your needles.
- Continue in stockinette stitch (knit every round) with MC until the foot measures 7 inches from the heel, or your desired length. For a longer stocking, simply knit more inches here.
Part 8: The Toe
Time to finish the toe with a classic, seamless decrease.
- Round 1: K1, ssk, knit to the last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1. (This decreases 2 stitches).
- Round 2: Knit all stitches.
- Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 until you have 16 stitches remaining on your needles.
- Cut your yarn, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches). Thread the tail through a tapestry needle, then slide the needle through all 16 remaining stitches, pulling tight to close the toe. Secure with a knot and weave in the end.
Part 9: Finishing Touches
- Weave in all loose ends carefully with your tapestry needle. Be sure to weave them in securely so they don't come undone with use.
- Block your stocking gently to shape it. Since faux fur can be delicate, a light steam or spray block is best. Lay it flat to dry.
- Repeat the entire process to create the second stocking for a matching pair!
And there you have it—a stunning pair of Faux Fur Suzette Stockings that are as luxurious to knit as they are to display. The combination of the crisp lace cuff and the plush, fluffy body is truly special. These make wonderful handmade gifts and are sure to become a cherished part of your holiday decor for years to come. Happy knitting, and may your holidays be filled with warmth and creativity!