Highland Houndstooth Christmas Stocking Free Pattern – A Knitted Tartan Tribute

Highland Houndstooth Christmas Stocking Free Pattern – A Knitted Tartan Tribute

Wrap your mantel in timeless Scottish charm this holiday season with the Highland Houndstooth Christmas Stocking. This heirloom-quality piece features a rich palette of deep forest green, cream, and warm rust, creating a sophisticated tartan-like effect that evokes cozy highland evenings. The classic houndstooth check is elevated with a ribbed cuff and sturdy hanging loop, making it a stunning addition to any holiday decor. Whether you're an experienced knitter or ready to tackle your first colorwork project, this free pattern will guide you through every step to create a stocking that will be treasured for years to come.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in 3 colors:
  • Color A (Deep Forest Green) – approximately 200g
  • Color B (Cream) – approximately 150g
  • Color C (Rust Orange) – approximately 50g
• Needles:
  • US Size 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles for the body (or size needed to obtain gauge)
  • US Size 4 (3.5 mm) knitting needles for the ribbing
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers

Gauge

• 20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch with larger needles
• 22 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches in 2x2 ribbing with smaller needles

Step-by-Step Instructions

Finished Size

Approximately 18 inches long from cuff to toe, 7 inches wide.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• K2tog: Knit two stitches together
• P2tog: Purl two stitches together
• St(s): Stitch(es)
• MC: Main Color (Deep Forest Green)
• CC1: Contrast Color 1 (Cream)
• CC2: Contrast Color 2 (Rust Orange)

Pattern Notes

This stocking is worked flat in rows, then seamed. The houndstooth pattern is created using stranded colorwork. Carry the unused color loosely across the back of the work to prevent puckering. The stocking is worked from the cuff down to the toe.

Cuff

With smaller needles (US Size 4) and MC, CO 56 sts.

Rows 1-12: Work in 2x2 ribbing (K2, P2) across all rows. This creates a 2-inch cuff.

Switch to larger needles (US Size 6).

Leg

Begin the houndstooth pattern. Work in stockinette stitch (K on RS, P on WS) while following the chart below. The pattern is a 4-stitch, 4-row repeat.

Houndstooth Chart (worked over 56 sts)

Row 1 (RS): *K4 with MC, K4 with CC1*; repeat from * to * across.

Row 2 (WS): *P4 with CC1, P4 with MC*; repeat from * to * across.

Row 3 (RS): *K2 with CC1, K2 with MC, K2 with CC1, K2 with MC*; repeat from * to * across.

Row 4 (WS): *P2 with MC, P2 with CC1, P2 with MC, P2 with CC1*; repeat from * to * across.

Repeat these 4 rows until the leg measures 10 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.

Heel

Work heel over 28 sts (half of the total stitches).

Row 1 (RS): Slip 1, K27, turn.

Row 2 (WS): Slip 1, P27, turn.

Repeat these 2 rows until the heel flap measures 2.5 inches, ending with a WS row.

Turn Heel

Row 1 (RS): K18, K2tog, K1, turn.

Row 2 (WS): Slip 1, P7, P2tog, P1, turn.

Row 3 (RS): Slip 1, K8, K2tog, K1, turn.

Row 4 (WS): Slip 1, P9, P2tog, P1, turn.

Continue in this manner, working one more stitch before the decrease on each row, until all heel stitches are worked. You will have 18 sts remaining.

Gusset

With RS facing, pick up and knit 14 sts along the left side of the heel flap. Place a marker. Work across the 28 instep sts in the established houndstooth pattern. Place a marker. Pick up and knit 14 sts along the right side of the heel flap. You now have 74 sts total.

Decrease Rounds (worked in the round)

Round 1: Knit to 3 sts before marker, K2tog, K1, slip marker, work instep in pattern, slip marker, K1, SSK (slip, slip, knit), knit to end.

Round 2: Knit all sts, maintaining pattern on instep.

Repeat these 2 rounds until 56 sts remain.

Foot

Continue working in the round, maintaining the houndstooth pattern on the instep and stockinette on the sole, until the foot measures 7 inches from the heel, or desired length.

Toe

Switch to MC only.

Round 1: *K6, K2tog*; repeat from * to * across (49 sts).

Round 2: Knit all sts.

Round 3: *K5, K2tog*; repeat from * to * across (42 sts).

Round 4: Knit all sts.

Continue decreasing in this manner (every other round) until 14 sts remain. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread tail through remaining sts, pull tight, and secure.

Finishing

Sew the back seam of the stocking using mattress stitch. Weave in all ends.

Hanging Loop

With CC2, CO 12 sts. Work in stockinette for 4 inches. Bind off. Fold in half and sew the ends to the inside of the cuff at the back seam.

Optional Embellishment

Using CC2, embroider a small X at the center of each houndstooth diamond for a subtle tartan accent.

Your Highland Houndstooth Christmas Stocking is now complete! Hang it with pride and enjoy the cozy, sophisticated charm it brings to your holiday home. This pattern is perfect for creating a matching set for the whole family—simply adjust the cast-on count proportionally for different sizes. Happy knitting!