The Mistletoe Glow Stocking Free Pattern – A Knitted Ode to Nordic Evenings

Wrap your mantel in the warmth of a Scandinavian winter with this richly textured stocking, featuring a shimmering silver thread and a cozy, rustic charm. This pattern is a celebration of hygge, perfect for adding a handmade touch to your holiday decor. The deep forest green body, accented with a delicate silver shimmer, evokes the magic of frost on pine branches, while the cream-colored fold-over cuff adds a classic, cozy touch. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a brave beginner ready for a rewarding project, this stocking is designed to become a cherished heirloom for years to come.

This stocking is knitted from the top down in one piece, with a simple fold-over cuff. The body features a beautiful textured pattern of twisted stitches and purl bumps, reminiscent of frost on a pine branch. The silver thread is carried along with the main color to add a subtle, magical shimmer. The result is a stunning, durable stocking that looks like it came straight from a Nordic cabin.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials. Having everything ready will make your knitting experience smooth and enjoyable.

Yarn

• Main Color (MC): Worsted weight yarn in deep forest green. Approximately 200g (about 400 yards).
• Contrast Color 1 (CC1): Worsted weight yarn in cream. Approximately 100g (about 200 yards).
• Contrast Color 2 (CC2): A silver metallic thread or fingering weight yarn with metallic content. Approximately 50g (about 100 yards). This is held together with MC and CC1 throughout the project.

Needles & Notions

• Knitting Needles: US 7 (4.5mm) circular needles (16" or 24" length) or size needed to obtain gauge. A set of double-pointed needles (DPNs) in the same size for the toe shaping.
• Stitch Markers: At least 3 markers (one distinct color for the beginning of the round).
• Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends.
• Scissors: For cutting yarn.

Gauge

20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch, after blocking. Always knit a gauge swatch to ensure your stocking comes out the correct size. If your gauge is off, adjust your needle size accordingly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This stocking is knitted in the round from the top down. The cuff is folded over at the end, revealing the cream-colored inner fold. Follow each step carefully, and you'll have a beautiful stocking in no time.

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• k2tog = knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• ssk = slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• MC = main color (deep forest green)
• CC1 = contrast color 1 (cream)
• CC2 = contrast color 2 (silver metallic thread)
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side

Cuff

1. Cast On: With MC and CC2 held together, cast on 60 stitches. Join in the round, being careful not to twist. Place a marker for the beginning of the round.
2. Ribbing (First Section): Work in a k2, p2 rib for 2 inches. This means: *K2, p2*; repeat from * to * around for every round.
3. Fold Line: Switch to CC1 and CC2 held together, and work in stockinette stitch (knit every round) for 1 inch. This will create a fold line.
4. Ribbing (Second Section): Switch back to MC and CC2, and work in k2, p2 rib for another 2 inches. This forms the folded cuff.

Leg

1. Pattern Setup: Continue with MC and CC2 held together. Work the following textured pattern for 6 inches, or until the leg measures 8 inches from the fold line.
2. Textured Pattern (Repeat this round):
   Round 1: *K3, p1, k2, p1, k3, p2*; repeat from * to * around.
   Round 2: *K3, p1, k2, p1, k3, p2*; repeat from * to * around.
   Round 3: *K3, p1, k2, p1, k3, p2*; repeat from * to * around.
   Round 4: *K3, p1, k2, p1, k3, p2*; repeat from * to * around.
   Round 5: *K3, p1, k2, p1, k3, p2*; repeat from * to * around.
   Round 6: *K3, p1, k2, p1, k3, p2*; repeat from * to * around.
   (This is a simple repeat of the same round, creating a subtle vertical ribbed texture with purl bumps.)

Heel

The heel is worked back and forth on half the stitches (30 sts). You will only use the MC and CC2 yarns for this section.

1. Heel Flap Setup: The heel is worked back and forth on half the stitches (30 sts).
2. Row 1 (RS): Slip 1, k29. Turn.
3. Row 2 (WS): Slip 1, p29. Turn.
4. Repeat: Repeat these two rows until the heel flap measures 2.5 inches, ending with a WS row.

Turn Heel

This shaping creates the rounded bottom of the heel. Follow these short rows carefully.

1. Row 1 (RS): K20, ssk, k1, turn.
2. Row 2 (WS): Slip 1, p7, p2tog, p1, turn.
3. Row 3 (RS): Slip 1, k8, ssk, k1, turn.
4. Row 4 (WS): Slip 1, p9, p2tog, p1, turn.
5. Continue: Continue in this manner, working one more stitch before the decrease each time, until all stitches are worked. You should have 18 stitches remaining.

Gusset

This section picks up stitches along the heel flap to shape the instep of the foot.

1. Pick Up Stitches: With RS facing, pick up and knit 15 stitches along the side of the heel flap. Place a marker. Knit across the 18 heel stitches. Place a marker. Pick up and knit 15 stitches along the other side of the heel flap. You now have 48 stitches on the needle.
2. Round 1: Knit all stitches.
3. Round 2 (Decrease Round): Knit to 3 stitches before the first marker, k2tog, k1, slip marker, knit across heel stitches, slip marker, k1, ssk, knit to end of round. (2 stitches decreased)
4. Repeat: Repeat Round 2 until you have 30 stitches remaining.

Foot

1. Stockinette Stitch: Continue in stockinette stitch (knit every round) with MC and CC2 held together, until the foot measures 5 inches from the heel, or 1.5 inches less than desired total foot length.

Toe

Switch to CC1 and CC2 held together for a contrasting toe.

1. Round 1: *K3, k2tog*; repeat from * to * around. (24 sts)
2. Round 2: Knit all stitches.
3. Round 3: *K2, k2tog*; repeat from * to * around. (18 sts)
4. Round 4: Knit all stitches.
5. Round 5: *K1, k2tog*; repeat from * to * around. (12 sts)
6. Round 6: *K2tog*; repeat from * to * around. (6 sts)
7. Finish: Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread through remaining stitches, pull tight, and secure.

Finishing

1. Weave in Ends: Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle.
2. Fold the Cuff: Fold the cuff over to the outside, revealing the cream-colored fold line.
3. Block: Block gently to shape. This will even out the stitches and give your stocking a professional finish.

Your Mistletoe Glow Stocking is now complete! Hang it by the chimney with care, and enjoy the cozy, Nordic charm it brings to your home. Happy knitting!