These nubby linen stockings have cuffs made from vintage tea towels—a pairing of naturally soft, charming textiles. For the cuffs, select material with graphic patterns, such as tea towels, the embroidered edge of a large doily, or pillowcases. To make, first cut out a stocking from a pattern obtained at a fabric or crafts store. Cut and sew together, but do not invert. Follow the Sewing Instructions below.

Sewing Instructions:
Measure the opening width of your stocking. Double this measurement and add 1/2 inch for hemming. This will be the length of your tea towel cuff. Next decide how tall you want your cuff to be. (Our cuff is 6 inches; our stocking measures 19 inches from toe to top. If you have made a larger stocking, you may want a taller cuff.) Cut a rectangular piece of tea towel to match these measurements. Hem decorative top edge of tea towel with a 1/8-inch hem. With right sides of cuff together, sew a 1/4-inch-seam up the height side to make a tube. Slip the cuff entirely over the top of the stocking so the right side of the cuff faces the wrong side of the body, matching up the raw edge of the cuff to the raw top edge of the stocking. Also match cuff seam to the outside seam of stocking. Pin in place. Stitch a 1/4-inch seam around the top edge of the stocking, catching both the body and cuff fabrics. Invert the stocking, pulling the cuff out and folding it down over the top. Add a tab for hanging, if desired.

Matthew’s Secrets
Look for vintage textiles with stains or holes at thrift stores and estate sales, and then salvage the usable portions.