To honor the legend of St. Nicholas placing gold spheres in the maiden's stockings, people began to gift oranges instead of gold. Another reason is that the tradition of the Christmas stocking may have started during the Great Depression.

Fold it in half so long sides are together and press. Unfold and fold each long edge into the center where it creases and press. Then fold in half again and sew along the long edge to secure. Fold the hanging tab in half to create a loop and then pin it to the main stocking piece.

When is the most popular stocking-opening time and who isn't taking part in this pastime? The most popular time for opening stockings, with 32% of respondents, is before the gifts on Christmas morning. My family always does stockings post-gifts, but I'll allow it.

Go for general sock-weight, DK, worsted yarn, chunky-weight yarns or heavier yarn. You can opt for traditional Christmas colors, such as white, red, green and gold, or go for other colors that you like. You can use yarn from your scraps left over from previous projects.