DOLL STOCKINGS

With the right materials it can be very simple and effective for your diorama

It can be quite sophisticated yet fitting in with the time period nicely.

The backseam is a result of the sewing method and works well for the Second World War era as these stockings were the style worn.

It starts with a flat piece of sheer nylon fabric, the finer the fabric the more realistic the result will be. I use 400 needle flat knit fabric, 15 denier. The template is a simplified tracing of the doll's leg and its length is from the doll's toes to the leg joint. There is some shrinkage of the stocking in the process and you may find the stocking come up short a little...its practice.

For a simple stocking just sew down and around the toe to the edge. I usually increase the threads per inch at this point if the doll is going to have its boots or shoes removed often for strength. Back stitch a couple of stitches.

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For more sophistication like a reinforced toe and heel, stop the sewing about 8mm from the end of the template. With the needle firmly down, raise the foot and slide under a rectangle of sheer fabric. Fold the remaining over the template but under the foot. Drop the foot down and continue sewing down and around the edge of the template.

Make sure the needle is down firmly before you raise the foot and twist the template for security of the work. Continue and sew around the template toe to the edge.

Sew to the edge and reverse stitch. Cut the extra nylon off the template but leave extra around the heel for the reinforcing. Keep clear of the seam otherwise it will separate.

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Place on the dolls leg and snip above the heel carefully!

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Fold back and carefully sew the fabric to the stocking on the dolls heel and ankle

Carefully sew around the toe area as well.

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Turn inside out and place on dolls leg. All done!

Stockings in mid tan and black.

With the heel and toe section

Reinforced toe only with a sheer heel. Added a lace top and held up with stocking clips from "I Sew for Doll.com" These are not usually shown in my dioramas. Notice fishing line around ankle to hide 'bagginess'

And when used in context. I spent months trying to make the stockings look as realistic as possible.