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How to Make Sublimation Christmas Stockings (Beginner-Friendly Tutorial)

How to Make Sublimation Christmas Stockings 

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.




Christmas stockings, even if they aren’t polyester! Here’s how to do it the right way.

Sublimation and Christmas stockings aren’t two things most beginners think go together. That’s because traditional stockings are usually felt, burlap, velvet, cotton, or knit and none of those naturally accept sublimation ink.

But with the right blanks or a clever workaround, you can create bright, permanent, full color stocking designs using sublimation. This tutorial walks you through the two best methods:

Method 1: Using a Sublimation Ready Polyester Stocking (easiest and best results)
Method 2: Using Sublimation on Glitter HTV for Non-Poly Stockings (the hack method and it works on any stocking!)

Let’s get started.

SUPPLIES YOU’LL NEED

For Both Methods

METHOD 1: How to Sublimate on a Polyester Christmas Stocking



The simplest, brightest, and most professional-looking option.

Most sublimation stockings are:

  • 100% polyester

  • Smooth white fabric

  • Available in classic shapes, large stockings, and mini gift bags

  • Sold specifically as sublimation blanks

Step 1: Preheat Your Heat Press

Most sublimation stockings press at:

Temperature: 385°F (195°C)
Time: 45 seconds
Pressure: Medium

Check your blank’s instructions, but these settings work for most.

Step 2: Prepare Your Stocking

  1. Lint roll the entire surface

  2. Pre-press the stocking for 5 seconds. This removes moisture, flattens creases and prevents fading or press marks.

Step 3: Prepare Your Sublimation Design

  • Print design on MIRRORED

  • Let dry for 2 minutes

  • Trim excess paper so it aligns easily

  • Tape the design securely to the stocking

  • Tape all edges to prevent ghosting

  • Use heat tape ONLY

Step 4: Press the Stocking

Create your press sandwich:

Butcher paper
↓
Printed sublimation design (face down)
↓
Christmas stocking
↓
Butcher paper

Press for 45 seconds at 385°F, steady medium pressure.

Step 5: Peel Hot

Carefully remove the paper while still warm.
You should see:

  •  Bright, vibrant colors
  • Crisp detail
  • No fading or patchiness

Your stocking is now permanent and washable on a gentle cycle.

Optional: Add Names or Year

You can create:

  • Sublimated names

  • Year numbers to memorialize

  • Matching sets

Press names last so you don’t accidentally offset the main design.

METHOD 2: How to Sublimate on ANY Christmas Stocking Using Glitter HTV



This hack works on felt, burlap, knit, velvet, Dollar Tree stockings, literally ANYTHING.

Glitter HTV contains a layer of polyester flakes, which can accept sublimation ink. This creates a bright, permanent design patch anywhere you want it.

Step 1: Cut a Glitter HTV Patch

For this use:

  • White glitter HTV (the brightest)

  • Silver glitter HTV (soft sparkle)

Cut a square or shape that fits your stocking design.

Do NOT mirror the cut unless you are using iron-on names underneath.

Step 2: Press the Glitter HTV to Your Stocking

Press the HTV according to its instructions:

Most glitter HTV presses at:
Temperature: 320°F
Time: 15 seconds
Pressure: Medium-firm

Peel warm or cold depending on brand.

Now you have a sublimation-ready patch.

Step 3: Sublimate Onto the Glitter Patch

  1. Place your sublimation design face down on the glitter iron on.

  2. Tape it securely with heat-resistant tape.

  3. Press using sublimation settings:

Temperature: 385°F
Time: 45–50 seconds
Pressure: Medium

The design will transfer into the glitter, not on top of it.

Step 4: Peel and Reveal

You’ll see:

  • Bold colors

  • Soft sparkle

  • No peeling, no cracking

  • A fused, professional design on ANY type of stocking

PROJECT IDEAS FOR SUBLIMATION STOCKINGS

  • Personalized family stockings

  • Pet stockings 

  • Baby’s First Christmas

  • Teacher stockings

  • His and Hers gift sets

  • Vintage designs

  • Farmhouse plaid stockings

  • Cartoon or character stockings

  • Snowflakes with glitter

  • Photo collage stockings

These are amazing sellers for craft fairs and Etsy.

OPTIONAL EMBELLISHMENTS

You can add:

  •  Pom-poms
  • Faux fur trim
  • Glitter vinyl names
  • Leather tags
  • Buttons
  • Bows
  • Tassels
  • Sublimated patches

These small add-ons make your stocking look boutique level.

TROUBLESHOOTING

 Faded colors

  • Stocking isn’t polyester

  • Under-pressed

  • Not enough pressure

  • Print wasn’t mirrored

Ghosting (shadow effect)

  • Paper shifted

  • Not taped well

  • Opened press too suddenly

Press lines

  • Use a Teflon pillow

  • Reduce pressure slightly

  • Pre-press more thoroughly

Dull colors on glitter patch

  • Try white glitter only as it absorbs sublimation best

  • Press at full time (45–50 seconds)

Sublimation Christmas stockings are one of the most customizable and profitable sublimation projects you can make. Whether you use a polyester stocking for a bright full-print design or create a glitter HTV patch for non-poly stockings, sublimation lets you produce stunning, permanent, personalized Christmas décor.

This is a great project for beginners AND for selling during the holidays. If you want to try another Christmas project, try 5 Easy UV Resin Christmas Projects for Beginners.

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