Nordic Star Snowdrift Stocking Free Pattern – A Cozy Heirloom Knit

Wrap your mantel in Scandinavian charm this holiday season with the Nordic Star Snowdrift Stocking. This textured, star-adorned stocking is knit in soft, heathered winter whites and deep evergreen, creating a modern take on a classic Christmas tradition. The plush, squishy fabric feels as cozy as it looks, and the stranded colorwork star motif adds a touch of heirloom elegance that will make this stocking a family favorite for years to come.

Whether you're an experienced knitter looking for a rewarding project or a confident beginner ready to tackle your first colorwork piece, this pattern is designed to guide you through every step. The result is a stunning, handcrafted stocking that captures the warmth and rustic beauty of a Nordic winter.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth and enjoyable knitting experience:

Yarn

• Color A (Heather Cream): 220 yards of worsted weight yarn. The sample uses Lion Brand Wool-Ease Worsted in "Fisherman."
• Color B (Deep Forest Green): 180 yards of worsted weight yarn. The sample uses Lion Brand Wool-Ease Worsted in "Forest Green."

Needles & Notions

• US 7 (4.5 mm) circular knitting needles, 16-inch length
• US 7 (4.5 mm) double-pointed needles (for toe decreases)
• Stitch markers (at least 4)
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• Scissors
• Stitch holder or waste yarn (for holding instep stitches)

Gauge

18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch, knit in the round. Adjust needle size if necessary to achieve gauge. Getting the correct gauge is essential for a properly sized stocking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This stocking is knit from the top down in the round, featuring a ribbed cuff, a textured body with a stranded star motif, a heel flap, and a gusset. The pattern uses basic knit, purl, and decrease stitches, plus simple stranded colorwork. Read through all instructions before beginning.

Cuff

With Color A, cast on 56 stitches. Join in the round, being careful not to twist. Place a marker for the beginning of the round. Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 2.5 inches (about 15 rounds).

Body

Switch to stockinette stitch (knit every round). Work 4 rounds in Color A. Then begin the stranded star pattern.

Star Motif Chart (worked over 28 stitches, repeated twice around)

Round 1: With Color B, knit 2, *with Color A knit 2, with Color B knit 4, with Color A knit 2, with Color B knit 4, with Color A knit 2, with Color B knit 2* – repeat from * to * once more. (You will have worked 28 stitches, then repeat for the second half.)

Round 2: With Color B, knit 3, *with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 6, with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 6, with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 3* – repeat from * to * once more.

Round 3: With Color B, knit 4, *with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 4, with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 4, with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 4* – repeat from * to * once more.

Round 4: With Color B, knit 5, *with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 2, with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 2, with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 2, with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 5* – repeat from * to * once more.

Round 5: With Color B, knit 6, *with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 2, with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 2, with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 6* – repeat from * to * once more.

Round 6: With Color B, knit 5, *with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 2, with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 2, with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 2, with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 5* – repeat from * to * once more.

Round 7: With Color B, knit 4, *with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 4, with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 4, with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 4* – repeat from * to * once more.

Round 8: With Color B, knit 3, *with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 6, with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 6, with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 3* – repeat from * to * once more.

Round 9: With Color B, knit 2, *with Color A knit 2, with Color B knit 4, with Color A knit 2, with Color B knit 4, with Color A knit 2, with Color B knit 2* – repeat from * to * once more.

Round 10: With Color B, knit 1, *with Color A knit 3, with Color B knit 2, with Color A knit 3, with Color B knit 2, with Color A knit 3, with Color B knit 1* – repeat from * to * once more.

Round 11: With Color B, knit 1, *with Color A knit 3, with Color B knit 2, with Color A knit 3, with Color B knit 2, with Color A knit 3, with Color B knit 1* – repeat from * to * once more.

Round 12: With Color B, knit 2, *with Color A knit 2, with Color B knit 4, with Color A knit 2, with Color B knit 4, with Color A knit 2, with Color B knit 2* – repeat from * to * once more.

Round 13: With Color B, knit 3, *with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 6, with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 6, with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 3* – repeat from * to * once more.

Round 14: With Color B, knit 4, *with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 4, with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 4, with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 4* – repeat from * to * once more.

Round 15: With Color B, knit 5, *with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 2, with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 2, with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 2, with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 5* – repeat from * to * once more.

Round 16: With Color B, knit 6, *with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 2, with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 2, with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 6* – repeat from * to * once more.

Round 17: With Color B, knit 5, *with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 2, with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 2, with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 2, with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 5* – repeat from * to * once more.

Round 18: With Color B, knit 4, *with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 4, with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 4, with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 4* – repeat from * to * once more.

Round 19: With Color B, knit 3, *with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 6, with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 6, with Color A knit 1, with Color B knit 3* – repeat from * to * once more.

Round 20: With Color B, knit 2, *with Color A knit 2, with Color B knit 4, with Color A knit 2, with Color B knit 4, with Color A knit 2, with Color B knit 2* – repeat from * to * once more.

After completing the chart, cut Color B. Continue with Color A only. Work in stockinette stitch for 3 more inches (about 18 rounds).

Heel Flap

The heel is worked back and forth over the first 28 stitches. Place the remaining 28 stitches on a holder or leave on the circular needle.

Row 1 (RS): Slip 1 purlwise, knit 27. Turn.

Row 2 (WS): Slip 1 purlwise, purl 27. Turn.

Repeat these 2 rows for a total of 14 rows (7 slipped edge stitches on each side).

Turn Heel

Row 1 (RS): Slip 1, knit 16, k2tog, k1, turn. (17 stitches remain)

Row 2 (WS): Slip 1, purl 7, p2tog, p1, turn. (17 stitches remain)

Row 3 (RS): Slip 1, knit 8, k2tog, k1, turn. (17 stitches remain)

Row 4 (WS): Slip 1, purl 9, p2tog, p1, turn. (17 stitches remain)

Continue in this manner, working one more stitch before the decrease each time, until all stitches have been worked. You should have 17 stitches on the needle.

Gusset

With the right side facing, pick up and knit 8 stitches along the left side of the heel flap. Place a marker. Knit across the 28 instep stitches (the ones on hold). Place a marker. Pick up and knit 8 stitches along the right side of the heel flap. Knit across the 17 heel stitches. You now have 61 stitches on the needle.

Round 1: Knit to 3 stitches before the first marker, k2tog, k1, slip marker, knit instep stitches, slip marker, k1, ssk, knit to end. (2 stitches decreased)

Round 2: Knit all stitches.

Repeat these 2 rounds until you have 49 stitches remaining (about 6 decrease rounds).

Foot

Continue in stockinette stitch (knit every round) until the foot measures about 6 inches from the heel turn, or desired length (about 2 inches less than total desired foot length).

Toe Decreases

Place a marker at the center of the instep (after 24 stitches). You will have 25 stitches for the sole and 24 for the instep.

Round 1: Knit to 3 stitches before the first marker, k2tog, k1, slip marker, k1, ssk, knit to 3 stitches before the end of the round, k2tog, k1. (2 stitches decreased)

Round 2: Knit all stitches.

Repeat these 2 rounds until 25 stitches remain. Then decrease every round until 9 stitches remain. Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, and pull tight. Weave in all ends.

Hanging Loop

With Color A, cast on 12 stitches. Work in I-cord for 4 inches. Bind off. Fold in half and sew the ends to the inside of the stocking at the top corner. Weave in ends.

Finishing

Block lightly to even out stitches. Weave in all loose ends securely.

Your Nordic Star Snowdrift Stocking is now complete! Hang it by the fireplace, fill it with small gifts, and enjoy the warm, handcrafted beauty it brings to your holiday decor. This heirloom-quality piece is sure to be treasured for generations.