Do I need to quilt it?
 

So I'm in the middle of a broke Christmas stocking making extravaganza. I'm in the process if piecing 11 stockings from charm squares. They have pieced front and backs and a cuff. Would it be OK to just line my piecing, or is there a really good reason to stitch some batting that I'm missing?

Are they for show or are they going to be loaded up? As long as they are not too flimsy, you should be OK... if you have some heavier fabric you might want to consider using that. Fleece might be a good thing to try, add a little fullness.

If you don't add batting, maybe some quick straight line quilt stitching in a diagonal cross hatch pattern would add enough strength to your pieced charm squares, then you could sew the front and back halves together.

If you want to stiffen them up why not use spray starch. Line with another solid fleece (as per PaperPrincess) or flannel. Give the charms a light spray with starch for body.

They are gifts for adults, so they're most likely just for show, but they are nice big stockings, so I could see them being used. So, the quilting or a fleece king are needed for strength if they're ever really used?

I made a bunch a couple of years ago and did use batting. It makes them strong. I quilted before cutting out the stocking shape (had a rough shape). However, if your backing fabric is substantial you probably don't need batting. I'm thinking upholstery fabric, ultra suede , corduroy, etc would make a nice backing/lining.

I used the pre quilted muslin for the lining of the stockings I made my kids. Gave them a nice study stocking that will be used for years.

Taking the time to quilt your stockings will be worth it in my opinion. I've made one for every person in my family which is 9. I hang them up on the wall every year and have not regretted that decision.

This year I made three. Two were lined and one wasn't. If I were doing it again, the one would be lined. I have always lined, but decided not to this year. Was disappointed in the outcome so lined the next two.

You definitely want the lining but the batting isn't really necessary. It creates a bulkier look than I prefer. If you want you can use flannel as a batting and then do minimal quilting to enhance the look and not be particularly bulky.