Christmas Holly {free crochet pattern}

"Deck the halls with boughs of holly... fa la la la la la la la la..."

So, have you started decking the halls yet? 
I have to admit that I have barely started. Sure, I've made some crochet snowflakes, and a couple of crafts with the kids, but I haven't really started with the holiday decor, yet.

Wanting to get into the spirit of the holidays more, I thought it would be fun to crochet up a little Christmas Holly. For this pattern, I used embroidery thread. I just LOVE the colors that are available. I've used it before for little flower hair clips, and to use for a bracelet. While it is a bit difficult to work with at first, once you get used to pulling the thread tight (so that the threads don't separate), it is much easier.
Here's what I came up with:

I haven't quite decided what I am going to do with this holly yet, but I have a few ideas:

• I could use it as an applique- on a reindeer hat that I've been planning to make (but still need the yarn for); or to decorate a scarf, napkin holders, or a mug warmer; or on a shirt or stocking... so many options!
• A festive holiday broach- I can hot glue or sew it to a broach pin, or even to a shawl pin!
• Hair pretties- I can attach it to a hair clip, pony tail, or headband for one of my girls.
• As an ornament- just put a hook on it, or attach a thread. I could even starch it to make it extra stiff.

... hmmm... I think I might need to make more!

The pattern is pretty simple.

Christmas Holly
What You Need:
(US) size 7 crochet hook
a needle
1 thingy (skein? I'm not too sure what they are called... I'll call it a skein! lol) of green embroidery thread- 1 skein is enough for 3 leaves.
a small amount of red embroidery thread

What You Do:
For the leaf: (make 3)
With green, ch 12
Round 1: SC in the 2nd ch. from hook, sc in next 9 chains, sc 3 in last ch. Now, working the back side of the foundation chain, sc 10. Join with slip stitch to the first sc. (23 sc)
Round 2: Ch 1, sc in next stitch, * hdc in next stitch, (dc, ch 3 slip stitch in first chain{picot made}, dc) all in the next stitch, hdc in next stitch, sc in next stitch.* repeat from * to * 4 more times. Sc in the next stitch, join to first stitch with slip stitch.
Finish off, and weave in ends.

For the berries: (make 3)
With red, ch 2
Work 8 sc in the first ch made. Join with slip stitch to the first sc.
Finish off, and weave in ends.

Sew the bases of the leaves together, then sew on the berries. It's that easy!

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What will you use your holly for?
I'd love to hear your ideas! Please leave a comment! :-)

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