Deck the halls – and anything else that you want to embroider – with these boughs of holly. This time of year, I always try to embroider at least one Little Something that’s Christmassy. If nothing else, a new bread cloth for the Christmas table is always welcome. But this year, I’ve been a bum, and I haven’t managed it.
This is the holly corner I wanted to stitch up. And there’s still a little nagging voice in my head saying that I could do it in time for Christmas – if I started right now. A few evenings of stitching is all it would take, after all. C’mon, Mary, what’s the big deal? You can do it!
Silly voice. I have a feeling it’s going to win.
But even if I don’t get around to it, you might! I’m thinking in terms of simple outline stitches – stem stitch, probably – for everything. Or maybe stem stitch and chain stitch. But the idea would be to keep it simple. Quick and simple.
Another idea: red napkins (serviettes) on the table, with the design stitched in white. Any other ideas?!
If you’re up to it – or if you’re already thinking in terms of next year – here’s the PDF for you. Print it. Use it. Have fun with it!
Boughs of Holly Hand Embroidery Pattern (PDF)
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G’day and thanks Mary, I won’t be using it this year but I really like it and certainly will keep it in mind for 2011.
I didn’t realise that being ‘a bum’ meant being just so busy with heaps of other things doing and done!
Have a lovely, relaxing and carefree holiday time. Cheers, Kath.
I love how simple this pattern is. I would love to see how different people interpretted it and put it to work for them.
Thank you Mary. Such a lovely simple pattern that can be worked in so many ways.
Thank you for the pattern. I already have a to do list for 2011 christmas…i hope i can work on this pattern for next year
Thank you SO much for this one Mary! I’ve printed it off to put into my idea file for next year. I can ‘see’ it (or elements of it) included in a Christmasy theme crazy quilt piece. Speaking of which, have a very merry Christmas – to you and yours!
Mary–
I just wanted to say thanks for all the information you so generously share with us. I have learned so much from you and am pleased that you are accepting ads, so I have resources for supplies that are not available locally.
I like the holly pattern and may use it on a recycled jeans stocking for a quilt show challenge next year. The guild is giving the stockings to a local womens’ shelter.
Merry Christmas And Happy New Year to All!
Genie, in Edmnd, OK
Thank you Mary for all your help you are a Blessing to many of us.
Wishing you a Great Christmas and come back soon.
France
Well darn it – I meant Transfer Eze!
Ha, looks like my previous comment with the misspelling didn’t show up anyway! Thank you so much for the lovely pattern. I came to this site to read about Transfer Eze and am very interested to hear your final verdict.
Mary,
Thank you so much for the Holly Bough pattern and others. I’m so glad I found you! Idea for this pattern is to stitch it in gold thread on white or red linen table cloth and napkins.
Elizabeth of Colorado
How do I go about looking ar free pictures, medium sized ones
I am a beginner and I find that I could do it on a “future talbecloth” for Christmas. But what do I have to take into account to embroid this design on a fabric for a 1,60 cm tablecloth?. i mean, do I have to take into account different measures once I trace it on the cloth?. Thank you so much.
Mary, this tree would be beautiful done into a quilted wall hanging. Somewhat like the Hawaiian quilts were done, but out and needle turned. With a beautiful chain stich, or buttonhole stitch and hand bemroidered ornaments, it would be lovely. I also am sending this to a young girl named Holly. Maybe she could draw the shapes onto paper to make a journal for herself making the holly smaller it woulbe very pretty. Thank you for your wonderful tips, I have enjoyed every one of them.
l
I love your site and your comments! I am doing a booth with my daughter for a Christmas fair. I’ve been stitching wildflowers since summer and now to attach them to willow hoops for ornaments. Thank you for all the great motifs!
Thank you Mary…once again…I am needing a project and love the holly corner pattern!
Need to let you know that I have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer…and right now …realize exactly what discipline you have and love and caring for your members to continue to amaze with your creative ideas and gorgeous patterns.
Your site and your continuous cheerful greetings inspire me and I am thankful for all of your emails.
Enjoy this Holiday Season! You deserve it.
Best regards,
Charlotte Baker
Oh, Charlotte, I am SO sorry to hear that! I hope the prognosis is good, though, and that you’re able to get it taken care of! It’s sure not the most pleasant thing to face, but you CAN get through it! Just remember that there’s a reason for everything, and you will find that a lot of good can come out of even the most trying of situations. Keep your chin up!! And let me know how you get on!
Just what I was looking for….the holly pattern for my plain white linen napkins for family dinner this Christmas.
Please help me understand hoe the PDF works. Do I just open and print.? Sorry. I just am hesitant Fear of the unknown. lol! Thank you for your help. I am so excited to get started again after all these work years. Lina
Hi, Lina – just click on the pattern link at the end of the article and the PDF will open in your browser. Then you can go to File —> Print in your browser menu, or you can Save As and save it to your computer. Hope that helps.
Ohhh a Merry Christmas from my favorite embroidery artist!!! Thank you! ✂️
Lovely design and I love how you embroidered yours! A Blessed and Merry Christmas to you, Thank you, Gloria
Thank you for giving of your talent, information and patterns. thye give me inspiration to start stitching again Hugs
Thank you for all your lessons and articles. I enjoy your reviews of embroidery products. I have bought a few of them. I share a lot of your articles with my stitching friends too.
Thank you for offering the free patterns. A few years ago I purchased a couple of your booklets and have not had a chance to use them. Do you still sell the booklet that teaches how to braid, etc.? I recently looked on your site, thinking I would just order another if necessary. I didn’t see it. Maybe you have changed the cover or intro.? Your instructional style is easy for me to understand, unfortunately that’s not always the case with me. I’m so used to having an instructor on site and not being able to ask questions as I work along a project is a bit frustrating. Please let me know if it’s still available. Again, thank you.
Hi, Irma – If you drop me an email at mary(at)needlenthread(dot)com, I can take care of this for you! If you’ve already purchased the PDF, you don’t need to purchase it again. Thanks!