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)