This festive granny square features two green holly leaves and bright red berries on a white background, framed with a bold red border. It is quick to make and perfect for Christmas blankets, coasters, pillows, and table decor.
The square is made in two parts. First you crochet the white and red granny square, then you make the holly leaves and berries and sew them on top.
Materials
Worsted weight cotton or acrylic yarn in white, about 25 g
Worsted weight yarn in red, about 20 g
Worsted weight yarn in dark green, about 10 g
Crochet hook 4.0 mm
Small amount of fiberfill
Tapestry needle and scissors
Finished Size
About 15 by 15 cm (6 by 6 inches)
Stitches Used (US Terms)
ch chain
sl st slip stitch
sc single crochet
hdc half double crochet
dc double crochet
tr treble crochet
sc2tog single crochet two together
picot chain 3 and slip stitch into the first chain
Part 1: The Granny Square
With white, chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to form a ring.
Round 1: Chain 3 (counts as a double crochet), work 2 double crochet in the ring, then chain 2. Work 3 double crochet and chain 2 three more times. Join.
Round 2: Slip stitch into the corner space. Chain 3 and work 2 double crochet, chain 2, and 3 double crochet in the same space. Then work double crochet in each stitch along the side, and 3 double crochet, chain 2, and 3 double crochet in each corner. Join.
Rounds 3 to 5: Repeat Round 2. Work double crochet in every stitch along the sides and 3 double crochet, chain 2, and 3 double crochet in every corner. This makes a solid white square.
Fasten off white.
Part 2: The Red Border
Round 6: Join red in any corner. Chain 3 and work 2 double crochet, chain 2, and 3 double crochet in the corner. Work double crochet in each stitch along the sides. Repeat for all corners. Join.
Round 7: Chain 3 and work double crochet in each stitch along the sides, with 3 double crochet, chain 2, and 3 double crochet in each corner. Join.
Round 8: Chain 1 and work single crochet in each stitch around, with 3 single crochet in each corner. Join and fasten off.
Part 3: Holly Leaves (make 2)
With dark green, chain 13.
Row 1: Starting in the 2nd chain from the hook, work single crochet, half double crochet, then double crochet with a picot, double crochet, double crochet with a picot, double crochet, double crochet with a picot, then half double crochet and single crochet. Work 3 single crochet in the last chain to turn around the tip.
Row 2: Repeat the same stitches along the other side of the chain. Join.
Round 3: Slip stitch through the back loops all around the leaf, then slip stitch a line up the center for the vein.
The picots form the pointed edges of the holly leaf. Make the second leaf slightly larger by starting with chain 15 and adding one more double crochet with a picot on each side.
Part 4: Berries (make 2)
With red, chain 2 and work 6 single crochet in the 2nd chain from the hook.
Round 2: Work 2 single crochet in each stitch. You have 12 stitches.
Round 3: Single crochet in each stitch around.
Round 4: Single crochet 2 together around. Stuff lightly, close the opening, and fasten off.
Assembly
Place the two holly leaves in the center of the white square, angled so their tips point up and out, with their bases close together.
Sew the leaves in place with the green tail.
Sew the two berries above the leaves, where their bases meet.
Weave in all ends on the back.
Blocking
Lightly dampen the square and pin it flat with sharp corners. Avoid pressing the berries.
Ways to Use Your Holly Square
Join holly squares with Santa or snowflake squares for a Christmas blanket.
Make four squares and join them for a holiday table centerpiece.
Use one square as a festive coaster or hot pad.
Sew it to the front of a tote bag or stocking.
Final Thoughts
This holly square is a quick and easy project that makes a big impact. It is a great way to use leftover Christmas yarn. Share your finished squares in the comments below. We would love to see them!