Introduction
Get ready to add a delightful touch of handmade cheer to your holiday table with this Santa napkin holder crochet pattern! This project features a square diamond-shaped napkin holder with a raised bobble-textured body in crisp white, framed by a lively green edge. At the heart of the design, a charming crocheted Santa motif steals the show. The Santa face is complete with a green hat, textured beard, and black bead eyes, bringing whimsical charm and joyful color to your seasonal gatherings. The napkin holder includes a neatly tied green ribbon at the bottom, keeping your napkins stylishly organized. Perfect for festive entertaining, gift giving, or simply brightening up your kitchen during the holidays, this napkin holder is as practical as it is delightful.
What makes this crochet pattern especially interesting to make is the variety of techniques incorporated: bobble stitches create a rich, snowy texture, neat color changes provide a crisp finish, and detailed appliqué work gives the piece its character. Not only will you enjoy the creative process, but you’ll also end up with a functional and charming holiday décor item.
Project Overview
This Santa napkin holder is worked in two separate square panels using rows of the bobble stitch. The two panels are then joined along three sides to create a pocket for storing napkins. The Santa face is crafted as an appliqué, constructed and sewn onto the front panel with surface details like the mustache and nose added last. A green bobble edging brings the piece together for a polished, festive look. Ribbons are attached at the bottom for decorative flair and functional closure.
Skill Level
This project is suitable for intermediate crocheters. The pattern includes a range of techniques such as bobble stitch, color changes, shaping, and appliqué placement. Familiarity with working both flat and in the round, as well as sewing on crochet appliqués, is required for best results.
Materials
- Yarn: DK/light worsted weight yarn in white (main), green (contrasting border and hat), beige or light pink (Santa face), and a small amount of black (eyes if not using beads).
- Yarn Details (approximate):
- White: 100g (160m/175yds)
- Green: 40g (65m/70yds)
- Beige: 10g (16m/18yds)
- Black: scrap for eyes and details
- Crochet Hook: US size G/6 (4.0mm) or size needed for gauge
- Tapestry Needle (for seaming and weaving in ends)
- Stitch Markers (to mark rows and joining points)
- Scissors
- Two small black beads (or black yarn for embroidery) (Santa’s eyes)
- 1-yard (90cm) satin ribbon (approx. 1cm/0.4″ wide, green preferred)
- Napkins (to fit inside for sizing)
Finished Size
When assembled, the napkin holder measures approximately 20 x 20 cm (8 x 8 inches) along each side of the diamond/square. This fits standard folded napkins, but can easily be resized by adding or subtracting rows/columns on the main panels. If you prefer a holder for larger or smaller napkins, simply adjust the main panel’s dimensions, always keeping an even stitch and row count for bobble stitch symmetry.
Gauge
In bobble stitch, a 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 inch) square should be approximately 13 stitches by 13 rows. Gauge is important for ensuring the finished piece fits your napkins correctly; small differences will alter finished size. Use a slightly smaller hook for a denser, more structured fabric, or a larger hook for more flexibility.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- dc: double crochet
- tr: treble crochet
- bobble: (bobble stitch: [yo, insert hook in stitch, yo and pull up loop, yo and draw through 2 loops] 5 times in same stitch, yo and draw through all loops on hook)
- inc: increase (2 stitches in one stitch)
- dec: decrease (work two stitches together)
- MR: magic ring
Pattern Notes
- Main panels are worked in rows; turn after every row unless otherwise noted.
- Ch 1 at the start of a row does not count as a stitch.
- Color changes: Always change to the next color on the last yarn over of the previous stitch for neat transitions.
- The bobble texture is achieved with bobble stitches on the right side (odd rows). Wrong side rows are single crochet, giving the back panel a smoother finish.
- Both panels are made separately, then joined together. The Santa appliqué is sewn onto the front panel before joining panels.
- Right side (RS) and wrong side (WS) are indicated; keep track for correct texture and motif placement.
- Use stitch markers on the first stitch of each row to help track edges and corners, and when joining sides.
Crochet Pattern Instructions
Main Panels (Make 2: Front and Back Squares)
- With white yarn, ch 35.
- Row 1 (RS): Sc in second ch from hook, sc across. (34 sc)
- Row 2 (WS): Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (34 sc)
- Row 3 (RS): Ch 1, turn. *Sc in next st, bobble in next st* across. End with sc in last stitch. (17 bobbles, 17 sc, 34 sts)
- Row 4 (WS): Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (34 sc)
- Row 5 (RS): Ch 1, turn. Sc in next 2 sts, *bobble in next st, sc in next st* across. End with sc in last 2 sts. (16 bobbles, 18 sc, 34 sts)
- Row 6 (WS): Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (34 sc)
- Repeat Rows 3-6, alternating bobble rows (even and odd placements) until you have 34 rows total, ending with a WS row. Both panels should look like textured squares with a neat grid of bobbles on the RS.
- Fasten off and weave in ends.
Santa Face Appliqué
Santa Face (Beige or Pink):
- With beige yarn and 4.0mm hook, MR, ch 1.
- Round 1: Work 8 sc in MR, join with sl st to first sc. (8 sc)
- Round 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around, sl st to first sc. (16 sc)
- Round 3: Ch 1, (sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) around, sl st to join. (24 sc)
- Round 4: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. (24 sc)
Santa Hat (Green):
- Ch 2.
- Row 1: Work 2 sc in 2nd ch from hook, turn. (2 sc)
- Row 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st, turn. (4 sc)
- Row 3: Ch 1, sc across. (4 sc)
- Row 4: Ch 1, (sc, inc) across. (6 sc)
- Row 5: Ch 1, sc across. (6 sc)
- Row 6: Ch 1, (sc, inc) across. (9 sc)
- Row 7: Ch 1, sc across. (9 sc)
- Row 8: Ch 1, decrease first and last sc (work sc2tog at each end), sc in the middle sts. (7 sc)
- Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing. Adjust length/point if needed by adding/removing rows for desired fit on Santa face.
Beard and Mustache (White):
- Beard: With white, ch 14.
- Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch (13 sc).
- Row 2: Ch 1, turn. *(sc, bobble) in next st, sc in next st* repeat across. (7 bobbles, 6 sc)
- Fasten off, leave long tail for shaping into a semicircle and attaching below face.
- Mustache: Ch 8, sc in 2nd ch, hdc in next 2 ch, dc in next 2 ch, hdc in each of last 2 ch. Fasten off, leave a tail. Fold into slight ‘M’ and sew just below nose.
Nose (White or Beige/Pink):
- With beige or white, MR, work 4 sc, join into tiny circle. Fasten off, leave tail for sewing.
Eyes: Sew on two small black beads or embroider two black French knots securely above the mustache.
Edging and Joining
- With green, hold both panels together, RS facing out, and align corners.
- Working from the top corner down the right edge, start with a standing sc through both thicknesses.
- Evenly work sc along the sides, inserting hook through both panels. At each corner, work (sc, ch 2, sc) for a crisp edge.
- Continue with *bobble in next st, sc in next st* around the outside edges for a decorative bobble border, stopping after three sides are joined.
- Leave the top side open for napkin insertion.
- Fasten off. Weave in all ends securely.
Attaching the Santa Appliqué
- Position the face slightly above center on the front panel, so the lower beard sits above the border, allowing space for napkin opening.
- Stitch the face down using the long beige tail and whip stitch around.
- Attach hat, beard, mustache, and nose in layers — use tails to sew and tack each part firmly. Ensure features are symmetrical.
- Sew or embroider eyes.
Attaching the Ribbon
- Cut about 45cm (18 inches) satin ribbon.
- Thread firmly through the bottom point of both panels, where they meet, or tie around the base of napkins inside the holder. Tie in a neat bow for a festive finish.
Assembly and Finishing
Carefully check that all ends are securely woven in. Use a tapestry needle to close any small gaps along the joined edges. Lightly steam block the holder if your yarn allows (especially for cotton or acrylic blends) by pinning the piece to the desired shape and hovering a steam iron above. Allow to cool before removing pins. This will set the texture, straighten sides, and give your project a polished appearance. Attach the ribbon as indicated, and fill with a stack of holiday napkins. Make sure the Santa motif sits flat and central for the best display.
Customization Ideas
- Color Variations: Change Santa’s hat to red, or experiment with pastel blues or sparkling silver for unique holiday themes.
- Yarn Choices: Use soft acrylic for easy washing, or try mercerized cotton for a crisp, glossy look.
- Alternative Uses: The square motif can also serve as a pot holder, placemat, or festive doily by omitting the pocket and Santa face.
- Personalization: Add initials or fun embellishments like pom-poms to Santa’s hat, snowflake appliqués, or a miniature bell to the ribbon for extra charm.
Troubleshooting
- Curling: If edges curl, your tension may be too tight; wet block or steam the panels to flatten.
- Uneven Edges: Track stitch counts carefully in each row. Using stitch markers can help maintain straight sides.
- Piece Too Large/Small: Adjust yarn weight or hook size if the panel size does not fit your napkins. Recalculate rows and stitches if needed for alternate napkin sizes.
- Loose Color Changes: Always pull yarn snug at the color join and weave in color ends securely. Try carrying yarn along the edge within stitches for a tidier line.
- Uneven Tension: Work consciously, especially on bobble rows; practice even yarn feed and consistent stitch sizing.
Care Instructions
Hand wash gently or machine wash on delicate in cold water using a laundry bag. Lay flat to dry, reshaping as needed. If your project uses beads, avoid vigorous wringing and dry beads with a towel to minimize wear. Do not bleach. Store flat or hang when not in use to prevent creasing.
Final Notes
Check stitch counts at the end of each row for consistent results. Adjust hook size or yarn if needed to achieve a tight, structured fabric. Use the supplied photo as a visual guide, but don’t be afraid to let your own creativity shine. Enjoy making this festive Santa napkin holder and spreading handmade holiday cheer!
