knitted holly

This is a bit fiddly but worth the effort and if you can interpret my instructions I'm sure you'll be pleased with the way that you get a distinct vein up the centre of the leaf.

Hopefully I've explained it well enough to follow - if you have any suggestions on a better description of the twisted stitch please drop me a line.

Many thanks!

Holly:

Using 2.25mm needles and 4ply yarn cast on 3 stitches
Purl
K1, YO, K1, YO, K1
P1, twist a*, YO, P1, YO, P2
K2, twist b**, YO, K1, YO, K into back of next stitch, K2
P3, twist a*, P5 (9 stitches)
K2tog through the back, K5, K2tog
P2tog, p3, P2together through the back
K2, YO, K1, YO, K2
P2, twist a*, YO, P1, YO, P3
K3, twist b**, K1, K into back of next stitch, K3 (9 stitches)
P2tog, P5, P2together through the back
K2tog through the back, K3, K2 tog
P2tog, P1, P2tog through the back
K1, K2 together pass first stitch over, pull end through  to cast off

Abbreviations:
YO = wrap yarn around needle once to make a stitch

* twist a = insert right hand needle into the back of the made stitch purlwise, slip onto the righthand needle and slip back onto the lefthand needle so that what was the back of stitch becomes the front. Purl into back of this stitch)

** twist b = insert right hand needle into the front of the made stitch knitwise, slip onto the righthand needle and slip back onto the lefthand needle so the back of stitch becomes the front. Knit this stitch )

To make berries:
Cast on 3
P3
K1, YO, K1, YO, K1
P5
K5
P5
K2tog through the back, K1, K2tog
Slip 1, P2 tog through the back pass slip stitch over, thread end through to cast off
Tie both cast on and cast off ends together and use one end to sew base together and make a small ball

Making up
Sew 2 leaves together at a slight angle, position desired number of berries in centre and sew in place.

This pattern is an original design. You are welcome to knit up for personal use but please don't use it for commercial purposes, thanks. Copyright Julie Williams 2008.

Comments

[Jacqui]

Thank you so much for sharing this lovely pattern for holly and berries. I think I might knit some to decorate 'special' Christmas presents. I love your Christmas puddings, they look good enough to eat! :)

[dottycookie]

The twist stitch instructions were great - I have nice little lines up my leaves! Now I need to have another go at the leaf edges ...

[CINDY]

thank you thank you so much for the free pattern.....^___^ love you!!!!!^___^

[anne]

can you post a pattern for bunny head... please... i really wan to learn.... just the head please......

[kirsty]

I made a pudding last week but completely fudged the holly. It didn't turn out as nicely as yours. Will have to make yours as well! Happy Christmas.

[Alice]

I love the Hearts, and Holly leaves with the berries! Sweet. I like the baby monkey pattern too, do you have a pattern for that? Alice