The Jolly Berry Santa Lip Balm Holder: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Miniature Holiday Companion

Introducing the Jolly Berry Santa Lip Balm Holder

This charming crochet pattern transforms a simple lip balm tube into a jolly Santa Claus, complete with a textured beard and a tiny red hat. Perfect for holiday gifting or a cheerful stocking stuffer, this quick project uses soft worsted-weight yarn and simple stitches. Even beginners will find this pattern rewarding, as it works up in just a few hours and makes a delightful, functional gift.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Gauge is not critical for this project, but aim for a tight tension to prevent stuffing from showing. The recommended gauge is 4 single crochet stitches = 1 inch.

• Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) yarn in the following colors:
  • Red (for hat)
  • White (for beard and hat trim)
  • Peach or Light Brown (for face/body)
  • Small amount of Black (for eyes and nose)
• Hook: Size G/6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook
• Other: Tapestry needle, stitch marker, fiberfill stuffing, scissors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Abbreviations

ch = chain, sc = single crochet, inc = increase (2 sc in same stitch), dec = decrease (sc 2 together), sl st = slip stitch, st(s) = stitch(es), rnd = round

Note: Work in continuous rounds unless otherwise stated. Use a stitch marker to keep track of rounds.

Santa's Body (Peach/Light Brown Yarn)

This forms the cozy holder for your lip balm. Work tightly to ensure the tube fits snugly.

1. Rnd 1: Magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6 sts)
2. Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sts)
3. Rnd 3: (Sc in next st, inc) repeat around. (18 sts)
4. Rnd 4: (Sc in next 2 sts, inc) repeat around. (24 sts)
5. Rnd 5-7: Sc in each st around. (24 sts) — This creates the tube height.
6. Rnd 8: (Sc in next 2 sts, dec) repeat around. (18 sts)
7. Rnd 9: (Sc in next st, dec) repeat around. (12 sts)
8. Rnd 10: Dec around. (6 sts)
9. Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Stuff firmly with fiberfill. Weave the tail through the front loops of the remaining stitches and pull tight to close. Weave in end.

Santa's Hat (Red Yarn)

This creates the classic pointed hat. Do not stuff it.

1. Rnd 1: Magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6 sts)
2. Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sts)
3. Rnd 3: (Sc in next st, inc) repeat around. (18 sts)
4. Rnd 4: (Sc in next 2 sts, inc) repeat around. (24 sts)
5. Rnd 5-7: Sc in each st around. (24 sts)
6. Rnd 8: (Sc in next 2 sts, dec) repeat around. (18 sts)
7. Rnd 9: (Sc in next st, dec) repeat around. (12 sts)
8. Rnd 10: Dec around. (6 sts)
9. Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Do not stuff. Weave the tail through the front loops of the remaining stitches and pull tight to close. Weave in end.

Hat Brim (White Yarn)

This small rectangle will be sewn to the bottom of the hat.

1. Ch 6.
2. Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (5 sts) Ch 1, turn.
3. Row 2-3: Sc in each st across. (5 sts) Ch 1, turn.
4. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Beard (White Yarn)

This creates a textured, triangular beard.

1. Ch 10.
2. Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (9 sts) Ch 1, turn.
3. Row 2: Sc in next 3 sts, dec, sc in next 3 sts. (8 sts) Ch 1, turn.
4. Row 3: Sc in next 2 sts, dec, sc in next 2 sts. (6 sts) Ch 1, turn.
5. Row 4: Sc in next st, dec, sc in next st. (4 sts) Ch 1, turn.
6. Row 5: Dec twice. (2 sts) Ch 1, turn.
7. Row 6: Dec. (1 st) Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

Nose (Black Yarn)

A tiny, lightly stuffed ball.

1. Rnd 1: Magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6 sts)
2. Rnd 2: Sc in each st around. (6 sts)
3. Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Stuff lightly.

Eyes (Black Yarn - make 2)

Simple small circles.

1. Rnd 1: Magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6 sts)
2. Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

Assembly

Follow these steps carefully to bring your Santa to life.

1. Sew the hat brim to the bottom edge of the hat (the open end).
2. Sew the hat onto the top of the body, slightly angled to one side for a playful look.
3. Sew the beard onto the front of the body, below the hat. Center it so it hangs down over the body.
4. Sew the nose onto the center of the face, above the beard.
5. Sew the eyes onto the face, one on each side of the nose, about 1-2 stitches apart.
6. Using a tapestry needle and black yarn, embroider a small smile below the nose. Make a small curved line with 2-3 stitches.
7. Insert a lip balm tube into the bottom of the body. The opening should stretch to fit snugly. The body acts as a cozy holder.

Finishing

Weave in all ends securely using your tapestry needle. Trim any excess yarn. Your Jolly Berry Santa Lip Balm Holder is now ready to gift or enjoy!