One of the best things about crafts like crocheting is that we always have a nice, thoughtful gift to give our loved ones. And what better way to express our love for them than with some crochet hearts! Read on to learn how to crochet a heart, as well as some great ideas on how to use it.
In this step-by-step crochet heart tutorial, you will learn how to make a basic, flat heart shape. You can use this pattern for a variety of projects, from clothing garments to home decor. Whatever you decide to do with your crochet heart, the first step to making one is gathering all the supplies.
The materials and tools you’ll need to crochet a heart include:
-Yarn. The exact weight and type of yarn to use will depend on the size of the heart you’re making. For reference, a 1.5-inch heart calls for sport-weighted yarn (such as the Premier Cotton Fair cotton and acrylic blend).
-Crochet hook. The exact hook size you should use will depend on your choice of yarn. If you go for sport weight, you will likely need a 2.5 or 3mm crochet hook.
-Scissors. The sharper the scissors, the cleaner the cut will be.
-Tapestry needle. You will need the tapestry needle for the finishing touches.
Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to get down to work. This pattern uses basic stitches (namely, double crochet and treble crochet), making it great for beginners. Follow this simple step-by-step guide to make your own crochet heart.
The first thing to do is make a magic ring with a chain 2. If you’re unfamiliar with the magic circle, this is an easy crochet starting technique in the form of an adjustable central loop. It makes it easy to close the yarn without any holes left in it.
Now that your magic ring is ready, it’s time to place three treble crochet stitches. The treble is a tall basic stitch, also known as a triple crochet stitch.
Once the three treble stitches are done, you will need to make three double crochet stitches. These will form the pointed edge of the heart. For the very tip, connect your double stitches via chain 1 to another treble in the ring.
Keep going in a circle, repeating the same process in reverse on the other side — chain 1, three double crochets, and three treble crochets. If you run out of room on your magic ring, don’t hesitate to simply push the yarn closer together using your fingers.
By now, you should have a magic ring with two sides done and a gap in the middle.
To connect this gap, do a chain 2, slip-stitch, do a chain 1, and cut your yarn. You will want to cut away from the heart, leaving enough yarn to use later on.
To finish off your crochet heart, pull on the magic ring to close it. Then, pull the end tail of the yarn you just cut to additionally tighten the heart. Lastly, using a tapestry needle, weave both of those ends into the heart and cut them short.
Now that you know how to make a basic crochet heart, you’ve opened a world of possibilities on how to use them. Here are some ideas:
-Stitch together two larger hearts and fill the space in between with polyfill to make a cushion.
-Make a bunch of smaller crochet hearts and create a garland with them.
-Use your crochet hearts as coasters, dishcloths, or pot holders.
-Use them to decorate clothing and accessories. For instance, you can stitch the heart to a shawl or hat.
-Use your crochet hearts as gift-wrapping decor, a book marker, or another trinket.
-Attach a small loop at the top of your heart and use it as a Christmas ornament.
Excited to crochet your first heart? We’re sure you’ll do great, just keep these tips in mind:
-Always start with a magic ring, rather than a slip knot. The reason for this is that magic rings can be adjusted as you work, allowing for more room for mistakes.
-You can adjust the size and shape of your heart by changing the weight of the yarn you’re using. Thicker yarns will produce larger (and somewhat floppier) hearts.
-If you’re planning to use your heart as a practical item, such as a dishcloth, make sure to pick durable yarn (we recommend Lily Sugar’n Cream Yarn) that can sustain some wear and tear.
-To ensure your stitches are extra tight and secure, consider using a slightly smaller hook (one to two sizes) than prescribed on the yarn label.
Lastly, don’t forget to have fun! Crochet hearts are a great small project for all levels, whether you’re just practicing or making a Valentine’s Day gift. Play with colors, try out different shapes and sizes, and crochet away!
