How To Crochet A Small Heart

If you've been looking for something to crochet that's both easy to make and quick to complete, crochet hearts might be for you.

They are quick and easy to make and can be used in many ways. Whether as gifts, embellishments, or even part of a larger project. Personally, I enjoy crocheting big patches of little hearts and transforming them into charming garlands for my kids' rooms.

If you're new to crochet, don't worry. While it may seem daunting initially, give yourself time to practice and enjoy the process. Before you know it, you'll be effortlessly creating beautiful pieces.

Join me as we explore this fun, beginner-friendly crochet project!

Are you ready to get started?

Step 1: Get ready

Begin by gathering your materials.

For this project, I used the following materials:

• Crochet hook: 3.5mm crochet

• Yarn: Lily Sugar'N Cream, Cotton

• Colour Name: Overcast

• A pair of scissors

• A yarn needle for weaving in ends,

If you use a different yarn, check that the yarn is suitable for your hook size to achieve the desired tension and size for your heart.

Crochet stitches used

• Chains

  Here is how:

  • Insert Hook: Insert your crochet hook into the next stitch or in this case the magic circle.

  • Yarn Over, Pull Through: Yarn over the hook (wrap the yarn around the hook) and pull the wrapped yarn through the magic circle. This creates your first chain stitch.

  • Repeat: Continue to yarn over and pull through the loop on the hook to create additional chain stitches. Each time you repeat this process, you add another chain stitch to your project.
    

• Double crochet (US)/ known as double treble crochet in the UK

  Here is how:

  Yarn Over: Yarn over the hook before inserting it into the next stitch.

  • Insert Hook: Insert the hook into the stitch where you want to make the double crochet.

  • Yarn Over, Pull Through: Yarn over again and pull through the stitch. You should have three loops on your hook.

  • Yarn Over, Pull Through Two Loops: Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on the hook. You should have two loops remaining on the hook.

  • Yarn Over, Pull Through Two Remaining Loops: Yarn over one more time and pull through the last two loops on the hook. This completes one double crochet stitch.

  • Repeat: Continue making double crochet stitches in each stitch across the row.
    

• Treble crochet (US)/known as double treble in the UK

  Here is how:

  • Yarn Over Twice: Yarn over the hook twice before inserting it into the next stitch.

  • Insert Hook: Insert the hook into the stitch where you want to create the treble crochet.

  • Yarn Over, Pull Through: Yarn over and pull through the stitch. You should have four loops on your hook.

  • Yarn Over, Pull Through Two Loops: Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on the hook. You should have three loops remaining on the hook.

  • Yarn Over, Pull Through Two More Loops: Yarn over and pull through the next two loops on the hook. You should have two loops left on the hook.

  • Yarn Over, Pull Through Remaining Two Loops: Yarn over one more time and pull through the last two loops on the hook. This completes one treble crochet stitch.

  • Repeat: Continue making treble crochet stitches in each stitch across the row.

• Slip stitch

  Here is how:

  • Yarn Over: Yarn over the hook.

  • Pull Through: Pull the yarn through both the loop on the hook and the loop in the stitch you inserted the hook into. This creates a slip stitch.

Step 2: Start with the magic circle

The magic circle is often used to start a crochet project, as it allows for a tightly closed beginning that avoids gaps.

1. Start with about 6 inches of yarn, make a loop, and lay it over the top of your fingers.

2. Insert your hook under the first strand and over the second.

3. Yarn over and pull through the loop.

4. Chain 1 to secure the loop, and you have the beginning of your small heart.

Chain 4 onto your magic circle.

Step 3: Crochet the heart

Now, you are ready to create the centre of your heart.

1. Chain 4 directly onto the magic circle, this will count as your first treble crochet

2. Work 3 treble crochets into the circle.

3. Followed by 3 double crochets.

4. Then, chain 1 to create a 'dip' in the centre of the heart

Moving onto the side of your heart:

1. 1 treble crochet.

2. Chain 1 to give length to your side.

3. Now, 3 double crochets on the loop.

4. Followed by 3 treble crochets.

5. Chain 3.

6. Slip stitch into the magic circle.

7. Chain 1 and pull the yarn to tighten it up.

8. From the back, find the other strand of yarn which is part of the magic circle and tighten it as well. This will fully close the circle.

9. Weave in the ends securely with a yarn needle to complete the heart and prevent unravelling.

Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting

Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when crocheting your heart:

• Incorrect Tension: Ensure you maintain even tension throughout. Too-tight stitches can cause your heart to pucker, while overly loose ones can lead to an uneven shape.

• Miscounting Stitches: Regularly count your stitches to ensure you're keeping to the pattern. Skipping or adding stitches can greatly alter your heart's shape.

• Weaving the Ends: It's crucial to weave in the ends properly to secure your heart. Weave in and out of the stitches at the back of your work without distorting the front of the heart.

• Right Hook, Right Yarn: Always use a hook size appropriate for your yarn weight. Using the wrong hook can lead to a too tight or too loose fabric for your heart.

I hope this post has inspired you to try your hand at crocheting a small heart. With the steps I've shared, you'll be able to create beautiful hearts that can be used for various projects or given as gifts.

Don't forget to share your creations with me in the comments below – I would love to see how your hearts turned out.

Thank you for joining me on this crocheting journey, I can't wait to see what you create next!

Happy crocheting!

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