Free Knitted Heart Pattern (Easy + Quick Project)
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.In this post, you will see a free knitted heart pattern (easy + quick project)
This is a very easy pattern you can make using only leftover yarn from your stash.
It’s the perfect addition to your Valentine’s Day decor.
Please scroll down to grab your ad-free PDF pattern.
Knitted Heart Pattern
This easy heart knitting pattern is made using leftover scrap yarn in your stash, and it’s a cute idea to make as decor.
It’s great for advanced beginners as you need basic knowledge of increases and decreases.
But this project has the perfect size to practice these techniques.
Notes
Finished Size – The finished heart, when stuffed, is around 6.5 cm high x 6.5 cm wide.
Knit Flat – The heart is worked flat (knitting back and forth) on straight needles.
Gauge – Don’t worry too much about the gauge for this pattern.
The gauge of the heart I made is 4 sts/ 6 rows in 1 inch.
Cast on – You can cast on using the thumb method or long-tail cast-on for this project.
The seams – use the mattress stitch to sew up the seams of the heart.
Yarn choice – Any DK yarn/ Lightweight 03 yarn will be okay for this project.
Stash-busting your leftovers is great, as you need less than 10g per heart.
Video Tutorial
View a video tutorial showing you how to knit one of these small hearts on my YouTube channel here.
The Supplies You Need
Yarn
- Leftovers from your yarn stash – less than 10g per heart of any DK yarn.
- I used leftover cotton – Rico Creative Cotton.
Needles
- 4mm (US 6) knitting needles
Notions
- Darning Needle
- Scissors
- Stitch holder
Other Materials
- Fiberfill/stuffing
Abbreviations
- K – Knit
- K2tog – Knit the next two stitches together
- KFB – Knit into the front and back of the stitch (increase)
- P – Purl
- Rep – Repeat
- St(s) – Stitches
- st st – Stocking stitch
- P2tog – Purl the next two stitches together
Pattern Instructions
Make 2 pieces for one heart.
Cast on 2 sts
- Rows 1-2 – st, st, start with a knit row.
- Row 3 – KFB at beg and end of the row.
- Row 4 – Purl.
- Row 5 – KFB at beg and end of the row.
- Row 6 – Purl.
- Row 7 – KFB at beg and end of the row.
- Row 8 – Purl.
- Row 9 – KFB at beg and end of the row.
- Row 10 – Purl.
- Row 11 – KFB at beg and end of the row.
- Row 12 – 14 – Continue in st, st.
- Row 15 – KFB at beg and end of the row.
- Row 16 – 18 – Cont in st, st.
- Row 19 – Repeat row 15
- Row 20 – Purl the first 8 sts, turn, and continue working on these 8 sts. Transfer the other 8 sts to a stitch holder.
- Row 21 – *K2tog, K4, K2tog.
- Row 22 – Purl.
- Row 23 – K2tog, K2, K2tog.
- Row 24 – Purl.
- Row 25 – K2tog, K2tog.
- Row 26 – P2tog.
Break yarn, leaving a long end. Thread through the last stitch on the needle*.
Transfer the 8 sts from the stitch holder onto the needle and repeat from * to *.
Making Up
Lay the two pieces with the right sides facing out (the wrong sides touching on the inside).
Sew the side edge of the heart going up over the top of the heart and back down to the other side.
Leave a gap and stuff firmly.
Stitch up the gap and weave in any loose ends.
Make A Knitted Heart For Valentine’s Day
You could make these tiny hearts as gifts for Valentine’s Day.
This is a very quick DIY project to show how much you care.
These mini hearts are perfect for home decor; you can spread them around your home, make them into a heart garland, or add a small string to create a heart ornament.
Moreover, they can be a perfect gift for kids and adults.
Plus, this simple pattern only requires yarn scraps, so you can make as many as you want in all your favorite colors.
If you knit this adorable puffy heart for personal use, you can use any yarn you like, from DK to worsted weight yarn.
The choice is yours!
How Do You Knit A Heart For Beginners?
- Start with Simple Shapes:
- Since hearts involve curves and points, it’s beneficial for beginners to start with simpler shapes and gradually progress. Begin by practicing basic stitches and simple patterns to build your confidence and familiarity with knitting.
- Use Smooth Yarn:
- Choose a smooth and light-colored yarn for your first heart project. Smooth yarn makes it easier to see your stitches and correct any mistakes. Light colors also enhance visibility.
- Practice Basic Stitches:
- Before attempting a full heart, practice the basic stitches such as knit and purl. Familiarize yourself with how these stitches create fabric and get comfortable holding the needles and yarn.
- Explore Increases and Decreases:
- Hearts often involve knitting increases (to create the rounded top) and decreases (to form the V shape at the bottom). Practice these techniques separately before combining them into a heart shape.
- Start with Simple Heart Patterns:
- Look for beginner-friendly heart patterns or tutorials that break down the process into manageable steps. Choose patterns that use common stitches and provide clear instructions.
- Use Stitch Markers:
- Employ stitch markers to help you keep track of important points in your heart, especially when shaping the curves and points. This can aid in maintaining symmetry and avoiding errors.
- Learn to Read Patterns:
- Familiarize yourself with knitting patterns and their symbols. Understanding how to read patterns will make it easier to follow instructions and create more complex shapes, like hearts, as you advance in your knitting skills.
- Don’t Fear Mistakes:
- Mistakes are a natural part of learning any new skill. If you make a mistake while knitting your heart, don’t be discouraged. Instead, view it as an opportunity to learn and improve.
Learn everything about knitting increases here – How To Increase Stitches In Knitting (Tutorial)
Learn everything about knitting decreases here – How To Decrease Knitting (6 Ways)
Learn how to read knitting patterns here – How To Read Knitting Patterns For Beginners
What Is The Meaning Of Knitted Hearts?
Knitted hearts hold a multifaceted meaning that encompasses warmth, affection, and thoughtful gestures.
As symbols of love, they carry a sentiment of care and devotion, often created as handmade gifts to express deep emotional connections.
Whether exchanged between romantic partners, shared among friends, or gifted in times of challenge, knitted hearts embody the essence of personal touch and dedication.
They can serve as tangible tokens of comfort, providing solace and support during difficult moments.
In a broader context, knitted hearts also represent the artistic expression of crafters and may be part of charitable initiatives, contributing to community projects that spread love and compassion to those in need.
Overall, the meaning of knitted hearts transcends the stitches and yarn, symbolizing the intricate threads of love, friendship, and creativity that bind individuals together in meaningful ways.
What To Do With Knitted Hearts?
Knitted hearts can be used in various creative ways to add a touch of warmth and sentiment to your projects or daily life.
Here are some ideas for what to do with knitted hearts:
- Gift Embellishments:
- Attach knitted hearts to gifts as charming embellishments. They can serve as a decorative addition to wrapped presents or be directly sewn onto gift bags.
- Garlands and Bunting:
- String knitted hearts together to create garlands or bunting. Hang them across walls, windows, or fireplace mantels to add a festive and cozy atmosphere to your home.
- Keychains and Bag Charms:
- Transform knitted hearts into keychains or bag charms. Attach them to your keys, purse, or backpack for a personalized and heartwarming accessory.
- Home Decor:
- Use knitted hearts as part of your home decor. Scatter them on tabletops, place them in decorative bowls, or incorporate them into centerpieces to add a touch of handmade charm.
- Blanket or Pillow Appliqués:
- Sew or attach knitted hearts onto blankets or pillows. This can be a delightful way to personalize your home textiles and make them uniquely yours.
- Valentine’s Day Decor:
- Create a festive atmosphere during Valentine’s Day by incorporating knitted hearts into your decorations. They can adorn door wreaths, table settings, or be hung around the house.
- Hair Accessories:
- Attach knitted hearts to hair ties, clips, or headbands for cute and whimsical hair accessories. This is especially fun for themed events or celebrations.
- Brooches or Pins:
- Turn knitted hearts into brooches or pins. Attach a pin backing to the back of the heart, allowing you to wear it on clothing, scarves, or hats.
- Baby Mobiles:
- Craft a baby mobile using knitted hearts. Hang them from a mobile stand above a crib to create a soothing and visually appealing decoration for a nursery.
- Greetings Cards:
- Incorporate knitted hearts into handmade greeting cards. They can serve as the focal point or a lovely embellishment, adding a personal and heartfelt touch to your messages.
- Ornaments:
- Hang knitted hearts as ornaments on a special tree or as part of your year-round decor. They can be especially meaningful during holidays or events.
- Memory Keepsakes:
- Create memory keepsakes by incorporating knitted hearts into quilts or memory blankets. Each heart can represent a special moment or person in your life.
Resources and tutorials you may find helpful in following this pattern:
This pattern is great for any advanced beginner knitters.
- Knitting cast-on methods.
- Knitting Lessons
- How to cast on knitting
- How to cast off knitting for total beginners (step by step)
- How to knit garter stitch
- How to knit the purl stitch (for beginners + a video tutorial)
- How to knit stockinette stitch (for beginners)
- How to read knitting patterns for beginners
- Knitting abbreviations and terms (US and UK)
- How to knit rib stitch patterns (1×1 and 2×2 ribbing)
- How to kit two stitches together – K2tog
- KFB knitting – How to make an increase
Knitting Lessons
If you are a new knitter and need help with the knitting basics, check out the knitting lessons here – Knitting Lessons (With Video Tutorials).
There, you will find step-by-step tutorials for all the different knitting techniques a newbie needs to know.
Including how to cast on, how to knit the knit stitch, the stockinette stitch, the rib stitch, the garter stitch, the mattress stitch, short rows and a list of knitting abbreviations, and more.
And if you need more video tutorials, check out my YouTube channel here – Handy Little Me – YouTube.
Valentine’s Day Knitting Projects
If you love knitting, you can check out these patterns…
- Heart Baby Blanket Knitting Pattern
- Dog Bandana Knitting Pattern
- Free Sock Knitting Pattern (Easy + Simple For Beginners)
- Fair Isle Hat Free Knitting Pattern (Hearts Design)
- Regency Red Cable Knit Fingerless Gloves Pattern
Free Crochet Patterns
Share your work with us…
I love seeing your finished projects.
If you enjoyed making the knitted heart, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, be sure to tag me @handylittleme.
If you are on Facebook, stop over to the handylittleme Facebook group and share a photo.
I’d love to see your work.
Happy Knitting!
Knitted Heart Pattern
Make a knitted heart to support families who can't be with each other during this difficult time.
Materials
- Leftovers from your yarn stash - less than 10g per heart of any DK yarn.
- I used leftover cotton - Rico Creative Cotton.
- Fiberfill/stuffing
Tools
- 4mm (US 6) knitting needles
- Darning Needle
- Scissors
- Stitch holder
Instructions
Heart Pattern
Make 2 pieces for one heart.
Cast on 2 sts
- Rows 1-2 – st, st, start with a knit row.
- Row 3 – KFB at beg and end of the row.
- Row 4 – Purl.
- Row 5 – KFB at beg and end of the row.
- Row 6 – Purl.
- Row 7 – KFB at beg and end of the row.
- Row 8 – Purl.
- Row 9 – KFB at beg and end of the row.
- Row 10 – Purl.
- Row 11 – KFB at beg and end of the row.
- Row 12 – 14 – Continue in st, st.
- Row 15 – KFB at beg and end of the row.
- Row 16 – 18 – Cont in st, st.
- Row 19 – Repeat row 15
- Row 20 – Purl the first 8 sts, turn and continue working on these 8 sts. Transfer the other 8 sts to a stitch holder.
- Row 21 – *K2tog, K4, K2tog.
- Row 22 – Purl.
- Row 23 – K2tog, K2, K2tog.
- Row 24 – Purl.
- Row 25 – K2tog, K2tog.
- Row 26 – P2tog.
Break yarn leaving a long end. Thread through the last stitch on the needle*.
Transfer the 8 sts from the stitch holder onto the needle and repeat from * to *.
Making Up
- Lay the two pieces with the right sides facing out (the wrong sides touching on the inside).
- Sew the side edge of the heart going up over the top of the heart and back down to the other side.
- Leave a gap and stuff firmly.
- Stitch up the gap and weave in any loose ends.
Notes
Finished Size - The finished heart when stuffed is around 6.5cm high x 6.5cm wide.
Knit Flat - The heart is worked flat (knitting back and forth) on straight needles.
Gauge - Don't worry too much about gauge for this pattern. The gauge of the heart I made is 6 sts/ 4 rows in 1 inch.
Cast on - You can cast on using the thumb method or long-tail cast on for this project.
The seams - use the mattress stitch to sew up the seams of the heart.
Yarn choice - Any DK yarn/ Lightweight 03 yarn will be ok to use for this project. Stash busting your leftovers is great as you need less than 10g per heart.
Abbreviations
k - Knit
k2tog - Knit the next two stitches together
KFB - Knit into the front and back of the stitch (increase)
p - Purl
rep - Repeat
st(s) - Stitches
st st - Stocking stitch
p2tog - Purl the next two stitches together
