Valentines Heart Crochet Tutorial

Since it's Valentines next week, I thought I'd post a tutorial for a crocheted heart. I must have crocheted hundreds of these, I use them all the time for gift wrapping or cards, and it's a great way to use up bits of yarn you have lying around.

I can't remember where I first saw the pattern for this, so if any of you know please tell me, so I can credit them. And, as usual, please comment if you have any questions or spot any mistakes.

The heart is made from three rounds and starts like this:

ROUND 1


Make all of the following stitches in the first chain: 3 triple crochet, 3 double crochet 1 chain, 1 triple crochet, 1 chain, 3 double crochet, 3 triple crochet.

Adjust the stitches by moving them around so it looks like the picture above. Chain 2 and make a slip stitch in the center of the heart.


ROUND 2

Chain 3. Single crochet in the top of the 3rd chain from the previous round then make a half double crochet in the same stitch.


In the next stitch make 3 half double crochet. In the next stitch make 2 half double crochet. Then a single crochet in each of the following four stitches. 1 chain, double crochet in the next stitch (tip of the heart),1 chain.

Now start working on the second side of the heart: 1 single crochet in each of the following four stitches. 2 half double crochet in the next stitch. 3 half double crochet in the next stitch. In the last stitch make one half double crochet and a single crochet.
3 chains and slip stitch in the center of the heart.


Now you should have something that looks like this, you might need to move your stitches around a bit, and it might be a bit skewed if your tension hasn't been consistent, but I don't think that matters, it gives it personality and is part of the charm of handmade things!


ROUND 3
The last round is quite easy and is just there to create a nice edge to the heart.

Chain 3, single crochet in the first stitch (the top of the 3 chain from the previous row). 2 single crochet in the next stitch, single crochet in the next stitch, 2 single crochet in the next stitch and then make a single crochet in the following 9 stitches, 1 chain (for the tip of the heart). Make a single crochet in each of the following 8 stitches, 2 single crochet in the next stitch, 1 single crochet in the next, 2 single crochet in the next stitch and 1 single crochet in the final stitch. Chain 3 and slip stitch in the center of the heart.


Fasten off and sew in the ends.


I often use these hearts as decorations on presents, make garlands or cards. I'd love to see how you would use them too!