This little crochet heart is made in one piece, entirely inside a magic circle. It is quick enough for gift tags, appliqués, garlands, cards, or using up short yarn scraps.
Pattern at a glance
- Skill level: Beginner
- Terminology: US crochet terms
- Construction: One motif worked into a magic circle
- Yarn: Worsted-weight acrylic yarn
- Hook: 4 mm
- Also needed: Scissors and a yarn needle
Gauge and finished size are not fixed for this project. A different yarn weight with a suitable hook will make a smaller or larger heart.
Abbreviations
- ch: chain
- dc: double crochet
- tr: treble crochet
- sl st: slip stitch
Special stitches
Magic circle
Wrap the yarn around two fingers so the strands cross. Insert the hook under the first strand, catch the working yarn, and pull up a loop. Chain once to secure the adjustable loop, then work the pattern stitches over both strands of the circle.
Treble crochet
Yarn over twice, insert the hook into the magic circle, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through two loops three times.
Crochet heart instructions
- Make a magic circle.
- Ch 4.
- Work 3 tr into the circle.
- Work 3 dc into the circle.
- Ch 1.
- Work 1 tr into the circle. This forms the lower point.
- Ch 1.
- Work 3 dc into the circle.
- Work 3 tr into the circle.
- Ch 4.
- Sl st into the magic circle.
The stitch sequence is symmetrical around the single centre treble crochet, creating two rounded lobes and a defined point.
Finishing
Pull the starting tail firmly until the centre closes. Cut the working yarn and pull it through the final loop. Weave both tails securely into the back of the heart, changing direction at least once before trimming them.
No sewing or assembly is required.
Troubleshooting
The centre still has a hole
Hold the stitches with one hand and pull the starting tail steadily with the other. If the yarn is catching, ease the stitches around the circle before pulling again.
The two sides look uneven
Check the complete order before fastening off: ch 4, 3 tr, 3 dc, ch 1, 1 tr, ch 1, 3 dc, 3 tr, ch 4, sl st. Both sides must contain the same three treble and three double crochets.
The treble crochets are too short
A US treble begins with two yarn overs. After drawing up a loop, pull through two loops three times.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use another yarn?
Yes. Pair it with a hook appropriate for that yarn. Thinner yarn makes a smaller, more delicate heart; thicker yarn makes a larger motif.
Is the heart worked in rounds?
No. Every stitch is placed into the same magic circle, and the final slip stitch completes the motif.
Do I need to join any pieces?
No. The heart is crocheted as one complete piece.
Quick repeat guide
Magic circle, ch 4, 3 tr, 3 dc, ch 1, 1 tr, ch 1, 3 dc, 3 tr, ch 4, sl st into the circle. Close the circle, fasten off, and weave in the ends.