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Crochet Heart Keepsake Pattern – Free Stash-Busting Project

Flat lay of a pink and white crochet puffed heart keepsake on a lace surface, surrounded by vintage-inspired crafting tools, including small scissors, a wooden crochet hook, and large wooden buttons.

Crochet a Sweet Keepsake from Your Yarn Stash!
Looking for a meaningful stash-busting project? This free Puffed Heart Keepsake crochet pattern is the perfect way to turn leftover yarn into something special.

Use it as a special gift, crochet heart ornament pattern, pin cushion, or sachet!

With its beginner-friendly instructions and lovely textured design, this small but charming project works up quickly and adds a heartfelt touch to any occasion.

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I’m so proud to be hosting The Great Stashdown! 🎉 This fun blog hop features 30 free stash-busting crochet patterns — one PDF pattern released each day throughout the month of August 2025.

🧶 My featured pattern, the Puffed Heart Keepsake, will be available for free on August 9, 2025. Be sure to come back here on that date and scroll to the bottom of the page to grab your PDF download!

In the meantime, you can explore all the other amazing free patterns by clicking the button below — or save time and grab the entire bundle at 90% off, available through August 31, 2025!

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What You’ll Find Inside this Pattern:

At a Glance

  • Finished Size:
  • Small Heart: approx. 3″ wide x 3″ tall,
    Medium Heart: approx. 3.5″ wide x 3.5″ tall, and
    Large Heart: approx. 4″ wide x 4″ tall
  • Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
  • Estimated Time: Under an hour
  • Recommended Yarn: Worsted weight (4), acrylic or cotton
  • Yardage: Each puffed heart keepsake uses approximately 18–20 yards (16.5–18.3 meters)
  • Hook Sizes: 3.5 mm /E-4 (small hearts), 4.5 mm / US 7 (medium hearts), 5.5 mm / I-9 (large hearts)
  • Uses: Keepsake, gift idea, scented sachets, pin cushion, Valentine’s Day crafts.
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Close-up of a pink crochet heart motif in progress, shown on a burlap background with a red crochet hook and a tapestry needle nearby. Two fingers at the bottom of the image provide scale.

What Makes This Pattern Special

What started as a playful attempt to crochet a cute little macaron quickly blossomed into something much more meaningful — a puffed heart keepsake that’s full of love, charm, and intention. This sweet design was born from inspiration and evolved into a heartfelt piece perfect for gifting, memory-making, or adding a personal touch to your handmade collection.

Whether you’re crafting for Valentine’s Day, a baby shower, or simply creating a stash-friendly project to brighten someone’s day, this pattern is quick, fun, and completely addicting. You’ll love how easy it is to customize — and how adorable it looks finished!

Two pink crochet heart motifs on a burlap surface, one edged with white scalloped stitches and the other plain. Both hearts have yarn tails still attached, indicating work in progress.
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SCRAP YARN, SWEET KEEPSAKES

Here’s a little inspiration for how to style, gift, and enjoy your Puffed Heart Keepsake…

Flat lay of handmade crochet puffed heart keepsakes in pink, brown, and sage green with lace edging. The brown heart is displayed in a small gift box, surrounded by a dried rose, ribbon, and decorative lace on a burlap background—perfect for gifting or sentimental keepsakes.

Gift from the Heart

Present your puffed heart keepsake in a charming box with soft ribbon and dried florals — perfect for weddings, anniversaries, or sentimental gifts.

Rustic flat lay of three crochet puffed heart keepsakes in pink, brown, and sage green, displayed on lace over burlap. The pink heart is used as a pin cushion with pearl-topped pins. Surrounded by wooden spools, a dried rose, and decorative pins.

Pretty & Practical

Turn your crochet heart into a functional pincushion for your sewing table or craft room — elegant and handmade with love.

Flat lay of three crochet puffed heart sachets in pink, brown, and sage green, surrounded by dried lavender, a small crochet hook, a lace strip, and a muslin bag on burlap fabric. Rustic and vintage aesthetic

Scented Keepsake

Fill your puffed heart with lavender or dried herbs to create a calming sachet for drawers, gift baskets, or self-care moments.

Helpful Hints for Beautiful Results

Crochet Heart Keepsake Tips for Beginners

Use a stitch marker
When working in continuous rounds, stitch markers help keep your place with ease.
They’re also great for aligning curves and points before seaming — especially helpful when working with puffy or layered pieces.


Lightly block your hearts
Before assembly, give your hearts a gentle block if needed. This helps define the shape, especially if your tension varied.

Stuff lightly
To maintain that soft, puffy shape without overstretching your stitches, avoid overstuffing.

Match yarn weights
If using scraps, try to use the same or similar yarn weights. This keeps shaping consistent and your finish looking polished.

Want to make different sizes?
Use a thicker or thinner yarn and adjust your crochet hook accordingly. This lets you create small hearts for ornaments or larger ones for sachets, décor, or gifting.

Play with border thickness

You can customize the look of your heart by changing where you place the seam when assembling:

  • A seam near the bottom edge creates a thicker, bolder border
  • A middle seam results in a medium-width border
  • A seam near the top edge creates a thin, delicate border

Try different placements to discover the look you love best!

Play with color!
Use soft pastels for spring, bold tones for Valentine’s, or mix and match scraps for a one-of-a-kind keepsake.


Whether you’re stitching a heartfelt gift or using up leftover yarn, this crochet heart stashbuster pattern comes together beautifully with just a few simple adjustments. It’s the perfect way to turn scraps of worsted weight yarn into something sweet, thoughtful, and handmade.

Soft vintage-style thumbnail showing a pink crochet puffed heart keepsake with lace, scissors, wooden crochet hook, and white rose on a neutral fabric background. Text reads 'Crochet Puffed Heart Keepsake Pattern' in elegant serif font.

Materials

All hearts in this pattern were made using various #4 medium weight yarns, including:

Recommended Yarn:

Each puffed heart uses 2 colors:

  • Color A for the main heart appliqués
  • Color B for the decorative border (added before assembly)

Feel free to substitute with any worsted weight yarn you have in your stash.

Yarn Alternatives:

Yardage Requirements

Each heart appliqué uses approximately 7 yards (6.4 meters) of yarn.

To make one complete puffed heart keepsake, you will need:

  • 2 heart appliqués (color A) = ~14 yards (12.8 meters)
  • Border and joining yarn (color A or B) = 4–6 yards (3.7–5.5 meters)
  • Total per puffed heart = approximately 18–20 yards (16.5–18.3 meters)

This may vary depending on your hook size and tension.

Skill level

Level of Difficulty – Advanced Beginner

Four taupe bars with displaying white centers to denote a crochet difficulty level of two - easy - advanced beginner.

Abbreviations

Pattern is written in Standard US crochet terms.

*Click on abbreviation names for tutorials

Special Stitches and Techniques:

magic ring/circle – A technique used to begin projects worked in the round. Form a loop with the yarn, crochet the first stitches into the loop, then pull the tail to close the center tightly. This creates a neater, adjustable starting point with no hole in the middle.

back loop only (blo) – This is a stitch placement, not a stitch type. Work the indicated stitch through the back loop only of the previous row/round. This creates a defined ridge or flexible texture.

Pattern Instructions – Crochet Heart Keepsake

Let’s get started! Follow the step-by-step crochet pattern below to create your stuffed crochet heart keepsake.

This project is not only quick and beginner-friendly, but it’s also a fantastic crochet stash buster pattern — perfect for using up small scraps of yarn in a meaningful way.

After you’re done, check out the Creative Ways to Use Your Puffed Heart Keepsake section for inspiring ideas. And if you run into any issues along the way, don’t worry — be sure to check out the Helpful Hints and FAQs for extra guidance.

Crochet Heart Keepsake Construction

This pattern is made by creating and assembling two heart appliqués:

  • One heart without decorative border — worked in continuous rounds
  • One heart with decorative border — worked in continuous rounds
  • The two hearts are seamed together with polyfill inserted in between to create the puffed effect

Each heart is worked in two sections:

Outside of the heart – Worked around the circle to create the arches, sides, and point

Center of the heart – Worked in continuous rounds to create a circle

Need help visualizing construction?

The premium PDF includes detailed schematics and step-by-step photos

Notes:

  • This pattern is worked in continuous rounds without turning or chaining at the end of each round.
  • The (dc, 2 tr, dc) cluster creates the point of the heart.
  • The final slip stitch (slp-st) is worked into the empty dc to the right of the initial ch 3.
  • You may see a small gap between the two arches at the top after the final slp-st — this is expected and addressed in Finishing.
  • A hole will remain in the center from the magic ring — see Finishing: Center of Heart for how to close it.
  • Decorative border: One of the two hearts includes a scalloped decorative border (that may be referred to as “filling”), which is added after the heart is fully formed. The second heart is left plain. These two are seamed together to create the puffed keepsake shape.
  • The heart with the decorative border is typically placed at the back, so the plain heart becomes the visible front of the finished piece.
  • This pattern uses two colors per puffed heart:
    – Color A for the main heart appliqués
    – Color B for the decorative border
    (optional, but recommended for contrast)
  • Stitch counts are shown in brackets at the end of each round.

Make 2 heart appliqués

Using color A

Center of the heart

Rnd 1: Make a magic ring. Ch 3 (counts as dc), then work 12 dc into the ring, slp-st into the top of the ch 3 to close. [13]

Outside of the heart

Rnd 2: Ch 4 (counts as a tr), work 5 tr into the next st, work 2 tr into the next st, work 1 tr into the next st, work 2 dc into the next stitch, work 2 dc into the next st, (dc, 2 tr, dc) into the next st, 2 dc into the next st, 2 dc into the next st, 1 tr into the next st, 2 tr int the next st, 6 tr in the next dc, slp-st into the last st. [30]

Rnd 3: Sc in the blo of each ch of the ch-4 that started Rnd 2, then continue to sc in the blo of each st around. Slp-st in the last st to close. [33]

Note: The top of the heart may curl inward slightly as shown in the image below — this is expected and will smooth out when the hearts are seamed together.

Pink crochet heart applique on a burlap background

Fasten off both heart appliqués.

Leave a long yarn tail (12–24 inches) on just one of the hearts — this will be used for seaming later.

Finishing

Top of the Heart

Both hearts need to be closed at the top of the arches.

  • Thread the yarn tail of each heart onto a tapestry needle — one will have a short tail, the other a longer one.
  • Gently stitch the base of the two arches together on each heart — right where you worked the final slip stitch — to close the small gap at the top.
  • Weave in and trim the short tail after stitching.

The heart with the longer tail should have enough yarn to complete this step and seam both hearts together — aim for 12–24 inches.

Close-up of yarn needle weaving through the top stitches of a crochet heart to close the center hole.

Center of the Heart

Use the starting yarn tail to gently cinch the center closed by pulling the magic ring tighter. If a small hole still remains, simply add a few whip stitches across the opening to close it completely then weave in the end securely and trim it.

Hand pulling yarn tail through center of crochet heart to close the magic ring after finishing the pattern.

Decorative border

Worked on one heart appliqué only

Attach Color B with a slp-st to the final slp-st of Rnd 3.

Rnd 1: (Sc, ch 1, sc) worked in the blo of each st around. Join with a slp-st to the same st where color B was attached. [66]

Fasten off leaving an extra long tail 24 – 36 inches.

Assembly

Join the Hearts

Step 1: Place the heart with the decorative border top down, so the curled edge faces down towards the table.

Step 2: Place the heart without the decorative border on top, with its curled side facing up.

This creates a “sandwich” effect — with the decorative border neatly layered in the middle.

Step 3: Thread a tapestry needle with the long yarn tail from Color B (the decorative border).

Step 4. Begin seaming the hearts together.

Insert your needle through through the decorative border on the bordered heart and the back loops (blo) of Rnd 3 on the plain heart

Work in short sections at a time to help preserve the ruffled effect of the border.

Continue seaming around the heart, stopping about 1 inch before closing to allow for stuffing.

Want to customize the border thickness?

Adjust where you place your seam:

– Seam near the bottom edge = thick border

– Seam through the middle = medium border

– Seam near the top edge = thin border

Three puffed crochet hearts in a row showing different border thicknesses—labeled Thick, Medium, and Thin—to demonstrate how seam placement affects the final look of the border.

Step 5. Gently stuff the heart with your desired amount of polyfill.

Step 6. Finish seaming the remaining 1-inch opening, then fasten off and weave in the remaining Color B yarn tail.

Step 7: Thread a tapestry needle with the Color A yarn tail.

Step 8: Seam around the curled top edge of the heart, working through the front loops of each stitch from Rnd 3, then through the decorative border, and finally through the front loops of the second heart.

Continue all the way around until the top is fully closed. Fasten off and weave in the yarn tail.

Finishing & Care

Finishing Touches

  • After stuffing and seaming, gently shape your heart with your hands to even out the edges and distribute the filling.
  • Use your fingers to lightly curve the arches and sharpen the point for a more defined heart shape.
  • Trim any remaining yarn tails and tuck them securely into the body of the heart.
  • If needed, block appliqués lightly by hand to adjust the shape — though blocking is generally optional for this project.

Care Instructions

Avoid machine washing or drying, especially if your heart contains delicate filling or is used as a sachet or ornament.

Spot clean only or gently hand wash in cool water with mild detergent.

Do not wring or twist. Press between towels to remove excess water, then lay flat to dry.

Creative Ways to Use Your Puffed Crochet Heart Keepsake

Not sure how to use your finished heart? These soft little keepsakes are more than just cute —they’re meaningful, functional, and fun to gift. Try one of these ideas:

  • Add to gift baskets, memory boxes, or care packages
  • Fill small boxes or jars with hearts and sweet notes inside
  • Attach to gift tags for a heartfelt, handmade touch
  • Use as a pin cushion in your sewing or craft kit
  • String several together to create a bunting or garland
  • Use as sachets by tucking in lavender or scented stuffing
  • Gift as tokens of love, encouragement, or remembrance

These sweet crochet heart keepsakes are endlessly versatile — whether you’re stash-busting or making something meaningful, they’re perfect for sharing and cherishing.

Frequently Asked Questions – Puffed Crochet Heart Keepsake

Have questions while working on your heart keepsake? These FAQs cover common beginner concerns about size, yarn, and getting a neat center.

Size, Yarn and Center Questions

Absolutely! You can easily adjust the size of your puffed heart by changing your crochet hook size and/or yarn weight. A smaller hook/yarn combo yields a tinier keepsake, while a larger combo makes a plumper, bigger heart.

Yes, you can experiment with different yarn weights! Just keep in mind that the finished size and firmness of the heart will change depending on the yarn and hook combination. Lighter yarns create smaller, softer hearts while bulky yarn gives you a larger, squishier result.

A small gap at the center can happen if the magic ring isn’t pulled tight enough. For a seamless look, be sure to cinch the ring firmly before continuing. If you’re still seeing gaps after stuffing, try starting with a tighter tension or adding an extra closing stitch.

Looking for finishing help or creative ways to use your hearts? This next set of FAQs has you covered.

Finishing & Constructions Customizations

Worsted weight (#4) yarn works best for this pattern, especially smooth cotton or soft acrylic. You want something sturdy enough to hold the stuffing and shape while still being soft and cozy.

To customize the look of your keepsake, you can adjust the seam placement when joining the hearts.
– Seam near the bottom = thick decorative border
– Seam through the center = medium border
– Seam near the top = thin, subtle border

Play with the placement to find the look you love best!

Not necessarily! A small gap where the curves meet is common depending on your tension and where your seam is placed. You can close this with a discreet whipstitch when assembling, or even hide it with a decorative element like a bow or button.

Looking for finiLooking for inspiration on how to use your finished keepsakes? This next section is full of heartfelt usage and gifting ideas to spark your creativity.shing help or creative ways to use your hearts? This next set of FAQs has you covered.

Usage & Gifting Ideas

These stuffed hearts are incredibly versatile! Use them as pin cushions, wedding favors, gift toppers, drawer sachets, Valentine’s gifts, or nursery decor.

Check the “Creative Uses” section above for more ideas!

Yes! If you’re comfortable working in the round and sewing two pieces together, this project is beginner-friendly. It’s also great for practicing shaping, invisible joins, and working with stuffing.

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Prefer a quick overview?

Here’s the step-by-step in plain format:

Time needed: 1 hour

Puffed Crochet Heart Keepsake

  1. Gather your Supplies

    Worsted  #4 medium weight yarn (Recommended yarn. Loops & Threads In Off White)
    I/9 5.5mm crochet hook
    Tapestry needleA pink puffed crochet heart keepsake held in a hand, with additional hearts displayed on a soft background to show scale and size options.

  2. Make 2 heart appliqués
    Round 1

    Make a Magic Ring, ch 3 (counts as a dc), work 12 dc into the ring, slp-st to the top of the ch 3 to close (13)

  3. Round 2

    Rnd 2: Ch 4 (counts as a tr), work 5 tr into the next st, work 2 tr into the next st, work 1 tr into the next st, work 2 dc into the next stitch, work 2 dc into the next st, (dc, 2 tr, dc) into the next st (forms the point of the heart), 2 dc into the next st, 2 dc into the next st, 1 tr into the next st, 2 tr int the next st, 6 tr in the next dc, slp-st int the last st (You will be slip stitching into an empty double crochet (dc) stitch to the right of the chain 3 made when you did the magic circle.) (30)

  4. Bind Off

    Leaving long tails where necessary for seaming

  5. Finish Closing the Top of the Heart

    Thread the tail at the top into a tapestry needle then gently sew together the base of the two arches of the heart where you worked the slip stitch (slp st).  This will close the gap at the top.
    After that, weave in the remaining tail and trim the excess tail.

  6. Finish Closing the Center of the Heart

    Gently, but firmly tug on the yarn tail.  You should see and feel the hole closing up. Then weave in and trim the remaining tail.

  7. Decorative border

    Add decorative border to one appliqué

  8. Seam & Stuff

    Seam one appliqué with the border and one without the border together as you stuff the keepsake with polyfill