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Free Crochet Heart Appliqué Pattern – Easy, Cute, and Beginner-Friendly

Cream lace hearts on vintage book with lace doily - hero image for free crochet pattern.

Looking for a quick and beginner-friendly crochet project?
This free crochet heart appliqué pattern is just what you need — perfect for Valentine’s Day, using up scrap yarn, or adding a sweet touch to handmade gifts.


Not only is it easy to make and beginner-approved, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you call it a heart appliqué or a crochet heart motif, you’ll find this little pattern endlessly useful.


You can use it to embellish cards, decorate pillows, or even create a heartfelt garland. However you choose to use it, the possibilities are just as sweet as the stitches.

What You’ll Find Inside this Pattern:

At a Glance

  • Finished Size: Approximately 3.25″ x 3.25″
  • Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
  • Estimated Time: Under 15 minutes
  • Recommended Yarn: Worsted weight (4), acrylic or cotton
  • Yardage: Each heart uses approximately 7 yards of yarn.
  • Hook Size: I/9 (5.5 mm)
  • Uses: Appliqué, gift tags, garland, cards, Valentine’s Day crafts.

Materials

Recommended Yarn: Loops & Threads In Off White, #4 medium weight, 100% acrylic, 354 yds / 7 oz, 324 m / 198 g

Yarn Alternatives:

Yardage Requirements

Each heart uses approximately 7 yards of yarn.

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:

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.

Pattern Instructions – Easy Crochet Heart

Let’s get started! Follow the step-by-step crochet pattern below to create your heart. Then, explore the Creative Ways to Use Your Heart Appliqué section for fun and inspiring ideas. 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 Appliqué Construction

This pattern is worked continuously in rounds without turning. To begin, you’ll create the center of the heart. From there, you’ll shape the outer edges to form the complete heart motif. Once finished, you’ll have a sweet little heart that measures approximately 3.25 inches wide by 3.25 inches tall — measured across the widest part, from side to side and from the top arches to the pointed tip. All measurements are taken prior to blocking.

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.
  • Stitch counts are shown in brackets at the end of each round.

Center of the Heart

Rnd 1: Make a magic ring, ch 3 (counts as dc), work 12 dc into the ring, slp-st to 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 int the last st. [30]

Fasten off and leave two yarn tails — one from the magic ring at the center, and another at the top where you finished with the final slip stitch.

Finishing

Top of the Heart

Thread the top yarn tail into a tapestry needle. Then, gently stitch the base of the two arches together — right where you worked the final slip stitch — to close the small gap at the top. Once finished, weave in the tail and trim any excess.

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.

Finishing & Care

After completing your sweet little heart appliqué, you may choose to block it to enhance its shape and definition — especially if your yarn tends to curl or if you want crisp edges.

When it comes to caring for your finished piece, hand washing and laying it flat to dry is usually the safest method. However, be sure to check your yarn label and follow any specific care instructions it provides.

To keep your appliqués looking their best, store them flat in a clean, dry place — preferably in a breathable container to avoid crushing or distortion.

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Hands holding a cream crochet heart with a gold hook — beginner-friendly Valentine's Day crochet heart appliqué pattern.

Helpful Hints for Beautiful Results

Crochet Heart Appliqué Tips for Beginners

Adjust the size easily:
To adjust the size, simply use a larger hook for a bigger heart or a smaller hook for a tiny appliqué. There’s no need to change the stitch count — just let the hook do the work for you!

Choose the right yarn:
For crisp, defined edges, 100% cotton yarn is your best choice — especially if you plan to sew the appliqué onto garments, bags, or blankets. That said, acrylic yarn works as well, though it may have more stretch and a slightly fuzzier finish.

Practice with scrap yarn:
This pattern is perfect for using up leftover yarn from your stash. To get started, try making a few hearts to get comfortable with the stitch flow and adjust your tension as needed.

Block for perfect shape:
If your heart curls or puckers slightly, don’t worry — that’s easy to fix. Simply steam block it or pin it flat and lightly mist with water. Once dry, it will hold its shape beautifully.

Creative Ways to Use Your Crochet Heart Motif

Not sure what to make with your finished appliqué? Try one of these fun ideas!

  • Stitch onto pillows, blankets, hats, or sweaters
  • Fill gift boxes with hearts instead of tissue paper
  • Tie to gift tags for a handmade touch
  • Use in Valentine’s treasure hunts with notes or clues
  • Make a garland or bunting for home décor
  • Scatter them around with messages for your sweetheart

These sweet hearts are endlessly versatile — have fun with it!

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Frequently Asked Questions – Crochet Heart Appliqué

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

Size, Yarn and Center Questions

Yes! You can easily adjust the size of your heart by changing the yarn weight or hook size.
Simply use a larger hook and thicker yarn to make a bigger heart or use a smaller hook and thinner yarn to make a tiny heart. This pattern is flexible and works well with a variety of yarns and that makes it perfect for stash busting or customization.

Yes! Simply adjust your hook size and yarn weight. For instance, use bulky yarn and a larger hook for a big, puffy heart. However, use fingering yarn and a small hook for a mini appliqué.
The stitch count stays the same — it’s a just quick and easy way to customize!

Don’t worry — that’s completely normal when working with a magic ring. If the center doesn’t fully close, simply give the tail a gentle tug to tighten it. If needed, you can also use a yarn needle to stitch the hole closed. For step-by-step help, see the Finishing section.

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

Common Finishing & Use Questions

Not at all! It’s completely normal to see a small space between the arches after the final slip stitch. This is expected, and you’ll close it easily during the finishing steps using the yarn tail. For guidance, refer to the Finishing section of the pattern.

There are so many fun ways to use these little hearts! First, you can sew them on as appliqués for blankets, bags, or handmade cards. Next, try attaching them to gift tags or using them as festive Valentine’s Day embellishments. Then, string them together to create charming garlands or bunting for seasonal decor. Finally, they also make adorable keepsakes or ornaments for someone special.Lots of things!

See Ways to Use your Heart Motif for more ideas.

This pattern works beautifully with both worsted weight cotton and acrylic yarn. If you prefer clean, defined edges, cotton is a great choice — especially for appliqués. On the other hand, acrylic provides a softer feel and a bit of stretch, making it ideal for items like garlands or gift toppers.

Yes, absolutely! This pattern uses basic stitches and includes clear, step-by-step finishing instructions. The only part that might be a bit tricky is the magic ring; however, there’s a helpful video tutorial linked in the Special Stitches section to guide you through it with ease.

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Prefer a quick overview?

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

Time needed: 5 minutes

Crochet Heart Appliqué

  1. Description

    This is beginner-friendly crochet heart appliqué that is quick, easy, and perfect for Valentine’s Day, gifts, or scrap yarn projects.Three small crochet heart appliqués in peach, cream, and sage green yarn, displayed on a neutral beige background.

  2. Gather your Supplies

    Worsted  #4 medium weight yarn (Recommended yarn. Loops & Threads In Off White)
    I/9 5.5mm crochet hook
    Tapestry needle

  3. 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)

  4. 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)

  5. Bind Off

    Cut the yarn leaving just enough to weave in ends.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

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