How to Crochet Hearts: Little Hearts Stitch Pattern…

Earlier today on the blog we shared the Boho Crochet Cape free pattern. Hopefully you were as excited about it as we are. After all, we think it’s the perfect late summer / early fall accessory. However, you might not like to make capes and that’s okay. Nevertheless, we wanted to point out something in the pattern that might be right for you: the little hearts stitch pattern. This is a unique way for how to crochet hearts in a subtle repeating pattern. You might use this for Valentine’s designs or other heart-themed occasions. Or you might just enjoy incorporating it as a fun new stitch pattern in designs ranging from washcloths to blankets. So, we thought we’d pull that out and show it to you today in case you missed it in the full cape tutorial video.

What Makes It Look Like Little Hearts?

This really isn’t a complicated stitch pattern at all. You’ll use single crochet, double crochet, and chain stitches to create the pattern. It’s just that you’ll use them in a strategic way, with specific placement of hook and stitches, to create what looks like little hearts all joined together in a row.

As you’ll see in the video below, you’ll crochet each individual heart by working:

• Double crochet stitch
• Chain three
• Single crochet
• Chain three
• Double crochet

You’ll work all of that into one stitch. And that’s how to crochet hearts. That’s right – you can actually use this single heart in various ways in your own projects.

Almost a Variation on a Crochet Shell Stitch

The crochet shell stitch is such a popular stitch pattern for beginners who are just learning how to move beyond the basics. Similar to this little hearts stitch pattern, you use super basic stitches worked into the same stitch from the row below to create a shape. Then you repeat that across the row using strategic spacing etc. So, in a way, this is a lot like a variation on a crochet shell stitch. You use a little more variety in terms of the stitches that you combine. Other than that, it’s comparable. Like the shell stitch, it’s a great repeating stitch pattern for all types of projects. Try making a blanket with it!

Yarn To Use to Crochet The Little Hearts Stitch Pattern

You can use any yarn that you want to create this stitch pattern, of course. However, self-striping yarn works particularly well. Since each row will naturally have a different striped color, it’s easier to see the heart shapes than if you were working with solid colored yarn. I used the stitch pattern in the aforementioned cape design. For that we used Red Heart Unforgettable Yarn. This is a great yarn that changes colors easily. It’s a good choice for this type of stitch pattern. But have fun with it! Make this stitch pattern a go-to in your personal design library.

How to Crochet Hearts: Little Hearts Stitch Pattern Video Tutorial

In this quick fifteen minute video tutorial, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to crochet hearts in this unique repeating pattern:

Of course, remember that this was originally for Red Heart which is now Yarnspirations. Therefore, the full pattern for the aforementioned Catskills Cape that uses this stitch pattern is now free on the Yarnspirations site.

You Might Also Like:

• Crochet Valentine’s Patterns
• 5 Free Valentine’s Patterns to Crochet and Knit
• Heart Throb Baby Blanket Part 1

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Little Hearts crochet stitch pattern?

The Little Hearts stitch is a beautiful surface pattern that creates a fabric covered in tiny embossed heart shapes. It’s worked using a combination of standard stitches placed in a specific arrangement that creates the heart silhouette when viewed from the right side. It’s one of those delightful stitches that looks complex but is very achievable once you understand the repeat… and the result is absolutely charming. Perfect for Valentine’s Day projects, baby items, or anything you want to feel extra loving.

Is the Little Hearts stitch beginner-friendly?

It’s intermediate beginner territory… you need to be comfortable with basic stitches and following a specific pattern sequence. The hearts are created through a combination of stitches placed in a staggered arrangement, so you need to track your position in the repeat carefully. Stitch markers are your best friend here. The video tutorial Marly provides is especially helpful because seeing the heart shapes emerge as she demonstrates makes the placement logic much clearer than written instructions alone.

What projects look best with the Little Hearts stitch?

Baby blankets are the top choice… the hearts are sweet and appropriate for any baby regardless of gender, and the soft texture suits baby items perfectly. Valentine’s Day gifts like dishcloths, pot holders, or small bags. Gift bags or pouches for special occasions. A child’s hat or accessories. Pillow covers for a bedroom with a romantic or sweet aesthetic. The hearts are subtle enough that they work for everyday use and visible enough to add genuine charm. Any project that benefits from a hint of sweetness is a candidate.

What yarn and colors work best for the Little Hearts stitch?

The heart shapes read most clearly in a solid or semi-solid color that allows the shadow of the stitch texture to create the pattern. Single colors are best… variegated yarn can obscure the heart shapes by camouflaging the textural definition with color variation. For Valentine’s projects: red, pink, or coral. For baby items: soft pastels or natural tones. For everyday use: any color you love. Smooth yarn with good stitch definition helps the hearts appear crisply. Avoid very fuzzy yarns that blur the texture.

How do I make a flat crocheted heart applique?

Flat crocheted heart appliques are different from the surface stitch pattern… they’re individual heart-shaped pieces you make and attach to other projects! A basic flat heart starts with a chain foundation, works into both sides to build the lower curves of the heart, and then joins at the top to form the characteristic two-humped top. They’re very quick to make (5-10 minutes each) and can be used as appliques, ornaments, gift tags, or scattered across a project. The video tutorial in this post covers both the stitch pattern and how to make individual heart appliques.