Teeny Tiny Hearts
This is my pattern for making Teeny Tiny Hearts which are rather on the cute side and super easy and quick to do.
The pattern is written in UK terms, the stitches as follows ::
sl st :: insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch, then through the loop on your hook.
dc (double crochet) :: insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch (two loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops on hook.
htr (half treble) :: yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch (three loops on hook), yarn over and pull through all three loops on hook.
tr (treble) :: yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch (three loops on hook), yarn over and pull through two loops on hook (two loops left on hook), yarn over and pull through remaining two loops.
For US peeps:
UK dc = US sc
UK htr = US hdc
UK tr = US dc
To begin :: chain 4, join with a slip stitch to form a ring.
ROUND 1 ::
Chain 2 (counts as 1 dc) (picture above)...
You'll be working out of the ring for this first round. As you make each stitch, make sure your hook passes under the tail end of the yarn (see in above picture, the yarn end is held horizontally, across to the left?) If you do this, you will effectively be crocheting over the tail end as you work, saving you from having to darn it in later.
Work 8 dc's into the ring (picture above). Slip stitch into 2nd chain of of initial ch-2 to close the round.
Now before you continue with the next round, flip your little circle over to the wrong side. You should have crocheted right over the tail end with every stitch you made, but the end of it will still be there sticking out. Give it a firm pull, and it'll close up the hole in the middle of the central ring. You can now snip the tail end off close to the stitches, and there's no need for any further darning in.
ROUND 2 ::
You'll be working out of the stitches for this round...you should clearly be able to count 9 stitches in total, as pictured above.
Work 5 tr's into the first stitch (pictured above)
1 tr into next stitch.
1htr into next stitch.
1 dc into next stitch.
This has formed the left side of the heart, as pictured above.
Now for the point of the heart...into the next stitch work 1tr, then ch 2 (as above).
Insert hook into 2nd chain from hook and make a slip stitch...this forms a "picot point".
Work 1 tr into SAME STITCH (picture above), and the point is complete.
1 dc into next stitch.
1 htr into next stitch.
1 tr into next stitch.
You should now have just one stitch left at the top (as above).
Into the last stitch work 5 tr's (as above).
All the stitches are complete, but I need to explain how to finish off. First snip your yarn off, leaving about 4 or 5 inches. See in the above picture where i've stuck my needle? It's a point somewhere in the first round, midway between the first stitch and the last stitch of that first round, does that make sense??
Stick your hook into that place then, inserting it from front to back as shown above.
Yarn over and pull a loop through to the front, as above.
Pull the yarn/tail end all the way through the stitch on your hook, as above.
Now give a tug on the tail end - pull it out and downwards to tighten the loop and draw the last stitches downwards towards the centre of the heart, as above.
I'm sorry if this all sounds complicated, but I promise you it's not when you're doing it!
OK, last bit....stick your hook into the exact same place as before, only this time insert it from the BACK, as above. Then catch the tail end with your hook and pull it right through the heart to the back. Pull it through firmly, give it a tug......
....and that's your teeny tiny heart all finished!
You might need to pull it into shape a little, especially at the picot point.
On the reverse side you can now darn in that tail end, or use it to create a little hanging loop, as above.
These hearts are very quick and easy to produce, and can be used for all sorts of decorative bits and bobs. However, please don't hold me responsible if you become addicted to making them, it's not my fault ok?
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
ps...... thought it might be helpful if i wrote out a condensed pattern for you to copy/paste...
♥
chain 4, join with a sl st to form a ring.
:: Round 1 ::
ch 2, then work 8dc into ring. sl st into 2nd ch of initial ch-2 to close round (9 stitches)
:: Round 2 ::
5tr's into 1st stitch
1tr into 2nd stitch
1htr into 3rd stitch
1dc into 4th stitch
1tr, ch 2, sl st into 2nd ch from hook (picot point made), 1tr (all worked into 5th stitch)
1dc into 6th sticth
1htr into 7th stitch
1tr into 8th stitch
5tr's into 9th st.
Fasten off as described above, pulling tail end firmly through to the back.
♥
Wishing you lots of hooky hearty fun!!!!!!!