by M. J. Joachim
Shaping
Hearts
One of the first
things I do when making hearts is visualize their shape clearly in my mind.
Sometimes I look at motifs (any shape or design), and see if they can
reasonably be turned into a heart, either by themselves or by joining 2 or more
of them together.
This takes
some fiddling with the layout at times – I might have to match corners at
irregular points or leave open spaces in the pattern.
To make
rounded edges on hearts using square or sharp edge motifs, I gradually shape
the rounded edge, by decreasing the actual corners or eliminating them
altogether. I do this by decreasing stitches or using only 1 stitch in each
stitch. After a couple of rounds, the corners soften and lose their sharp
edges.
Alternately,
when working the bottom point of the heart, I make a corner. Sometimes this is
3 stitches, surrounded by the single stitches forming the rest of the heart.
Other times it might be a shell stitch, or an actual corner itself, like a
granny square corner (3 dc, chain 2, 3 dc).
Decorating
Hearts
Once I’ve
made a heart, anything goes! I can weave ribbon through it, add beads, join
smaller motifs on top, or all of the above. I can use chain overlay stitches to write names and make special valentines out of my
hearts and let my creativity run wild, as I enjoy deciding how each heart will
become its own special project.
Materials
& Purposes for Hearts
I make my
hearts out of various yarns and crochet threads. They are made in all shapes
and sizes. Large cotton hearts can be used as dishcloths and kitchen towels.
Smaller hearts can be added to newly crocheted hats, turned into magnets, baby
mobiles and coaster sets. Fuzzy hearts can be joined and turned into arm and
leg warmers. Dainty hearts can be added to bobby pins and used as hair
decorations.
Crocheted
hearts are lots of fun to make and display. The one pictured will be a new
Valentine decoration. I added one of my Christmas star motifs to the center, and then sewed a seashell bead on top. Of
course, you can add a flower, beads or anything your heart desires J The pattern for this one can be found here: Granny Square Heart. Please be sure to check it out and let me know
what you think.
That’s all
for now, kind followers.
Until next
time, happy crocheting!
M. J.
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