Pretty 'Lil Heart

Crochet Hearts



These little crochet hearts work up fast and easy.  I think you card makers and scrap bookers could have a lot of fun with these. I worked these in size 10 and 20 thread with a # 11 hook and the purple I worked in size 30 with a # 14 hook. All the thread is DMC cebelia - I think the pearl luster is a must in this case- but you may use whatever you like. There are no rules here.



This pattern is worked in rounds. To begin, Ch 22. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in next 9 ch. 3sctog* in next 3 ch. Sc in next  9 ch. Ch 1 and working down back side of ch, sc in next 10 ch. 3sc in next ch, sc in next 10 ch. Ch 2, sc in next 8 sc. 3sctog in next 3 sc. Sc in next 8 sc. Ch 2, sc in next 12 sc, 3 sc in next sc, sc in next 12 sc. Ch 3, sc in next 7 sc, 3sctog in next 3 sc, sc in next 7 sc. Ch 3, sc in next 13 sc, 3 sc in next sc, sc in next 13 sc. Ch 4, sc in next 6 sc, 3sctog in next 3 sc, sc in next 6 sc. Ch 4, sc in next 14 sc, 3 sc in next sc, sc in next 14 sc. Sl st in next sc. End off. Weave in ends.

* 3sctog: Insert hook in 1st st, draw up a loop, yo, draw through 1 loop on hook. Insert hook in next st, draw up a loop, yo, draw through 1 loop on hook. Insert hook in last st, draw up a loop, yo, draw through 1 loop on hook. yo, draw through all 4 loops on hook.

Using liquid starch, pin out your heart on tinfoil wrapped cardboard. Just add enough starch to wet your heart. You don't want an excess building up and discoloring your beautiful heart.

Heart Flower

To make a heart flower, crochet 4 hearts in the same color. Using whatever color of green you desire, measure how long you want your stem and chain however many chains you need to reach this length, plus three. I chained 75, then starting in 3rd ch from hook, I did 1 dc in each chain across for a total of 72 dc. You can shape the stem any ehich way when you pin it out to stiffen it. For the leaf, I used my very own hand carved wooden stamp. My next post will be all about  how to hand carve your very own stamps. This gives you a reason to check back,  (I hope) !                                                                                                                                                                         

As always. my free patterns are yours to do with as you wish, except you my not sell my patterns.
Until next time.









Lattice Heart

Here  are the crocheted hearts I promised. Today I'm publishing the free pattern for "lattice Heart".  The others pictured will follow shortly. I'm not a very good card maker. I have no illusions of grandeur. I just wanted to show the more talented card makers out there a vague idea of what they could make with my crochet heart patterns.


Lattice Heart

 I used size 10 DMC cebelia and a number 11 steel crochet hook, but this works up nice with size 20 thread too. First, you need to cut off a length of thread from the ball for a padded cord (pc) that is worked around the border. I spooled out about a yard, doubled over the thread and spooled out another yard. I then took the 2 loose ends and tied them around a Popsicle stick (or a pencil). Then I wound both threads around until I had the doubled over end on top. Set aside and save for later.

This pattern is worked in rows.

Row 1. Ch 8, sc in 1st ch, ch 5, tr in same sc, turn. (Ch 5, tr count as ch 8 through out pattern.)

Row 2. Ch 8, sc in same space. Ch 6, sc, ch 5, tr in next ch 8 space. Turn.

Row 3. Ch 8, sc in same space. Ch 6, sc in next ch 6 space. Ch 6, sc, ch 5, tr in next ch 8 space. Turn.

Row 4. Ch 8, sc in same ch 8 space. (Ch 6, sc in next ch 6 space) twice. Ch 6, sc, ch 5, tr in next ch 8  space. Turn.

Row 5. Ch 8, sc in same ch 8 space. (Ch 6, sc in next ch 6 space) 3 times. Ch 6, sc, ch 5, tr in next ch 8 space. Turn.

Row 6. Ch 8, sc in same ch 8 space. (Ch 6, sc in next ch 6 space) 4 times. Ch 6, sc, ch 5, tr in next ch 8 space. Turn.

Row 7. Ch 8, sc in same ch 8 space. (Ch 6, sc in next ch 6 space) 5 times. Ch 6, sc, ch 5, tr in next ch 8 space. Turn.

Row 8. Ch 8, sc in same ch 8 space. (Ch 6, sc in next ch 6 space) 2 times. Ch 6, sc, sl st in next ch 6 space. Sl st in next sc. Sl st, sc in next ch 6 space. (Ch 6, sc in next ch 6 space) 2 times. Ch 6, sc, ch 5, tr in next ch 8 space. Turn.

Row 9. Sl st, sc in ch  8 sp. (Ch 6, sc in next ch 6 space) 3 times. Turn

Row 10. Sl st, sc in ch 6 space. (Ch 6, sc in next ch 6 space) twice. Turn

Row 11. Sl st, sc in ch 6 space. Ch 8 sc in next ch 6 sp.

End Off. Join thread w/ sl st in 5th ch 6 space of row 8. Sc in same space. (Ch 6, sc in next ch 6 sp) twice. Ch 6 sc in next ch 8 sp. Repeat Rows 10 and 11, but don't end off.

Border/Edging: sl st through bend of doubled over pc (padded cord) thread. 2 Sc over both pc strands, and in same ch sp on heart.Working counter clockwise around heart and over padded cord, make as follows: sc in next tr. sc, picot, sc in next ch space. (Picot is, ch 3 sl st in top of sc ). Sc in next tr. * 2 sc, picot, 1 sc in next ch sp. Sc in next tr.*  Repeat from * to * 7 times. Sc, hdc, Picot, hdc in next ch sp. Dc, tr, picot, dc in next sc (tip of heart). Hdc, picot, hdc, sc in next ch sp. Sc in next tr. (Sc, picot, 2 sc in net ch sp, sc in next tr) 7 times. Sc, picot sc in next ch sp. Sc in next sc. 2 sc in next ch sp.1 sc, picot in next sc. (4 sc, picot) 3 times in ch 8 space. Sc in next sc. 2 sc in next space. Sc, picot in next sc. Sc in next ch sp, sc in next sc, 2 sc in next ch sp. Sk next sc. 3sctog ( insert hook in ch sp, draw up a loop. Yo and draw through 1 loop on hook. Insert hook in next sl st. Draw up a loop. Yo and draw through 1 loop on hook. Insert hook in next ch sp. Yo and draw through 1 loop on hook. Yo and draw through all 4 loops on hook) in next ch sp, in middle sl st, and in next ch sp. Sk next sc, 2 sc in next ch sp. sc, picot in next sc. Sc in next ch sp, sc in net sc. 2 sc in next s. sc, picot in next sc. (4 sc, picot) 3 times. Sc in next sc. Join w/ sl st in first sc.

Here's a close up of the finished Lattice Heart. I pinned mine out on cardboard covered in tinfoil and starched it lightly with liquid starch. It doesn't need to be real stiff if your using it for card making. I hope you will share some of your own ideas you come up wit me. I look forward to it. Until next time.

Valentine Flake

Valentine Flake

Here it is. The 3rd flake in my series of heart inspired snowflakes. I won't call it my final flake. Because I know myself. I love hearts. I love snowflakes. There will be another. I never really truly saw myself this way. Being a coal miner by trade, my softer side was a little inhibited- OK, a lot inhibited. I'd call myself a tom boy even. When I was girl, my aunt tried to teach me to crochet with no success. Then a little over 4 years ago my young daughter received a crochet instruction book for her birthday. She was quit determined to learn, and then she turned to me for help with the stitches. I was mortified. I felt so guilty that my sweet girl had a coal miner for a mom. It wasn't her fault I had issues with 'girly' stuff. So, for the first time ever, I swallowed the tom boy's pride and really tried. I spent 24 hours working through the basic stitches so I could show her. I got her working on her merry way, and much to my surprise, I didn't want to put my daughter's hook down. I was so ashamed going into the 5 and dime the next day to buy my own hook. I didn't have anymore excuse to crochet. To my extreme embarrassment, I liked it... OK, I loved it! I couldn't stop. It became an obsession. It's how I relax. It was amazing how quickly the stress and exhaustion of mining would wash away as I crocheted those tiny stitches. Once I couldn't hide my girly side anymore, the flood gates opened. It wasn't long before my passion for hearts was born. And snowflakes. And stars.(yes, stars too.) I love creating beautiful things- even if their only purpose is beauty. I love sharing those things with you. (Even though I type like a coal miner, and my computer stinks.) I take pride hearing how much you enjoy my creations. Speaking of creations, and sharing them, I should get back to it.

I originally made this with size 12 pearl cotton. It worked up tiny and almost fragile looking. It was pretty. The glue I used then destroyed it, however. But if you get adventurous you should try it. This one was made with size 20 burgundy and white dmc cebelia.

1. With white, make a magic ring, (3 sc, ch 3) 5 times. Ch 3, sl st in first sc to join.
2. Sc in next sc, * ch 15, sl st in 3rd ch from hook (couns as ch 2 space) and in next 12 ch. Ch 1, sk next sc, sc, hdc, dc, ch 3, dc, hdc, sc in next ch 3 loop. Ch 1, sk next sc,sc in next sc. Repeat from * to *, around. Join w/ sl st in first sc. End off and weave in ends.
3. With Burgundy, Join w/ sl st to any ch 3 space. Begin working in rows.  

                  Row 1: Ch 1, sc in ch 3 loop. Ch 2, turn. (turning ch 2 counts as 1st sc in next row.)

Row 2: 2 sc in sc. ( 3 sc in row). Ch 3, turn. (counts as 1st dc in next row.)              

Row 3: Dcin same sc as ch 3, dc in next sc, 2 dc in last sc. (5 dc in row.) Ch 2, turn.

  Row 4: 1 sc in same dc as ch 2. (Sc in next dc) 3 times, 2 sc in last dc. (7 sc in row.)  

Ch 3, turn.                                                                                         

Row 5: 1 dc in same sc as ch 3, (1dc in next sc) twice, sc in next dc, (1 dc in next sc)

twice. 2 dc in last sc. ( 8 dc, 1sc). Ch 2, turn.                                      

Row 6:  Sk first dc, (sc in next dc) 3 times, sl st in center sc, (sc in next dc) 4 times.    

(8 sc, 1 sl st). Ch 2, turn.                                                                      

Row 7: Sk first sc, dc in next sc, hdc in next sc, sc in next sc, sl st in center sl st, sc in  

next sc, hdc in next sc, dc in next sc, sc in last sc. End off. weave in ends.

  Repeat in each ch 3 space around.                                                                                                             

   4. W/ white, join w/ sl st in ch 2 space of round 3 (top of ch 15). * Ch 6, sl st in                                      

        back loop of end sc on row 6  on right side of heart. Ch 10, dc in 3rd ch from hook,  hdc in next ch,   ch 2, sl st in next ch (6th ch of ch 10). Ch 7, 2 dc in 3rd ch from hook, ch 3, 2 dc in 3rd ch from hook. Ch 1, sc in ch 4 of previous ch 7, sl st in next 3 ch. Ch 5, dc in 3rd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, ch 2, sl st in next ch (5th ch of ch 5). Sl st in 5th ch of ch 10. Ch 5, sl st in back loop of sc on row 6 on left side of same heart. Ch 6, sc in next ch 2 space. Ch 4, 2 dc in 3rd ch from hook. Ch 3, 2 dc in 3rd ch from hook. Ch 1, sc in last ch of previous ch 4. Sl st in top of sc.* Repeat from * to * around. End off. Weave in ends.

So sorry about the above goof. I fixed it the best I could. Like I said, I can't type. Here is a close up of Valentine Flake, in case you need it.

            

         Also, as a preview to my next upcoming post, and since I used this particular snowflake, I wanted to share this valentine card idea with you.    

                 

                                                    

Heart Flake

Heart Flake

Here is the second of my valentine themed snowflake pattern. I hope you like it as much as I do. This is the 2nd of 3 free crochet patterns. I am having a lot of fun working on crafts for Valentine's Day. Sure beats going underground, but the moneys not as good! I'm looking forward to sharing some of the creations formulating in The Laboratory.  I am working on some crochet heart patterns for card making, as well as some hand carved wooden stamps. All of which I plan to share. But, that's another day...Today is my Heart Flake pattern. I used size 30 DMC cebelia, I love the fine, pearl cotton threads. I used a size 14 steel hook. I think the smaller the thread and hook the more delicate and lace like your snowflake appears. But, use what you like. It doesn't matter. There is no gauge or tension to worry about. If you use size 10 thread you'll end up with larger snowflakes, and that's o.k. Just have fun!

Patter stitch guide

double treble (dtr): yo 3 times, insert hook in indicated stitch, draw up a loop, (yo draw through 2 loops on hook) 4 times.

double single crochet:  Insert hook in indicated st, draw up a loop, yo draw through 1 loop on hook, yo, insert hook in same st, draw up a loop, yo, draw through 1 loop on hook, yo, draw through all 4 loops on hook.

Long Treble (ltr); Wrap yarn around hook 5 times. insert hook in ch 3 space, draw up a loop, (yo, draw through 2 lops on hook) 5 times.

4 treble together (4trtog):  yo twice, insert hook in 4th ch from hook, draw up a loop, (yo, draw through 2 loops on hook,) twice,  [yo twice, insert hook in next ch, draw up a loop, (yo draw through 2 loops on hook) 2 times,] 3 times, yo, draw through all 5 loops on hook.

4 double crochet together (4dctog):  yo, insert hook in 3rd ch from hook, draw up a loop, yo, draw through 2 loops on hook, (yo, insert hook in next ch, draw up a loop, yo draw through 2 loops on hook) 3 times, yo, draw through all 5 loops on hook.

1. In magic ring, 6 sc, join / sl st in first sc.
2. Ch 14 (counts as dtr and ch 9), ch 9, dtr in next sc, around. Join w/ sl st in 5th ch of beginning ch 14.
3. Sl st into ch 9 space. 4 dsc, ch 3, 4 dsc in each ch 9 space around. Do not join.
4. *Ch 2, sc in 1st ch from hook. Ch 9, 4trtog in 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th ch from hook. Ch 8, 4dctog in 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th ch from hook. Ch 7, sc in 5th ch from hook. Ch 6, sl st in sc. Ch 4 sl st in sc. Sl st in last 2 ch of ch 7. Sl st in top of 4dctog, ch 3, 4 dc in 3rd ch from hook. Sl st in 3rd ch of ch 8 (same ch as bottom of 4dctog), and in next 2 ch. Sl st in top of 4trtog. Ch 4, 4 tr in in 4th ch from hook. Sl st in 3rd ch of ch 9 (same ch as bottom of 4trtog), and in next 2 ch. Ch 2, sc in 2nd ch from hook. Sl st in next dsc. Ch 11, sk next 3 dsc, ltr in ch 3 space, ch 11, sk next 3 dsc, sl st in next dsc*. Repeat from * to* around. Join w/ sl st in beginning sc. End off. When  I weave in ends, I sew the 1st 2 "ch 2, sc in 2nd ch" together, so they don't pull apart and it gives a more uniform look.

I also like to use #12 pearl cotton thread. It  comes in such a variety of color and works up well with #11 hook (I even used # 14, in this instance).

Imagine a whole flurry of  heart flakes in all sorts of pastel colors, fluttering in a door jam or window seal. I think I may have to work that up and share a photo with you. I like to pin my snowflakes out on dense cork board (or a tinfoil covered cardboard box), and stiffen using liquid starch. Especially when using the pearl cottons as it allows the luster of the thread to show better than with glue. But if glue is all you have on hand, by all means use glue. I would dilute it a little first, however.

This pattern may not be sold, but you can do whatever else you so desire. And whatever you make from it is yours to do with what you wish.

Until next time.

Keys to My Heart Flake

Keys to My Heart Flake

I have a passion for all things hearts, and another love for snowflakes. It was only a matter of time before I would think to combine two of my favorite things.This one has two different variations, depending on how you pin it when you starch the snowflake. So, here it is, as promised. The first of Three valentine themed free snowflake patterns. My crochet patterns are free to do with as you please with one exception: you may not sell my pattern.

Pattern Stitch Guide:

Long Treble (ltr): yo 6 times, draw up a loop in indicated st. (yo and draw through 2 loops on hook) 7   times.

4 double crochet together (4 dc tog): *yo, draw up a loop in bottom 2 loops of hdc, yo, draw through 2 loops on hook* (yo,draw up a loop in bottom of next dc, yo draw through 2 loops on hook) twice. repeat from * to * yo draw through all 5 loops on hook.

3 double crochet together (3 dc tog):  yo. draw up a loop in last 4dctog, yo and pull through 2 loops on hook, yo over and draw up a loop in next dc, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook. yo and draw up a loop in next 4dctog, yo and draw through all 4 loops on hook.

red flake                                                                                            purple flake

Size 20 DMC cebelia                                                          size 10 crochet thread

# 14 steel hook                                                                               #11 steel hook

use whatever you want.                                                                                        

1. Make a magic ring. Ch 9 (counts as ltr and ch 3), (ltr in magic ring, ch 3) 10 more times. Join with sl st in 6th ch of beginning ch 9. Pull magic ring closed.
2. * sl st into ch 3 sp, on wrong side of ch 3 sp hdc,dc,dc,hdc,sl st. (You may have to slide stitches around ch 3 sp w/ your fingers). Sl st in ltr (helps tack stiches to wrong side).* Repeat from * to * 5 times. Join w/ sl st in ltr.
3. Ch 7 (counts as dc and chain 4), *4dctog (see pattern guide), dc in ltr (not in sl st on top), 4 dctog, ch 4, dc in next ltr, ch 4* repeat fm * to * 5 more times. Join w/ sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch 7.
4. Ch 14 (counts as dc and ch 10), * 3dctog (see pattern guide), ch 7, dc in dc, ch 7, * repeat from *to* 5 times. Join w/ sl st in 3rd ch of beginning ch 10.
5. Ch 14 (counts as tr and ch 10), ltr ( yo 5 times, not 6 throughout round) in next 3dctog, *[ ch 7, sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, dc in next ch. Ch 3, sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next ch. Ch 5, sc in 2nd ch from hook, ch 2 sc in next ch of ch 5, hdc in next ch, dc in next ch. Ch 2, sl st in top of dc, sl st down back side of key (I did 7 sl st, but you should do whatever looks even to keep it from bunching). sl st in 2 remaining chs from ch 7, sl st in top of ltr]. Ch 10, tr in next dc, ch 10, ltr (yo 5 times) in next 3dctog.* Repeat from * to * 5 times. repeat from [ to ] once. Ch 10, sl st in 4th ch of beginning ch 14. End off and weave in ends.

When pinning out your snowflake to stiffen it, you may pin it a little different, if you prefer. Like Thus:

I couldn't decide which I liked more, so I'll let you decide. See the difference below:

It's not much, but it's there. Pin out your snowflake,as desired, to dense cork board or a cardboard box wrapped in tinfoil or plastic. After you have pinned out your flake, apply your stiffener with a paint brush or sponge. I prefer bottled starch over glue. It allows you to see the fine stitches and the beautiful luster of the pearl cotton threads that I love so much to use. Just add a little at a time and allow the thread to soak it up. You only need enough to wet the thread. This particular snowflake has a tendency for excess starch to sit on top (which dries crusty, icky!). If your snowflake turns out ugly, because of excessive starch, Just rinse out with warm water and repin. Restarch if necessary. Two light coats are far superior than one heavy starching. I often add another coat after the first dries.

I hope you enjoyed this free crochet snowflake pattern. Remember, I have 2 more heart flakes on the way, so if you liked this one, check back soon.

Debut Flake

Hello. I'm an unemployed coal miner with a ton of time on my hands-and not a lot of money. In order to keep busy and/or sane, I have really developed my creative side. I spend a large portion of my idle time in my back room that my mom recently dubbed "The Laboratory". I have wanted to share my creations for some time and have finally braved the woes of my windows vista inhibited computer to bring to life my first contribution.

This is my "debut flake", a first appearance. I hope you like it. The pattern is free, all I ask is that you don't sell the pattern.

                                                      Debut Flake                                    

size 30 ( I used DMC cebelia)

#14 steel hook

Round 1. 6 sc in a magic ring. Join in 1st sc w/ sl st.

Round 2. ch 14 (counts as dtr and ch 9) in same sc as join. [ch 9, dtr in next sc] 4 times. Ch 9, sl st in 5th ch of beginning ch 14.

Round 3. Ch 5 (counts as dtr). *dtr in next ch, tr in next ch, dc in nect ch, hdc in next ch, sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, dc in next ch, tr in next ch, dtr in next ch* dtr in next dtr** . Repeat from * to **around, ending at last *. Sl st in top of beginning ch 5.

Round 4. Ch 1, 2 sc in same st as join. *1 sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc*. Repeat from * to *  around. Join w/ sl st in first sc.

Round 5. Sl st in next 8 st. (you want to be in the st above the hdc on the left side of the sc from round 3). *ch 21, sk the next 12 sc, sl st in next 3 sc*. Repeat from * to * 5 times, ending with 1 sl st  in next sc.(middle sl st is directly above sc from round 3). No join.

Round 6. Sl st in next in next sc, ch 1 sc in same st. * Ch 12, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in next 7 ch. Ch 10, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in next 6 ch. Ch 9, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in next 5 ch. Ch 21, sl st in 1st ch. Ch 7 sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in next 5 ch. Sl st 2 remaining ch of ch 9. Ch 8 sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in next 6 ch. Sl st in remaining 3 ch of ch 10. Ch 9, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in next 7 ch. Sl st in remaining 4 ch of ch 12. Sl st in top of sc.* Sl st in chain 21 space. Ch 1, sc in same space. 9 sc in same space, ** sc into 11th ch of ch 21. Ch 13, sl st in 1st ch. Sc in 11th ch. 10 sc in same ch 21 space. Sc in middle sl st.**[ Repeat from * to *,  in next ch 21 sp do 10 sc, repeat from** to **] 5 times. Join w/ sl st to first sc. End off. Weave in ends.

To Finish, pin snowflake onto dense cork board or  a cardboard box covered with tinfoil or plastic wrap. The big diamonds are pinned in 5th, 10th, and 15th ch; while the small diamonds are pinned in the 3rd, 6th and 9th chs. For starching I like to use liquid starch. The stitches and luster of your thread are more visible this way. You may use glue or fabric stiffener if desired. I usually paint my stiffener on with a brush after my snowflake is pinned. However you may dip your snowflake in a plastic Ziploc with your preferred stiffener, and after blotting off excess with a paper towel, pin out your snowflake.

I hope you enjoyed my free crochet snow flake pattern. Check back because there are more free patterns to follow. Including some valentine flakes, and other projects too- not just snowflakes. Be sure to let me know if there are issues or you need any help with my pattern.