Are you looking for a way to add a touch of love and creativity to your life? Knitting a heart is a great way to do just that. It’s a simple and enjoyable project that’s perfect for beginners, and it can be used to create a variety of heart-shaped items, such as coasters, ornaments, and even stuffed animals. In this article, we’ll provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to knit a heart, along with some tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect results.
To get started, you’ll need some basic knitting supplies, such as yarn, needles, and a tapestry needle. You can choose any type of yarn you like, but we recommend using a medium-weight yarn for this project. You’ll also need a pair of knitting needles that are the appropriate size for the yarn you’re using. Once you have your supplies, you’re ready to begin knitting!
The first step is to cast on 20 stitches. To do this, make a slip knot and place it on your left-hand needle. Then, insert the right-hand needle into the loop on the left-hand needle and hook the yarn from behind. Pull the yarn through the loop and onto the right-hand needle. Repeat this process until you have 20 stitches on your right-hand needle. The next step is to knit all 20 stitches. To knit a stitch, insert the right-hand needle into the first stitch on the left-hand needle from left to right. Then, hook the yarn from behind and pull it through the stitch. Lift the new stitch off the left-hand needle and onto the right-hand needle.
Creating the Heart’s Base
To begin knitting the heart, cast on 3 stitches (st) using your preferred casting-on method. These stitches will form the center point of the heart.
Establishing the Heart’s Shape
**Row 1:** Knit 1 (k1), increase 1 stitch (inc 1) by knitting into the front and back of the next stitch, k1. (3 st)
**Row 2:** K1, inc 1, k1, inc 1, k1. (5 st)
**Row 3:** K1, inc 1, k2, inc 1, k1. (7 st)
**Row 4:** K1, inc 1, k3, inc 1, k1. (9 st)
**Row 5:** K1, inc 1, k4, inc 1, k1. (11 st)
Continue knitting, increasing 1 stitch at each end of every row until you reach the desired width for the heart. Remember to knit the rest of the stitches in between the increases.
Shaping the Heart’s Curvature
Creating the heart’s distinctive curvature requires strategic decreases. Follow these steps:
Decreasing at Row Ends
On the right side of the heart, knit two stitches together at the end of the first stitch and knit one at the end of the last stitch. On the wrong side, purl two stitches together at the beginning and end of the row.
Creating a Central Decrease
For rows with an odd number of stitches, divide the stitches into three sections: the left and right quarters (equal in number) and the center section (one stitch fewer). Knit the left quarter, slip the center stitch onto the right-hand needle, knit two stitches together, pass the slipped stitch over the knit-together stitches, and knit the right quarter.
For rows with an even number of stitches, divide the stitches into four sections: two side quarters (equal in number), a center section (two stitches fewer), and a single stitch in the middle. Knit the first side quarter, slip the first center stitch onto the right-hand needle, knit two stitches together, pass the slipped stitch over the knit-together stitches, knit the middle stitch, slip the second center stitch onto the right-hand needle, knit two stitches together, pass the slipped stitch over the knit-together stitches, and knit the second side quarter.
Knitting the Heart’s Body
Cast On
Begin by casting on 12 stitches. Divide these stitches evenly onto two double-pointed needles (DPNs), with 6 stitches on each needle.
Rows 1-10
Knit all stitches on both needles for a total of 10 rows. This will create the base of the heart.
Rows 11-19 (Shaping the Top)
Row 11: Knit 2, knit 2 together, knit 6. Repeat on the second needle.
Row 12: Knit all stitches.
Row 13: Knit 2, knit 2 together, knit 4. Repeat on the second needle.
Rows 14-19: Repeat rows 12 and 13, decreasing two stitches on every odd row.
Rows 20-24 (Closing the Top)
Row 20: Knit 2, knit 2 together, knit 2. Repeat on the second needle.
Row 21: Knit all stitches.
Row 22: Knit 2, knit 2 together. Repeat on the second needle.
Rows 23-24: Bind off all stitches.
Casting Off and Finishing
When you have finished knitting your heart, you need to cast off the stitches to secure the edges and prevent them from unraveling.
Step 1: Knit two stitches.
Step 2: Lift the left-hand needle over the right-hand needle and slip the first stitch on the left-hand needle off the right-hand needle.
Step 3: Knit the next stitch on the left-hand needle.
Step 4: Lift the left-hand needle over the right-hand needle again and slip the first stitch on the left-hand needle off the right-hand needle.
Step 5: Repeat steps 3-4 until you have only one stitch remaining on the left-hand needle.
Step 6: Cut the yarn, leaving a tail of about 6 inches.
Step 7: Thread the tail of yarn through the last stitch on the left-hand needle and pull tight to secure.
To finish the heart, you can weave in any loose ends of yarn and add any embellishments, such as beads or sequins.
Embellishing with Embroidered Stitches
Embroidered stitches can add a touch of elegance and personality to your knitted heart. There are countless stitches to choose from, so you can let your creativity shine through.
French Knots
French knots create dainty, raised bumps on the fabric. To make a French knot, bring the needle up from the back of the fabric. Wrap the thread around the needle once and insert the needle back into the fabric, close to where it came up. Pull the needle through to form a loop. Now, wrap the thread around the needle again and insert it back through the loop. Pull the needle through to tighten the knot.
Backstitch
Backstitch is a versatile stitch that can be used to outline shapes or create lines. To make a backstitch, bring the needle up from the back of the fabric. Insert the needle back into the fabric a short distance behind where it came up. Bring the needle up again, a short distance in front of where it went in. Continue stitching in this way, creating a series of connected stitches.
Satin Stitch
Satin stitch is a smooth, filling stitch that can be used to create solid shapes. To make a satin stitch, bring the needle up from the back of the fabric. Insert the needle back into the fabric close to where it came up. Bring the needle up again, parallel to the first stitch and close to it. Continue stitching in this way, filling in the shape.
| Stitch | How to Make | Appearance |
|—|—|—|
| French Knot | Wrap thread around needle, insert through fabric, create loop, wrap again and pull through | Dainty, raised bumps |
| Backstitch | Insert needle behind previous stitch, bring up in front, repeat | Outline or lines |
| Satin Stitch | Parallel stitches close together | Solid shapes |
Tips for Beginners
1. Choose the right yarn and needles.
For beginners, it’s best to choose a light-colored yarn in a medium weight worsted or aran weight. This will make it easier to see your stitches and avoid mistakes.
2. Cast on the correct number of stitches.
The number of stitches you cast on will determine the size of your heart. For a small heart, cast on around 20 stitches. For a medium heart, cast on around 30 stitches. And for a large heart, cast on around 40 stitches.
3. Knit in the round.
To knit your heart in the round, you will need to join the ends of your cast-on row together. To do this, simply slip the first stitch onto the right-hand needle and then knit the next stitch. Then, slip the first stitch back onto the left-hand needle and continue knitting in the round.
4. Increase your stitches.
To create the shape of a heart, you will need to increase your stitches at the beginning and end of each row. To do this, simply knit two stitches into the first stitch on each row. Then, knit two stitches into the last stitch on each row.
5. Decrease your stitches.
Once your heart has reached the desired size, you will need to decrease your stitches to create the point at the top. To do this, simply knit two stitches together at the beginning and end of each row.
6. Bind off your stitches.
When you have decreased your stitches down to the last few, you will need to bind off your stitches to finish your heart. To do this, simply cut the yarn, leaving a tail of about 6 inches. Then, thread the tail through the last stitch on your left-hand needle and pull it tight.
7. Weave in your ends.
Once you have bound off your stitches, you will need to weave in your ends to secure them. To do this, simply use a yarn needle to thread the end of the yarn through the back of the stitches on the wrong side of your work. Then, trim the end of the yarn close to the fabric.
8. Embroider the details.
If you want to add some extra detail to your heart, you can embroider on the details. To do this, simply use a needle and thread to sew on the details you want. You can embroider on eyes, a nose, a mouth, or even a little bow.
9. Stuff your heart.
Once you have embroidered on the details, you can stuff your heart with fiberfill or cotton balls. To do this, simply open up the bottom of the heart and stuff it with the fiberfill. Then, sew the bottom of the heart closed.
How to Knit a Heart
Knitting a heart is a fun and easy way to make a cute and cuddly gift. With just a few simple stitches, you can create a heart that is perfect for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or any other special occasion.
To knit a heart, you will need:
- Worsted weight yarn in your desired color
- Knitting needles size US 7 (4.5 mm)
- Yarn needle
Once you have your materials, you can follow these steps to knit a heart:
1. Cast on 15 stitches.
2. Knit 1 row.
3. Purl 1 row.
4. Knit 2 rows.
5. Knit 3 stitches, then make 1 increase stitch.
6. Knit 9 stitches.
7. Make 1 increase stitch, then knit 3 stitches.
8. Repeat steps 5-7.
9. Knit 1 row.
10. Purl 1 row.
11. Bind off all stitches.
12. Weave in the loose ends.
Your heart is now complete! You can stuff it with cotton or yarn scraps to give it a more 3D shape.
