Heart Pillow Crochet Pattern For Romantic Home Decor
Finished Size: Approximately 14 inches (36 cm) tall and 16 inches (41 cm) wide
Skill Level: Beginner
Estimated Time: 2-4 hours
Hook Size: 5 mm
Yarn: bulky yarn
Notions: Yarn needle, stitch marker, polyfill
Gauge: Approximately 9 sc x 11 rounds = 4 inches with 5 mm hook
Reasons You'll Enjoy Making This
There is something quietly satisfying about working a few simple stitches into a shape that looks like a little heart, and this pillow lets you do exactly that. Using a 5 mm hook and one skein of bulky yarn, you will work in rows of single crochet and half double crochet, building two identical panels that measure roughly 14 inches (36 cm) tall and 16 inches (41 cm) wide once assembled. The bulky weight means your fabric grows quickly, the stitches stay plump and squishable, and the finished pillow has that soft, cushy feel you want to lean against on the couch. Because the skill level is marked Beginner, every step stays in friendly territory: chaining, turning, and sewing two flat pieces together around a pillow form.
The texture comes from the rhythm of the stitches themselves. A row of single crochet gives you a smooth, even surface, while a row of half double crochet adds a slightly bumpier ridge that catches the light along the curves of the heart. You will count your stitches at the end of each row to keep the edges straight, and a simple single crochet border finishes the shape with a tidy little frame. There is no gauge swatch to wrestle with, no decreases to learn, and no color changes to manage, so you can settle into a calm, repetitive groove from the very first chain.
This pillow feels right at home on a reading chair, a nursery shelf, or the middle of a bed piled with winter quilts. It also makes a thoughtful handmade gift for a friend who has just moved into a new place, since a soft heart on the sofa says welcome home without needing a card. Crocheters who like quick projects with a big visual payoff tend to reach for patterns like this one, because a single evening of stitching can turn a skein of bulky yarn into something you actually use every day.
Quick Notes for Success
Your Supply List
| Material | Details |
|---|---|
| Yarn | bulky yarn in red |
| Hook | 5 mm crochet hook |
| Stuffing | Polyfill or fiberfill |
| Eyes | Safety eyes or embroidery thread |
| Extras | Yarn needle, stitch markers, scissors |
Gauge: Approximately 9 sc x 11 rounds = 4 inches with 5 mm hook. Not critical but aim for tight, even stitches, if stuffing shows through, go down one hook size.
The Stitches, Explained
Note: This pattern uses US crochet terms. All rounds are worked in flat pieces sewn unless stated otherwise. Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round.
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| sc | Single crochet |
| inc | Increase (2 sc in same stitch) |
| dec | Decrease (sc 2 together) |
| sl st | Slip stitch |
| ch | Chain |
Step-by-Step Crochet Instructions
heart, red yarn
Row 1: Ch 16, sc in 2nd ch from hook and across (15)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc across (15)
Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc across (15)
Row 4: Ch 1, turn, sc across (15)
Row 5: Ch 1, turn, sc across (15)
Row 6: Ch 1, turn, sc across (15)
heart motif, red yarn
Row 1: Ch 15, sc in 2nd ch from hook and across (14)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc across (14)
Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc across (14)
Row 4: Ch 1, turn, sc across (14)
Row 5: Ch 1, turn, sc across (14)
Row 6: Ch 1, turn, sc across (14)
Row 7: Ch 1, turn, sc across (14)
Row 8: Ch 1, turn, sc across (14)
shawl body, red yarn
Row 1: Ch 62, sc in 2nd ch from hook and across (61)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc across (61)
Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc across (61)
Row 4: Ch 1, turn, sc across (61)
Row 5: Ch 1, turn, sc across (61)
Row 6: Ch 1, turn, sc across (61)
Row 7: Ch 1, turn, sc across (61)
Row 8: Ch 1, turn, sc across (61)
Row 9: Ch 1, turn, sc across (61)
Row 10: Ch 1, turn, sc across (61)
Row 11: Ch 1, turn, sc across (61)
Row 12: Ch 1, turn, sc across (61)
Row 13: Ch 1, turn, sc across (61)
Row 14: Ch 1, turn, sc across (61)
Row 15: Ch 1, turn, sc across (61)
Row 16: Ch 1, turn, sc across (61)
Row 17: Ch 1, turn, sc across (61)
Row 18: Ch 1, turn, sc across (61)
Row 19: Ch 1, turn, sc across (61)
lacy border, red yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc around (12)
Rnd 3: dec around (6)
Rnd 4: fasten off, close hole (6)
hanging strap, red yarn
Rnd 1: Ch 26, join with sl st to form ring, sc in each ch around (25)
Rnd 2: sc around (25)
Rnd 3: sc around (25)
Fasten off. Do not stuff.
Final Stitch Counts
- heart: 15 stitches at widest point
- heart motif: 14 stitches at widest point
- shawl body: 61 stitches at widest point
- lacy border: 12 stitches at widest point
- hanging strap: 25 stitches at widest point
Putting the Pieces Together
1. Stuff shawl body firmly with polyfill for stability. Shape as you go, pressing and molding to match the reference photo. Add extra stuffing to the base for a sturdy foundation.
2. Sew heart in place following the reference photo. Pin first to check positioning, then whipstitch with matching yarn, weaving in the ends securely.
3. Sew heart motif in place following the reference photo. Pin first to check positioning, then whipstitch with matching yarn, weaving in the ends securely.
4. Sew lacy border in place following the reference photo. Pin first to check positioning, then whipstitch with matching yarn, weaving in the ends securely.
5. Sew hanging strap in place following the reference photo. Pin first to check positioning, then whipstitch with matching yarn, weaving in the ends securely.
6. Check all seams are secure. Gently tug each attached piece to test. Trim any loose yarn ends with sharp scissors. Weave in all remaining tails with a needle, passing through at least 3 stitches in each direction to prevent unraveling. Give the finished piece a gentle squeeze to distribute stuffing evenly and shape the final form.
Helpful Tips and Cleaning Advice
These tips will help you crochet a clean, well-finished decoration:
- Consistent tension: Keep your gauge even throughout. Looser stitches show gaps; tighter ones make stiff fabric.
- Swatch first: Make a small a small practice piece before starting. It saves time and disappointment later.
- Count every round: A single missed increase or decrease changes the entire shape. Count before moving on.
- Use stitch markers: Place one in the first stitch of every round, it is the easiest way to stay on track.
Caring for your heart pillow:
- Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent, no machine washing.
- Air dry flat, away from direct sunlight. Sun fades colors faster than you think.
- Block lightly after washing to keep the finished shape crisp.
- Spot clean small stains with a damp cloth instead of washing the whole piece.
Common Questions About This Pattern
What yarn should I use for the heart pillow?
Choose a bulky weight yarn in any color you love, since the heart pillow works up beautifully in soft pinks, classic reds, or even modern neutrals like mustard or sage. Bulky yarn gives the heart pillow that plush, squishable texture that makes it perfect as a decorative accent. Just check the yarn label to confirm it is labeled as bulky or weight category 5 before starting.
How long will it take me to crochet the heart pillow?
Most crocheters finish the heart pillow in 2-4 hours, depending on your pace and how many breaks you take. Since bulky yarn works up quickly with a 5 mm hook, even first-time makers often complete it in a single afternoon. The simple shaping keeps the project moving steadily without any tricky sections.
Is this heart pillow pattern beginner-friendly?
Yes, this heart pillow is rated as a Beginner pattern, so it only uses basic stitches like single crochet, half double crochet, and simple increases and decreases. You will work in two easy flat pieces and seam them together, with no advanced techniques required. If you can crochet a basic rectangle, you can absolutely make this heart pillow.
Can I sell finished heart pillows made from this pattern?
You are welcome to sell finished heart pillows that you crochet from this pattern, whether at craft fairs, online shops, or local boutiques. Many crocheters love making these as gifts or small business items, especially around Valentine's Day or wedding season. Just please do not resell or redistribute the written pattern itself.
What if I want to make the heart pillow in a different size?
To resize the heart pillow, simply adjust your starting chain or use a different hook size while keeping the bulky yarn.
Explore More Free Crochet Patterns
Love this pattern? Check out more free crochet patterns: