Heart Affairs

Heart Affairs Crochet Shawl by Tanja Osswald

What Is Being Made

Heart Affairs is an advanced crochet shawl designed by Tanja Osswald. This elegant accessory features a distinctive lace pattern that forms a row of hearts across its length. The shawl functions as a versatile scarf that can be worn in multiple ways, making it both a decorative and practical garment. Unblocked, the finished piece measures approximately 25 cm wide by 115 cm long, expanding to 30 cm × 150 cm after blocking. With regular handling and wear, the shawl settles to approximately 27 cm × 128 cm, allowing for natural stretching and movement.

Crochet Techniques and Construction

This design showcases advanced slip stitch crochet work, a specialized technique that creates delicate, refined fabric with excellent drape. The shawl is constructed using slip stitches throughout, which are fundamental to achieving the intricate lace pattern. Slip stitches involve inserting the hook through both loops of the next stitch, yarning over, and drawing through all loops on hook in a single motion. This technique produces a dense, structured fabric ideal for lace patterns while maintaining the flexibility needed for a wearable shawl.

Stitches Used

• Slip stitch (slst) – the primary stitch used throughout the pattern, inserted through both loops to create the foundational lace structure
• Chain stitch (ch) – used for foundation and pattern transitions
• Flat pattern stitches – the pattern alternates between stitch F on right side rows and stitch iB on wrong side rows to create the heart motif

Materials and Gauge

Heart Affairs is worked in Hedgehog Fibers Merino Aran yarn in the colorway Vengeance, requiring 150 grams of yarn total. A 9 mm crochet hook is used to work the pattern. Optional stitch markers may be used to track pattern repeats and construction points.

The gauge is measured at 14 stitches and 14 rows per 10 cm × 10 cm in the flat pattern when unstretched. After blocking, the gauge stretches to approximately 13 stitches and 13 rows per 10 cm, demonstrating the significant blocking transformation that enhances the lace pattern and overall drape of the finished shawl.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as advanced, suitable for experienced crocheters who are comfortable working with slip stitch techniques and reading complex lace patterns. The heart motif requires attention to stitch placement and pattern consistency throughout the length of the shawl.