How to knit the fastest heart
Published on September 8, 2026 by Merion
Knitted hearts can be stitched on to jumpers, hats, scarves, made into brooches, cards – you can do so much with this sweet little appliqué motif! Merion’s written you a little pattern, with a video from the delightful Katie of the Queen Stitch to match!
Valentine’s Day is coming – wouldn’t it be so lovely to make a little handmade gift this year? This little heart pattern is perfect for sticking to just about anything! Dig into your stash and find some red or pink yarn – or indeed any yarn you love – and knit a heart! In the video below, Katie has used Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky and 6mm needles, but you can make yours with any size yarn with needles to match – the larger the yarn and needles, the larger your heart will be, and the smaller the yarn and needles, the smaller your finished heart. So many possibilities!
Abbreviations
K - Knit
SSK - Slip slip knit
K2TOG - Knit two together
Step-by-step how to knit a heart:
1. Cast on 1 stitch, and knit into the front and back then turn and knit the row.
2. Knit into the front and back of each stitch, turn and knit the next row. (4)
3. Knit into the front and back of the first stitch, knit to the last stitch, and knit into the front and back of the last stitch, turn and knit the next row. (6)
4. Knit into the front and back of the first stitch, knit to the last stitch, and knit into the front and back of the last stitch, turn and knit the next row. (8)
5. Knit into the front and back of the first stitch, knit to the last stitch, and knit into the front and back of the last stitch, turn and knit the next row. (10)
6. Knit into the front and back of the first stitch, knit to the last stitch, and knit into the front and back of the last stitch, turn and knit the next row. (12)
7. Knit four rows.
8. Knit 6 and turn
9. K1, SSK, knit to end and turn
10. Knit the row
11. K1, SSK, K2TOG and turn
12. Knit the row and turn
13. Cast off
14. Rejoin the yarn and K1, SSK, knit to end and turn
15. Knit the row and turn
16. K1, SSK, K2TOG and turn
17. Knit the row
18. Cast off, and sew in ends.
Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky
Simply Chunky from Paintbox Yarns is available in almost every colour imaginable! There are 60 shades to choose from in their extensive palette, from bright primary colours to rich jewel tones and pretty pastels. Perfect for children's clothes and quick chunky accessories, this soft and versatile acrylic is knitted on 6mm needles. Best of all, Paintbox Yarns have a huge array of patterns that are absolutely free!
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