Red Heart US Crochet Patterns

Choosing a Red Heart crochet pattern: blankets, babywear and more

Red Heart is one of America's best-known yarn brands, with a pattern library running from a chunky Red Heart blanket to baby layettes, wreaths and garments. As a US company, Red Heart writes patterns in US crochet terms, so a US "single crochet" (sc) is a UK double crochet (dc), and a US "double crochet" (dc) is a UK treble (tr). Print a conversion chart before starting any Red Heart pattern crochet project, especially if you're mixing UK and US designs in the same project bag.

Many designs are Red Heart free crochet patterns, downloadable as PDFs so you can have hooks in hand within minutes. For more no-cost designs, browse our free crochet patterns collection.

Which Red Heart blanket pattern should you make?

Blankets and throws are where Red Heart really shines, since the yarn's washability suits anything that sees heavy use on a sofa or in a cot. The Aran Hearts Throw uses classic cabling in Red Heart Soft for a textured finish, while the Flower Garden Throw is built from joined motifs, making it a take-anywhere project since each piece finishes in an evening. For a more graphic look, the Circles into Squares Throw in Red Heart Detroit plays with colour-blocking rather than florals. For a nursery, the Nine Block Baby Blanket and Rickrack Rainbow Baby Blanket are scaled down and quicker to finish than a full-size throw. For other baby-sized options, see our free crochet baby blanket patterns.

Yarn weight, hook size and why acrylic works so well

Red Heart Soft, Super Saver and With Love are all worsted/Aran-weight acrylics, which is why they turn up so often here — a 4.5–5.5mm (US G/7 to I/9) hook gives good stitch definition without the fabric going stiff. Acrylic also suits costume pieces like the Superstitious Black Cat Wreath or Circle of Skulls Wreath: it holds its shape, doesn't felt if damp, and is machine washable, which matters for anything handled by trick-or-treaters or small children. Wool would need handwashing and could felt in a tumble dryer, so acrylic is the practical choice. For garments like the Crochet Crew Sweater or Crochet Loop-Cable Vest, a soft acrylic blend keeps the finished piece lightweight rather than heavy.

Skill level and techniques you'll actually use

Most Red Heart crochet patterns sit in the easy-to-intermediate range. Amigurumi pieces like the Agave & Aloe Crochet Cactus or toys such as Little Lamb and My Furry Bunny rely mainly on single crochet worked in a spiral, making them a good next step once you're past absolute beginner level. Filet crochet, as used in the Fantastic Filet Bandana, introduces chart-reading and spaced stitches, while cabled pieces like the Aran Hearts Throw teach front-post and back-post stitches. If you're newer to the hook, start with a simple granny square or browse our free crochet patterns for beginners before tackling cables or filet work.

Timing seasonal makes and gifting

If you're planning a Crochet Holly Stocking or ornaments like the Snowflake Ornament Crochet and Raccoon Ornament, start well before the festive season — a fully stitched and stuffed stocking can take several evenings once you add trims, while a single ornament might only take an hour or two, making these ideal for batch-making as gifts. Baby garments such as the Sweet Bunny Hat or Birthday Bear for a Prince also make lovely handmade gifts and work up quickly enough for a last-minute baby shower. For more festive inspiration, try our Christmas crochet patterns.

• Check whether a pattern is written in US or UK terms before you begin
• Use a 4.5–5.5mm hook as a starting point for worsted-weight Red Heart yarns
• Choose acrylic for washable costumes, toys and children's items
• Join small motifs as you go to avoid a big seaming session at the end

Frequently asked questions

Are Red Heart crochet patterns written in UK or US terms? US terminology, since Red Heart is an American brand, so a US single crochet equals a UK double crochet — check a conversion chart if you usually work from British patterns.

Can I substitute a different yarn for Red Heart in these patterns? Yes, as long as you match the weight (most are worsted/Aran) and check your tension swatch against the pattern's gauge, particularly for fitted garments like the Crochet Crew Sweater.

Are all the Red Heart patterns here free? Many are downloadable PDFs at no cost, covering blankets, baby items, toys and seasonal décor, though it's worth checking each listing individually.