Hand to Heart

Hand to Heart Knit Pattern by Therese Chynoweth

Project Overview

Hand to Heart is an intermediate-level knitting pattern designed by independent designer Therese Chynoweth. This downloadable PDF pattern offers a versatile project available in three distinct sizes, each utilizing different yarn weights to create heart-shaped knitted pieces. The pattern is free to download and suitable for knitters with intermediate skills who are comfortable working with circular needles and double-pointed needles.

What Is Being Made

The Hand to Heart pattern creates decorative knitted hearts in three graduated sizes: Small, Medium, and Large. The finished pieces measure approximately 6 inches wide by 6 inches long for the Small size, 8 inches wide by 8.5 inches long for the Medium size, and 9 inches wide by 10 inches long for the Large size. These versatile projects can be used as standalone decorative items, appliqués, or embellishments for larger garments and accessories.

Yarn Requirements and Materials

Each size of the Hand to Heart pattern is designed to work with a specific yarn weight, allowing crafters to choose the scale that best suits their preferred materials:

• Small Heart: Requires 135 yards of Fingering Weight yarn (Super Fine #1). The pattern is shown worked in Dalegarn Baby Ull, a 100% superwash merino wool available at 180 yards per 1¾ oz ball.
• Medium Heart: Requires 116 yards of Sport Weight yarn (Fine #2). The pattern showcases two yarn options: Rowan Felted Tweed, a blend of 50% merino wool, 30% alpaca, and 20% viscose at 191 yards per 1¾ oz ball, and Dalegarn Falk, a 100% superwash wool at 116 yards per 1¾ oz ball.
• Large Heart: Requires 108 yards of Worsted Weight yarn (Medium #4). The pattern features Sugar Bush Yarns Bold, a 100% extra-fine merino wool at 190 yards per 3½ oz ball, and Imperial Yarn Columbia, a 100% wool at 170 yards per 4 oz hank.

Needles and Equipment

The Hand to Heart pattern requires circular needles and double-pointed needles appropriate to each size. For the Small size, US 2 (2.75 mm) circular needles measuring 16 inches long are paired with a set of 4 or 5 double-pointed needles in the same size. The Medium size calls for US 3 (3.25 mm) needles, while the Large size uses US 7 (4.5 mm) needles. The specific needle size needed is determined by the yarn weight being used and the desired gauge for the finished project.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

As an intermediate-level pattern, Hand to Heart employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for crafters with prior experience. The pattern utilizes circular needles and double-pointed needles, indicating that the heart shapes are worked in the round, a technique that creates seamless, three-dimensional pieces. Working in the round requires familiarity with managing stitches across multiple needles and maintaining even tension throughout the project. The construction method allows for organic shaping of the heart form through strategic increases and decreases, creating the characteristic curved silhouette of the finished pieces.

The intermediate skill level suggests that knitters should be comfortable with basic stitch work and have experience transitioning between circular and double-pointed needles. The pattern likely incorporates standard knitting stitches such as knit and purl, with shaping achieved through increases and decreases positioned to form the distinctive heart shape. This approach to construction makes the Hand to Heart an excellent project for intermediate knitters looking to expand their skills in three-dimensional knitting and shaping techniques.

Pattern Flexibility and Customization

The Hand to Heart pattern's design across three yarn weights and sizes demonstrates flexibility for different crafting preferences and skill levels within the intermediate category. Knitters can select the yarn weight and size combination that best suits their project goals, whether creating a small delicate heart in fingering weight yarn or a larger statement piece in worsted weight. The variety of yarn options shown for each size also provides opportunities for color and fiber exploration while maintaining the pattern's integrity.