Heart Hot Pad

Heart Hot Pad Crochet Pattern by Angela Plunkett

Project Overview

The Heart Hot Pad is an intermediate-level Tunisian crochet project designed by Angela Plunkett of Little Monkeys Designs. This decorative and functional kitchen accessory combines colorwork crochet with quilted backing materials to create a finished hot pad measuring 8.5" x 8.5". The pattern is ideal for crocheters looking to expand their Tunisian crochet skills while creating a practical item suitable for Valentine's Day gifting or seasonal kitchen décor.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a heart-shaped hot pad featuring a two-color Tunisian crochet front panel paired with coordinating backing materials. The finished piece functions as both a decorative kitchen accessory and a practical heat-protective pad for tables and countertops. The design allows for flexibility in finishing options: crocheters can either make a second identical crocheted heart for a fully handmade reversible pad or follow included directions for a quicker crochet back piece alternative.

Techniques and Construction Methods

This pattern emphasizes Tunisian crochet techniques, which combine elements of crochet and knitting for a dense, fabric-like texture. The two-color construction creates visual contrast and allows the heart design to "pop" as each row is worked. The pattern incorporates traditional quilting materials alongside the crochet work, with flannel and cotton quilt batting sandwiched between the crocheted front and back pieces for insulation and structure. This hybrid construction method provides both aesthetic appeal and functional heat protection.

Stitches Used

The Heart Hot Pad pattern utilizes several specialized Tunisian crochet stitches:

• Tunisian Simple Stitch (tss) – A foundational Tunisian stitch creating a dense, stockinette-like fabric
• Tunisian Purl Stitch (tps) – Adds texture variation and visual interest to the design
• Tunisian Knit Stitch (tks) – Provides additional stitch variety for pattern construction
• Chain Stitch (ch) – Used for foundation rows and structural elements
• Slip Stitch (sl st) – Employed for joining and finishing techniques

The foundation row is referenced via instructional video, ensuring crocheters have visual guidance for this critical starting point in Tunisian crochet construction.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Heart Hot Pad pattern calls for worsted weight yarn in two coordinating colors. The sample shown uses I Love This Cotton, a 100% cotton yarn available in 3 oz skeins with approximately 153 yards per skein. One skein of each color is required to complete the crocheted front panel. The pattern specifies a Size I/9.0mm crochet hook as the appropriate tool for this yarn weight.

Beyond yarn, the pattern requires quilting materials to complete the finished hot pad: two pieces of flannel measuring 8" x 8" (one for backing, one for additional structure or lining) and one piece of cotton quilt batting measuring 8" x 8". These materials provide insulation, heat protection, and stability to the finished accessory.

Difficulty Level and Skill Requirements

Classified as an intermediate project, the Heart Hot Pad assumes crocheters have foundational knowledge of basic crochet stitches and are ready to advance into Tunisian crochet techniques. The two-color colorwork adds complexity beyond single-color projects, requiring attention to color changes and pattern following. This pattern serves as an excellent skill-building project for those seeking to develop proficiency in Tunisian crochet methods.