How to Crochet a Mini Heart Applique
Crochet a cute mini heart applique using a simple chain loop instead of a magic ring, working clusters of treble and double crochets to form the lobes.
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🧰 Required Tools & Equipment
- ✓ Crochet hook (4.0 mm / G-6)
- ✓ Yarn needle (tapestry needle)
- ✓ Small craft scissors
📦 Materials & Supplies
- ✓ Worsted weight yarn (Size 4, cotton or acrylic)
⚠️ Safety Checkpoints & Warnings
- • Cut yarn pointing scissors away from your fingers and resting yarn.
- • Maintain a relaxed grip on the hook to avoid wrist and finger fatigue.
📋 Step-by-Step Guide (6 Steps)
Make Slip Knot and Foundation Chain
Create a standard slip knot on your hook, leaving a 4-inch tail. Yarn over and pull through 4 times to create a neat chain of 4 stitches. Keep the tension moderately loose so the chain spaces are easily accessible.
- • Four distinct V-shaped chain stitches extending from a single loop on the hook
- • A 4-inch yarn tail hanging from the base knot
- • Chaining too tightly, making it impossible to insert the hook into the first chain
Form the Center Ring
Insert the hook into the very first chain made (farthest from the hook). Yarn over and pull through both the chain loop and the loop on your hook to form a slip stitch ring. Hold the center hole open with your thumb and middle finger.
- • A small circular ring with a distinct center hole
- • A single working loop on the hook ready for the next stitch
- • Inserting the hook into the wrong chain stitch instead of the first chain
Crochet the First Lobe
Chain 3 to build height. Yarn over twice, insert into the center ring, and complete 3 treble (triple) crochets into that same center ring. Follow this immediately with 3 double crochets into the center ring.
- • A rising rounded curve of 3 tall treble stitches followed by 3 medium double stitches
- • All stitch bases anchored securely inside the central ring hole
- • Working stitches into individual chain loops instead of directly into the center ring
Create the Bottom Point
Chain 1 to add separation. Yarn over twice and work 1 treble crochet directly into the center ring to form the sharp bottom tip of the heart, then chain 1 again.
- • A prominent single tall stitch centered at the bottom flanked by 1 chain on each side
- • A clear half-heart shape visible on the left side
- • Forgetting the chain 1 before and after the center point stitch
Crochet the Second Lobe
Mirror the first side by working 3 double crochets into the center ring. Then work 3 treble crochets directly into the center ring. Finish the lobe shape by chaining 3.
- • A symmetrical heart profile with matching left and right rounded lobes
- • A 3-chain tail sitting at the top center ready to anchor down
- • Working treble crochets before double crochets, making the heart lopsided
Slip Stitch and Fasten Off
Insert the hook into the center ring, yarn over, and slip stitch to anchor the center dip. Cut the working yarn leaving a 4-inch tail, then pull the active loop all the way through to lock it. Use a yarn needle to weave both yarn tails into the back stitches and trim excess flush.
- • A clean, defined heart applique with a deep top cleft and pointed bottom
- • No loose yarn tails visible on the front or back
- • Cutting the yarn tail too short to thread onto a tapestry needle
Credit: inspired by an original tutorial by ElyseCrochets 💌 — watch the original on YouTube.
Don’t have everything?
- No Yarn needle (tapestry needle)? A smaller crochet hook (e.g., 2.5 mm or 3.0 mm) to pull yarn tails through the back loops
- No 4.0 mm crochet hook? Any 3.5 mm to 5.0 mm hook that matches your yarn thickness