Free Crochet Pattern
Polka Dot Valentine Hearts Garland
PUBLISHED ON JANUARY 12, 2025 © ALANNA O'DEA
The Polka Dot Valentine Hearts Garland features a simple 2D crochet design. Each heart is made from two identical panels, worked flat, joined together, and lightly stuffed. Best of all, it’s crafted using just one stitch! If you can single crochet, you can create these hearts with ease.​​
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© 2024 Theodore And Rose - Alanna O'Dea. All rights reserved. This pattern is for PERSONAL USE ONLY! No part of this pattern may be published, resold, reproduced (in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, recording or otherwise), shared, translated or altered without prior permission in writing from the author. You cannot form or sell kits for my patterns without my written permission.
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You are permitted to sell the finished items made from my patterns, on the condition that they are handmade by yourself and you credit Alanna O'Dea (Theodore And Rose) as the designer.
All Theodore And Rose toys are original designs. I dedicate considerable effort to creating these crochet designs, writing patterns, capturing photographs, and providing friendly customer service.
Please honour my hard work by crediting me whenever you share items made using my patterns.
Thank you.
Suggested Crochet Tools and Materials​
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Hook: 3mm (US C/2)
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Yarn: Scheepjes Catona 100% mercerized cotton (50g/125m) in shade; Hot red (115) - 10g per heart (50 g total)
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Fibrefill
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Stitch marker
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Embroidery scissors
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Yarn needle​
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Finished Size
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My finished heart, using the suggested yarn and hook size, is approximately 7.5cm (2.95in) high x 8.5cm (3.35in) wide.
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Crochet Pattern Notes
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Skill Level: Beginner.
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Written in English using US crochet terms.
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Read the entire pattern before you start.
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The ch-1 turning chain does NOT count as a stitch.
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Each heart is constructed from two flat panels that are joined together and lightly stuffed.
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Yarn and colours are easily substituted at your discretion.
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Crochet Abbreviations (US Terminology)
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[...] 'X' times = work instructions within brackets, as a sequence, as many times as directed
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ch = chain (yarn over, pull through)
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dec = decrease (crochet two stitches together)
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inc = single crochet increase (make two complete single crochets (sc) into the same stitch)
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sc = single crochet (Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, you will have two loops on the hook. Yarn over, pull through remaining two loops).
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slst = slip stitch (Insert hook, yarn over, pull through both stitch and loop on hook)
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Let's Get Started!
Pattern
Foundation chain: ch 2
Row 1: starting in 2nd ch from the hook; sc in next 2 ch (2 sts) Refer to Photo 1.1.
Row 2: ch 1, turn, sc inc in next 2 sts (4 sts)
Row 3: ch 1, turn, sc inc in next st, sc in next 2 sts, sc inc in next st (6 sts)
Row 4: ch 1, turn, sc inc in next st, sc in next 4 sts, sc inc in next st (8 sts)
Row 5: ch 1, turn, sc inc in next st, sc in next 6 sts, sc inc in next st (10 sts)
Row 6: ch 1, turn, sc inc in next st, sc in next 8 sts, sc inc in next st (12 sts)
Row 7: ch 1, turn, sc inc in next st, sc in next 10 sts, sc inc in next st (14 sts)
Row 8: ch 1, turn, sc inc in next st, sc in next 12 sts, sc inc in next st (16 sts)
Row 9: ch 1, turn, sc inc in next st, sc in next 14 sts, sc inc in next st (18 sts)
Rows 10-14: ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (18 sts) (5 Rows)
You should now have a triangular shape. Leave yarn attached. Refer to Photo 1.2.
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Photo 1.1

Photo 1.2
First Lobe of the Heart:
Row 14: ch 1, turn, sc in next 9 sts, leave remaining sts unworked (9 sts) Refer to Photo 1.3.
Row 15: ch 1, turn, dec, sc in next 7 sts (8 sts)
Row 16: ch 1, turn, dec, sc in next 4 sts, dec (6 sts)
Row 17: ch 1, turn, dec, sc in next 2 sts, dec (4 sts)
Row 18: ch 1, turn, [dec] 2 times (2 sts) Refer to Photo 1.4.​
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Photo 1.3

Photo 1.4
Re-join yarn in the first st to the left of the first lobe. Refer to Photo 1.5.
Row 1: sc in next 9 sts (9 sts)
Row 2: ch 1, turn, sc in next 7 sts, dec (8 sts)
Row 3: ch 1, turn, dec, sc in next 4 sts, dec (6 sts)
Row 4: ch 1, turn, dec, sc in next 2 sts, dec (4 sts)
Row 5: ch 1, turn, [dec] 2 times (2 sts)
The heart part is done, but don’t fasten off just yet! Refer to Photo 1.6.
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Second Lobe of the Heart:

Photo 1.5

Photo 1.6
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Step 1: ch 1, starting from the last completed stitch, work a sc (mark this st). Refer to Photo 1.7.
Step 2: Continue to sc around the outer edge of the heart. Work one sc at the end of each row. This may be tricky - try to avoid making two sc in the same row. ​​​​​
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Edging Around the Heart:

Photo 1.7

Photo 1.8
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Step 3: When you reach the tip of the heart, make 3 sc in the same st to form a point, mark the middle stitch with a stitch marker. Refer to Photo 1.8. Continue around the edge. When you reach the starting point, slst into top of first sc to join the round.
Step 4: Fasten off and weave in the ends. Refer to Photo 1.9.
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Repeat all instructions to make a second heart!
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Photo 1.9

Make a second heart!
Step 1: Thread a long length of a contrasting colour yarn onto a tapestry needle and knot one end. Refer to Photo 2.1. ​​​​​
Step 2: Beginning at the bottom of the heart, embroider a simple straight stitch over one single crochet stitch, as shown in Photo 2.2.
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Embroidery:

Photo 2.1

Photo 2.2
Step 3: Skip one row and make another pair of straight stitches, positioning them approximately 3 crochet stitches apart. Ensure these stitches are staggered in relation to the ones below. Refer to Photo 2.3. ​​​​​
Step 4: Continue embroidering this pattern across the remaining surface of the heart giving it a polka dot effect. Refer to Photo 2.4.
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Photo 2.3

Photo 2.4
Step 1: Align the Hearts: Take the second heart and place it together with the first, wrong sides facing each other. Working through both layers, re-join the yarn through the marked stitch at the bottom of the heart. Refer to Photo 3.1.
Step 2: Single Crochet Around: Working through both layers, sc into each st around the heart - refer to Photo 3.2. Pause just before the end to fill the heart with a small amount of fibrefill for a plump heart. Refer to Photo 3.3. Fasten off and weave in ends. Refer to Photo 3.4 for the finished heart.
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Join the Hearts Together:

Photo 3.1

Photo 3.2

Photo 3.3

Photo 3.4
Take a long piece of yarn or string in your chosen colour and thread one end onto a yarn needle. Begin by stringing your first crocheted heart onto the yarn working through the back of the heart, as shown in Photo 4.1. For added interest, incorporate wooden beads between the hearts if you like, as shown in Photo 4.2.
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String the Garland:

Photo 4.1

Photo 4.2
Continue stringing your hearts in any number and decorative order that suits your style. I chose to incorporate a couple of plain hearts in between my embroidered hearts. Use the photo below for inspiration, but feel free to get creative and have fun designing your garland!
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If you’re short on time to create an entire garland but still want to add a touch of Valentine’s magic to your decor, consider turning a single heart into a hanging ornament. To do this, simply tie a piece of yarn or ribbon between the heart's lobes. For extra interest, thread a few wooden beads onto the loop.
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Hanging Ornament Option:

CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Your Valentine Hearts Garland is finished.

Like to Feature on Our Socials?
I hope you enjoy making my Polka Dot Valentine Hearts Garland just as much as I enjoyed creating it for you!
I would love to see your finished makes. If you would like to, please tag your photos with @theodoreandrose or #theodoreandrose on Instagram and Facebook.
Where to find me:
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Thank you for stopping by and for your support! Happy crocheting!
