P180 Heart Colourwork Granny Square

How to Crochet a Heart Colourwork Granny Square

Create a sweet heart motif within a classic granny square using simple colour changes and traditional treble crochet clusters. This easy crochet project is ideal for Valentine’s Day, handmade gifts or adding a playful feature square to a larger project.

Use the completed square as a coaster, join several together for a bag or cushion, or combine many motifs to create a colourful throw.

Finished Measurement

The completed square measures approximately 9 cm.

What You Will Need

Yarn

• Main colour: 1 ball of Makr Cotton 8 Ply
• Contrast colour: 1 ball of Makr Cotton 8 Ply

Only a small amount of each colour is required for one square, making this a useful project for leftover yarn.

Hook and Equipment

• 4.5 mm crochet hook
• Stitch markers, if desired
• Wool needle for weaving in ends
• Scissors
• Blocking mat and pins, if available

Tension

Exact tension is not important for this project. However, the yarn and hook size will affect the finished dimensions.

When making several squares for the same project, use the same yarn, hook and tension throughout so the motifs finish at a consistent size.

Abbreviations

• Ch: Chain
• Mr: Magic ring
• Tr: Treble crochet
• Sl st: Slip stitch
• Sp: Space
• M: Main colour
• C1: Contrast colour

Construction Overview

The square is worked in four rounds:

1. Create a classic four-cluster granny-square centre.
2. Add a second granny-square round in the contrast colour.
3. Use strategic colour changes to form the heart shape.
4. Complete the outer border in the main colour.

Begin the Granny Square

Using the contrast colour and a 4.5 mm crochet hook, make a magic ring. Alternatively, chain 4 and join to the first chain with a slip stitch to form a small loop.

Round 1

1. Chain 3. This counts as the first treble crochet here and throughout the pattern.
2. Work 2 treble crochet stitches into the ring.
3. Chain 3.
4. Work 3 treble crochet stitches into the ring, then chain 3.
5. Repeat the previous step two more times.
6. Join to the top of the beginning chain 3 with a slip stitch.

You should have four clusters of three trebles separated by four chain-3 corner spaces.

Round 2

1. Chain 3.
2. Chain 1.
3. In the next chain-3 corner space, work 3 trebles, chain 3 and 3 trebles.
4. Repeat the chain-1 and corner-cluster sequence around the square.
5. In the final cluster, work only 2 trebles because the beginning chain 3 counts as the first stitch.
6. Join to the top of the beginning chain 3 with a slip stitch.

How to Change Colours

When changing colours, stop before completing the final loop of the current stitch.

1. Drop the old colour behind the work.
2. Pick up the new colour.
3. Complete the final loop of the stitch with the new colour.
4. Continue working with the new yarn.

Round 3: Form the Heart

This round uses both colours to create the heart motif.

1. With the main colour, chain 3 and work 2 trebles into the same chain-1 space.
2. Change to the contrast colour, chain 1 and work 3 trebles, chain 3 and 3 trebles into the next corner.
3. Change to the main colour, chain 1 and work 3 trebles into the next chain-1 space.
4. Chain 1 and work 3 trebles, chain 3 and 3 trebles into the next corner.
5. Change to the contrast colour, chain 1 and work 3 trebles.
6. Change to the main colour, chain 1 and work 3 trebles, chain 3 and 3 trebles into the next corner.
7. Chain 1 and work 3 trebles into the next chain-1 space.
8. Change to the contrast colour, chain 1 and work 3 trebles, chain 3 and 3 trebles into the final corner.
9. Chain 1 and join to the top of the beginning chain 3.

The alternating colour blocks form the rounded upper sections and pointed lower section of the heart.

Round 4: Complete the Border

Continue using the main colour only from this point.

1. Chain 3.
2. Chain 1 and work 3 trebles into each chain-1 space across the side.
3. At each corner, chain 1 and work 3 trebles, chain 3 and 3 trebles into the corner space.
4. Repeat around all four sides.
5. Work only 2 trebles into the final chain-1 space because the beginning chain 3 counts as the first stitch.
6. Join to the top of the beginning chain 3 with a slip stitch.

Finish the Square

1. Fasten off securely.
2. Weave in all remaining yarn ends.
3. Gently stretch the square into shape.
4. Steam lightly or wet block according to the yarn-care instructions.
5. Allow the square to dry completely before using or joining it.

Blocking Tips

Pin all four corners to a square shape, then adjust the sides until they are straight and even.

Avoid pressing the crochet heavily, as this can flatten the stitch texture. Hold a steamer or iron slightly above the work when steam blocking.

Ways to Use the Granny Square

• Use one square as a coaster.
• Join two squares to make a small pouch.
• Create a Valentine’s Day bunting.
• Join several motifs to make a tote bag.
• Use the square as a feature panel on a cushion.
• Combine many squares into a throw or baby blanket.
• Add the motif to a cardigan, scarf or project bag.

Joining Multiple Squares

Arrange all completed squares before joining so the heart motifs face the same direction.

Suitable joining methods include:

• Slip-stitch join
• Double-crochet join
• Whip stitch with a wool needle
• Mattress stitch for a flatter seam
• Join-as-you-go on an additional outer round

Block the squares to the same size before joining for the neatest result.

Alternative Yarns for This Project

A suitable substitute should be a smooth DK or 8 ply yarn with clear stitch definition.

• 8 ply mercerised cotton – creates crisp stitches and a slight sheen.
• 8 ply cotton – provides a firm, durable square with excellent definition.
• 8 ply cotton and acrylic blend – produces a softer, lighter motif with easier care.
• 8 ply anti-pilling acrylic – an affordable option available in many colours.
• 8 ply wool and acrylic blend – gives the square more warmth and flexibility.
• 8 ply machine-washable wool – creates a soft, natural-looking square.

Choosing the Best Substitute

Cotton is particularly suitable for coasters, bags and home décor because it lies flat and holds its shape well.

Acrylic and wool blends are lighter and softer, making them suitable for blankets and garments.

Avoid very fluffy, boucle or heavily textured yarns, as these may obscure the heart motif and make the colour changes difficult to see.

Colour Ideas

• Red heart with a white border
• Blush-pink heart with a cream border
• Burgundy heart with a pale-pink border
• Rainbow heart with a neutral outer round
• White heart with a red border
• Lavender heart with a soft-grey border
• Two tonal shades of the same colour
• Black and white for a modern monochrome version

Care

Follow the care instructions on the selected yarn label. Hand wash or use a gentle machine cycle where suitable.

Reshape the square while damp and dry it flat. Reblock after washing if the corners or heart motif lose their shape.