P311 Heart Cushion

How to Crochet a Heart Cushion

Create a soft heart-shaped cushion using simple rows of half treble crochet. The cushion is made from two matching heart panels, which are crocheted flat, joined around the outer edge and filled with toy stuffing.

The shape begins at the lower point and widens gradually through the body. The upper section is then divided into two separately shaped lobes to form the rounded top of the heart.

Finished Measurements

The completed cushion measures approximately 34 cm × 30 cm at its widest points.

What You Will Need

Yarn

• Approximately 90 g or 180 metres of Makr DK 8 Ply Acrylic in Fire Red

Hook and Equipment

• 4.5 mm crochet hook
• Scissors
• Wool needle for weaving in ends
• Polyester toy filling
• Stitch markers, if desired

Tension

Exact tension is not essential for this project. However, a substantial difference in tension will alter the finished size and amount of yarn required.

Aim for a firm, even fabric with openings small enough to contain the filling securely.

Abbreviations

• Ch: Chain
• Htr: Half treble crochet
• Sk: Skip
• St or sts: Stitch or stitches
• Inc: Increase
• Dec: Decrease

Construction Overview

The cushion is made in four stages:

1. Crochet the first heart panel from the lower point upwards.
2. Shape the two upper lobes separately.
3. Repeat the full pattern to make a second matching panel.
4. Join the panels, stuff the cushion and close the remaining opening.

Begin the First Heart Panel

Using Fire Red yarn and a 4.5 mm crochet hook, chain 3 stitches.

Row 1

1. Skip the first two chains.
2. Work one half treble crochet into the final chain.
3. Chain 2 and turn.

You should have 1 stitch.

Row 2

1. Work 3 half treble crochet stitches into the single stitch.
2. Chain 2 and turn.

You should have 3 stitches.

Increase Through the Lower Heart

Rows 3–25

On every row:

1. Increase in the first stitch.
2. Work one half treble crochet into every stitch across.
3. Increase in the final stitch.
4. Chain 2 and turn.

The stitch count increases by two stitches on every row, gradually creating the widening lower section of the heart.

Work the Widest Section

Rows 26–27

Work one half treble crochet into every stitch across. Chain 2 and turn after each row.

You should have 49 stitches.

Row 28

1. Increase in the first stitch.
2. Work one half treble crochet into every stitch until one remains.
3. Increase in the final stitch.
4. Chain 2 and turn.

You should have 51 stitches.

Rows 29–35

Work one half treble crochet into every stitch across. Chain 2 and turn after each row.

Maintain 51 stitches.

Shape the First Upper Lobe

Row 36

Work one half treble crochet into each of the first 25 stitches. Chain 2 and turn.

Leave the remaining stitches unworked. They will be used later for the second lobe.

Row 37

1. Decrease over the first two stitches.
2. Work one half treble crochet across until two stitches remain.
3. Decrease over the final two stitches.
4. Chain 2 and turn.

You should have 23 stitches.

Row 38

1. Work one half treble crochet across until two stitches remain.
2. Decrease over the final two stitches.
3. Chain 2 and turn.

You should have 22 stitches.

Rows 39–41

1. Decrease at the beginning of the row.
2. Work one half treble crochet across until two stitches remain.
3. Decrease at the end of the row.
4. Chain 2 and turn.

Row 42

1. Decrease over the first two stitches.
2. Work one half treble crochet into every remaining stitch.
3. Chain 2 and turn.

You should have 15 stitches.

Row 43

1. Work two decreases at the beginning of the row.
2. Work one half treble crochet across until two stitches remain.
3. Decrease over the final two stitches.
4. Chain 2 and turn.

You should have 12 stitches.

Row 44

1. Work two decreases at the beginning of the row.
2. Work one half treble crochet across until four stitches remain.
3. Work two decreases over the final four stitches.

Fasten off.

Shape the Second Upper Lobe

Lay the panel flat so the completed lobe is on the right-hand side.

Count from the left-hand edge along Row 35 and attach the yarn in the twenty-fifth stitch.

Second Lobe Row 1

Work one half treble crochet into every stitch across the lobe section. Chain 2 and turn.

You should have 25 stitches.

Second Lobe Row 2

1. Decrease over the first two stitches.
2. Work one half treble crochet across until two stitches remain.
3. Decrease over the final two stitches.
4. Chain 2 and turn.

You should have 23 stitches.

Second Lobe Row 3

1. Decrease over the first two stitches.
2. Work one half treble crochet into every remaining stitch.
3. Chain 2 and turn.

You should have 22 stitches.

Second Lobe Rows 4–6

1. Decrease at the beginning of the row.
2. Work one half treble crochet across until two stitches remain.
3. Decrease at the end of the row.
4. Chain 2 and turn.

Second Lobe Row 7

1. Work one half treble crochet across until two stitches remain.
2. Decrease over the final two stitches.
3. Chain 2 and turn.

You should have 15 stitches.

Second Lobe Row 8

1. Decrease over the first two stitches.
2. Work one half treble crochet across until four stitches remain.
3. Work two decreases over the final four stitches.
4. Chain 2 and turn.

You should have 12 stitches.

Second Lobe Row 9

1. Work two decreases at the beginning of the row.
2. Work one half treble crochet across until four stitches remain.
3. Work two decreases over the final four stitches.

You should have 8 stitches.

Fasten off and weave in the yarn ends.

Make the Second Heart Panel

Repeat the complete cushion instructions to make a second matching heart.

Lay the two panels together before seaming and check that the lower points, outer curves and upper lobes align.

Join the Heart Panels

Place the two heart panels together with the wrong sides facing each other and the right sides facing out.

1. Using the 4.5 mm hook, attach the yarn at the lower point of the heart.
2. Work slip stitches through both panels around the outer edge.
3. Match the rows carefully so the two heart shapes remain aligned.
4. Continue until an opening approximately 5 cm wide remains.

Stuff the Cushion

1. Add small amounts of polyester filling through the opening.
2. Push the filling into the lower point and both upper lobes first.
3. Continue filling the centre gradually.
4. Shape the cushion regularly as you work.
5. Avoid overfilling, as this may stretch the stitches or distort the heart.

Close the Opening

1. Continue slip stitching through both layers to close the remaining edge.
2. Fasten off securely.
3. Weave the yarn end into the cushion seam.
4. Gently shape the centre dip, upper lobes and lower point by hand.

Alternative Yarns for This Project

A suitable substitute should be a smooth DK or 8 ply yarn that creates a firm fabric with a 4.5 mm crochet hook.

• 8 ply anti-pilling acrylic – an easy-care option with a broad colour range.
• 8 ply wool and acrylic blend – provides warmth, elasticity and good shape recovery.
• 8 ply machine-washable wool – creates a warm cushion with a natural finish.
• 8 ply cotton – produces a firmer, more structured heart with clear stitch definition.
• 8 ply cotton and acrylic blend – creates a smoother, lighter cushion with easier care than pure cotton.
• 8 ply chenille yarn – may create a plush finish, provided it achieves a dense fabric and does not shed excessively.

Choosing the Best Substitute

Smooth yarns make it easier to identify the increases and decreases and produce a clearly defined heart shape.

Acrylic and wool blends provide useful elasticity, while cotton creates a firmer cushion with less stretch.

Avoid very fine, loosely spun or highly textured yarns that may create large gaps or allow the filling to show.

Colour Ideas

• Classic red
• Blush pink
• Burgundy or wine
• White or cream
• Lavender or lilac
• Soft grey
• Pastel blue or mint
• Rainbow or self-striping yarn
• Two contrasting panels for a reversible cushion

Optional Embellishments

• Embroidered initials
• A short Valentine’s message
• Crocheted flowers
• A contrasting border seam
• Small tassels around the outer edge
• Appliqué hearts in different sizes

Care

Follow the care instructions on the selected yarn label. Spot cleaning is generally the easiest option for a stuffed cushion.

When washing is required, use a gentle cycle only if the yarn and filling are machine washable. Reshape the heart while damp and dry it flat, ensuring the filling is completely dry before use.