Pink Heart on a Cream Square: A Sewn-On Practice Motif

A separate heart lets you adjust its position before committing to the square’s centre. This written practice version pairs a small pink heart with a three-round cream granny square, then adds the heart by sewing through its underside. It uses an applique construction rather than the incomplete integrated-heart rounds previously described here.

Scope and materials

The instructions and counts below have been checked as text; no physically tested sample or verified match to the photograph is claimed. Choose compatible yarns for the heart and square, an appropriate hook, a yarn needle and scissors. Actual dimensions depend on the fabric. Make and measure a sample before planning a larger joined project.

US terms: ch = chain, sc = single crochet, dc = double crochet, tr = treble crochet, sl st = slip stitch, MR = magic ring. A tr begins with two yarn overs, then pulls through two loops three times after drawing up the working loop. The square’s starting ch 3 counts as one dc; the heart’s chains do not count as tr or dc.

Make the three-round square

1. R1: in MR, ch 3 and 2 dc, ch 2; repeat [3 dc, ch 2] three times. Tighten the ring and join with sl st to the top of the starting ch 3. There are 12 dc in four groups and four ch-2 corners.
2. Move with sl st to the next corner space. R2: in that corner, ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc; ch 1. In each remaining corner work [3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc], ch 1. Join to the top of the starting ch 3. There are 24 dc, four ch-2 corners and four ch-1 side spaces.
3. Move with sl st to the next corner space. R3: in that corner, ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc; ch 1. In the next side space work 3 dc, ch 1. Repeat [in next corner work 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc; ch 1; in next side space work 3 dc; ch 1] three times. Join to the starting ch 3. There are 36 dc, four ch-2 corners and eight ch-1 side spaces.

Finish and secure the square’s ends. Check that the four corners remain identifiable and that no joining sl st has been mistaken for an additional dc.

Make the one-round heart

In pink yarn, form MR. All the following work goes into that same ring: ch 3, 3 tr, 3 dc, ch 1, 1 tr, ch 1, 3 dc, 3 tr, ch 3, sl st into the ring. Tighten the ring gradually, finish the yarn and leave a sewing tail.

The heart contains 7 tr and 6 dc, for 13 tall stitches. Its two ch-3 sections, two ch-1 sections and finishing sl st are not included in that count. The single tr between the ch-1 sections forms the bottom-point position; the groups of three tr form the two lobes.

Place the heart without stretching the square

Settle both pieces according to their yarn care instructions. Lay the square flat, then position the heart with its cleft at the top and point toward the bottom edge. Keep the corners and joining edges clear.

If the heart covers too much of the square, change the component plan before sewing. A thinner yarn and compatible hook may make a smaller heart, but that changes its fabric and needs a new sample. Do not pull the square larger merely to force the applique to fit.

Sew through the underside

1. Hold the heart in its chosen position with removable markers.
2. Use the sewing tail to catch firm underside stitches around the heart and corresponding firm stitches in the square. Work in small steps rather than tying everything to the central ring.
3. Support the cleft and point without flattening the lobes or drawing the square inward.
4. Check the reverse, secure the tail through firm fabric and remove all temporary markers.

Keep the outer square edge available if it will be joined to other squares. For edge-matching advice, see the granny-square joining guide. Measure the finished square after attaching the heart and record the placement for any matching pieces.

Choose a use that suits the raised surface

An applique makes the centre thicker than the surrounding fabric. Evaluate that relief before choosing a cup coaster or another use that requires a flat supporting surface. This practice motif is not evidence of a tested heat-resistant coaster or a safety-tested baby item. Follow the care requirements of both yarns and inspect the sewing after cleaning.