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# Hidden Hearts Appliqué Pair

Create a sweet pair of connected heart appliqués that symbolize a hidden relationship. Each pair features two contrasting hearts—one in a bold color, one in a cool tone—joined together with a barely visible slip-stitch seam along one side. These quick-to-make hearts are perfect for personalizing hats, bags, scarves, and more.

**Finished Size**: Each heart measures approximately 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) wide x 2.25 inches (5.5 cm) tall

## MATERIALS

**Yarn**: Chunky weight (#5 Bulky) yarn
- Color A (Bold): 15 yards (14 m) – suggested colors: red, fuchsia, orange, bright purple
- Color B (Cool): 15 yards (14 m) – suggested colors: blue, teal, mint green, lavender, gray

**Sample shown in**: Red (Color A) and Steel Blue (Color B)

**Hook**: US J/10 (6.0 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge

**Notions**:
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and sewing
- Scissors
- Pins (for positioning appliqués)
- Sewing needle and thread (optional, for permanent attachment)

## GAUGE

12 sc x 14 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet

Gauge is not critical for this project, but will affect finished size. A tighter gauge will create smaller, firmer hearts; a looser gauge will create larger, softer hearts.

## ABBREVIATIONS

- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- sc2tog = single crochet 2 together (decrease)
- sl st = slip stitch
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side

## PATTERN NOTES

1. Each heart is worked flat in turned rows from the bottom point upward.
2. The pattern splits at Row 5 to create the two lobes at the top of the heart.
3. Turning chain does NOT count as a stitch throughout.
4. Stitch count is given in parentheses at the end of each row.
5. Make one heart in Color A and one heart in Color B, then join them together along one side edge.
6. The RS (right side) is the side facing you when you begin Row 1.

## INSTRUCTIONS

### HEART (Make 1 in Color A, 1 in Color B)

**Row 1 (RS)**: Ch 2, 2 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Turn. (2 sc)

**Row 2**: Ch 1, 2 sc in first sc, 2 sc in next sc. Turn. (4 sc)

**Row 3**: Ch 1, 2 sc in first sc, sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in last sc. Turn. (6 sc)

**Row 4**: Ch 1, 2 sc in first sc, sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in last sc. Turn. (8 sc)

**Row 5**: Ch 1, 2 sc in first sc, sc in next 6 sc, 2 sc in last sc. Turn. (10 sc)

*Note: The heart now splits to form the two lobes at the top.*

### First Lobe

**Row 6**: Ch 1, sc in first 4 sc. Turn, leaving remaining sts unworked. (4 sc)

**Row 7**: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in next 2 sc. Turn. (3 sc)

**Row 8**: Ch 1, sc in first sc, sc2tog. Turn. (2 sc)

**Row 9**: Ch 1, sc2tog. (1 sc)

Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch tail.

### Second Lobe

**Row 6**: With RS facing, skip the center 2 sc from Row 5, join yarn with sl st in next sc, ch 1, sc in same st and next 3 sc. Turn. (4 sc)

*Math check: 4 sts (first lobe) + 2 sts (skipped center) + 4 sts (second lobe) = 10 sts from Row 5 ✓*

**Row 7**: Ch 1, sc in first 2 sc, sc2tog. Turn. (3 sc)

**Row 8**: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in last sc. Turn. (2 sc)

**Row 9**: Ch 1, sc2tog. (1 sc)

Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch tail.

### Finishing Each Heart

Weave in the tail at the top of each lobe by threading it down through the lobe toward the center. Weave in the starting tail at the bottom point. Do not trim tails yet—you'll need them secure after joining.

## JOINING THE HEARTS

1. **Position the hearts**: Place Heart A and Heart B side by side with RS facing up. Decide which edges will be joined (typically one side edge of each heart).

2. **Align the edges**: Hold the two hearts with WS together, aligning the edges you wish to join. The side edges run from the bottom point up to the outer edge of one lobe.

3. **Slip stitch seam**: 
   - Thread a tapestry needle with a length of either Color A or Color B (your choice—using one of the heart colors makes the seam blend in).
   - Working from the WS (hearts held with wrong sides together), insert needle through both layers, working through the back loop only of the edge stitches.
   - Create a whipstitch or slip stitch seam along the edge, working from the bottom point up approximately 1 to 1.5 inches (stopping about halfway up the heart or where desired).
   
   *Alternatively, for an invisible seam*: Hold hearts with RS together, then slip stitch through both layers along the edge rows. Turn RS out for an invisible seam.

4. **Secure**: Weave in the joining yarn tail. Now weave in and trim all remaining tails.

5. **Shape**: Gently block or shape the hearts with your fingers, pressing the lobes to form a pleasing heart shape.

## ATTACHING TO PROJECTS

### For Knit or Crochet Items (Hats, Scarves, Bags):

**Whipstitch Method**:
1. Position the heart pair on your item and pin in place.
2. Thread a tapestry needle with matching yarn.
3. Working from the WS of the base item, whipstitch around the outer edge of the heart appliqué, going through both the heart and the base fabric.
4. Leave the seam edge unattached to emphasize the "hidden relationship" where the hearts connect.

**Slip Stitch Method** (for crochet items):
1. Position the heart pair on your crochet item.
2. With a tapestry needle or by inserting your hook through both layers, slip stitch around the perimeter of the hearts, working through both the appliqué and the base item.

### For Fabric Items (Canvas Bags, Denim):

**Sewing Method**:
1. Pin hearts in position.
2. Using a sewing needle and thread that matches your yarn color, sew around the outer edge with small whipstitches or a running stitch.
3. For extra security on items that will be washed frequently, sew completely around each heart rather than leaving any edges loose.

## DESIGN VARIATIONS

**Color Combinations**:
- Bold Red + Cool Gray
- Hot Pink + Ice Blue  
- Tangerine Orange + Mint Green
- Bright Purple + Soft Lavender
- Crimson + Navy

**Placement Ideas**:
- Corner of a beanie or slouchy hat
- Upper corner of a tote bag or messenger bag
- End of a scarf (one heart pair on each end)
- Pocket of a cardigan or jacket
- Decorative cluster (make multiple pairs)

**Sizing Adjustments**:
- For smaller hearts (1.5-2"): Use DK or worsted weight yarn with smaller hook
- For larger hearts (3-4"): Add 2 more increase rows before splitting for lobes (Rows 6-7), or use super bulky yarn

## YARN REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY

Each pair of hearts requires:
- Approximately 30 yards (27 m) total chunky weight yarn (15 yards of each color)
- One pair can be completed in 20-30 minutes

## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Care for your heart appliqués according to the yarn label of both the hearts and the base item. If attached to a washable item, ensure your appliqué yarn is also washable. Block gently if needed to maintain heart shape.

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*Pattern designed to celebrate hidden connections and secret friendships. Make a pair for someone special, or keep them as your own sweet secret.*