Modern Heart Granny Square Pattern
What could be cuter than a granny square with a heart motif in the middle? Hearts are a popular shape for incorporating into crochet, knitting, embroidery and quilts. Maybe we just can’t resist making a point about the love we put into our work, or using the opportunity to make a statement about how we feel about someone else! This modern heart granny square is a little different from other patterns I’ve seen, because it’s designed to pair perfectly with my star granny square pattern. It’s bright, bold, and cheerful, and I’m excited to share it with you!
Why this pattern?
I’m not the first person to come up with a pattern for granny squares featuring a heart. There are loads out there, and a surprising number of possible approaches. I came up with this one specifically to go with my star granny square pattern. I wanted it to be:
- As solid and free from gaps as possible.
- Include 4 colors.
- Measure 4⅓ inches by 4⅓ inches when worked in worsted weight yarn on a size 7 hook.
- Bold and modern looking.
- And ideally, have the heart inside a pentagon, inside a square.
I’m pretty happy I’ve succeeded with the first four criteria, but the fifth is perhaps a little questionable! Nonetheless, the first, fourth, and fifth rows are exactly the same as for the star squares, so the proportions of the two designs combine really well together for projects with a combined heart and star motif.
I’m hoping to eventually turn all my squares into a bright and beautiful granny square cardigan. But hearts and stars are also a perfect pairing for unisex baby blankets, and cheerful sofa throws.
Pattern notes
This pattern uses standard U.S. crochet terms.
| Mc | Magic circle |
| Ch | Chain stitch |
| Sc | Single crochet stitch |
| Hdc | Half double crochet stitch |
| Dc | Double crochet stitch |
| Tr | Treble crochet stitch |
| Tr2tog | Treble crochet two together |
| Sl st | Slip stitch |
If made in worsted weight yarn on a size 7 (4.5mm) hook, it should measure about 4⅓ x 4⅓ inches (11 x 11cm) after blocking. You can make small adjustments to the size by using a smaller or larger hook. And you can make more significant changes to the size by working the final round in single crochet stitch rather than double crochet, or by adding additional rounds following the solid granny square formula. Of course you can always make the squares in a different weight of yarn and a suitably sized hook, too!
The pattern is worked in four colors, but you could stick to two or three if your prefer. Since the square is worked entirely in flat stitches, you really need to change color at least once between rounds 2 and 3, or the heart won’t stand out.
The pattern is symmetrical, and the pattern for the second half of each round is simply the reverse of the first half. So in the diagrams accompanying the pattern, I’ve only set out the details for the first half of each round.
Modern heart granny square pattern
Make a magic circle to start.
Round 1
Ch 3, dc 14 into the mc, sl st into the top of the ch 3.
Round 2
Ch 2, dc into the same space, tr 3 into the next space, dc 2 into the next space, hdc 4, (dc 1, tr 1, dc 1) into the next space, hdc 4, dc 2 into the next space, tr 3 into the next space, and (dc 1, ch 2, sl st) into the final space.
Here’s a diagram of where all those stitches are going – I’ve already work the ch 2 at the beginning, to create a bit of space for the arrows!
And here’s how it will look when you’re done:
Now cut your yarn and weave in the ends. Join your second yarn color into the top of the treble crochet at your heart’s point. Right here:
Round 3
Ch 2 (counts as 1 sc) and sc 1 into the same space. Hdc 1, dc 2 into the next space, dc 4, (dc 1, hdc 1) into the next space, hdc 1, sc 1, hdc 1, hdc 2 into the next space, dc 1. Dc 1 into top of the ch 2 from the previous round.
Now tr 2 into the space between the ch3 and final dc of round 1, as indicated by the little yellow star:
Dc into the top of the ch 2 from the previous round. Hdc 2 into the next space, hdc 1, sc 1, hdc 1, (hdc 1, dc 2) into the next space, dc 4, dc 2 into the next space, hdc 1. Sc1 into the next space – which should be the same space you started in. Sl st into the top of the ch 2 from the beginning of the round.
Cut your yarn and weave in the ends. You see the two treble crochets at the top of your heart? Join the next color of yarn into the one on the left.
Round 4
Ch 2 (counts as 1 sc), sc 1 into the same space. Hdc 1, dc 2, (tr 1, ch 2, tr 1) into the next space. Dc 1, hdc 1, sc 2, hdc 2, dc 2, (tr 1, ch 2, tr 1) into the next space. Hdc 1, sc 6, hdc 1, (tr 1, ch 2, tr 1) into the next space. Dc 2, hdc 2, sc 2, hdc 1, dc 1, (tr 1, ch 2, tr 1) into the next space. Dc 2, hdc 1, sl st into ch 2.
You should now have a broadly square shape, with 10 stitches along each side, and 2 chains at each corner. Cut your yarn and weave in the ends. Join your final color in any of the corner spaces.
Round 5
Ch 5 (counts as 1 dc and 2 ch). Dc 2 into the same corner space. *Dc 10 along the side, (dc 2, ch 2, dc 2) into the next corner space* three times. Dc 10, dc into corner space, sl st into 3rd st of the ch 5.
Done! Cut your yarn and weave in the ends for a final time. Now block it to make your sides straight and your corners sharp, and hey presto, you’ve done it. Here’s how the finished result looks before and after blocking:
Heart granny variations to try
There are lots of other ways to make heart granny squares too. For example:
- Try following this pattern, but with just the heart in a contrast color. A blanket of red and pink hearts on a white background is especially kitsch and effective!
- Finish at the end of round 2, and use your heart as an applique embellishment on a solid granny square.
- Pick out a heart on a single color granny square using bobble stitch.
- Use color work to pick out a pixelated heart on a traditional granny square.
Modern Heart Granny Square Pattern – Summary
I hope you found this pattern easy to follow, and you’re going to give it a go. I’ll let you know how my cardigan turns out, when I’ve made enough of these grannies to start assembling it. Please also let us know what project you’ll be using your squares for, in the comments box down below.
