This week Hodge came to me with a special request. He really, really, really wanted to make a valentine for Podge and he needed me to show him how to crochet one. Of course, I would show him how! I couldn’t say no to that sweet face.

And while we were at it, we decided to create a video so you could follow along stitch-by-stitch as well. The pattern is pretty quick and simple. You’ll need to know basic crochet techniques like chaining, working in the round, and making slip stitches, half-double crochets and double crochets.

I introduce a new technique in the video as well: the alternative join method or needle joining. It’s a nice alternative to the slip-stitch join because it creates an invisible join in your final round.

We hope you enjoy the video, make lots of valentine hearts for your squirrel friends, and have a very happy Valentine’s Day!

 

Squirrel-Sized Valentine Heart Crochet Pattern

Materials

About 4 yds light-weight yarn (I used Paton’s Grace in Lotus: 50 g/1.75 oz; 125 m/136 yds)
B-1 (2.25 mm) crochet hook
Yarn or tapestry needle
Scissors

Abbreviations

ch = chain
ch-sp = chain space
slst = slip stitch
st(s) = stitch(es)
hdc = half double crochet
dc = double crochet

Alternative join (aka needle join) = Complete last stitch of round. Cut yarn leaving about a 4” tail and pull tail through the loop. Thread tail onto a tapestry needle. Thread needle through both loops of next stitch from front to back and pull yarn through. Thread needle under back loop only of the last stitch in the round and pull yarn through.

Instructions:

Ch 4, join with slst to form a ring.

Rnd 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1st dc), 4 dc in ring, ch 3, 5 dc in ring, ch 3, 5 dc in ring, ch 3, join with slst to top of ch-3.

Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in next st, slst in next st, hdc in next st, dc in next st, 8 dc in ch-sp, dc in next 2 sts, hdc in next 2 sts, (2 hdc, ch 2, 2 hdc) in ch-sp, hdc in next 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts, 8 dc in ch-sp, join to top of 3-ch (or 1st dc of the round) with alternative join. Weave in ends.

 See a mistake or something I overlooked, please let me know in the comments or at squirrelpicnic{at}gmail{dot}com. Thanks!