Hygge Scandinavian folk hearties

With Colour A or B, make a magic loop.

Gently close the magic loop, but do not pull it tight yet.

Turn your heart 90 degrees. Your next row will be worked in the row-ends of Rows 1-5. It’s easiest to work 5 stitches on either side of the magic loop with 1 stitch in the actual magic loop itself.

Weave in all ends.

With the WS of one heart half facing you:

Using Colour C, join in the side of Row 8 with a ss. Ch1, 1sc in same st, then work 1sc each in the sides of Rows 7 and 6. Work 1sc in each st across the 17 sts in the top of the heart, then 1sc each in the sides of Rows 6 and 7.

Pick up your second half. Work a sc2tog across the last stitch of the first half (in the side of Row 8) and the first stitch of the second half (also in the side of Row 8). This joins the two halves together.

Continue on the second half: 1sc each in the sides of Rows 7 and 6, 1sc in each st across the 17 sts on top, then 1sc each in the sides of Rows 6, 7, and 8. You will now begin weaving the strips.

The weaving consists of two parts. In the first part (before crocheting the bottom point), simply ensure the strips of the first half are placed correctly (top or bottom). After crocheting the bottom point, you will weave the remaining strips through those already fastened. Refer to the Techniques section for photos of this step.

Take the innermost strip of the first half (closest to your sc2tog) and place it on top of the last strip of the second half (the one that forms the outer edge).

Crochet 1sc through the loops on the end on the first strip and the underlying st on the second strip, 1sc in the next st of the strip of the second half.

I crochet through the loop of the turning chain and one of the loops of the st before the turning chain. I found that using only the turning chain was very stretchy.

Take the next strip of the first half and place it below the strip of the second half. Work 1sc through both strips, then 1sc in the next st of the strip of the second half. Repeat this process, alternating over and under, until all strips of the first half are fastened to the outside strip of the second half.

Ch2, ss into the first ch to create a picot for the bottom point, 1sc in same st. You will now work along the outside strip of the first half.

1sc in the next st. Take the closest strip of the second half and weave it through the fastened strips; it should end on the bottom. Work 1sc through the sts of both strips. Continue the pattern of (1sc, 1sc through both strips) as you weave the strips through. Ensure they alternate over and under to create a woven structure.

Once all strips are fastened, join with a ss to the first sc. Fasten off and weave in all ends.

I wouldn’t recommend changing the pattern, as it’s designed to fit together. To make the heart smaller, you could technically remove rows 7 and 8, reducing the motif's width by about 1 cm (0.4 in). However, this will change the heart’s shape, making it look slightly bulkier. I’d suggest changing your yarn or hook size instead.