Hygge Scandinavian folk hearties

To make the most out of Hygge leftovers, I’ve designed a few bonus patterns to keep your hands busy a little bit longer! The Scandinavian Hygge Folk hearts are perfect to whip up in an afternoon. String them together to create a garland, use them as decoration for gifts, or create a matching set of coasters - the possibilities are endless!

Crochet hook

3.5mm (US size E/4).

Measurements

Motif measures 10cm (4in) in height and 10cm (4in) in width.

Gauge/tension

Gauge is not critical for this project.

Techniques

Heart half

Each heart half consists of a half circle with a rectangular extension and six strips. These halves are worked continuously to minimise the number of ends you’ll need to weave in.

To begin, create a magic loop. Instead of working in the round, you will work in rows and turn your work. Make 5sc into the magic loop, ch1, and turn so the wrong side is facing you; do not close the loop at this point (photo 1). Work the first sc of Row 2 into the last sc of the previous row (photo 2) and continue through Row 5 as directed by the pattern. This creates the half circle that forms the top of the heart half (photo 3).

Row 6 is worked across the flat edge of your half circle into the row-ends of Rows 1–5. Work 11sc evenly across this top edge. Personally, I work 5sc on one side of the magic loop, 1sc into the loop itself, and 5sc on the other side. Once Row 6 is complete, pull the magic loop tight (photo 4). Continue with Rows 7–8 as stated in the pattern, working directly on top of Row 6 (photo 5). This creates the straight extension that provides the “body” of the heart.

Row 9 is where you create the strips. Start by chaining 12 (photo 6). Beginning in the second chain from your hook, make 11ss all the way back to the base of the chains (photo 7). Work 1ss into the base stitch and 1ss in each of the next 2 stitches (photo 8). Repeat this process until you have six strips. To finish, work 1ss into the base of the final strip, then cut your yarn and fasten off (photo 9).

Joining

Join Color C with a ss into the side of Row 8, directly above where you ended the last strip. Work 1sc in each of the row-ends for Rows 8–6, then 1sc in each stitch across the rounded top of the half (the stitches from Row 5). Next, work 1sc in the side of Rows 6 and 7 (photo 10). You will join the two halves in the top “dimple” of the heart with a sc2tog (photo 11). To finish the second side, work 1sc in the side of Rows 7 and 6, 1sc in each stitch across the top rounded side, and 1sc in each of the ends of Rows 6–8. You are now ready to begin weaving.

Weaving

Take the strip from the first half that is closest to the centre of the heart and place it on top of the last strip of the second half. Secure these by crocheting a sc through both the stitch at the end of the first strip and the underlying stitch on the second strip (photo 12). Work 1sc on the strip of the second half, then take the next strip of the first half and place it below the strip of the second half. Work a sc through both strips and make 1sc in the next stitch on the strip of the second half. Continue alternating the strips over and under until the final strip of the first half is fastened (photo 13).

To create the bottom point of the heart, ch2, ss in the first chain, and work 1sc in the last stitch of the final strip to create a picot. If a picot is not your forte, you can ch and omit the slip stitch. You will now fasten the remaining strips of the second half to the final strip of the first half, alternating top and bottom as you weave them through the already-fastened strips.

Work 1sc in the next stitch of the first half’s strip, weave the next strip of the second half through the others, and secure it (photo 14). Continue this until all strips are fastened, and don’t forget to regularly check your weave! When the final strip is fastened, join with a ss in the first sc, cut your yarn, and weave in any remaining ends (photo 15).

Heart halves (make two in two different colours)

With Colour A or B, make a magic loop.

Row 1 (RS) 5sc in magic loop, ch1, turn. [5 sc]

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

Row 2 (WS) 1sc, (2sc in next st) 3 times, 1sc, ch1, turn. [8 sc]

Row 3 1sc, (1sc, 2sc in next st) 3 times, 1sc, ch1, turn. [11 sc]

Row 4 1sc, (2sc, 2sc in next st) 3 times, 1sc, ch1, turn. [14 sc]

Row 5 1sc, (1sc, 3sc in next st) 3 times, 1sc, ch1. [17 sc]

Turn your heart 90 degrees. Your next row will be worked in the row-ends of Rows 1-5.

Row 6 11sc evenly distributed in the ends of the rows 1-5, ch1, turn. Pull the loop tight. [11 sc]

It’s easiest to work 5 stitches on either side of the magic loop with 1 stitch in the actual magic loop itself.

Row 7 11sc, ch1, turn.

Row 8 11sc, turn.

You will now make the strips to weave together in a later step. There are six strips consisting of slip stitches, made in a continuous row. After this row, it’ll look like you made a little jellyfish.

Row 9 *Ch12, starting in second ch from hook, work 11ss back, 1ss in st at base of ss, 2ss; repeat from * another 4 times, ch12, starting in second ch from hook, work 11ss back, 1ss in st at base of ss. Cut yarn. [6 strips of 11 ss with one ss in between]

Weave in all ends.

Joining heart halves

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.

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.

Adjusting the size

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.

Diagram