This crochet heart pillow pattern is a fresh take on a Valentine’s Day classic — a sweet, squeezable heart plushy worked up in chunky yarn so the stitches really pop. The best part? It comes with both knit and crochet versions, so whichever craft you prefer, you’ve got a pattern. I made the first one for my little guy since he’ll be celebrating being MY valentine for the first time. *swoon*

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Each heart is worked as two identical panels, sewn or crocheted together, and stuffed with poly-fil. The finished size is about 8 x 8 inches — perfect as a Valentine’s gift, kids’ room decor, photo prop, or even just a cute everyday accent on the couch.

Crochet heart pillow pattern in cream and Woodberry Bernat Maker Home Dec — Valentine's heart plushy knit and crochet versions
Crochet Heart Pillow Pattern

Why You’ll Love This Crochet Heart Pillow Pattern

This little heart hits all the right notes for handmade Valentine’s gifting:

✔ Available in BOTH knit and crochet versions — pick your preferred craft
✔ Beginner-friendly with clear row-by-row instructions
✔ Quick weekend project — about 2-4 hours per heart
✔ Chunky yarn for satisfying, dimensional texture
✔ Perfect 8×8 inch finished size — gift-ready proportions
✔ Adorable Valentine’s, anniversary, or birthday gift
✔ Works as both a pillow and a single-side embellishment
✔ Customizable in any chunky yarn color combo


Crochet Heart Pillow Pattern Details

Pattern Notes

Both patterns work from side to side (not top-to-bottom). Make two identical panels, single-crochet them together with the right sides facing out, and stuff with poly-fil before closing.

Finished Size

Approximately 8 inches wide x 8 inches tall.

Gauge

  • Knit gauge: 13 sts and 17 rows = 4″ with an 8mm (US 11) knitting needle
  • Crochet gauge: 10 sc and 11 rows = 4″ with an 8mm (US L/11) crochet hook

Materials You’ll Need for the Crochet Heart Pillow Pattern

Bernat Maker Home Dec is perfect for this project — chunky enough to make the stitches dimensional and pop, but soft enough that the finished heart feels cozy to cuddle. Any bulky (category 5) yarn works as a substitute.


Abbreviations

Crochet (US Terms)

  • ch — chain
  • sc — single crochet
  • sc2tog — single crochet 2 together (decrease)
  • sl st — slip stitch
  • st(s) — stitch(es)

Knit

  • K — knit
  • P — purl
  • K2tog — knit 2 together (decrease)
  • KFB — knit front and back of same stitch (increase)
  • SSK — slip, slip, knit (decrease)
  • st(s) — stitch(es)

The Crochet Heart Pillow Pattern

To make as a pillow: work up 2 hearts (one back panel, one front panel).
To use as a single-side embellishment: work up 1 heart.

Crochet Heart Pattern

To start, ch 8.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook across, ch 1, turn. (7 sc)

Row 2: 2 sc in first sc, sc to last sc, 2 sc in last sc, ch 1, turn. (9 sc)

Row 3: 2 sc in first sc, sc to last sc, 2 sc in last sc, ch 1, turn. (11 sc)

Row 4: 2 sc in first sc, sc to last sc, 2 sc in last sc, ch 1, turn. (13 sc)

Row 5: 2 sc in first sc, sc to last sc, 2 sc in last sc, ch 1, turn. (15 sc)

Row 6: 2 sc in first sc, sc to end, ch 1, turn. (16 sc)

Row 7: Sc in each sc to last sc, 2 sc in last sc, ch 1, turn. (17 sc)

Row 8: 2 sc in first sc, sc to end, ch 1, turn. (18 sc)

Row 9: Sc2tog, sc to last sc, 2 sc in last sc, ch 1, turn. (18 sc)

Row 10: 2 sc in first sc, sc to last 2 sc, sc2tog. (18 sc)

Row 11: Sc2tog, sc to last sc, 2 sc in last sc, ch 1, turn. (18 sc)

Row 12: 2 sc in first sc, sc to last 2 sc, sc2tog. (18 sc)

Row 13: Sc2tog, sc to last sc, 2 sc in last sc, ch 1, turn. (18 sc)

Row 14: Sc2tog, sc to last sc, 2 sc in last sc, ch 1, turn. (18 sc)

Row 15: 2 sc in first sc, sc to last 2 sc, sc2tog. (18 sc)

Row 16: Sc2tog, sc to last sc, 2 sc in last sc, ch 1, turn. (18 sc)

Row 17: 2 sc in first sc, sc to last 2 sc, sc2tog. (18 sc)

Row 18: Sc2tog, sc to last sc, 2 sc in last sc, ch 1, turn. (18 sc)

Row 19: Sc in each sc to last sc, sc2tog, ch 1, turn. (17 sc)

Row 20: Sc2tog, sc to end, ch 1, turn. (16 sc)

Row 21: Sc in each sc to last sc, sc2tog, ch 1, turn. (15 sc)

Row 22: Sc2tog, sc to last 2 sc, sc2tog, ch 1, turn. (13 sc)

Row 23: Sc2tog, sc to last 2 sc, sc2tog, ch 1, turn. (11 sc)

Row 24: Sc2tog, sc to last 2 sc, sc2tog, ch 1, turn. (9 sc)

Row 25: Sc2tog, sc to last 2 sc, sc2tog, ch 1, turn. (7 sc)

Row 26: Sl st in each sc to end, bind off.


Knit Heart Pattern

Cast on 7 sts.

Row 1: *K1, p1* repeat from * to last st, K1. (7 sts)

Row 2: KFB, *p1, K1* repeat from * to last 2 sts, p1, KFB. (9 sts)

Row 3: *P1, K1* repeat from * to last st, p1. (9 sts)

Row 4: KFB, *k1, p1* repeat from * to last 2 sts, K1, KFB. (11 sts)

Row 5: *K1, p1* repeat from * to last st, K1. (11 sts)

Row 6: KFB, *p1, K1* repeat from * to last 2 sts, p1, KFB. (13 sts)

Row 7: *P1, K1* repeat from * to last st, p1. (13 sts)

Row 8: KFB, *k1, p1* repeat from * to last 2 sts, K1, KFB. (15 sts)

Row 9: *K1, p1* repeat from * to last st, K1. (15 sts)

Row 10: KFB, *p1, K1* repeat from * to end. (16 sts)

Row 11: *K1, p1* repeat from * to end. (16 sts)

Row 12: KFB, *k1, p1* repeat from * to last st, K1. (17 sts)

Row 13: *K1, p1* repeat from * to last st, K1. (17 sts)

Row 14: KFB, *p1, K1* repeat from * to end. (18 sts)

Row 15: *K1, p1* repeat from * to end. (18 sts)

Row 16: KFB, *k1, p1* repeat from * to last 3 sts, k1, K2tog. (18 sts)

Row 17: *P1, k1* repeat from * to end. (18 sts)

Row 18: KFB, *p1, K1* repeat from * to last 3 sts, p1, K2tog. (18 sts)

Row 19: *K1, p1* repeat from * to end. (18 sts)

Row 20: KFB, *k1, p1* repeat from * to last 3 sts, k1, K2tog. (18 sts)

Row 21: *P1, k1* repeat from * to end. (18 sts)

Row 22: KFB, *p1, K1* repeat from * to last 3 sts, p1, K2tog. (18 sts)

Row 23: *K1, p1* repeat from * to end. (18 sts)

Row 24: SSK, *p1, k1* repeat from * to last 2 sts, p1, KFB. (18 sts)

Row 25: *P1, k1* repeat from * to end. (18 sts)

Row 26: SSK, *k1, p1* repeat from * to last 2 sts, k1, KFB. (18 sts)

Row 27: *K1, p1* repeat from * to end. (18 sts)

Row 28: SSK, *p1, k1* repeat from * to last 2 sts, p1, KFB. (18 sts)

Row 29: *P1, k1* repeat from * to end. (18 sts)

Row 30: SSK, *k1, p1* repeat from * to last 2 sts, k1, KFB. (18 sts)

Row 31: *K1, p1* repeat from * to end. (18 sts)

Row 32: SSK, *p1, k1* repeat from * to end. (17 sts)

Row 33: *K1, p1* repeat from * to last st, k1. (17 sts)

Row 34: SSK, *k1, p1* repeat from * to last st, k1. (16 sts)

Row 35: *K1, p1* repeat from * to end. (16 sts)

Row 36: SSK, *p1, k1* repeat from * to end. (15 sts)

Row 37: *K1, p1* repeat from * to last st, k1. (15 sts)

Row 38: SSK, *k1, p1* repeat from * to last 3 sts, k1, K2tog. (13 sts)

Row 39: *P1, K1* repeat from * to last st, p1. (13 sts)

Row 40: SSK, *p1, k1* repeat from * to last 3 sts, p1, K2tog. (11 sts)

Row 41: *K1, p1* repeat from * to last st, k1. (11 sts)

Row 42: SSK, *k1, p1* repeat from * to last 3 sts, k1, K2tog. (9 sts)

Row 43: *P1, K1* repeat from * to last st, p1. (9 sts)

Row 44: SSK, *p1, k1* repeat from * to last 3 sts, p1, K2tog. (7 sts)

Row 45: *K1, p1* repeat from * to last st, k1. (7 sts) Bind off.


Assembly

Crochet Heart Pillow Pattern – The cleanest way to assemble these is to single-crochet the two panels together. This method creates a finishing edge that favors the “right side” of the plushy. The photos throughout this post show this method for both knit and crochet versions.

  • Crochet join: With right sides facing OUT, start at the center of the top left side of the heart. Sc evenly along the edge to the center of the right side. Fill with poly-fil when you’re about 3/4 of the way around. Continue sc’ing to the end. Bind off and weave in ends.
  • Knit (alternate) join: If you prefer, you can simply whip-stitch the two knit panels together with your yarn needle, taking the time to stuff with poly-fil before closing.
  • Don’t overstuff: a moderately firm fill keeps the heart shape crisp without distorting the edges.

Enjoy your handmade heart pillow — perfect for snuggling, gifting, or simply leaving on the couch as a sweet seasonal accent.

Crochet heart pillow finished — knit and crochet Valentine plushy in cream and Woodberry
Crochet Heart Pillow Pattern

Tips for the Perfect Heart Pillow

  • Make both panels at the same time: easier to ensure they end up exactly the same size — finishing one then trying to match it can lead to subtle differences.
  • Block before joining: a quick light steam evens out the seed-stitch texture and ensures both panels lie flat for clean joining.
  • Count stitches every few rows: the seed/moss stitch can be tricky to read. A quick count every 4-5 rows catches errors early.
  • Use stitch markers for the center: placing a marker at the heart’s center makes assembly much easier.
  • Customize colors freely: red and white for classic Valentine’s, pink and gold for a sweet baby gift, navy and cream for a modern minimalist look.
  • Skip the second panel for embellishments: if you want to use this as a stitched-on appliqué or a single-side flat heart, just make one panel and use it as is.


Frequently Asked Questions about Crochet Heart Pillow Pattern

How long does this heart pillow take to make? Plan for 2-4 hours per panel for an experienced crocheter/knitter. The full pillow (both panels + assembly) takes a leisurely weekend.

Is this beginner-friendly? Yes! The crochet version uses only chain, sc, and sc2tog. The knit version uses standard seed stitch + KFB increases and SSK/K2tog decreases.

Can I use a different yarn? Yes — any bulky (category 5) yarn works. Lighter weights will produce smaller hearts.

Can I make this larger or smaller? The chain/cast-on count and gauge determine size. For a bigger heart, use a heavier yarn and larger needles/hook; for smaller, use lighter yarn and smaller tools.

What’s the difference between using this as a pillow vs an embellishment? A pillow uses both panels stuffed with poly-fil. An embellishment uses just one flat panel, perfect for sewing onto a tote, sweater, or larger crochet/knit project.

What colors are best for Valentine’s? Classic red and white is timeless. Pink + cream is sweet. For something modern, try a tonal monochromatic (e.g., light pink + blush pink). Or break the rules entirely and go navy + cream!

Can I sell finished pillows? Yes — small batch sales are allowed for personal income. Please credit SeeLoveShare as the designer.


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Save This Heart Pillow Pattern

Crochet heart pillow pattern Pinterest pin — free Valentine's plushy with knit and crochet versions

Want to come back to this crochet heart pillow pattern later? Save it to Pinterest so you can find it when Valentine’s crafting season hits — and share it with your crocheting and knitting friends!

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