Inspired by the acts of kindness I’ve been hearing about and the Happy Heart Hunt popularized by a teacher in Milton, WI (check out the Facebook page), I thought this would be a great way for knitters to use their hands to create art that shows friends and loved ones that we’re keeping them in our thoughts and hearts at this time. Decorate the heart to specifically show your love for them, or the gratitude you feel for all those essential workers who continue to make sure we make it through the pandemic. Everyone from doctors and nurses, grocers and pharmacists, first responders, truck drivers, sanitation workers and custodians, letter carriers and package delivery workers, farmers, teachers, gas station attendants, and even poll workers and voters!
The small heart is made in fingering weight yarn, needs 135 yds (123 m) of yarn, and measures about 6” (15 cm) wide and 6” (15 cm) tall. Gauge should be about 28 its and 40 rnds per 4” (10 cm).
The medium heart is made with sport weight yarn, needs 116 yds (106 m) of yarn, and measures about 8” (20.5 cm) wide and 8 1/2” (21.5 cm) tall. Gauge should be about 22 sts and 31 ends per 4” (10 cm).
The large heart is worked in worsted weight yarn, needs 113 yds (103 m) of yarn, and measures about 9” (23 cm) wide and 10” (25.5 cm) tall. Gauge should be about 15 sts and 26 ends per 4” (10 cm).
All sizes use the same number of stitches and rounds, and size varies by yarn weight and needle size used. But make sure your tension is tighter than normal to make sure the fiberfill does not show through when stuffing your heart.
Decorate your heart however you want. Use lace, beads, crochet, embroidery, appliqué, pins, charms, or whatever your imagination can come up with!