If you're looking for a way to add a little extra love to your next project, this heart-centered granny square is just the thing. I've always felt that there's something so nostalgic about a classic square, but adding that textured heart in the middle really makes it pop. It’s a wonderful way to use up those precious scraps of cotton yarn you’ve been saving. You'll find the rhythm of the stitches quite soothing once you get past the shaping rounds.
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— 1. The Textured Heart :
Info :
Start with Color 1 (Blush Pink).
Round 1 :
ch 1, 12 dc into the ring, pull tight, sl st to first dc to join (12 dc)
Round 2 :
ch 2, 1 dc in same st, 1 fpdc around that same st, [1 dc in next st, 1 fpdc around same st] 11 times, sl st to first dc to join (12 fpdc, 12 dc)
Round 3 :
ch 1, 1 sc in same st, sk 2 sts, 9 tr in next st, sk 2 sts, 1 sc in next st, sk 2 sts, 9 tr in next st, sk 2 sts, 1 sc in next 6 sts, {2 hdc, 1 dc, 2 hdc} in next st, 1 sc in next 5 sts, join with invisible join or sl st to first sc. Fasten off. (13 sc, 4 hdc, 1 dc, 18 tr)
— 2. Squaring the Heart :
Round 4 :
Join Color 2 (Candyfloss Pink) with standing dc to blo of last tr on the right, 1 dcblo in same st, 1 extdc into the dc st from Round 2 (working over the sc), 2 dcblo in next st, 1 hdcblo in next st, 2 scblo in next st, {1 scblo in next st, 2 scblo in next st} 2 times, 1 hdcblo in next st, 2 dcblo in next st, {1 dcblo in next st, 2 dcblo in next st} 2 times, 1 hdcblo in next st, 2 hdcblo in next st, 1 scblo in next st, {2 scblo in next st, 1 scblo in next st} 2 times, 2 hdcblo in next st, 1 hdcblo in next st, 2 dcblo in next st, {1 dcblo in next st, 2 dcblo in next st} 2 times, 1 hdcblo in next st, 2 scblo in next st, {1 scblo in next st, 2 scblo in next st} 2 times, 1 hdcblo in next st, sl st to first dc to join (23 scblo, 10 hdcblo, 1 extdc, 20 dcblo)
Round 5 :
ch 1, 1 sc in same st, 1 sc in next st, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next 26 sts, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next 24 sts, sl st to first sc to join. Place a stitch marker in the 4th last st. Fasten off. (56 sc)
— 3. Final Border :
Round 6 :
Join Color 3 (Dusty Rose) with standing tr in the marked st, ch 2, 2 tr in same st, 1 dc in next 2 sts, 1 hdc in next st, 1 sc in next 7 sts, 1 hdc in next st, 1 dc in next 2 sts, [{2 tr, ch 2, 2 tr} in next st, 1 dc in next 2 sts, 1 hdc in next st, 1 sc in next 7 sts, 1 hdc in next st, 1 dc in next 2 sts] 3 times, 1 tr in first corner, sl st to first tr to join (28 sc, 8 hdc, 16 dc, 16 tr, 4 x ch-sp)
Round 7 :
sl st to ch-sp, ch 1, {1 dc, ch 2, 2 dc} in ch-sp, 1 dc in each st along the side, [{2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc} in ch-sp, 1 dc in each st along the side] 3 times, 1 dc in first corner, sl st to first dc to join. Fasten off. (84 dc, 4 x ch-sp)
I really hope you enjoy making this Elwen square as much as I do. There’s something so peaceful about watching a heart take shape right in your hands. Whether you’re making a single one for a coaster or a whole stack for a heirloom blanket, I know they’re going to look stunning. Don't be afraid to experiment with bold or even moody colors—the texture will shine through regardless. Happy hooking, and may your stitches be as even as your coffee is strong! 🧶✨