Valentine's Day has a way of bringing out the sweetest ideas, especially when it comes to hearts, candy, and handmade gifts. These crochet heart candy pillows are inspired by the classic conversation hearts we all recognize, but transformed into something soft, cozy, and completely stitchable.
What makes this pattern especially fun is its simplicity. The entire pillow is worked using just one stitch, the single crochet, which makes it approachable for beginners and relaxing for more experienced crocheters. That simple texture creates a smooth, even surface, turning each heart into the perfect canvas for adding cross-stitched letters or messages once the crocheting is done.
Whether you want to stitch traditional sayings like "Be Mine" or personalize your pillow with your own words, these candy heart pillows are a playful way to add a handmade touch to Valentine's Day. They work up quickly, are easy to customize, and make charming gifts or festive decor you can bring out year after year.
What You Need / Materials
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- Worsted (Weight #4) acrylic yarn (approximately 285 yards / 260 m for each pillow)
- Mint (I used Loops & Threads Impeccable in Skylight)
- Purple (Try Loops & Threads Impeccable in Petunia)
- Pink (Try Red Heart Comfort in Light Pink)
- 4.0 mm Crochet Hook
- Poly-fil or any Polyester Stuffing of your choice
- Yarn Needle
- Stitch Markers
- Scissors
Yarns Substitutions
Prefer the PDF version?
Grab the ad-free, printable PDF pattern. Download and print at home, or view on your computer, tablet, or smartphone.Finished Size
- Finished amigurumi measures approximately 30 cm (12 inches) in width and 25.5 cm (10 inches) in height.
- Consider using a different yarn weight/category and appropriate hook size for this project to make it bigger/smaller.
Level of Difficulty
- ★★☆☆☆ Beginner / Easy
- Requires familiarity with stitches used below.
Stitches & Abbreviations
- st/sts - stitch/stitches
- ch - chain
- sc - single crochet
- sc inc - single crochet increase, work 2 single crochets into the same stitch
- sc dec - single crochet decrease, single crochet 2 stitches together
Pattern Notes
- This pattern is written using US crochet terms.
- The heart is worked in rows from the bottom up
- The finished project measures approximately 12" wide and 10" tall
- No sewing is required if you single crochet the pieces together
Free Crochet Pattern
Heart (make 2)
Row 1: Magic Ring with a base of 2 sc (2 sts)
***Alternatively, you can ch 2 to start and then work 2 sc into the second ch from the hook
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, 2 sc inc (4 sts)
Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc inc, 2 sc, sc inc (6 sts)
Row 4-25: Ch 1, turn, sc inc, sc in each st across until the second last st, sc inc in the last st (8, 10, 12 sts... etc. until you have 50 sts)
Row 26-30: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (50 sts)
Row 31: Ch 1, turn, sc inc, sc in each st across until the second last st, sc inc in the last st (52 sts)
Row 32-35: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (52 sts)
Row 36: Ch 1, turn, sc dec, 48 sc, sc dec (50 sts)
Row 37: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (50 sts)
Row 38: Ch 1, turn, sc dec, 46 sc, sc dec (48 sts)
Row 39: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (48 sts)
Now, we'll shape the top of the heart's first "bump". Each bump is separate, so we will only be working on the next part up to the middle of the piece.
Row 40: Ch 1, turn, sc dec, 20 sc, sc dec, leave the rest of the sts unworked (22 sts)
Row 41: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (22 sts)
Row 42: Ch 1, turn, sc dec, 18 sc, sc dec (20 sts)
Row 43: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (20 sts)
Row 44: Ch 1, turn, sc dec, 16 sc, sc dec (18 sts)
Row 45: Ch 1, turn, sc dec, 14 sc, sc dec (16 sts)
Row 46: Ch 1, turn, sc dec, 12 sc, sc dec (14 sts)
Row 47: Ch 1, turn, sc dec, 10 sc, sc dec (12 sts)
Cut and fasten off after the first bump.
For the second bump, join your yarn to the first unworked stitch left from row 39 (see photo below) and repeat rows 40-47 without the first "ch 1, turn" step in row 40. Cut and fasten off.
Edge / Band
Ch 7
Row 1: Turn sc into the second ch from the hook and across (6 sts)
Row 2-132: Ch 1, turn, sc across in each st (6 sts)
Do NOT cut.
Assembly
- Attach the Edge/Band to the First Heart Panel
After finishing the edge/band, do not cut the yarn. Start my single crocheting along one long side of the band, attaching it to one of the heart panels. I recommend starting at the center of the heart (between the two "bumps") and working around the heart counterclockwise. This helps your stitches look even and neat when the pillow is viewed from the front. - Join the Short Sides
Once you reach the short sides of the edge/band, single crochet them together to form the sides of the pillow. - Attach the Second Heart Panel
Continue single crocheting along the remaining long side of the band, attaching it to the second heart panel. - Stuff the Pillow
Before closing the last side completely, stuff your pillow with polyester fiber to fill your desired firmness. Then finish closing the edge securely. - Add your Personal Touch
Turn your heart pillow into a classic Valentine's candy heart by embroidering cross-stitched letters or a custom message.
Prefer the PDF version?
Grab the ad-free, printable PDF pattern. Download and print at home, or view on your computer, tablet, or smartphone.Watch the Behind-the-Scenes Crochet Vlog
Inspiration Behind the Crochet Design
Candy hearts are one of the most iconic Valentine's Day treats that almost everyone recognizes. Even if you've never actually eaten one, chances are you've seen them popping up every February with their pastel colors and tiny printed messages. Over the years, they've become a true hallmark of Valentine's Day, loved as much for what they say as for how they look.
These conversation hearts have been around for over a century, with their messages evolving right along with the times, from classic phrases like "Be Mine" and "Hug me" to more modern sayings such as "Text Me" or "Call Me." The charm has always been using just a few words to say something sweet. That idea was the starting point for these crochet heart candy pillows. I wanted to recreate that iconic look in a soft, cozy way, while leaving plenty of room for personalization on each one.
Deciding what to stitch on my own pillows turned out to be harder than I expected, so I shared a photo of my blank candy hearts on Facebook and asked for suggestions. The responses poured in, and before I knew it, people were also asking for the crochet pattern. That was the push I needed to write it all down and share it, because the beauty of these crochet candy heart pillows is that the possibilities for sayings are truly endless. And yes, that is usually when my analysis paralysis kicks in.
Creative Uses and Ideas
- Valentine's Day Decor: Scatter them on couches, chairs, or beds to add a festive touch.
- Gift for a Loved One: Personalize with a sweet or funny message for a friend, partner, or family member.
- Kids' Room Accent: Brighten up a nursery or playful with soft, colorful pillows.
- Photo Props: Perfect for Valentine's Day photos, social media shoots, or themed parties.
- Party Favors: Make a set for a Galentine's party, classroom celebration, or bridesmaids' gifts.
- Teen/Dorm Room Decor: Add a playful, colorful touch that's perfect for a teen's space or a college dorm.
- Couch Companion: Extra snuggly for movie nights, reading, or curling up with a blanket.
- Classroom or Office Fun: Teachers and coworkers will enjoy seeing playful messages around the room.
More to Love...
- Crochet Valentine's Day Gifts: Quick and charming crochet gift ideas to make your Valentine's Day extra special.
- No-Sew Amigurumi Love Bug: An adorable, no-sew crochet amigurumi perfect for gifting or decorating
- Soot Sprite Crochet Pillow: A fun and squishy character pillow inspired by the beloved soot sprites from My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away.
- Giant Fortune Cookie Crochet Pillow: A playful, oversized crochet pillow that doubles as whimsical home decor and a cozy cuddle piece.
Share Your Creation with Me!
Did you make this project? I'd love to see it! Please share it with me on Instagram and/or use the #onceuponacheerio hashtag.
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This is an original crochet pattern written by Juli Anne of Once Upon a Cheerio. Please do not claim this crochet pattern as your own. If you wish to share this crochet pattern, you may link to this blog post, but please do not reprint it on your site. You may keep a copy for personal use, but please DO NOT sell or distribute the crochet pattern.
You may sell products made from this crochet pattern, but please credit the design to Juli Anne of Once Upon a Cheerio, and provide a link to my blog www.OnceUponaCheerio.com. Permission is NOT granted for mass production or factory manufacturing of any kind. Thank you for understanding!
I'm newer to crochet and I am not sure I'm understanding the MR at the beginning with a base of 2 sc - are you crocheting in the round? thank you!
Hello! Yes, it may seem a big weird. You are working in rows instead of in rounds. I personally like to start off with a magic ring so that I can adjust the size of the first chain that I start with when I'm done inserting the number of base stitches in. But that is tricky for you, chain 2 and then putting 2 sc into the second chain from the hook would be the same thing..
I just wanted to tell you that I love the name of your blog. Super cute. I’m going to make this pillow pattern it’s so cute. Thank you for sharing it with us. Blessings.
I’m so obsessed with this and will share on IG when I’m done! The instructions for the first round was super helpful in your comment - chain 2 and then 2 sc in 2nd chain from hook. So thank you!! I was struggling with the MR with only 2 sc. Thanks again!!
Could you maybe explain a little more how to join the sides to the main panels? I'm a beginner and I'm not understanding how to do it properly, I've tried so many times now and it never ends up even, either some of the 132 rows end up left over or I don't have enough to join to the beginning. Thanks!
Hi! Sorry it took me a while to get back to you. I just single crocheted the panel and the edge together. Identify the stitch at the beginning and end of each row and that's the stitch you will use for each of the stitch on the band/edge.
I am confused by the stitch count. If you are increasing and two single stitches on the end of the rows it would increase by 4 stitches right? So it should increase from 50 to 54? Or am I not understanding the pattern?
Nope! For each increase, you are only increasing you stitch count by one. So when you have an increase, one on each side, you are increasing your stitch count by 1 on each side, which equals 2.
Have you made this with any thicker yarn? If I follow the pattern exactly it comes out huge, but I don't know how to adjust to make it still be around 12x10 without messing up the shape
I am currently making these and it is coming out very well so far! I am wondering if you happened to measure the band? That might be easier than counting my rows haha I am working in the band now obvi. Such a cute pattern!
Hello! Thanks for your comment, This pattern was written for worsted weight yarn. If you plan on using a thicker yarn, it will naturally come out larger in size. You'll need to do a bit of math in order to adjust the pattern for a thicker yarn but still end up with a 12 x 10 inch pillow. Keep in mind that the stitch count will not be the same when you make a pillow of the same size with a thicker yarn and you won't be able to cross stitch as many letters onto the pillow.
Hello! Thank you for your comment. Because each crocheter's pillow might come out a different size depending on their tension, it would be hard for me to estimate how long the band should be. The number of rows mentioned in the pattern should be enough to work around the entire pillow 🙂.
Hey Juli,
Thank you for sharing this pattern with us all.
I've been crocheting since October but largely doing amigurumi, and am probably missing a few core skills. I just wondered if I could please ask for some clarification about your connecting the yarn for the second bump. I've attempted this pattern about 6 times now and its only now that I see you've created a slip knot on the hook while it is on the side closest to you (sorry not sure how to describe it better).
I had learned from people that suggested I needed to connect my yarn, pulling through a previously worked stitch on the other side, so that the working yarn starts on the side of the work it normally is on.
Is there any way you can expand on how to do it your way. If I'm understanding correctly I'm starting with a decrease. But I think the way I've been doing it explains why that first stitch always looks a bit awkward for the second bump, and is why the shape of that bump at the bottom doesn't really "match".
Any guidance is super appreciated. Thank you for sharing your creativity with us all!
Hi Jessa! I connected the yarn to crochet the second bump using a slip knot join. I don't have a tutorial for that on the blog, but you might be able to google the instructions for it. It starts with a single slip knot on your crochet hook, insert hook into the stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through both loops on the hook to create your first single crochet.
Добрый день! СПАСИБО за отличное предложение в виде подушки. Очень хорошее описание, очень понятное. Всего доброго! Новых творческих успехов!!!
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