Introduction
Looking for the perfect handmade Christmas decoration that combines charm with knitting skill? Winter Pine Hearts are delightful knitted ornaments that bring warmth and handcrafted beauty to your holiday décor. These adorable heart-shaped decorations, worked in the round from bottom to top, measure approximately 4 inches in both width and height, making them ideal for hanging on Christmas trees, gift packages, or creating festive garlands.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about creating these beautiful knitted hearts, from selecting the right materials to mastering the unique construction technique that creates their distinctive heart shape.
Materials Needed to Knit Winter Pine Hearts
Yarn Requirements
To knit winter pine hearts successfully, you’ll need DROPS Fiesta yarn from Garnstudio, which belongs to yarn group B. This yarn provides excellent stitch definition and comes in beautiful festive colors. You’ll need 50 grams in one of these gorgeous shades:
- Color 16 (Herb Garden) – a fresh, natural green
- Color 20 (Northern Lights) – a deep, rich tone
- Color 07 (Sea Green) – a calming aquatic hue
- Color 13 (Dark Ivy) – a classic evergreen shade
Each heart weighs approximately 10 grams with filling, meaning you can create multiple ornaments from a single skein.
Essential Supplies
- Needles: DROPS double pointed needles size 3.5 mm (US 4)
- Filling: Cotton wool for stuffing
- Hanging loop: String or leftover yarn (approximately 20 cm or 8 inches)
- Markers: Stitch markers for tracking rounds
- Tools: Yarn needle for finishing
For more beginner-friendly knitting supplies, visit our comprehensive guide.
Understanding Knitting Gauge for Perfect Hearts
Achieving the correct gauge is crucial when you knit winter pine hearts to ensure your ornaments turn out the right size. Your target gauge should be:
- 22 stitches in width = 10 cm (4 inches)
- 30 rows vertically = 10 cm (4 inches)
- Worked in stockinette stitch on 3.5 mm needles
Gauge Adjustment Tips:
- If you have too many stitches per 4 inches, switch to larger needles
- If you have too few stitches per 4 inches, switch to smaller needles
Remember, everyone knits differently, so needle size recommendations are just starting points. Check out our detailed guide on knitting gauge techniques for more tips.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Knit Winter Pine Hearts
Understanding the Increase Technique
Before you begin, master this essential increase method:
Increase Tip: You’ll increase on each side of 2 knit stitches with a marker between them. Create the increase by making a yarn over, then on the next round, knit the yarn over twisted to prevent holes from forming.
Starting Your Heart: The Foundation
Cast On: Begin by casting on 6 stitches on double pointed needles size 3.5 mm with DROPS Fiesta yarn.
Place Markers: Insert one marker at the beginning of the round and another marker after 3 stitches (these mark the sides of your heart).
Building the Heart Base (Rounds 1-21)
Round 1: Knit all stitches around.
Round 2: Knit and increase 2 stitches at every marker following the increase tip (4 stitches increased total) = 10 stitches.
Round 3: Knit all stitches.
Repeat Pattern: Continue alternating between increase rounds and plain knit rounds (like rounds 2 and 3) until you’ve completed increases 10 times vertically. You should have 46 stitches total, and your last round should be a plain knit round without yarn overs.
Creating the Cable Detail (Round 22)
This special round creates the distinctive indentation that shapes your heart:
Round 22: Knit 10 stitches, slip 2 stitches onto a cable needle and hold behind your work, knit 1, knit 2 together from the cable needle, knit 20, slip 2 stitches onto cable needle behind work, knit 1, knit 2 together from cable needle, knit 10 = 44 stitches.
For more advanced cable techniques, explore our cable knitting patterns collection.
Dividing the Heart (Round 23)
Now you’ll separate the heart into two lobes:
Round 23: Knit 11 stitches, slip the next 22 stitches onto a holder or thread, knit the last 11 stitches.
You’ll work each side separately, dividing at the middle of the cable on each side.
Working Part 1: First Heart Lobe
Place marker threads: one at the beginning of the round (side of heart) and one after 11 stitches (middle of heart at division).
Round 1: K1, slip 1 stitch knitwise, K1, pass slipped stitch over, knit until 3 stitches remain, K2tog, K1 = 20 stitches.
Round 2: Knit all stitches.
Round 3: K1, slip 1 knitwise, K1, pass slipped stitch over, knit until 3 stitches before next marker, K2tog, K2, slip 1 knitwise, K1, pass slipped stitch over, knit until 3 stitches remain, K2tog, K1 = 16 stitches.
Round 4: Knit all stitches.
Repeat rounds 1-4 once more = 10 stitches remaining.
Round 9: K1, slip 1 knitwise, K2tog, pass slipped stitch over stitches worked together, K1, repeat from – once = 6 stitches.
Cut yarn, pull through remaining stitches, tighten, and fasten securely.
Important: Fill this section with cotton wool before working the second part.
Working Part 2: Second Heart Lobe
Return the 22 held stitches to your needles. Remember to add filling as you work!
Follow the exact same instructions as Part 1, decreasing and shaping to create the matching lobe of your heart.
Finishing Your Knitted Heart Ornament
Closing the Bottom
Thread your yarn needle with the tail from your cast-on edge. Pull the yarn through the stitches at the bottom of the heart and tighten to close the opening. Secure the yarn firmly and weave in the end.
Joining the Center
Sew a few stitches where the heart was divided in the middle to ensure both lobes are securely connected.
Adding the Hanging Strap
Cut approximately 20 cm (8 inches) of string or leftover yarn. Thread it through a stitch at the top center of your heart and tie a knot to create a hanging loop.
For more finishing techniques, check our guide on knitting project finishing.
Creative Color Combinations and Variations
While the pattern suggests four beautiful color options, don’t hesitate to experiment:
- Traditional Christmas: Use red and white for a classic festive look
- Winter Wonderland: Combine different shades of blue and silver
- Natural Theme: Mix various green tones for a pine forest effect
- Modern Minimalist: Create monochrome hearts in cream or gray
You can also knit winter pine hearts in multiple colors and create stunning garlands for mantels or doorways.
Tips for Success
- Maintain consistent tension throughout your project for even stitches
- Count your stitches regularly to catch any mistakes early
- Don’t overstuff – the hearts should be plump but not bursting
- Block lightly if needed to even out any irregular stitches
- Use quality yarn for better stitch definition and durability
Learn more about improving your knitting tension in our dedicated article.
How Long Does It Take to Knit a Winter Pine Heart?
An experienced knitter can complete one winter pine heart in approximately 2-3 hours. Beginners might take 4-5 hours for their first heart, but speed increases with practice. They make excellent portable projects for knitting on the go!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What skill level is needed to knit winter pine hearts?
This pattern is suitable for intermediate knitters who are comfortable with knitting in the round on double pointed needles, increasing, decreasing, and basic cable techniques. Beginners with some experience can tackle this project with patience.
Can I use a different yarn weight instead of DROPS Fiesta?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust your needle size and expectations for final dimensions. Any DK weight or light worsted yarn (yarn group B) will work as a substitute. Always check your gauge before beginning the full project.
How do I prevent holes when making yarn over increases?
The key is to knit the yarn over twisted on the following round. Insert your needle through the back loop of the yarn over rather than the front, which twists the stitch and closes any gap.
Can I make these hearts in different sizes?
Absolutely! To make larger hearts, cast on more stitches and work additional increase rounds. For smaller hearts, cast on fewer stitches or use thinner yarn with smaller needles. Adjust the number of decrease rounds accordingly.
What’s the best filling material for knitted ornaments?
Cotton wool works beautifully as specified in the pattern. Alternatively, you can use polyester fiberfill, which is washable and maintains its shape well. Avoid overstuffing to prevent stretching the knitted fabric.
How should I store my winter pine hearts after the holidays?
Store your knitted hearts in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Place them in a breathable fabric bag or box with tissue paper. Avoid plastic bags, which can trap moisture and lead to mildew.
Can I wash my winter pine hearts?
Hand wash gently in cool water with mild wool wash if needed. Reshape while damp and lay flat to dry. Avoid machine washing, which can felt the yarn and distort the shape.
How many hearts can I make from one 50g ball of yarn?
Since each heart uses approximately 10 grams of yarn with filling, you can create about 5 hearts from a single 50-gram ball, making this an economical holiday craft project.
Conclusion
Learning to knit winter pine hearts opens up a world of creative holiday crafting possibilities. These charming ornaments make wonderful handmade gifts, beautiful tree decorations, or can be sold at craft fairs. The technique of working in the round and dividing the piece to create the heart shape is a valuable skill that translates to other knitting projects as well.
Whether you’re crafting a single special ornament or creating dozens for gifts and décor, these winter pine hearts bring handmade warmth to the holiday season. The combination of simple stockinette stitch with clever shaping and a touch of cable detail results in a professional-looking finished product that belies the pattern’s accessibility.
Ready to start your winter knitting projects? Browse our complete collection of Christmas knitting patterns for more festive inspiration, or explore our beginner knitting tutorials if you’re new to working in the round.
Ready to begin? Gather your materials, set up your knitting workspace, and cast on for a rewarding holiday knitting adventure. Happy knitting!
