Crochet Paired Hearts Stitch

The crochet Paired Hearts Stitch is a richly textured pattern featuring raised popcorn stitches arranged in pairs across the fabric. I’ve named this the Paired Hearts Stitch because the popcorn columns remind me of little pairs of hearts sitting side by side.

Raised popcorn stitches are linked with simple chain stitches and alternate with groups of double crochet creating a lovely combination of solid texture and small open spaces. The result is a bold, dimensional fabric where the heart-like popcorn pairs immediately catch the eye.

This stitch has plenty of depth so it works well in medium yarns. A smooth yarn will also show off the rounded popcorns and make the paired heart effect much easier to see.

About the Crochet Paired Hearts Stitch

The Paired Hearts Stitch is built around five double crochet popcorn stitches. Two popcorns are positioned together with a chain between them, creating the raised pairs that give this stitch its distinctive appearance.

Between the popcorn sections are groups of double crochet stitches. On the following row single crochets and chain spaces are worked across the fabric before the popcorn row is repeated. This combination gives the finished fabric an interesting balance between prominent raised areas and a lighter background.

Although the texture looks quite elaborate, the pattern uses a relatively small collection of stitches. Once you are comfortable making the popcorn stitch and recognise where each pair should sit, the repeat becomes easier to follow.

Abbreviations

• ch – chain
• dc – double crochet
• PS – popcorn stitch
• sp – space
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• rep – repeat
• sk – skip

Crochet Paired Hearts Stitch Instructions

Make a chain in multiples of 6 + 1

Row 1:

Work a sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, *ch 1, sk 1, 2 sc in the next st, ch 1, sk 1, sc in each of the next 3 ch, rep from * across until 2 ch remain, sc in each of the last 2 sts. Turn,

Row 2:

Ch 3, (counts as first dc), dc in the next st, sk 1, PS in the next st, ch 1, PS in the next st, sk 1, *dc in each of the next 3 sts, PS in the next st, ch 1, PS in the next st, sk 1, rep from * across, until 2 sts remain, dc in each of the last 2 sts. Turn.

Row 3:

Ch 1, sk first st, sc in next st, ch 1, sk 1 PS, 2sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, *sc in each of the next 3 sts, ch 1, sk PS, 2dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, rep from * until 2 sts remain, dc in each of the last 2 sts. Turn.

Repeat:

Rep rows 2-3 for the stitch pattern.

Tips for Working the Paired Hearts Stitch

Give each popcorn a little nudge towards the front of the fabric after closing it. This helps the rounded shape stand out rather than disappearing between the taller double crochet stitches.

It is also worth checking the placement of your popcorns as you work row 2. Because the stitch pattern relies on those popcorns appearing in pairs, an incorrectly placed stitch becomes much more noticeable once the next few rows are complete.

For the clearest heart effect I would choose a solid coloured yarn rather than a strongly variegated one. Too many colour changes could compete with the texture.

Crochet Paired Hearts Stitch FAQs

Is the Paired Hearts Stitch difficult?

I would class it as intermediate. The individual stitches aren’t especially difficult but you need to be comfortable making popcorn stitches, double crochet and working into chain spaces.

How is the texture created?

Most of the dimension comes from the 5 double crochet popcorn stitches. Five double crochet are worked into one stitch and then joined together at the top, forcing the group outward into a rounded shape.

What is the best yarn for the Paired Hearts Stitch?

Medium weight yarn works very well because it gives the popcorns plenty of definition. A smooth yarn will make the paired shapes easier to see.

Can I use different colours?

Absolutely. A single colour gives you a sophisticated textured fabric, while alternating colours could emphasise the row. Personally for this stitch I’d use one colour though.