Crochet is an extremely versatile craft. As well as being a wonderful way to create clothes, accessories and beautiful thread work, it is also a great way to add embellishments or edgings. A crocheted edging on a plain shape cut from fabric turns it from a simple object into an attractive item that can be used in a variety of ways. Use shapes of fabric decorated in this way to add to other items such as bags or scarves as adornments, or to embellish clothes. Adding a crochet edging such as the one in the picture also makes great double sided objects that are easily turned into hanging ornaments. If tiny versions are made then these can make bag or even phone charms.

Adding crocheted edging to felt is quick and easy to do. Felt is an ideal fabric to work on as it does not fray therefore there are no worries about the fabric unraveling. Felt is readily available in a variety of colors and is low cost.

This is a good way to add a crocheted finishing touch to objects when time is limited or if you have a number of items to make. The little brooch shown would make an ideal seller for craft markets or to raise money for charity. This can easily be varied by changing the size or the shape of the felt.

The little felt heart brooch in the picture has been made using two pieces of felt that have been stitched together. This gives a more rigid finished feel, ideal for a brooch. This can be stiffened further by adding a piece of card between the two layers of felt. The brooch could be varied or adapted by adding embroidery or beads to the felt surface, or changing the crocheted edging to something more lacy or flamboyant.

To make the felt hearts, either draw a heart by freehand onto paper or card to use as a template, or look for heart shaped objects such as cookie cutters or hearts on old Valentine’s Day cards. Clip art is also a good source of shapes which are suitable for templates and these can be resized on your computer before printing out to create the perfect shape and size for a brooch.

Crochet and Felt Heart Brooch

Material
2 Felt Hearts
Crochet Cotton
Brooch fitting or safety pin

Equipment
2mm Crochet Hook (or preferred size)
Embroidery sewing needle

1/ Sew around the edge of the two hearts using blanket stitch. Make the stitches close together to allow the crochet to gather to give a ruffled effect.

2/ Make crochet edge around the heart as follows – make 3 chain stitch, slip stitch into blanket stitch and repeat. To make a ruffled edge like the one in the photograph work 3 chain and slip stitch TWICE into each blanket stitch on the straight part of the heart or THREE times on the curved part of the heart.

3/ Sew safety pin or brooch fitting onto the back of the brooch.

If you fancy crocheting a heart then we have crochet heart instructions that might be useful.