Written by: Kristen Moore

Published on 01/11/24

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Are you ready for a FREE Valentine's Day crochet pattern?!

One of my goals for 2024 was to start designing more seasonal patterns. Over the last couple of years I've been designing and releasing patterns on a whim, and while I love the spontaneity of creativity that involves, I also think there is something to be said about a well timed seasonal pattern.

I don't know about you, but I have a hard time finding a lot of Valentine's Day themed crochet patterns. There are definitely some cute ones out there, but since I'm kind of in love with this love-crazed holiday I figured it was time to put my new goal of designing a seasonal item to test!

So, if you love a good love-themed crochet project then this is the pattern for you!

I combined the romantic combination of hearts and strawberries into one adorable strawberry plushie heart! You really can't go wrong with either when it comes to professing your love to someone, right? So why not combine them?!

If you love QUICK patterns, then you're also in the right place as this little cutie works up in no time at all. You can add safety eyes if you prefer them over embroidered eyes and she turns out just as cute!

Need some more inspiration? Here are a few fun ways you can use you Love You Berry Much Strawberry:

Attach a cute keychain clasp (like this one) to her as adorable backpack buddy!
Put her in a cute Valentine's Day themed basket for your adorable kiddo to tell them how "berry" much you love them!
Make several for your kiddo to hand out as valentine's for their class at school or group of friends!
Give her to your loved one (doesn't HAVE to be kid!) to let them know how much you care about them!

Okay, so you have your mind set on this pattern. Let's talk about what you need!

When it comes to yarn, I have had testers maker their hearts in everything from Michaels Loops & Threads Chenille Home Slim to Bernat Blanket Yarn. The pattern calls for a super bulky size 6 weight yarn, but you can also have fun experimenting!

Have you been able to try the new Big Twist Plush yarn from Joann? This is also a really fun option if you haven't been able to figure out what to make with that yarn yet!

Just use Big Twist Plush and a size H-8 (5.00mm) hook and you are SET. She comes out a little smaller than the super bulky one since Big Twist Plus is a size 5 bulky weight yarn, but still just as cute!

You'll also need some green yarn for her stem in the same weight of yarn you use for her body. Easy peasy! Then, grab some worsted weight yarn to embroider her eyes and some super bulky yarn for stitching on those cute little seeds.

Have fun with your creativity and I truly hope you enjoy making this juicy sweet crochet love token!

The Love You Berry Much Strawberry Heart

Would you rather have the full PFD version of this pattern? I totally understand! I have the PDF version of this pattern available for purchase at a small cost from my shop on Etsy. Check it out right here!

Crochet Pattern by Junebug & James

Details

Welcome to the Love You Berry Much Strawberry pattern!

This pattern is QUICK and easy and you can add as many or as little details to it as you want.

This pattern is written in English using US crochet terms.

This pattern is worked from the top of the strawberry down. Then, you’ll create the stem and sew it on top between the bumps of the strawberry! Embroider the eyes, nose, and seeds to add some cute extra touches. Feel free to experiment with making your strawberry heart in different yarn types and hook sizes!

This pattern uses the “yarn under/yarn over” method when working its single crochet stitches. This means when you insert your hook into the stitch, wrap your yarn under the hook before pulling it through, and then wrap your yarn over to finish your single crochet stitch. This creates more of an “x” shape to your stitch, and helps keep your stitches looking tighter and closer together (click here for a video tutorial)!

Photos for reference are located at the end of the pattern.

Approximate finished measurements: 5” (13 cm) tall x 4” (10 cm) wide.

Difficulty Level: Beginner

Materials

Yarn

Color A - size 6 bulky weight yarn [50 yds per 2oz in heart color]

Color B - size 6 bulky weight yarn [5 yds per 0.2 oz in stem color]

Yarn suggestions: Michael’s Loops & Threads Chenille Home Slim, Bernat Blanket, Premier Basix Chenille.

Small amount of black and white cotton worsted size 4 weight yarn for embroidering the eyes. I love using WeCrochet Dishie Cotton for embroidering!

Small amount of white size 6 super bulky yarn for stitching on the strawberry seeds.

Hook size: 7.00 mm

Polyester fiberfill stuffing

Tapestry needle

Stitch markers

Scissors

Abbreviations

beg = beginning

ch(s) = chain stitch(es)

inc = increase

inv dec = invisible decrease

MR = magic ring (click here for a video tutorial)

rep = repeat

rnd = round

sc = single crochet

sl st = slip stitch

st = stitch

Special Stitches

Invisible decrease (inv dec) = (Insert your hook into the front loop of the next st) x 2, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops on your hook.

PATTERN

Top of Strawberry Heart (make 2)

With Color A and 7.00mm hook.

Rnd 1: place 6 sc in MR. (6 sc)

Rnd 2: (inc) x 6. (12 sc)

Rnds 3-4: sc in each st around. (12)

Fasten off for first bump only and leave a short 6” tail for sewing the gap between your bumps together later.

Rep rnds 1-4 for second bump. Do NOT fasten off after the second bump. (photo 1).

Continue to Body of the Heart.

Body of the Heart

Rnd 5: continuing from the 2nd bump made, join to any st in 1st bump with a sc (place st marker in this st to mark beginning of next rnd - photo 2), sc in each st around 1st bump, then sc in each st around 2nd bump (photo 3). (24 sc) Use your 6” yarn tail to sew the gap between your heart bumps closed (photo 4).

Rnds 6-7: sc in each st around. (24 sc)

Rnd 8: (sc 2, inv dec) x 6. (18 sc)

If using safety eyes, place them between rnds 6 & 7, approx. 3-4 sts apart.

Rnds 9-10: sc in each st around. (18 sc)

Begin stuffing & stuff as you go from here.

Rnd 11: (sc, inv dec) x 6. (12 sc)

Rnd 12: sc in each st around. (12 sc)

Rnd 13: (inv dec) x 6. (6 sc)

Fasten off leaving a tail for sewing closed. Using a tapestry needle, weave your yarn tail around the front loops of each stitch in the last rnd and gently pull to close. Weave in ends.

Continue to Stem

Stem

With Color B and 7.00mm hook.

Rnd 1: place 5 sc in MR. (5 sc) (photo 5)

Rnd 2: sl st to 1st st (photo B1), ch 3, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in next ch, (sl st in next st, ch 3, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in next ch) x 4. (5 leaves total) (photo 6)

Fasten off. Sew stem to top of heart directly in between top bumps (photo 7)

Extra Details

Embroidering the eyes & nose: Using black worsted weight cotton yarn (WeCrochet Dishie Cotton) and a tapestry needle. Begin embroidering the eyes starting between rnds 6-7 of the strawberry (photo 10), working them over 2 rounds vertically and spacing them about 3-4 sts apart from one another (photos 11-13).

To make your eyes more bold, I worked about 13 passes of the yarn and then accented the side of the eye using a strand of white worsted weight yarn as well (photo 13).

Add a nose by sewing 2-3 passes of super bulky yarn in Color A between both eyes on rnd 8, about 2 sts wide (photo 14).

Sewing on the seeds: Using your tapestry needle and white super bulky yarn, embroider small seeds vertically over 1 rnd each, placing them sporadically around your strawberry (photos 15 & 16).

Photo References Below

You have now completed your adorable Love You Berry Much Strawberry Heart and are ready to give it so much love!

I truly hope you enjoyed this pattern! If you need any assistance or have any questions please do not hesitate to reach to me by email at junebugandjames@gmail.com, Instagram messages, or Facebook.

This pattern is a copyright © 2024 of Kristen Moore of Junebug and James. Pattern and photos can not be used for resale purposes. Distribution in part or in whole of this pattern is strictly forbidden. Any Love You Berry Much Strawberry created using this pattern may be sold, but please remember to give credit to Junebug and James.