If you like to craft for charity, free crochet heart patterns are always a good resource to have available at a moment’s notice.
But the problem with writing about any kind of pattern for hearts is that far too many (cheesy) puns come to mind. Things like:
- Have a heart by making one for charity.
- It’s easy to make a heartfelt donation with these crochet patterns.
- Make a hearty donation using a free crochet pattern.
Yes, I have more, but you get the gist.
Plus, I just needed to get some of them out of my system so we can get back to crafting for a cause.

5 Ways To Make And Use Handmade Hearts
The beauty of a handmade heart is that you can make one from almost any material.
This means you can use it as a decorative element in the majority of your projects. In fact looking back on some of my own projects, I’ve used them a lot.
So I am sharing five different ways you could make and use handmade hearts below.
1. Make An Origami Heart
Paper hearts are some of the most straightforward hearts to make and the perfect addition to any handmade card.
Plus, you can use virtually any kind of paper: plain printer paper, colored construction paper, cardstock, etc.
If you’re looking for a new way to make paper hearts, try folding some origami hearts.
Origami hearts add some dimension and can be made in virtually any size.
For example, you could make smaller hearts and make a whole set of heart-shaped balloons.
You can also just add a large heart to decorate your card and add a fun message inside the card.

If you need some additional inspiration, here are 12 handmade card designs to make and donate.
Also, these organizations always welcome your handmade cards.
2. Make a duct tape heart.
Duct tape is a craft material that is new to me. I’ve known about it for years but only recently started using it for projects.
One of the easiest things to make is duct tape stickers.
Then, after you do that, try making a duct tape tea wallet.
3. Make a felt heart.
If you have felt scraps in your stash, use some to make a felt heart.
You can use felt hearts as applique for hair clips or a small purse.
If you are using wool felt, add some drops of your favorite essential oils and you’ve got a DIY aromatherapy heart.
Here is a free pattern to make hearts out of felt.
4. Make a heart using a cut file and heat transfer vinyl.
If you have a Silhouette or Cricut you can add any heart design you like with a cut file and some heat transfer vinyl.
This type of application makes adding a design to a shirt or bag an easy option.
If you are pulling together a chemo care bag, you can create a custom tote with an HTV heart (like the above).
If you don’t like to work with heat transfer vinyl you could always decorate the bag with felt hearts.
If you haven’t pulled together a bag before, here are 19 things to include in a chemo care package.
5. Make a crochet heart.
And last but not least, you can crochet hearts.
This style heart can also be used as applique or it can be stuffed to give it dimension.
To get you started, I have shared six free crochet heart patterns below.
6 Free Crochet Heart Patterns
This crochet heart pattern adds extra panache with a little embroidery after you've finished the pattern.
You could add a design or even an embroidered monogram to make it personal and extra special.
For this pattern, you need yarn and stuffing to complete it.
This free crochet heart pattern is flat so it can be used as an applique, among other things.
This pattern affords several sizes so it's a great option to keep handy when you want to crochet for a cause.
Also, this style heart is just what nonprofits like The Peyton Heart Project need.
Create a sachet for someone who likes aromatherapy with this crochet heart pattern.
If you're making these to donate them and don't want a scent added, just skip the sachet part, especially if you find this pattern speaks to your style.
If you're ready to play around with a different yarn, this crochet heart pattern uses chunky yarn.
This also means that it's super quick to whip up so you could probably get a lot of them done in a short amount of time.
Not only is there a video tutorial for this pattern, but Raffaella's pattern only takes around two minutes.
This heart pattern is therefore perfect when you want to sneak in some quick crochet time when you're waiting in the car for someone or in the watiting froom for an appointment, etc.
If you're looking tor a little bit more of a textured heart pattern, this one should do the trick. According to Sarah, these hearts have a "soft and squishy texture".
This is another pattern that would be useful for any applique needs as well as things where texture is beneficial - like a sensory blanket for children or seniors.
Share The Goods
How do you like to use hearts when you’re crafting?
Leave a comment below and share your favorite project.