Have you ever come across an unsuspecting crafting project from your past? This week while I was tidying up my Ravelry page I discovered one of the first patterns that I wrote when I was in high school. At first I thought I would just remove the pattern, but then I decided to revisit the pattern and post it here for you! It is a telling look at a the key to my teenage heart!
A Key to the Past
A Key to My Heart was originally published in 2011. We are talking over a decade ago! Clearly I knew back then that I wanted to do more with my passion for yarn related mayhem. It has taken a considerable amount of time but finally I am trying again! The inspiration for the pattern came from necklaces that I saw on Etsy that were beautifully crafted to look like a key with a heart shape on the end. Obviously I decided to recreate the look with a crochet version.
Notes Before You Begin
In order to have success making the heart shaped handle of the key you will need to be familiar with the magic ring technique. If you are unsure as to how to do this, there are many tutorials online that can help you. Here is my favorite tutorial. You can also take a look at my Magnetic Mini Pumpkin pattern, which utilizes the same technique.
The Key to My Heart is a pattern where gauge is not important. I like to use a thinner worsted weight yarn, such as Caron Simply Soft, and a size G6 crochet hook. You can enlarge the final product by using a thicker worsted weight yarn and larger hook. A micro version made with fingering weight or even embroidery thread would be adorable too!
Abbreviations and Materials
Here are all of the abbreviations, in US standard crochet terms, that are used in the pattern:
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- dc – double crochet
- sl – slip stitch
The materials that you will need include:
- Crochet hook, size G6/4 mm or size desired to obtain finished size
- 5 yards Light worsted weight yarn like Caron Simply Soft
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
Create Your Key, Customized to Your Heart’s Desire
The heart part is made in the round, and the key part is worked in rows.
Round 1: Begin with making a magic ring, ch1, do not tighten the ring;
Round 2: Without turning the work, dc 2, sc 3, dc 1, sc 3, dc 2. At this point, you will tighten the magic ring so that there is no hole in the center of the heart. Sl into the ch 1 space. Fasten off.
Now you have the handle part of the key, a small heart. You will begin the key part next:
Row 1: Join the working yarn in the dc 1 spot on the bottom of the heart, ch 11, turn
Row 2: Starting in the second ch from the hook, (sl, ch3, sl) into the same space, sl into the next ch space, (sl, ch 3, sl) into the next space, sl in the remaining 7 ch spaces and secure into the dc where the yarn was joined at the bottom of the heart
Fasten off and weave in all loose ends.
You Hold the Key in Your Hands
Congratulations! You now have a cute little heart key that you can use for anything. Try making a small one to wear as a necklace, or use them as a decoration on a hat. They also make for fun decorations around the house, or as play toys.
Leave a comment and let me know how you plan to use your finished product. Check out my other patterns like the cozy Ladybug Mittens.
