Knitting is a very enjoyable and useful hobby, but don't think your selection of things to make ends with hats and mitts and scarfs! You can knit almost anything, with the right instruction, and I'm here to show you how to knit a heart! This particular heart can be used as a coaster, cloth for wiping things, a present for a friend, or just decoration without a specific purpose except for looking nice. Whichever use you have for it, you'll be surprised how simple it is to make a heart, using only the basic knitting materials.

(I got this pattern from a website called "Julie and the Knits".)

Step 1: Materials

Chunky yarn - I used red, but the colour you use is your choice.

Pair of knitting needles - I used 9mm needles, but any needles around that size should be fine.

Scissors - When do you not need these?

Tapestry needle - Another thing you need for all knitting projects!

You'll also need to learn how to increase and decre ase. It might sound tricky at first, but don't worry; you'll get the hang of it quickly!

Let's do this! :)

Step 2: Cast On

Cast on five stitches.

Step 3: Row 1: Knit

Knit this row, using the standard knit stitch.

Step 4: Row 2: Increase First Stitch

Increase the first stitch of this row, by knitting in the front and back of the stitch (KFB). Knit to the end of the row.

Step 5: Row 3: Knit

Knit the whole row, standard.

Step 6: Row 4: Increase Last Stitch

Knit to the last stitch, and increase it (KFB).

Step 7: Row 5: Knit

Knit stitch this row.

Step 8: Row 6: Increase the First Stitch

Increase the first stitch of this row (KFB), and knit to the end of the row.

Step 9: Rows 7-10: Knit

Standard knit the four rows 7, 8, 9, 10.

Step 10: Cut Yarn

Cut the yarn leaving a tail a couple inches long, and push your work to the bottom of the needle it's currently on.

Step 11: Cast On

Cast on five stitches on the same needle your work is on.

Step 12: Repeat

Repeat what you did for rows one to ten.

Step 13: Finished the Top Half

If you've counted correctly, both pieces should now be on the same needle. If they are... congrats! If they're not... go back and see what you did wrong, and fix it.

Step 14: Joining the Top

Now join the two pieces of knit work, by knitting a row across them.

Step 15: Knit Four More Rows

Standard knit the next four rows.

Step 16: Decrease First and Last Stitches

Decrease the first and last stitches of this row, by knitting two stitches together (k2tog). Knit the stitches in between normally.

Step 17: Knit This Row