Little Heart Dude | Free Valentine’s Crochet Pattern
Little Heart Dude is a free crochet pattern for a small, handheld plushie that’s big on charm and perfect for Valentine’s Day. Designed to work up quickly, this tiny heart character is ideal when you need a fast, cute project. Whether you’re crocheting for kids, classrooms, or just because you love adorable amigurumi, this free Valentine crochet pattern is a fun and satisfying make.
This mini heart plushie wearing sunglasses is especially great for Valentine’s Day school party favors, classroom exchanges, gift bags, and small handmade surprises. Its compact size makes it easy to hand out, tuck into valentine boxes, or add to a larger gift, and it’s kid-friendly without being overly fragile. If you’re looking for a crochet Valentine heart that’s more playful than traditional décor, Little Heart Dude is a sweet option that works for both kids and adults.
Best of all, Little Heart Dude is an easy-difficulty crochet pattern that’s designed to be super fast to make, even if you’re short on time. Using simple stitches and minimal shaping, this beginner-friendly amigurumi pattern is perfect for confident beginners and experienced crocheters alike. It’s an excellent choice for batch-making, last-minute projects, or anyone who wants a quick win with a free crochet plushie pattern.
Putting Together Your Little Heart Dude
The Little Heart Dude is a super fast project — under an hour for most crocheters — and it makes a great bulk project for classroom parties and little gifts.
I think I made 15 with one skein of Red Heart Super Saver, so it’s economical as well!
The only technique that may be new to beginners is the sc join, and I have a video tutorial for you to take away any worry.
Sc Join Video Tutorial
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Little Heart Dude | Free Valentine’s Crochet Pattern
Pattern is written in English, in US terms, using Craft Yarn Council abbreviations.
You Need to Know
Chains (ch), single crochet (sc), double crochet (dc), increases and decreases. Be eager to learn and ready to have fun!
For a quick refresher of these basic skills, click here.
You Will Practice Easy Techniques
- How to shape using increases and decreases
- How to branch amigurumi parts (no sew amigurumi technique)
Supplies
- Red Heart Super Saver yarn, 100% acrylic, worsted weight, 364 yds/7 oz/198 g, Cherry Red (RED), < 1 ball; White (WHT), <1 ball; Black (BLK), <1 ball.
- G (4.00 mm) hook
- Polyfil stuffing
- Tapestry needle
Measurements
3.5 inches x 3.5 inches
Gauge
8 sts x 8 rows in sc = 2” x 2”
Pattern Notes
- Work in continuous rounds. Do not slip stitch unless otherwise specified by the pattern.
- For best results, assemble parts in order as directed.
- Weave in attachment ends at very end of project in case pieces require repositioning.
Special Stitches
Sc join – Single crochet join: With long starting tail, make slip knot in yarn, loop slip knot over hook, insert hook through stitch, yo, pull through, yarn over, pull through both loops on hook. Leave starting tail on outside of work.
Instructions
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Heart and First Hump
With RED, ch 2.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in second ch from hook. (6)
Rnd 2: [Sc, inc] 3 times. (9)
Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] 3 times. (12)
Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc] 3 times. (15)
Rnd 6: [4 sc, inc] 3 times. (18)
Rnd 7: [5 sc, inc] 3 times. (21)
Rnd 8: [6 sc, inc] 3 times. (24)
Rnd 9: [7 sc, inc] 3 times. (27)
Rnd 10: [8 sc, inc] 3 times. (30)
Rnd 11: [9 sc, inc] 3 times. (33)
Rnd 12: [10 sc, inc] 3 times. (36)
Rnd 13: Sc evenly around.
Rnd 14: Skip 18, 18 sc. Leave skipped stitches for future use. (18)
This will pinch the heart together to create two humps, worked one at a time.
Rnd 15: Sc evenly around. (18)
Rnd 16: [Sc, dec] 6 times. (12)
Rnd 17: Dec 6 times. (6)
Cut yarn. Thread needle through front loops of remaining 6 stitches. Pull tight to close. Weave in ends.
Stuff heart and 1st hump.
Second Hump
Rnd 14: Sc join (see Special Stitches) in 1st skipped st, 17 sc. (18)
Rnd 15: Sc evenly around. (18)
Rnd 16: [Sc, dec] 6 times. (12)
Stuff remainder of heart and 2nd hump.
Rnd 17: Dec 6 times. (6)
Cut yarn. Thread needle through front loops of remaining 6 stitches. Pull tight to close. Weave in ends.
Sunglasses
(Make 2)
With BLK, ch 2.
Rnd 1: 8 sc in second ch from hook. (8)
Rnd 2: Sc, 3 dc in next st, inc 4 times, 3 dc in next st, sc. (16)
Rnd 3: Change to WHT, 2 sc, 3 sc in next st, 10 sc, 3 sc in next st, 2 sc. (20)
Bind off, leaving long tail for sewing.
Using WHT sewing tail, sew sunglasses together at the increases in the top corners. Weave in all ends except the longest WHT sewing tail.
Using WHT sewing tail from sunglasses, sew to heart at the center of the glasses. Tack down lenses to heart if desired.
Weave in all attachment ends when parts are positioned as desired.
© Hooked by Kati LLC 2017-2026
Frequently Asked Questions | Little Heart Dude
Is the Little Heart Dude crochet pattern free?
Yes! The Little Heart Dude is a free crochet pattern available right here on the blog. It is written in standard US crochet terms and designed for quick, easy crafting.
If you want a printable PDF of the pattern, you can purchase the Premium Pattern with checkboxes in the HbK Shop, on Etsy, or on Ravelry.
What skill level is this crochet heart pattern?
This is an easy amigurumi crochet pattern, suitable for confident beginners who are comfortable with basic stitches and working in the round. You will use branching to make the second hump of the heart, and I have a video that can help you!
How big is the finished Little Heart Dude?
The finished plushie is handheld-sized, only 3.5″ x 3.5″, making it perfect for Valentine’s Day school party favors, classroom exchanges, and small handmade gifts.
How long does it take to make one Little Heart Dude?
Most crocheters can complete one Little Heart Dude in under an hour, making it ideal for batch-making multiple Valentine plushies.
What yarn should I use for this pattern?
This pattern works best with worsted weight yarn, but you can easily adjust the size by using thicker or thinner yarn with a matching hook.
Can I sell finished Little Heart Dudes?
Yes, you may sell finished items made from this pattern. Please do not sell, share, or redistribute the pattern itself..
Not ready to start? Pin this pattern for later!
All finished? Share your artwork by posting a picture in the Gallery!!
Post comments and pictures on social media with the hashtag #hookedbykati, or tag me @hookedbykati. You can also post pictures on the Facebook Page, or in the Epic Amigurumi Patterns and Crochet Inspiration Facebook Group.
You may sell products made by this pattern, but please link back to hookedbykati.com or credit Hooked by Kati on the craft fair tag. Do not copy this pattern for distribution or sale; that’s not nice and also illegal.
If you run into a snag, drop me a line! I respond quickly and will help any way I can to clarify any confusion or challenging stitches.
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Kati is the designer behind Hooked by Kati. With thousands of patterns sold around the world, Kati prides herself in creating innovative, easy-to-follow amigurumi patterns. She has designed for several publications, including Crochet!, Crochet World, Simply Crochet, and I Like Crochet. Kati finds her inspiration in science fiction, video games, and numerous visits to the zoo — all passions she shares with her husband and two boys.