Learn how to sew a heart for any project – quilting, hand warmers, applique and more. It doesn’t take that much time and you can customize your heart template depending on what you are sewing.
Sewing a heart from a template is a delightful and straightforward sewing project, perfect for creating handmade decorations, gifts, or embellishments.
Making a heart doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s a simple shape that can be used for pillows, pincushions, hand warmers, applique and more. Here’s how you can simply make the shape of a heart and explore the options of projects afterwards.
Depending on the project that you choose to use your heart on, you’ll need a sewing machine, paper for paper hearts, etc.
Heart Plushie or other fun projects – take two of the heart shapes and sew together (leaving a space for stuffing). Stuff the heart piece and close with a whip stitch.
Paper Hearts – take the heart shape (perfect for Valentine’s Day) and cut around the edge of the heart. Use a inch hole punch at the center top of the heart if you want to string with a ribbon to hang the heart. Prior to stringing the heart, you can draw with pencil line little hearts, add another tiny heart, or whatever else decoration that you have planned.
Materials Needed:
- Fabric (choose your preferred color or pattern)
- Heart-shaped template (paper or cardboard) – download your heart shaped template from the quilt resource library here
- Scissors
- Pins
- Sewing machine or needle and thread
- Iron and ironing board
- Fabric marker or chalk
How to make a heart step-by-step guide
- Create or Find a Heart Template:
- Draw or print a heart shape on paper or cardboard to use as your template. You can find heart templates online or draw your own by folding a piece of paper in half and cutting half of a heart shape. Download free heart template here
- Prepare the Fabric:
- Iron the fabric to remove any wrinkles. Fold the fabric in half with the right sides facing each other.
- Pin the Pattern Piece / Template:
- Place the heart template onto the folded fabric. Pin the template in place to prevent it from shifting while cutting.
- Cutting the Heart:
- Using scissors, carefully cut along the edge of the template to create a heart shape. Cut through both layers of fabric if you want a double-sided heart.
- Remove Pins and Template:
- Remove the pins and take off the heart template from the fabric.
- Positioning the Hearts:
- If you’re making a double-sided heart, position the two fabric hearts with the right sides facing out.
- Pin the Hearts Together:
- Pin the two heart-shaped pieces of fabric together, aligning the edges. Leave a small opening along one side for turning the heart right side out.
- Sewing the Heart:
- Using a sewing machine or hand-sewing with a needle and thread, sew along the edges of the heart, leaving the small opening unsewn. Use a 1/4-inch seam allowance.
- You may want to adjust your pressure foot depending on the thickness of the material you are using, and check the stitch length as well. Some projects, like those being stuffed may need a smaller stitch length.
- Clip Corners and Curves:
- If your heart has sharp curves, clip small notches around the curves without cutting into the seam. This helps the heart maintain a smooth shape when turned right side out.
- Turn the Heart Right Side Out:
- Carefully turn the heart right side out through the opening. Gently push out the corners with a pointed tool or the blunt end of a pencil.
- Press the Heart:
- Iron the heart to flatten and smooth out the seams. Pay extra attention to the edges.
- Hand-Stitch the Opening:
- Using a ladder stitch or slip stitch, hand-sew the opening closed. Ensure your stitches are neat and secure.
- Optional Embellishments:
- Add embellishments like embroidery, buttons, or appliqué to customize your heart if desired.
- Final Touches:
- Give your completed heart a final press if needed. Your sewn heart from a template is now ready for use!
Feel free to experiment with different fabrics, sizes, and embellishments to create unique hearts for your sewing projects.
Whether you’re making a garland, ornaments, or simply adding a decorative touch, these fabric hearts are a charming and versatile craft.
More Sew a Heart Resources
DIY 21 Heart Pillows
Cute Heart pillow using a quilt block
Free Heart Pillow Pattern
Becky Jorgensen is the creative quilter behind Patchwork Posse, the Patchwork Planner and her online quilt group Patchworkers Plus. You can find her patterns in books, magazines, and her quilt membership. Gather your quilting supplies, organize your sewing space, explore the process of disappearing quilt blocks, or finish a free quilt pattern. I'll help you use what you have, finish what you start and make your quilting journey fun!
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