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stitching hearts

Heart Stitches

Recently I saw an adorable ombre counted cross-stitch piece, and thought it would be fun to make my own non-cross-stitch version. Each little heart that I've made is just two stitches, so it goes very quickly. Once I got started, I knew that this would be a lovely little project to share with you! It's such a fun way to spontaneously stitch!

Here's how the little hearts are made (It's a cross between a lazy daisy and the fly stitch!):

Heart Stitches

Come up from the back, then go back down about 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch above where the thread came up. Don't pull it tight yet!

Heart Stitches

Bring the needle back up again just a bit higher and to the left of where the the first stitch went down through the fabric. Be sure to catch the loose loop of thread with your needle.

Heart Stitches

Pull the thread to the left, tightening the loop.

Heart Stitches

Go back down through the fabric, making a little stitch that will hold this half of the heart.

Heart Stitches

Repeat on the right side.

As you're working these, try to keep the twist of the floss the same throughout. They'll look much tidier that way, but even if some are untwisted, they'll still look sweet!

Heart Stitches

For my ombre, I chose five colors. I wasn't using any sort of pattern, but just stitched the hearts where I felt like they needed to be. Each heart came out just a bit different, giving the overall piece some character. (Speaking of hearts with character...I love this embroidery by Heidi Kenney!)

Heart Stitches
Heart Stitches
Heart Stitches
Heart Stitches

Happy Heart Stitching!

35 comments:

  1. absolutely adorable!

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  2. This is really cute, I like the haphazardness of the hearts layout. If I could stitch I'd totally try this out.

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  3. How cute! Thanks for the instructions!

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  4. Incredibly adorable!!! Can't wait to try this!!!! Thank you :)

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  5. I'm not a huge 'pink' fan, but I'm really <3 ing ("loving" haha) this pink palette you've chosen :)

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  6. What a great way to stitch a heart! I can't wait to try it.

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  7. I love this! I've just started my first little embroidery project--these hearts will have to be added to my next project. I just ran across your blog and I'm loving it!

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  8. so sweet and charming!

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  9. Oh, I love your design. I want that little embroidery for my wall.

    ♥ sécia
    www.petiteinsanities.blogspot.com

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  10. I just love this! It's simple but very special. It would make a great heart-day gift. I like the ombre technique too. Thank you for sharing!

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  11. Anonymous10:16 PM

    love!

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  12. Anonymous4:27 AM

    these are adorable I love it! xx

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  13. Awesome, i will try this !

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  14. Very cute! Great minds think alike... I saw a tutorial, by Gabi a German blogger, a while back on hand embroidering a heart right here:
    http://gabi-allabout-myquiltshop.blogspot.com/2011/02/mein-lazy-daisy-heart.html

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  15. I love this! Simple & Sweet.

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  16. when I saw your picture the other day I hoped we'd get to see the finished product! I'm excited to try out this new stitch :)

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  17. How cute! I'll have to try this out with my little girls who adore hearts. :)

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  18. Thanks for linking to my cross stitch, Mollie! I love your embroidered hearts - thanks for sharing!

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  19. I LOVE this! So pretty! Thank you for sharing it with us!

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  20. Anonymous12:21 AM

    hey mollie, your stitches are featured here: http://blogs.babble.com/the-new-home-ec/2012/02/01/15-craft-projects-that-will-spread-the-love/?pid=10755

    :D katrina

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    Replies
    1. I just saw it on Babble, too and came right over to tell you :) Yay for YOU!

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  21. That's beautiful!

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  22. So so so sweet. :) love them.

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  23. Anonymous6:33 PM

    Cutie!!

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  24. So cute. I love these. Thank you for sharing.

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  25. Thank you!!! I'm reacquainting myself with embroidery, and wanted something to fit in with the lazy daisies and running stitch. Easy and cute - my daughter loves it!

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  26. its a big help for me.i feel lucky i see this website ^_^

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  27. This is so adorable! Thanks for the help!

    Amanda Rose
    sewmuch2say.com

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  28. Anonymous2:48 PM

    I'm excited to try it. Thanks

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  29. Anonymous5:08 AM

    Trop mignon !

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  30. Anonymous9:19 PM

    these are lovely hearts,thanks for sharing their simplicity.

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