How to Embroider Hearts: 13 Ways to Stitch a Heart

A Valentine’s Day hand embroidery tutorial + free PDF sampler

Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion for practicing and showcasing your hand embroidery skills! In this tutorial, I’ll demonstrate 13 different ways how to embroider hearts, using various hand embroidery stitches and techniques. From basic Running stitch to elaborate Jacobean trellis, textural French knots and classical Satin stitch.

Free PDF sampler download

I created a free Embroidery Hearts Sampler PDF to make it easier to follow along and learn how to embroider hearts. Download the PDF with a printable design for all 13 styles and a Stitch guide. Print it, and you will be ready to get started!

How to stitch hearts: Step-by-step instructions

I wrote this tutorial on how to embroider hearts to demonstrate the vast possibilities of the decorative and filling stitches you can use to embellish and decorate heart shapes. Consider it as a guide and inspiration for your projects. Feel free to experiment with various stitches, colors, and design layouts.

You can transfer the sampler to the fabric as it is and follow along to stitch all of the hearts. Otherwise, you can choose only one part of the design that suits your creative idea best and jump to the part where I demonstrate the stitches for your chosen design. Remember that you can change up the stitches to fill the heart shapes as you feel suitable.

How to Use the Sampler

Now that you have mastered 13 different ways to embroider a heart and learned various hand embroidery techniques, why not put them to use?

Here are some projects you can make with the heart shapes from this sampler:

• Embroider a Valentine’s Day card for your special person. This card-making tutorial will help you with the process.
• Make a hoop art to decorate your room for a romantic Valentine’s Day atmosphere. Read the article “How to Frame Embroidery in a Hoop: Six Methods of Finishing the Back of the Hoop” for ideas on how to make your hoop art stand out.
• Embroider a heart or two on your clothes. Stitches like Satin Stitch, Weave Stitch, Burden Stitch, or Long and Short stitch will work great for mending projects. Other hearts will add decorative elements to your garments.
• Add some hearts to your accessories. Embellish a baseball cap, wool hat, or a bandana with a small heart shape.
• Create a lovely tote bag with bold heart embroidery.

Over to you

You have learned how to embroider hearts! Use them to create heartfelt Valentine’s Day gifts, decorate greeting cards, or add a charming touch to your clothing and accessories. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different stitches, colors, and textures to make each piece uniquely yours. Let your creativity flow, and most importantly – have fun stitching your love messages!