Overview
Valentine's Day gifts are meant to show our love for each other, and what expresses love better than something handmade? Easy enough for beginning knitters, this Box of Hearts is a fun (and low-calorie!) way to give your loved one something that is truly from the heart.
Things You'll Need
120 yards red bulky-weight 100% wool yarn, 120 yards white bulky-weight 100% wool yarn, US 10 straight needles, a tapestry needle, a tape measure, and a washing machine.
Begin the Box
Using the white yarn, cast on 30 stitches. Knit every row in garter stitch for 2.5 inches. At the beginning of your next row, cast on 10 stitches. Knit across these 40 stitches. Turn and cast on 10 stitches. Knit across these 50 stitches.
Create the Base
Knit every row in garter stitch for 7.5 inches.
Shape the Edges
Bind off 10 stitches at the beginning of the next two rows, so that only 30 stitches remain. Knit every row in garter stitch for 2.5 inches. Bind off all stitches.
Stitch the Box Together
Using tapestry needle, stitch all four corners of the box together and weave in ends.
Begin Knitting the Hearts
Divide your red yarn into two balls.
Knit the Bottom of the Heart
Cast on one stitch. Knit into the front and back of this stitch, so that there are now two stitches. Knit one row. Knit into the front and back of these two stitches, so that there are now four stitches. *Knit one row. Knit into the front and back of the first stitch, knit to the last stitch, and knit into the front and back of that last stitch.
Repeat from * until you have 14 stitches. Knit one row.
Knit the Top of the Heart
Knit seven stitches. Drop yarn, but do not cut it. Attach second ball of yarn, and knit the remaining seven stitches with the second ball.
Finish the Top of the Heart
Turn, and using second ball of yarn, knit one, knit two stitches together, knit one, knit two stitches together, knit one. Drop yarn, but do not cut it. Using first ball of yarn, knit one, knit two stitches together, knit one, knit two stitches together, knit one. Turn, and knit five stitches with first ball of yarn. Drop yarn, and knit five stitches with second ball of yarn. 10 stitches on needle. Turn, and knit one, knit three stitches together, knit one with second ball of yarn. Drop yarn, and knit one, knit three stitches together, knit one with first ball of yarn. Six stitches on needle.
Finish the Heart
Bind off three stitches with first ball of yarn. Cut yarn. Bind off three stitches with second ball of yarn. Cut yarn, and weave in ends. Repeat to knit as many additional hearts as you wish.
Felt the Pieces
Run the box and the hearts through the washing machine on the hottest setting, along with a pair of old jeans. Check it frequently to make sure the pieces don't felt too quickly; when they are done they should look as pictured.
Shape the Pieces
Straighten out the hearts and lay them flat to dry. The box may require a bit more attention. Wet it if necessary to make it quite damp, then wet a hand towel and fold it to fit inside the box. Place the box over the washcloth and pinch the edges tight. Leave it to dry.
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