The Heirloom Heart Bunting Free Pattern – A Vintage-Inspired Knitted Valentine's Garland

There is something undeniably romantic about a handmade garland draped across a mantel or doorway. This Heirloom Heart Bunting pattern captures that nostalgic charm with plush, three-dimensional knitted hearts in muted rose, cream, and dusty blue. Each heart is shaped using simple increases and decreases, making this a soothing weekend project that even beginners can master with confidence. The result is a soft, squishy cascade of hearts that feels like it was passed down from a grandmother's Valentine's Day collection. Whether you're decorating for February 14th or simply adding a cozy touch to your home, this pattern will become a treasured keepsake.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. This project is wonderfully portable and requires minimal equipment.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in 3 colors – Rose (Color A), Cream (Color B), and Dusty Blue (Color C). Approximately 50g of each color will yield 10 hearts (about 5 hearts per color, or adjust as you like).
• Knitting Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) straight or circular needles (circulars are great for managing many stitches).
• Tapestry Needle: For seaming and weaving in ends.
• Polyester Fiberfill: For lightly stuffing each heart to give it that plump, squishy feel.
• Scissors: For cutting yarn.
• Decorative Cord or Yarn: A long piece of cream yarn or a twisted cord for stringing the hearts together.

Gauge: 20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Gauge is not critical for this project, but matching it ensures your hearts are the intended size (approximately 3 inches wide and 2.5 inches tall).

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern creates a 3D heart by knitting two identical flat pieces, seaming them together, and stuffing lightly. Follow these detailed instructions carefully, and you'll have a beautiful heart in no time.

Heart Shape (Make 2 per heart)

Using your chosen color (Color A, B, or C), cast on 3 stitches. Leave a tail of about 6 inches for seaming later.

Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches. (3 sts)

Row 2: K1, yo, k1, yo, k1. (5 sts) – Note: The yarn overs create the increases that widen the bottom of the heart.

Row 3: Knit all stitches. (5 sts)

Row 4: K1, yo, k3, yo, k1. (7 sts)

Row 5: Knit all stitches. (7 sts)

Row 6: K1, yo, k5, yo, k1. (9 sts)

Row 7: Knit all stitches. (9 sts)

Row 8: K1, yo, k7, yo, k1. (11 sts)

Row 9: Knit all stitches. (11 sts)

Row 10: K1, yo, k9, yo, k1. (13 sts)

Row 11: Knit all stitches. (13 sts)

Row 12: K1, yo, k11, yo, k1. (15 sts)

Row 13: Knit all stitches. (15 sts)

Row 14: K1, yo, k13, yo, k1. (17 sts)

Row 15: Knit all stitches. (17 sts)

Row 16: K1, yo, k15, yo, k1. (19 sts)

Row 17: Knit all stitches. (19 sts)

Row 18: K1, yo, k17, yo, k1. (21 sts)

Row 19: Knit all stitches. (21 sts)

Row 20: K1, yo, k19, yo, k1. (23 sts)

Row 21: Knit all stitches. (23 sts)

You have now completed the bottom rounded portion of the heart. The next section shapes the two top lobes.

Row 22 (RS): K1, ssk, k16, k2tog, k2. (21 sts) – Explanation: K1, then slip-slip-knit (ssk) decreases one stitch, knit 16, knit two together (k2tog) decreases another, and knit the last 2. This begins the inward curve.

Row 23: Knit all stitches. (21 sts)

Row 24: K1, ssk, k14, k2tog, k2. (19 sts)

Row 25: Knit all stitches. (19 sts)

Row 26: K1, ssk, k12, k2tog, k2. (17 sts)

Row 27: Knit all stitches. (17 sts)

Row 28: K1, ssk, k10, k2tog, k2. (15 sts)

Row 29: Knit all stitches. (15 sts)

Row 30: K1, ssk, k8, k2tog, k2. (13 sts)

Row 31: Knit all stitches. (13 sts)

Row 32: K1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k2. (11 sts)

Row 33: Knit all stitches. (11 sts)

Row 34: K1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k2. (9 sts)

Row 35: Knit all stitches. (9 sts)

Row 36: K1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k2. (7 sts)

Row 37: Knit all stitches. (7 sts)

Row 38: K1, ssk, k2tog, k2. (5 sts) – Note: Here you are decreasing two stitches in the middle of the row.

Row 39: Knit all stitches. (5 sts)

Row 40: K1, ssk, k2tog. (3 sts)

Row 41: K1, k2tog. (2 sts)

Row 42: K2tog. (1 st)

Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail, and pull it through the last stitch to secure. Weave in the starting tail only for now; leave the ending tail for seaming.

Repeat this entire process to make a second identical piece for the back of the heart. For a cohesive look, use the same color yarn for both sides of each heart.

Finishing the Heart

Now it's time to bring your heart to life.

1. Place the two pieces together with their wrong sides facing each other. The right sides (the smooth stockinette side) should be on the outside.
2. Thread a tapestry needle with the tail from the top of one piece (or a new piece of matching yarn).
3. Whip stitch around the edge, inserting the needle through both layers about 1/4 inch from the edge. Keep your stitches even and snug, but not too tight, to avoid puckering.
4. Leave a small opening of about 1 inch at the top center of the heart (the point where the two lobes meet). This is where you'll insert the stuffing.
5. Stuff the heart lightly with polyester fiberfill. Use a pencil or the blunt end of a knitting needle to push the stuffing into the lobes and bottom curve. The heart should be plump but not overstuffed – you want it to remain soft and squishy.
6. Continue seaming closed the opening with the whip stitch. Secure the yarn with a knot and weave in all ends using the tapestry needle.

Assembly

Once you've made all your hearts (the sample uses 10, but you can make more or fewer), it's time to string them into a garland.

1. Cut a long piece of cream yarn or decorative cord – measure the length of your desired hanging space and add at least 12 inches for tying knots at each end.
2. Thread the cord through the top of each heart. Insert the needle or cord through the small gap between the two lobes, just below the seam. You want the cord to pass through the heart's interior so it hangs securely.
3. Space the hearts evenly – about 2 inches apart is ideal. Slide them along the cord to adjust.
4. Tie a knot at each end of the cord to prevent the hearts from sliding off. You can also add a small knot on either side of each heart to keep them in place, if desired.
5. Hang your bunting across a mantel, window, doorway, or along a wall. The soft, vintage tones will add a cozy, romantic touch to any space.

This pattern is endlessly customizable – try different color palettes, add a few rows of garter stitch for texture, or make smaller hearts by stopping the increases earlier. However you choose to personalize it, this Heirloom Heart Bunting is sure to become a beloved part of your seasonal decor for years to come. Happy knitting!