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Published on March 28, 2023

Free Crochet Pattern: Hearts in Bloom Blanket (US Terms)

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Hello, crafter! This month, I am focusing on Phase 1 of the Artist’s Journey, and the importance of imitation when just starting out in your craft. You can read all about that in Episode 2 of Creative Clarity. I shared a bit about my first phase of designing in that post, but in 2014 while I was still in the beginning stages of crochet design, I saw a heart mandala that I fell in love with and wanted to turn into a blanket motif. I reached out to the designer, Crochet Millan, and asked if I could add on additional rounds to her design, and create a quarter motif and a half motif to make a full blanket. She gave me permission, and I made the additions a freebie on my website.

Hearts in Bloom

For the accompanying crochet pattern to this month’s Creative Clarity episode, I decided to revisit that pattern, but the original mandala is no longer available as a design online anywhere. This was indeed almost a decade ago! So my updated freebie includes instruction on how to create the initial heart mandala, and I used my preferred design construction methods, because I don’t have access to the original pattern. I definitely recommend checking out the work of Crochet Millan though! There are still some gorgeous Crochet Millan mandala patterns out there.

And now to introduce, the updated Hearts in Bloom Blanket! Featuring Heart Mandala by Crochet Millan.

PDF Format

The condensed PDF version of this pattern is available for convenient printing on Etsy and Ravelry, and both US and UK Terms PDFs are included in the purchase.

This pattern is in US Terms – Click here for UK Terms

Project Details

  • Skill Level Beginner
  • Measurements Approximately 45x45in before blocking (Gauge is not necessary for this project)
  • Materials Scheepjes Colour Crafter Yarn (details below), Size 3.5mm Crochet Hook, and Size 3mm Crochet Hook (only needed for final round of border)
  • Social Media Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Etsy, Ravelry: CypressTextiles
  • Hashtags #HeartsinBloomBlanket #CypressTextiles

Yarn + Affiliate Links

Shopping through these links will gain me a small commission to support CypressTextiles, at no additional cost to you! Yarn amounts are given for Colour Crafter Yarn and Scrumptious Yarn. The Scrumptious Yarn is also an alternate colorway.

Yarn used in pattern:

Scheepjes Colour Crafter Yarn

Head to Jimmy Beans Wool or WoolWarehouse to shop Colour Crafter through my affiliate link.

One ball each of the following:

  • Yarn A: Eelde – 1422
  • Yarn B: Knokke – 2012
  • Yarn C: Tilburg – 1083
  • Yarn D: Maastricht – 1246
  • Yarn E: Leek – 1132
  • Yarn F: Amsterdam – 1010
  • Yarn G: Rhenen – 1188
  • Yarn H: Harlingen – 1825
  • Yarn I: Texel – 1019
  • Yarn J: Middelburg – 1003

Small amount of Yarn K: Brussel – 2004 (or any yellow remnants)

Two balls of Yarn L: Weert – 1001

Alternative yarn suggestions:

Scheepjes Scrumptious Yarn (Identical gauge)

Head to WoolWarehouse to shop Scrumptious through my affiliate link.

One ball each of the following:

  • Yarn A: Green Tea Eclairs – 336
  • Yarn B: Key Lime Pie – 337
  • Yarn C: Blackberry Honey Gelato – 312
  • Yarn D: Raspberry Mousse – 307
  • Yarn E: Ocean Pudding Cup – 328
  • Yarn F: Blue Glazed Donut – 314
  • Yarn G: Strawberry Shortcake – 309
  • Yarn H: Grapefruit Curd Tart – 308
  • Yarn I: Shamrock Shortbread – 350
  • Yarn J: Mint Whoopie Pie – 340

Small amount of Yarn K: Custard Pie – 341 (or any yellow remnants)

Two balls of Yarn L: Buttercream Icing – 302

Repeat and Bracket Guide

Square brackets [ ] are used for small repeats: 4dc, [2dc, 3tr, 2dc] 2 times

Asterisks *are used for repeats that include small repeats: *5dc, [1ch, 1dc] 3 times in next ch, rep from * 3 times

Round brackets ( ) are used when a string of stitches are worked into the same spot: (3tr, 3ch, 3tr) in next st

Stitch Counts are given at the end of rows where necessary, in the following format: [12 dc, 3 sp]

Tips and Notes

  • Weave your ends after each time you cut the yarn to avoid having to do them all at the end.
  • Please read the stitch guide for any abbreviations.
  • To get a neater result, I do not “chain up” for the first sc of the round/row. Jump straight into the first sc.

Stitch Descriptions (US Terms)

  • 2dccl 2dc cluster: (yoh, insert hook in st/sp, yoh, pull up lp, yoh, draw yarn through 2 lps) 2 times, yoh, draw yarn through 3 lps
  • 3trcl 3tr cluster: * yoh twice, insert hook in st/sp, yoh, pull up lp, (yoh, draw yarn through 2 lps) twice, rep from * twice, yoh, draw yarn through all 4 lps
  • beg beginning
  • beg 2dccl (beg dc, dc) in st/sp indicated – when joining rnd, ss into full dc st
  • beg 3trcl beg tr, * yoh twice, insert hook in same st/sp, yoh, pull up lp, (yoh, draw yarn through 2 lps) twice, rep from * once, yoh, draw yarn through all 3 lps
  • beg dc beginning double crochet: (1sc, ch1) – counts as 1 dc
  • beg tr beginning treble crochet: (1sc, ch2) – counts as 1 tr
  • blo back loop only
  • chN chain N number of times
  • dc double crochet
  • hdc half double crochet
  • lp loop
  • MR make ring: slip knot, ch3, ss in third ch from hook
  • picot ch2, sc in previous st, working into the side of the stitch instead of the top
  • rep repeat
  • RS Right Side of work
  • sc single crochet
  • sk skip
  • sp space or chain space
  • ss slip stitch
  • st stitch
  • tr treble crochet
  • WS Wrong Side of work
  • yoh yarn over hook

Instructions

Sweet floral motifs inspired by a crochet mandala by Crochet Millan are squared off and set on point and joined with my PLT Joining method. A simple and lacy treble and picot scallop border completes the piece.

The condensed PDF version of this pattern is available for convenient printing on Etsy and Ravelry, and both US and UK Terms PDFs are included in the purchase.

Make Motifs

Note: All motifs are made as follows. Rnd/Row 1: Yellow, Rnd/Row 2: White, Rnd/Row 3: CC, Rnds/Rows 4-7: MC. Schematic indicates CC and MC for each motif.

Full Motif (Make 25)

Rnd 1 With Yarn K, MR, 8sc, ss in first sc, cut yarn. [8 sc]

Rnd 2 With Yarn L, ss in any st, beg 2dccl in same st, [ch3, 2dccl in next st] 7 times, ch3, ss in beg 2dccl, cut yarn. [8 2dccl, 8 sp]

Rnd 3 With CC, ss in any ch-sp, beg 3trcl in same sp, [ch3, 3trcl in same sp, ch3, 3trcl in next sp] 8 times omitting final 3trcl, ss in beg 3trcl, cut yarn. [16 3trcl, 16 sp] 

Rnd 4 With MC, ss in first ch-sp of Rnd 3, beg dc in same sp, [4dc in same sp, ch2, 1sc in next ch-sp, ch2, 1dc in next ch-sp] 8 times omitting final dc, ss in beg dc. [40 dc, 8 sc, 16 sp] 

Rnd 5 Beg dc in same st as ss, [1dc in same st, 3dc, 2dc in next st, ch2, 1dc in next dc] 8 times omitting final dc, ss in beg dc. [56 dc, 8 sp]

Rnd 6 Beg dc in same st as ss, [1dc in same st, 5dc, 2dc in next st, ch2, 1dc in next dc] 8 times omitting final ch2 and dc, hdc in beg dc – Note: hdc counts as final ch-2 sp. [72 dc, 8 sp]

Rnd 7 [1sc in ch-sp, sk 2 dc, 7dc in next st, sk 1 dc, 1sc, sk 1 dc, 7dc in next st] 8 times, ss in first sc, cut yarn and weave all ends. [112 dc, 16 sc]

Half Motif (Make 12)

Row 1 (RS) With Yarn K, MR, 4sc, cut yarn. [4 sc]

Row 2 With RS still facing and Yarn L, ss in first st, (beg dc, ch2, 2dccl) in same st, [ch3, 2dccl in next st] 3 times, ch2, 1dc in same st, cut yarn. [4 2dccl, 2 dc, 5 sp]

Row 3 With RS still facing and CC, ss in first ch-sp, beg tr in same sp, ch2, [3trcl in same sp, ch3, 3trcl in next sp, ch3] 4 times omitting final ch3, ch2, 1tr in same sp, cut yarn, turn. [8 3trcl, 2 tr, 9 sp] 

Row 4 With MC, ss in first ch-sp, (beg dc, 2dc) in same sp, [ch2, 1sc in next ch-sp, ch2, 5dc in next ch-sp] 4 times omitting final 2 dc, turn. [21 dc, 4 sc, 8 sp] 

Row 5 Beg dc in first st, [1dc, 2dc in next st, ch2, 2dc in next dc, 2dc] 4 times, turn. [29 dc, 4 sp]

Row 6 Beg dc in first st, [2dc, 2dc in next st, ch2, 2dc in next dc, 3dc] 4 times, turn. [37 dc, 4 sp]

Row 7 [1sc, sk 1 dc, 7dc in next st, 1sc in next ch-sp, sk 2 dc, 7dc in next st, sk 1 dc] 4 times, 1sc in final st, cut yarn and weave all ends. [56 dc, 9 sc]

Quarter Motif (Make 4)

Row 1 (RS) With Yarn K, MR, 2sc, cut yarn. [2 sc]

Row 2 With RS still facing and Yarn L, ss in first st, (beg dc, ch2, 2dccl) in same st, ch3, (2dccl, ch2, 1dc) in next st, cut yarn. [2 2dccl, 2 dc, 3 sp]

Row 3 With RS still facing and CC, ss in first ch-sp, beg tr in same sp, ch2, [3trcl in same sp, ch3, 3trcl in next sp, ch3] times omitting final ch3, ch2, 1tr in same sp, cut yarn, turn. [4 3trcl, 2 tr, 5 sp] 

Row 4 With MC, ss in first ch-sp, (beg dc, 2dc) in same sp, [ch2, 1sc in next ch-sp, ch2, 5dc in next ch-sp] 2 times omitting final 2 dc, turn. [11 dc, 2 sc, 4 sp] 

Row 5 Beg dc in first st, [1dc, 2dc in next st, ch2, 2dc in next dc, 2dc] 2 times, turn. [15 dc, 2 sp]

Row 6 Beg dc in first st, [2dc, 2dc in next st, ch2, 2dc in next dc, 3dc] 2 times, turn. [19 dc, 2 sp]

Row 7 [1sc, sk 1 dc, 7dc in next st, 1sc in next ch-sp, sk 2 dc, 7dc in next st, sk 1 dc] 2 times, 1sc in final st, cut yarn and weave all ends. [28 dc, 5 sc]

Join Motifs to Make Blanket Body

Important Joining Notes

Joining instructions are for my PLT Join. If desired, the final 2 rnds/rows can be added to all motifs, and then they may be joined in your preferred manner. To be sure your border fits, use the General Border Formula in the Border Notes section if your joining method adds extra width to the motifs. If you use a joining method that doesn’t add width like Whip Stitch or Slip Stitch Join, then you should be able to work the border as is.

Lay out motifs to match schematic. Work Rnds/Rows 8 and 9 on motifs, joining them together on the Rnd/Row 9 using instructions as follows. Motifs are joined in the numbered order shown in the schematic.

Some of the sts on Rnd/Row 8 are worked through BLO. When I work these sts, I work through both the BLO and through the “third loop” as this gives more stability in the sts than just working through the BLO. Search “crochet third loop” to see more information on how to locate the third loop.

While following the written instructions, work closely with the schematic. To save space, multiple motifs of the same joining type are grouped together. For example, “Motifs No. 10, 19, and 28” doesn’t mean to join Motif No. 10, then jump to Motif No. 19. You will join all of the motifs in the order that they are numbered in the schematic.

Joining Instruction

PLT (Pull Loop Through): Release the working loop from the hook, insert the hook front to back through the corresponding adjacent st or ch-sp on the completed motif, grab the loop, Pull Loop Through, immediately continue on to the next st or ch on the motif in progress – PLT Join maneuver complete.

Schematic Close-up

Motif No. 1

Row 8 (RS) Join Yarn L with ss in first sc, (beg tr, ch2, 2tr) in same st, sk 2 dc, 4dc in BLO, sk 1 dc, 1dc in sc, sk 2 dc, 4sc in BLO, sk 1 dc, 1dc in sc, sk 1 dc, 4sc in BLO, sk 2 dc, 1dc in sc, sk 1 dc, 4dc in BLO, sk 2 dc, (2tr, ch2, 1tr) in final sc, cut yarn. [6 tr, 11 dc, 8 sc, 2 sp]

Row 9 With RS still facing and Yarn L, ss in first ch-sp, (beg dc, ch2, 2dc) in same sp, 3dc, 17sc, 3dc, (2dc, ch2, 1dc) in final ch-sp, cut yarn and weave all ends. [12 dc, 17 sc, 2 sp]

Motifs No. 2-4

Row 8 (RS) Join Yarn L with ss in first sc, beg tr, [ch2, 2tr in same st, sk 2 dc, 4dc in BLO, sk 1 dc, 1dc in sc, sk 2 dc, 4sc in BLO, sk 1 dc, 1dc in sc, sk 1 dc, 4sc in BLO, sk 2 dc, 1dc in sc, sk 1 dc, 4dc in BLO, sk 2 dc, 2tr in next sc] 2 times, ch2, 1tr in same st, cut yarn. [10 tr, 22 dc, 16 sc, 3 sp]

Row 9 With RS still facing and Yarn L, ss in first ch-sp, (beg dc, ch1, PLT in final corner ch-sp of previous motif, ch1, 2dc) in same sp, 3dc, 17sc, 3dc, (2dc, ch3, 2dc) in corner ch-sp, 3dc, 17sc, 3dc, (2dc, ch2, 1dc) in final ch-sp, cut yarn and weave all ends. [22 dc, 34 sc, 3 sp]

Motif No. 5

Row 8 Work as for Motif No. 1.

Row 9 With RS still facing and Yarn L, ss in first ch-sp, (beg dc, ch1, PLT in final corner ch-sp of previous motif, ch1, 2dc) in same sp, 3dc, 17sc, 3dc, (2dc, ch2, 1dc) in final ch-sp, cut yarn and weave all ends. [12 dc, 17 sc, 2 sp]

Schematic Close-up

Note: Motifs 6-9 have a special corner join explained in the instructions.

Motif No. 6

Rnd 8 (RS) With Yarn L, ss in second sc of Rnd 7, beg tr in same st, [ch3, 2tr in same st, sk 2 dc, 4dc in BLO, sk 1 dc, 1dc in sc, sk 2 dc, 4sc in BLO, sk 1 dc, 1dc in sc, sk 1 dc, 4sc in BLO, sk 2 dc, 1dc in sc, sk 1 dc, 4dc in BLO, 2tr in next sc] 4 times omitting final tr, ss in beg tr. [16 tr, 44 dc, 32 sc, 4 sp]

Rnd 9 Ss in corner ch-sp, beg dc in same sp, ch3, 2dc in same sp, 3dc, 17sc, 3dc, (2dc, ch3, 2dc) in corner sp, 3dc, (1sc, PLT in corresponding adjacent st on completed motif) 17 times, 3dc, 2dc in corner sp, ch1, PLT around 2 joined corners treating it like a ch-sp, ch2, 2dc in same corner sp, 3dc, (1sc, PLT) 17 times, 3dc, (2dc, ch3, 2dc) in next corner sp, 3dc, 17sc, 3dc, 1dc in corner sp, ss in beg dc, cut yarn and weave all ends. [40 dc, 68 sc, 4 sp]

Motifs 7-9

Rnd 8 Work as for Motif 6.

Rnd 9 Ss in corner ch-sp, beg dc in same sp, ch3, 2dc in same sp, 3dc, 17sc, 3dc, (2dc, ch3, 2dc) in corner sp, 3dc, (1sc, PLT in corresponding adjacent st on completed motif) 17 times, 3dc, 2dc in corner sp, ch1, PLT around 2 joined corners treating it like a ch-sp, ch2, 2dc in same corner sp, 3dc, (1sc, PLT) 17 times, 3dc, (2dc, ch1, PLT in opposing ch-sp, ch2, 2dc) in next corner sp, 3dc, 17sc, 3dc, 1dc in corner sp, ss in beg dc, cut yarn and weave all ends. [40 dc, 68 sc, 4 sp]

Schematic Close-up

Note: Remaining perimeter motifs have a different special corner join explained in the instructions.

Motifs No. 10, 19, and 28

Row 8 Work as for Motif 2.

Row 9 With RS still facing and Yarn L, ss in first ch-sp, (beg dc, ch2, 2dc in same sp), 3dc, 17sc, 3dc, (2dc, ch3, 2dc) in corner sp, 3dc, (1sc, PLT) 17 times, 3dc, (2dc, ch1, pull opposing Quarter/Half Motif corner ch-sp through Full Motif corner ch-sp and PLT in Quarter/Half Motif corner ch-sp, ch1, 1dc) in corner ch-sp, cut yarn and weave all ends. [22 dc, 34 sc, 3 sp]

Motifs No. 11-13, 16-18, 20-22, 25-27, 29-31, and 34-36

Rnd 8 Work as for Motif 6.

Rnd 9 Ss in corner ch-sp, beg dc in same sp, ch3, 2dc in same sp, 3dc, 17sc, 3dc, (2dc, ch3, 2dc) in corner sp, 3dc, (1sc, PLT) 17 times, 3dc, 2dc in corner sp, ch1, PLT in opposing corner ch-sp bring hook under perpendicular joined motifs as well to avoid creating a hole, ch2, 2dc in same corner sp, 3dc, (1sc, PLT) 17 times, 3dc, (2dc, ch1, PLT, ch2, 2dc) in next corner sp, 3dc, 17sc, 3dc, 1dc in corner sp, ss in beg dc, cut yarn and weave all ends. [40 dc, 68 sc, 4 sp]

Motifs No. 14, 23, and 32

Row 8 Work as for Motif 2.

Row 9 With RS still facing and Yarn L, ss in first ch-sp, (beg dc, ch1, pull opposing Quarter/Half Motif corner ch-sp through Full Motif corner ch-sp and PLT in Quarter/Half Motif corner ch-sp, ch1, 2dc) in same sp, 3dc, (1sc, PLT) 17 times, 3dc, (2dc, ch1, PLT, ch2, 2dc) in corner sp, 3dc, 17sc, 3dc, (2dc, ch2, 1dc) in corner ch-sp, cut yarn and weave all ends. [22 dc, 34 sc, 3 sp]

Motif No. 37

Row 8 Work as for Motif No. 1.

Row 9 With RS still facing and Yarn L, ss in first ch-sp, (beg dc, ch2, 2dc) in same sp, 3dc, (1sc, PLT) 17 times, 3dc, (2dc, ch1, pull opposing Half Motif corner ch-sp through Full Motif corner ch-sp and PLT in Half Motif corner ch-sp, ch1, 1dc) in final ch-sp, cut yarn and weave all ends. [12 dc, 17 sc, 2 sp]

Motifs No. 38-40

Row 8 Work as for Motif 2.

Row 9 With RS still facing and Yarn L, ss in first ch-sp, (beg dc, ch2, 2dc in same sp), 3dc, (1sc, PLT) 17 times, 3dc, (2dc, ch1, PLT as before, ch2, 2dc) in corner sp, 3dc, (1sc, PLT) 17 times, 3dc, (2dc, ch1, pull Quarter/Half Motif motif corner through Full Motif Corner and PLT in Quarter/Half Motif motif corner, ch1, 1dc) in corner ch-sp, cut yarn and weave all ends. [22 dc, 34 sc, 3 sp]

Motif No. 41

Row 8 Work as for Motif No. 1.

Row 9 With RS still facing and Yarn L, ss in first ch-sp, (beg dc, ch1, pull Half Motif motif corner through Full Motif Corner and PLT in Half Motif motif corner, ch1, 2dc) in same sp, 3dc, (1sc, PLT) 17 times, 3dc, (2dc, ch1, pull Half Motif motif corner through Full Motif Corner and PLT in Half Motif motif corner, ch1, 1dc) in final ch-sp, cut yarn and weave all ends. [12 dc, 17 sc, 2 sp]

All motifs are now joined together. Continue to the blanket border.

Work Blanket Border

Important Border Notes

Rnd 1 indicates to work a number of sc evenly across the side. A helpful tip is to find the halfway point of the side and place a stitch marker or a small piece of yarn. Then mark the halfway point on each side of the midway point, and you have divided your side into quarters. Divide your st count by 4 and then be sure to work that amount of sts across each quarter of your side. This way you can make sure you are working your sc sts evenly across.

Resizing Your Blanket + General Border Formula

The border is written for the given blanket size. If you want to resize you blanket larger or smaller, then follow this st count formula for Rnd 1: (3sc in corner, work a multiple of 12 sc plus 1 evenly across to next corner) 4 times, ss in first sc. For example, (3sc, 241sc evenly across to next corner) 4 times will work because 241 – 1 = 240, and 240 is a multiple of 12.

Border Chart

Note: In the chart, the picots have 2 chs instead of 3. I chose to change to 3chs, but you can work a 2-ch picot if you prefer.

Rnd 1 With Yarn L, ss in any corner, [3sc in corner st, 157sc evenly across side] 4 times, ss in first sc.

Rnd 2 [3sc in corner st, 1sc in each st across to next corner st] 4 times, ss in first sc.

Rnd 3 Beg dc in corner st, * ch3, 3dc in same st, [sk 2 sts, 3dc in next st] across until 2 sts remain before next corner sc, 3dc in corner sc, rep from * 3 times omitting final dc, ss in beg dc.

Rnd 4 Ss in corner ch-sp, beg dc in same sp, * ch3, 1dc in same sp, [ch1, sk1, 1dc] across until 1 st remains before corner ch-sp, ch1, 1dc in corner ch-sp, rep from * 3 times omitting final dc, ss in beg dc.

Rnd 5 Beg dc in corner ch-sp, * 11 dc in same sp, [sk 1 dc and 1 ch-sp, 1sc in next 7 st/sps, sk 1 ch-sp and 1 dc, 8dc in next ch-sp] across until 6 dc remain before corner ch-sp, sk 1 dc and 1 ch-sp, 1sc in next 7 st/sps, 1dc in corner ch-sp, rep from * 3 times omitting final dc, ss in beg dc.

Rnd 6 Changing to smaller hook, beg tr in same st as ss, * [(picot, 1tr) 11 times, sk 3 sc, 1sc, 1tr in next dc, (picot, 1tr) 7 times] across side until 7 sc remain before corner dc sts begin, sk 3 sc, 1sc, 1tr in next dc, rep from * 3 times omitting final tr, ss in beg tr, cut yarn and weave ends.

Finishing

Weave all remaining ends, and block blanket if desired for a neater look.

Yay! All done! Give yourself a fist bump!

Copyright Information

No pattern or other material may be reproduced — mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying — without written permission of Rachele Carmona. This applies to all content on CypressTextiles.net, BabyLoveBrand.net, and all other sites used by Rachele Carmona including social media. Paid patterns are for personal use only. You may sell your finished crocheted items, but do not use my photos to sell your items.

RACHELE CARMONA

Crochet Designer & Fiber Artist

I hope you enjoyed this free pattern, and I know the diagram and videos will help! They will start going up on this post starting Monday.

The condensed PDF version of this pattern is available for convenient printing on Etsy and Ravelry, and both US and UK Terms PDFs are included in the purchase.

Happy crafting,

Rachele C.

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