Heart Pillow

Figure A

Steps:

1. Cast on four stitches.

2. Begin Stockinette stitch. Knit 1 row, purl 1 row.

3. Increase 1 st each side every row 4 times ending after wrong side row. That will equal 12 sts. Increase 1 st each side every other row for a total of 24 times ending after wrong side row. That should equal 60 stitches (Figure A).

Figure B

4. Work even for 16 rows ending after wrong side row (Figure B). To make the left and right tops of the heart, work across 30 sts (left top). Place remaining 30 sts on a holder (right top). Work one row even.

Figure C

5. Left top: Decrease 1 st each side every other row for a total of 6 times. There will be 18 sts remaining. Decrease 1 st each side every row for a total of 4 times. There will be 10 sts remaining. Bind off remaining sts (Figure C).

6. Right top: Place sts from the holder on the needle. Work as left top.

7. Weave in all loose ends.

8. Steam lightly on wrong side.

Figure E

9. Place back and front pieces together with right side facing each other. Using tapestry needle and yarn, sew pieces all around together with a back stitch, leaving a three-inch wide opening on lower side for stuffing the pillow (Figure E).

Figure F

10. Turn pillow right side out. Stuff pillow evenly with pillow stuffing (Figure F) and stitch the opening with matching sewing thread, using a very small whip stitch.

Figure G

11. To create tassel, cut 12 strands of 10-inch long of suede string. Take ten strands and fold them in half. Take one strand and tie the tassel together at the fold. Wrap the last strand several times around the top of the folded tassel, approximately one inch down. Conceal ends and sew the tassel to the bottom point of pillow (Figure G).

Figure H

12. To create the "suede"-stitched edge: Thread tapestry needle with suede string. With a whip stitch sew an edging around pillow by sewing approximately 1/2 inch into the pillow edges (Figure H).

Tips:

• You can make this pillow using other yarns. Just make sure you measure your gauge.

• You can embroider an initial on the pillow in an offset color to make it more personal.

• The firmness of the pillow can be regulated by adding more stuffing into the pillow or taking away stuffing.

• This project applies for a knitter that knows the basics. It does include shaping, but don't get intimidated. It's so soft and cozy and you just have to make it.