How to sew fabric heart decorations: free heart sewing pattern

With Valentines Day fast approaching, we've got a quick and easy DIY gift idea for you to make! Learn how to make a fabric heart decoration with our video tutorial, step-by-step guide and free heart sewing pattern.

All you need for this super speedy project is a small piece of fabric, our downloadable pattern below, some ribbon and toy stuffing plus a few sewing basics like scissors and a needle and thread. You can make your hearts with our without a sewing machine and give them as gifts or use them to brighten up a cosy corners in your home. Whip up a batch and these easy peasy fabric heart decorations will make lovely anniversary or wedding decor too.

This project was first featured is designed by the fabulous Judith Dahmen and was first featured in Love Patchwork & Quilting magazine and we've added our own video guide to talk you through how it's done since we added it here on Gathered. Photography © Judith Dahmen and Love Patchwork & Quilting

You might also like our guide to how to make headbands or our round-up of the best sewing kit for beginners.

How to sew fabric heart decorations

You will need:

• Assorted fabric scraps 6in x 12in
• Liberty fabric or choose a few favourite fabric scraps your craft stash.
• Decorative ribbon
• Polyester toy filling or stuffing
• Basic sewing kit

Free heart sewing pattern

Download our Free heart sewing pattern to get started with this project.

Finished Size

About 4in

Try this: For a fragrant alternative to polyester filling use dried lavender instead.

Step by step guide

Step 1

Trace the heart from the Free heart sewing pattern on to paper and cut out (print the template at 100% size, or you could even draw your own!). Use a pen to trace the heart on to the wrong sides of your fabric scraps and cut out.

Step 2

Cut a length of ribbon and place onto the right side of one side the heart as shown. Place the second side on top with the wrong side facing you. Pin all around the edges of the heart, catching the ends of the ribbon in place as you do so. Ensure that the raw ends of the ribbon are sticking out at the centre of the heart.

Step 3

Using a small stitch length, machine or hand stitch all around the edges of the heart, leaving a small opening at one of the sloping sides. Cut small snips from the outer edge towards the seam along the curves. This will help to keep the edges smooth when turning.

Step 4

Turn the heart right sides out and use your fingers to ease the curves gently into the right shape. Press with a warm iron then fill with stuffing. Close the opening with a few small hand stitches.

Step 5

Your fabric heart decorations are ready to go! Give them to the one you love (or keep them for yourself – we would!).