Some crochet projects are fun. Some brighten your home. Others make thoughtful gifts.
And then there are the projects that quietly bring comfort during some of life’s most difficult moments.
These Crochet Compassion Memory Hearts are made in pairs. One heart stays with a patient receiving end-of-life care, while the matching heart is given to a loved one to keep close. Although they may be apart, the two hearts remain connected, offering a small reminder that love never leaves us.
It’s such a simple idea, but one that means an enormous amount to the people who receive them.
If you’ve been looking for a meaningful way to use your crochet skills, I hope you’ll join me in making a few.
What Are Compassion Memory Hearts?
Compassion Memory Hearts are small, soft crocheted hearts that are donated to hospitals, hospices and palliative care teams.
Each pair is given out together:
- One heart stays with the patient.
- The matching heart is given to a family member or close friend.
The hearts are designed to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand, making them easy to hold during visits or keep in a pocket or handbag afterwards.
It’s a simple gesture, but one filled with love and compassion.
Why Crochet Them?
As crocheters, we often make blankets, toys, decorations and gifts for the people we love.
Compassion Memory Hearts give us another opportunity to share kindness through something handmade.
They don’t take long to crochet, they use very little yarn and they’re a brilliant stash-busting project. Better still, every pair you make could bring comfort to someone who really needs it.
I don’t think there’s a much better reason to pick up a crochet hook.
What You’ll Need To Crochet Memory Hearts
To make your Compassion Memory Hearts you’ll need:
- DK yarn
- A suitable crochet hook
- Toy stuffing
- Scissors
- Darning needle
Red and blue are often the most requested colours, but it’s always worth checking with the organisation you’re making them for before you begin.
Before You Donate Your Memory Hearts
Many hospitals, hospices and charities welcome donations of Compassion Memory Hearts, but every organisation has slightly different requirements.
Before crocheting a large batch, it’s worth getting in touch to ask:
- Are they currently accepting donations?
- Do they have preferred colours?
- Is there a preferred size?
- Are there any requirements for yarn or stuffing?
Checking first helps make sure every heart you crochet can be put to good use.
Crochet Compassion Memory Hearts Pattern
Start with a slip knot and chain 2.
Put 2 dc into the second chain from the hook. Ch 1 and turn.
Put 2 dc into the first stitch and 1 dc into the next stitch.
*Ch 1 and turn. Put 2 dc into the first stitch and 1 dc into each of the remaining stitches. Repeat from * until end you have 12 stitches in total.
You’ve crocheted the pointy part of the heart, now it’s time for the humps!
Ch 1 and turn. Put 1 dc into the first 6 stitches.
*Ch 1 and turn. Put 1 dc2tog into the first two stitches and 1 dc into the remaining stitches in the row.
Repeat from * to end until you have 2 stitches remaining. Cut and fasten off.
Now for the second hump.
With a slip knot on your hook, join into the 7th stitch along with 1 dc. Continue with 1 dc into the remaining stitches.
*Ch 1 and turn. Put 1 dc2tog into the first two stitches and 1 dc into the remaining stitches in the row.
Repeat from * to end until you have 2 stitches remaining. Cut and fasten off.
Make another heart in exactly the same way. Cut and fasten off. Sew in all your ends.
Crocheting your heart together
Lay your hearts on top of each other. With a slip knot on your hook, join both hearts together with 1 dc into the right hand side of the pointy bit (easier to see in the video!). dc all the way around the hearts, crocheting them together as you go.
When you reach the opposite side of the heart, start to stuff with a little bit of stuffing at a time (you won’t need much). Continue to crochet the rest of the heart together and finish with a ss into the stitch that you started with. Cut and fasten off. Sew in your loose ends.
Make a matching heart, or make lots and string them together.
I hope you’ll enjoy making these little hearts and, if you do, I’d love to see them. Share your finished hearts on social media and tag @the_secret_crocheter so I can celebrate your kindness with you.
Click here for the PDF version with pictures and video support.