2 patterns
Crochet Motif Patterns: Hearts, Stars, Hexagons and Shapes
Crochet motifs are small, self-contained shapes such as hearts, stars, circles, hexagons, and octagons. They are used as appliqués on bags and garments, or joined together into blankets and garlands. Most motifs are worked in the round from a center ring, take a few minutes each, and use leftover yarn efficiently.
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What shapes can you join into a crochet blanket?
Squares, hexagons, and octagon-and-square combinations tessellate into flat crochet blankets. Circles and stars do not tile on their own, so they are usually framed inside a square round or used as appliqués.
| Motif | Tiles on its own? | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Square | Yes | Blankets, bags, garments |
| Hexagon | Yes | Blankets, cardigans, pillows |
| Octagon | With small squares | Blankets |
| Triangle | Yes | Shawls, bunting |
| Circle | No | Appliqués, mandalas, coasters |
| Heart / star | No | Appliqués, garlands, ornaments |
How do you crochet a heart motif?
A crochet heart is usually worked from a magic ring into which a sequence of increasingly tall stitches is placed, with the tallest stitches forming the two lobes and a single treble or double crochet forming the point. Other hearts are made from two small circles joined to a triangle.
What are crochet motifs used for?
Crochet motifs are used for appliqués, ornaments, garlands, patchwork blankets, and as test pieces for new stitches or colorways. Because each motif is small, they are portable projects that fit into short breaks.
Frequently asked questions
How do you make crochet motifs the same size?
Use the same yarn, hook, and tension for every motif, and block them all to identical measurements before joining.
What is a crochet appliqué?
An appliqué is a motif sewn onto another fabric, such as a hat, bag, or jacket, for decoration.
How do you join hexagon motifs?
Hexagons can be whip stitched, slip-stitch joined, or joined as you go on the final round, matching corner to corner.
Can motifs use different yarns in one project?
Yes, as long as the yarns are the same weight and similar fiber so motifs match in size and wash the same way.