Welcome to one of our absolute favorite quick-make projects! Whether you want to organize your vanity, add a cozy touch to your coffee table, or create a heartfelt handmade gift for someone special, this crochet heart tray is as practical as it is charming. Using simple stitches and sturdy materials, this project works up fast and holds its shape beautifully.
The secret to this tray’s rigid, self-standing structure lies in your yarn choice and a slightly smaller crochet hook, which creates a firm fabric without the need for plastic or wire inserts. Grab your hook, and let’s make something lovely together!
Materials & Tools Needed
- Yarn: Approx. 50–70 yards of bulky t-shirt yarn, thick cotton cord, or sturdy cotton yarn held double.
- Crochet Hook: Size 6.0 mm (J-10) or 7.0 mm (depending on your yarn thickness; you want a tight gauge).
- Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and stitch markers.
Abbreviations & Pattern Notes
- US Terminology
- Ch: Chain
- Sl St: Slip stitch
- Sc: Single crochet
- Hdc: Half double crochet
- Dc: Double crochet
- Inc: Increase (work 2 stitches in the same space)
- Note: Work in continuous rounds unless otherwise stated. Use a stitch marker to keep track of the first stitch of each round.
Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions
- Round 1 (The Base): Start with a magic ring. Ch 1, work 6 sc into the ring. Pull tight to close. (6 sts)
- Round 2: Work an inc in every stitch around. (12 sts)
- Round 3: [1 sc, inc] 6 times. (18 sts)
- Shaping the Heart: To form the classic heart shape, work the next round using varied stitch heights: (Sl st in next st, sc in next st, hdc and dc in next st, 3 dc in next st, dc and hdc in next st, sc in next st, sl st in next 2 sts, sc in next st, hdc and dc in next st, 3 dc in next st, dc and hdc in next st, sc in next st, sl st to join). Fasten off your base round.
- Building the Sides: Join your yarn at the bottom point of the heart. Working through the back loop only (BLO) of each stitch around, ch 1 and sc in each stitch. This technique naturally angles your stitches upward to form the tray walls.
- Rounds 5–6 (Walls): Sc in both loops around for 2 more rounds to build up the sides of your tray. Sl st to the first stitch of the round.
- Finishing Edge: Work a round of reverse single crochet (crab stitch) or a simple surface slip stitch around the top rim for a clean, professional finish. Fasten off.
Finishing & Helpful Tips
- Keep Your Tension Snug: Maintain firm, consistent tension so your tray walls stand up tall without flopping over.
- Weave Ends Securely: Because sturdy yarn can be bulky, use your tapestry needle to weave ends neatly into the base of the tray.
- Block if Needed: If your corners need a little extra definition, lightly mist your finished tray with water, shape it with your hands, and let it dry completely flat.
- Care Instructions: Spot clean with a damp cloth or hand wash gently in cool water, then reshape while damp.
Watch the Step-by-Step Video Tutorial
Prefer visual guidance? Follow along with the complete video tutorial below: