Decorate This Holiday Season With Traditional Woven Christmas Hearts
One of my favorite holiday crafts is a Scandinavian Christmas tradition. During my childhood, we always spent Christmas day at my Norwegian grandmother's house, so I think of Grandma Hilda whenever I make these Yule hearts.
I have been crafting woven Christmas hearts for over 30 years. This is a lovely and simple art project that both children and adults enjoy. When I was a school teacher, my students loved making these hearts for Valentine's Day. You can use woven hearts for decorations, as baskets, or even as gift cards.
Would you like to learn how to make woven Christmas hearts? I will teach you here how to craft both paper and fabric hearts. The holidays are quickly approaching, so let's get started.
Woven Christmas heart embellished with raffia and a button.
♥ The heart of Christmas is love. ♥
Supplies Needed For Fabric Christmas Hearts
Woven Christmas Hearts
Supplies Needed:
- 1A variety of Christmas papers or fabrics.
- 2Scissors
- 3Ruler and pencil.
- 4Glue.
- 5Buttons, needle, and thread.
- 6Tin foil or wax paper.
Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas. ~ Dale Evans
♥ ♥ ♥
Supplies Needed For Paper Christmas Hearts
Step 1
Trace the pattern on your paper or fabric.
Select your choice of two different fabric or paper designs. Trace the template below onto the back side of the fabric or paper. The template provided here is 8 inches high by 2 1/4 inches wide.
You may wish to create different sizes of woven hearts. It is easy to modify the size as long as you keep the dimensions proportionate (approximately 4:1).
Woven heart template dimensions.
Step 2
Cut the slits and round off the top.
On the left, you see the folded template created in step 1. Cut the two slits as marked from the fold. Then, round off the top of the paper or fabric away from the folded end. On the right, you see the paper has been turned right side out. This is how both of your chosen designs (in paper or fabric) should now look. The photo below shows how the pattern looks unfolded.
When you started Step 2, your two papers or fabrics
looked like the design on the left
(a rectangle 8 inches high by 2 and 1/4 inches wide).
After Step 2, both of your pieces of paper or fabric
should look like the finished pattern on the right.
Step 3
Weave the two patterns together.
As shown in the introductory video, begin to weave your two heart patterns together.
The first woven strip goes over, through, over. Your second line of weaving goes through, over, through.
The third strip repeats the over, through, over pattern. Review the video demonstration for details.
Step 4
Attach a handle.
Select the style of handle you would like for your woven heart. You may glue a strip of 1/2 inch paper to the inside of your heart, or you may wish to sew a strip of ribbon by attaching buttons.
The style and length of your handle will depend on how you intend to use your woven heart. This ribbon style works well for hanging a heart from a door knob.
Holiday Art Papers
The Tradition
Woven Christmas Hearts
Decorating with woven Yule hearts is an old tradition in Scandinavian countries. At Christmas time, these paper hearts are used to decorate the tree, and are typically filled with treats.
Christmas Hearts
The 12 Days of Christmas Hearts
On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me,
a woven heart on the tree.
Are you feeling the love?
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Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it
by giving the light of love... ~ Ruth Carter Stapleton
♥ ♥ ♥
The Heart of the Season
What is the heart of the holiday season for you?
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JaguarJulie Dec 30, 2011 @ 12:17 pm | delete
- Oh, I love the idea of Christmas hearts ... woven with love.
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bossypants
Dec 13, 2011 @ 10:15 am | delete
- These hearts are charming and look easy to make. Our tree has been one of the "hearts" of the season for me and putting these on the tree is a lovely tradition!
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KonaGirl
Dec 12, 2011 @ 12:45 am | delete
- I made these so long ago I don't remember how young I was, but I don't think I ever did them as well as you.
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Sylvestermouse
Nov 30, 2011 @ 1:01 pm | delete
- Oh, it has been a really long time, but I actually remember making these heart ornaments years ago. I love the easy pattern and instructions you have provided. Awesome and blessed :)
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RinchenChodron
Nov 30, 2011 @ 10:45 am | delete
- Surprises!
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JoyfulPamela
Nov 22, 2011 @ 2:30 pm | delete
- One of my students made one of these for me years ago - it fondly hangs on my tree each year! I'm not sure if I am brave enough to try one myself, but your directions make it seem easy and fun. Thanks!
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Tipi
Nov 17, 2011 @ 8:21 pm | delete
- The 12 days of Christmas hearts...sweetness, what a lovely idea....and the greatest of these is love. The quote by Dale Evans reached right into my heart and made it smile!
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CruiseReady Nov 17, 2011 @ 6:23 pm | delete
- Remembering why we even have a Christmas in the first place . . ..
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amieljaven
Nov 14, 2011 @ 11:47 pm | delete
- Beautiful Traditional Woven Christmas Hearts! Thanks for the instructions. I'll definitely try it this Holidays. Liked!
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karmicchristian
Nov 8, 2011 @ 11:52 pm | delete
- Love this creative art! They look good. :)
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MagicBeanDip
Nov 8, 2011 @ 9:54 pm | delete
- Cute and easy decorations!
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BeyondRoses
Nov 8, 2011 @ 8:52 pm | delete
- Love is the heart of the holiday season. All things that are of love, remains to shine.
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KarenTBTEN
Nov 8, 2011 @ 2:56 pm | delete
- Lovely tradition, and well-presented. SquidAngel blessings.
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Koupie Nov 8, 2011 @ 2:33 pm | delete
- For me it is creating gifts and decorations for Christmas, and listening to Christmas songs while I do this. I also love to see my family open gifts and get stuffed on turkey dinner :)
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Woven Heart as Gift Card Holder
Christmas is not as much about opening our presents
as opening our hearts. ~ Janice Maeditere
♥ ♥ ♥
Woven Hearts as Gift Tags
Woven hearts look great on a mantle or shelf.
Spice Up Your Christmas Hearts
*Tip: If you plan to use a fragrance oil or something that will leak through your woven hearts, be sure to use an inside liner like tin foil or Saran Wrap.
Woven Heart Candy Baskets
Woven heart as candy basket.
Christmas or Valentine's Day woven hearts make great candy baskets. I purchase wrapped candies that are less bulky (like mints and Ghirardelli chocolates). Of course, you can create larger woven hearts if you wish to insert more treats.
Holiday Decorating Theme
How will you decorate your home this holiday season? Do you use a different theme each year?
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bossypants
Dec 13, 2011 @ 10:20 am | delete
- The elements are the same, but decorations tend to move around year to year.
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KonaGirl
Dec 12, 2011 @ 12:46 am | delete
- Some things stay the same and some things change.
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RinchenChodron
Nov 30, 2011 @ 10:46 am | delete
- Pretty much the same theme every year - sometimes I add an ornament.
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- We keep it pretty simple... I used to go all out, but the kids and grandkids are all far away, and it's just the two of us. We do put up a tree, which the cat really enjoys... he scatters the decorations from the lower branches all over the house. So, now, we call it his tree.
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debkrenaissance
Nov 9, 2011 @ 12:11 pm | delete
- Great idea.... remembering to add those wonderful scents to your home at the holiday season!
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This is my favorite new heart of the season. I used a handmade
paper with embossed silver stars and snow.
10 Variations On A Theme
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1Use plain colored paper and stamp words or designs on your woven heart.
* Think inside the heart, too. Decorate the plain side of the paper before weaving. - 2Sew on buttons or charms to attach ribbon to your heart.
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3Adjust the template to make four or five woven strips.
* Vary the width of the strips instead of having them all the same width. - 4Use paper canvas and paint your hearts.
- 5Print two photos and weave them together.
- 6Frost some window panes to frame your woven hearts.
- 7Decorate your refrigerator by placing small magnets inside your hearts.
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8Write a message of care and take a heart to a shut-in.
* Visit a nursing home or hospital and give a woven heart full of cheer. -
9Commit random acts of kindness.
* Surprise someone you don't even know with a woven heart treat. -
10Insert some affirmations for yourself in hearts.
* Leave these positive messages all around your home.
Christmas Paper Crafts From Pastiche
More Holiday Features
Thanks For Having A Heart
I deeply appreciate these blessings.
Thank you for spreading such wonderful holiday cheer.
Koupie
KarenTBTEN
traveller27
JenOfChicago
vallain
StacyBirch
Tipi
JoyfulPamela
KonaGirl
llona1
♥ ♥ ♥
Are you lovin' it?
What did you think about this holiday craft project?
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bossypants
Dec 13, 2011 @ 10:22 am | delete
- Your variations have inspired me. I have some two sided paper I saved from a gift and now I have a perfect project for it!
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KonaGirl
Dec 12, 2011 @ 12:49 am | delete
- I am really impressed with this lens. I really like the way you have put everything together to demonstrate how to make the Christmas hearts. The photos are beautiful as are the graphics. Very well done! *Squid Angel Blessed* and I've added your link to My Squid Angel Wings to be featured in the "Holidays & Celebrations » Christmas" neighborhood.
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Ruthi
Nov 27, 2011 @ 4:02 pm | delete
- I'd planned to purchase a small live evergreen tree and was wondering how to decorate it without harming it, wishing to keep it in a large planter for years to come. I bet these lightweight hearts will be the perfect ornaments for the tree. If I do so, I'll be sure to share a photo with you.
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aLundy
Nov 18, 2011 @ 5:38 pm | delete
- Nice lens. I especially like the basket idea.
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- I think these woven hearts are really lovely, and might even give them a try!
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RenaissanceWoman2010
Nov 18, 2011 @ 10:28 am | delete
- Wonderful! Put a heart on the tree for Walker (maybe with a little catnip treat inside). :-)
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StacyBirch Nov 15, 2011 @ 7:43 pm | delete
- Cute craft lens.
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RenaissanceWoman2010
Nov 18, 2011 @ 10:29 am | delete
- Thank you!
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vallain Nov 10, 2011 @ 9:11 pm | delete
- My sister tried to show me how to make these, but I'd forgotten the steps. Thanks for showing them so clearly. Your examples are lovely!
Blessed by a squid angel.
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RenaissanceWoman2010
Nov 11, 2011 @ 6:20 am | delete
- Your comments and visit are appreciated. Thank you so much for the blessing! I'm glad you found this tutorial and its instructions easy to follow. That's the teacher in me. :-)
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lilymom24
Nov 10, 2011 @ 3:43 pm | delete
- This is a lovely holiday craft.
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RenaissanceWoman2010
Nov 10, 2011 @ 4:26 pm | delete
- Thank you!
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debkrenaissance
Nov 9, 2011 @ 12:12 pm | delete
- Absolutely lovin it!!!!
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RenaissanceWoman2010
Nov 10, 2011 @ 4:26 pm | delete
- Glad you liked it. Appreciate your visit.
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karmicchristian
Nov 8, 2011 @ 11:53 pm | delete
- They are too good! :)
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RenaissanceWoman2010
Nov 9, 2011 @ 7:26 am | delete
- Thank you for appreciating these Christmas hearts. I appreciate you!
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BeyondRoses
Nov 8, 2011 @ 8:58 pm | delete
- Love the woven Christmas hearts. So many creative, sweet ideas!
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RenaissanceWoman2010
Nov 9, 2011 @ 7:27 am | delete
- Thank you for loving this sweet little Christmas craft. I'm so glad you dropped in for a holiday visit.
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traveller27
Nov 8, 2011 @ 8:49 pm | delete
- Great lens - loved this idea and the beautiful photographs. Blessed by a travelling angel.
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RenaissanceWoman2010
Nov 9, 2011 @ 7:28 am | delete
- Thank you for blessing this Christmas tradition. It means so much to me. You are appreciated!
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lasertek
Nov 8, 2011 @ 5:54 pm | delete
- Seems like a great idea and a fun activity with the children.
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RenaissanceWoman2010
Nov 9, 2011 @ 7:30 am | delete
- Children do love making these Christmas hearts (and the big grownup children, too). :-) Thank you for stopping by!
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- I like the plain paper with stamped text idea too, and I think I will make one out of some vintage sheet music I have :)
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RenaissanceWoman2010
Nov 9, 2011 @ 7:31 am | delete
- Oh, that would be truly lovely... using your vintage sheet music to make a woven Christmas heart. Very creative idea. Hope to see your finished creation. Many thanks for the blessing!
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This Happy Snowman page written by
RenaissanceWoman2010
The best and most meaningful Christmas gift is love. What could be more perfect than Christmas hearts to express the true meaning of the season?
Seasons Greetings from the Wonderland
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