Hand Sewn Valentine’s Cards

When I was in elementary school, I learned how to make geometric patterns by drawing straight lines from different points on a shape in a specific pattern, usually skipping a certain number of points in between.  I don’t remember why we were doing this in school all I know is I became obsessed!  I started making the patterns all the time and after a while, got bored with the pencil and ruler method and began sewing them.  I would spend all my free time graphing out shapes and points and sewing the patterns (yep, I was that cool…I sewed between making spreadsheets and playing The Game of Life by myself, any who…).

When I decided to have the girls start making hand sewn Valentine’s cards for the family since they have a newfound obsession with embroidery, knitting and crocheting (see their creations tomorrow!) I of course thought of my prior, long-lost, obsession.  I tried having Honeybun do this one but it was a little much for her and her lack of problem solving skills and patience made it a no-go but that didn’t stop me from using an entire nap time to create my own hand sewn Valentine’s cards.
I created a pattern of hearts increasing in size and played with different patterns while sewing the hearts.  The great thing about patterns like this is there is no right or wrong way to do it, it comes out different each time depending on how many points you skip when making each stitch and they are all beautiful!

Print the pattern onto cardstock.  I find it easiest to use embroidery thread and a large needle.  Poke through each dot from the front of the paper before starting then knot your thread and secure the end with a piece of tape to prevent it from pulling through the holes.  You can also use variegated thread (as I did) for extra visual interest or multiple colors randomly or in a pattern.

I started with the largest, bottom heart and I skipped 7 points per stitch.  (I stopped when I reached the center point on the top because if I had continued going around the heart, skipping points, it would have created lines within the empty area at the top).

For the center heart I only used every other point and skipped one hole (three points) with each stitch.  (I did continue around the heart, hence the kind of odd small, straight stitch across the top divot of the heart).

The top heart I decided to do each side different.  The left side I skipped five points and on the right I skipped nine points.  Because the points were much closer together (each heart has the same number of points, despite the size), the pattern isn’t as open but I think it’s still beautiful!

For more Valentine’s Day ideas, visit a few of my favorite bloggers:

• How to Make Rose Water by Confessions of an Overworked Mom
• A Valentine’s Day Breakfast by The Guavalicious Life
• Salted Caramels by How Was Your Day?
• Valentine’s Day Krispies Treats by This Mama Loves
• Homemade Strawberry Syrup for Flavorful Delights by Day by Day in Our World
• Pom Pom Valentine’s Day Craft for Kids by Our Family World
• French Vanilla Raspberry Italian Cream Soda by Pretty Opinionated
• Epsom Salts DIY Valentine’s Candles by A Day in Motherhood
• Chocolate Honey Lip Scrub by The Socialite’s Closet
• Hugs and Kisses Valentine’s Cupcakes by Simply Southern Mom
• Printable Valentine’s Day Scavenger Hunt by Mom on the Side
• Box of Chocolates Cake by Kids Fun Reviewed
• Cranberry Hootycreek – Valentine’s Day Cookies by MommaDJane
• Dark Chocolate Granola by Food Fun Family
• Valentine’s Day “Love Lives Here” Decorative House Craft by Sincerely Mindy
• No Bake Choco-Date Cookies for Valentine’s Day by Mommy Snippets
• DIY Heart Stamp for Kids by Family Focus Blog
• DIY Peppermint Chocolate Bark Favors by A Bride on a Budget
• Day Out With Daddy Jar by Sweet Lil You
• No Sew Fringed Scarf for Him – or Her! by Style on Main
• Strawberry Shortcake in a Jar by 2Boys+1Girl=OneCrazyMom
• Valentine’s Day Oreo Hearts by Gator Mommy Reviews