Overview
Looking for a cozy Valentine crochet project with a bold, playful twist? The Checkerboard Sweetheart Beanie is a heart beanie crochet pattern that combines classic checkerboard colorwork with textured heart stitches for a fun, Valentine-inspired design that’s both eye-catching and wearable.
This beanie is worked from the brim up, starting with a stretchy ribbed brim and transitioning into seamless colorwork using carried yarn for a clean finish. Raised heart stitches are worked as you go, adding texture and charm without extra sewing.
Whether you’re crocheting for Valentine’s Day gifts, winter markets, or simply want a standout heart beanie for your wardrobe, this Valentine crochet pattern is designed to be practical, cozy, and fun to make.
Pattern Overview – Valentine Heart Beanie Crochet Pattern
The Checkerboard Sweetheart Beanie is a Valentine heart beanie crochet pattern featuring bold checkerboard colorwork paired with raised heart stitches for added texture and visual interest. The pattern is worked in the round from the brim up and includes clear instructions for color changes, carried yarn, and stitch placement.
This pattern is best suited for intermediate crocheters or confident beginners who are comfortable with basic stitches, working in the round, and following photo-assisted instructions. Step-by-step photos and a linked video tutorial are included to support you through the more detailed sections.
Skill Level + Time Commitment
- Skill Level: Intermediate or confident beginner
- Time to Complete: Approximately 2–3 hours (varies by experience)
Materials
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (3 colors)
- Hook: 4.5 mm crochet hook
- Tools: Scissors, tapestry needle, stitch markers
What You’ll Learn
This pattern will walk you through:
- Working a stretchy ribbed brim
- Crocheting in the round
- Checkerboard colorwork techniques
- Carrying yarn neatly
- Faux double crochet starts
- Creating textured heart stitches
Sizing
The pattern is written for an adult size, with guidance included for resizing if needed.
Perfect For Valentine Crochet Projects
- Valentine’s Day gifts
- Cozy winter accessories
- Craft fairs and market prep
- Colorwork crochet projects
- Statement beanies with texture
Important Notes
- This pattern is written using standard US crochet terms
- Instructions are provided as a digital PDF download when purchased through the shop
- Due to the nature of digital downloads, refunds are not available
- You may sell finished items made from this pattern with credit to A Long Stitch as the designer
Video Tutorial
A free video tutorial is available to accompany this pattern and provide visual support for the colorwork and textured heart stitches. This tutorial is especially helpful if you’re newer to colorwork or want a closer look at stitch placement.
👉 Watch the companion video tutorial here: https://youtu.be/IZksnVTrgK8
Get the Pattern
You can purchase the Checkerboard Sweetheart Beanie Crochet Pattern as an instant-download PDF in the A Long Stitch shop.
👉 Purchase the instant-download PDF pattern complete with tips, tricks, photos and full instructions on Etsy: https://alongstitch.etsy.com/listing/4449044686/checkerboard-sweetheart-beanie-crochet
Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/checkerboard-sweetheart-beanie
Heart Stitch
The heart stitch is worked over 4 dcs and into the front post of the stitch 2 rows below.
With Color B, complete a dc, pull up a long loop, and remove from hook
Insert hook through the indicated front 2 loops of that dc.
Pull up a loop of Color C.
With Color C, tr cluster around the front post of the stitch 2 rows down (inserting hook from right to left between stitches 2 & 3 of the previous row).
Instead of pulling Color C through the 4 loops remaining on the hook at the end of tr cluster, grab the long loop of Color B, tighten appropriately, and pull through.
With Color B, complete a dc in the next 2 st, pull up a long loop, and remove from hook. Insert hook through the indicated front 2 loops of that dc, pull up a loop of Color C.
With Color C, tr cluster around the same front post of the stitch 2 rows down (inserting hook from left to right), being sure not to twist your stitches.
Instead of pulling Color C through the 4 loops remaining on the hook at the end of tr cluster, grab the long loop of Color B, tighten appropriately, and pull through.
With Color B, complete a dc in the next st. This results in 4 Color B stitches.
Subsequent rows will work into the Color B stitches only.
Tr cluster (triple crochet cluster)
Working 3 tr into one stitch, leaving the last loop of the tr on the hook until end of cluster.
- Yarn over twice. Insert hook in indicated stitch, yo, pull up a loop. Yo, pull through 2 loops, yo, pull through 2 loops. 2 loops remain on hook.
- Yarn over twice. Insert hook in indicated stitch, yo, pull up a loop. Yo, pull through 2 loops, yo, pull through 2 loops. 3 loops remain on hook.
- Yarn over twice. Insert hook in indicated stitch, yo, pull up a loop. Yo, pull through 2 loops, yo, pull through 2 loops. 4 loops remain on hook.
- Yarn over and pull through all 4 remaining loops.
Pattern Instructions
Brim (Ribbing)
Working in hdc-3lo to end of brim.
Row 1: With Color A, ch 9, work hdc into back bump of each chain. Ch 1, turn. (8 sts)
Row 2: Hdc in each hdc-3lo. Ch 1, turn. (8 sts)
Rows 3–60: Repeat Row 2. Ribbing should measure between 50–57 cm (20–23 in).
With right sides together, slst last row to initial chain (through both loops of the chain and the 3rd loop only of the last row). Turn right side out.
Work remaining rows along the top / long edge of the ribbing.
Body / Main Pattern
With Color A, work 88 sc (or any multiple of 8) evenly into the long side of the brim. Join with slst.
Remaining rows of the body alternate between Color A and Color B in sets of 4 dc. See notes on carrying yarn for colorwork.
Row 1: Color A: Faux dc from slst, dc in next 3 sts.
Color B: dc in next 4 sts.
[Color A: 4 dc, Color B: 4 dc] repeat to end, switching to Color A for the last 2 loops of the final dc. Slst to faux dc. (88 sts)
Row 2: Color A: Faux dc from slst, dc in next 3 sts.
Color B: dc in next 4 sts.
[Color A: 4 dc, Color B: 4 dc] repeat to end, remaining with Color B for the last 2 loops of the final dc. Slst to faux dc. (88 sts)
Row 3: Color B: Faux dc from slst, dc in next 3 sts.
Color A: dc in next 4 sts.
[Color B: 4 dc, Color A: 4 dc] repeat to end, switching to Color B for the last 2 loops of the final dc. Slst to faux dc. (88 sts)
Row 4: Color B: Faux dc from slst, dc in next 3 sts.
Color A: Heart stitch.
[Color B: 4 dc, Color A: 4 Heart stitch] repeat to end, remaining with Color A for the last 2 loops of the final dc. Slst to faux dc. (88 sts)
Row 5: Color A: Faux dc from slst, dc in next 3 sts.
Color B: dc in next 4 sts.
[Color A: 4 dc, Color B: 4 dc] repeat to end, switching to Color A for the last 2 loops of the final dc. Slst to faux dc. (88 sts)
Row 6: Color A: Faux dc from slst, dc in next 3 sts.
Color B: dc in next 4 sts.
[Color A: 4 dc, Color B: 4 dc] repeat to end, remaining with Color B for the last 2 loops of the final dc. Slst to faux dc. (88 sts)
Row 7: Repeat Row 4.
Row 8: Repeat Row 5.
Row 9: Repeat Row 6.
Row 10: Repeat Row 7.
Row 11: Repeat Row 4.
Row 12: Repeat Row 5.
Row 13: Repeat Row 6.
Row 14: Repeat Row 7. Fasten off Color A and continue decrease rounds in Color B. (88 sts)
Crown / Decrease Rounds
Working in BLO, sc in each stitch. Do NOT slst to join. Work remaining rounds in a continuous round. Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round. (88 sts)
Dec Round 1: [2 sc, dec] repeat to end. (66 sts)
Round 2: [4 sc, dec] repeat to end. (55 sts)
Round 3: [3 sc, dec] repeat to end. (44 sts)
Round 4: [9 sc, dec] repeat to end. (40 sts)
Round 5: [3 sc, dec] repeat to end. (32 sts)
Round 6: [6 sc, dec] repeat to end. (28 sts)
Round 7: [5 sc, dec] repeat to end. (24 sts)
Round 8: [2 sc, dec] repeat to end. (18 sts)
Round 9: [2 sc, dec] repeat to end. (12 sts)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Use the tail to cinch the top closed and weave in all ends.
Blocking & Finishing
Blocking your work will make a big difference for the textured hearts. Steam blocking is recommended to gently fluff and shape the stitches for the best finished look.