Artisan Crochet Heart Trinket Dish: A Step-by-Step Guide-Transform a simple ball of yarn into a functional piece of decor with this elegant Heart Trinket Dish. Perfect for organizing jewelry, lip balms, or small keepsakes, these dishes combine the charm of handmade craft with practical home organization. This tutorial will walk you through creating a sturdy, flat base and upright walls to ensure your trinkets stay safely tucked away in style.
Materials Needed
- 50g Worsted weight cotton yarn (Cotton provides the best structure)
- 4.5mm (G) Crochet hook
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
Abbreviations
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- dc: double crochet
- tr: treble crochet
- sl st: slip stitch
- BLO: back loop only
- inc: increase
- st: stitch
- MR: magic ring
Step 1: Creating the Foundation Ring
- Begin by creating a Magic Ring (MR) to ensure the center of your heart base is tightly closed and professional.
- Chain 2 (this does not count as a stitch) to provide the necessary height for the following stitches.
- Work the following sequence into the ring: 3 tr, 4 dc, 1 tr (this creates the bottom point), 4 dc, and 3 tr.
- Pull the yarn tail firmly to close the center hole and join with a slip stitch to the top of the first treble crochet.
Step 2: Shaping the Heart Base
- Chain 1, then work 2 sc in the first stitch of the previous round to begin the curve of the first lobe.
- In each of the next two stitches, work 3 hdc to create the rounded top of the heart.
- Work 1 sc in each of the next 3 stitches, then work (sc, ch 1, sc) into the treble crochet at the bottom point.
- Mirror the first side by working 1 sc in each of the next 3 stitches, 3 hdc in each of the next two stitches, and 2 sc in the final stitch before joining.
Step 3: Reinforcing the Perimeter
- Chain 1 and work a round of single crochet stitches around the entire heart to increase the diameter and provide stability.
- Place 2 sc into the center-most stitches of the top curves (the lobes) to keep the heart lying flat without curling.
- Ensure you place 3 sc into the ch-1 space at the bottom point to maintain a sharp, defined V-shape.
- Count your stitches at the end of this round; you should have a consistent number to ensure the walls of the dish rise evenly.
Step 4: Transitioning to the Walls
- To create the ‘fold’ where the base meets the wall, work this entire round in the Back Loop Only (BLO).
- Chain 1 and work 1 sc into the BLO of every stitch around the perimeter without adding any increases.
- This technique forces the fabric to turn upwards at a 90-degree angle, forming the foundation of the dish’s sides.
- Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of this round, as we will now transition to working in continuous spirals.
Step 5: Building Depth and Height
- Work 2 to 3 more rounds of standard single crochet (through both loops) to build the height of the trinket dish.
- Maintain a slightly tighter tension than you used for the base to ensure the walls are stiff enough to stand independently.
- If you notice the heart shape losing definition at the top ‘dip,’ perform one invisible decrease (sc2tog) at the very center of the heart’s cleavage.
- Continue until the walls reach approximately 1 inch in height, or your desired depth for holding jewelry.
Step 6: Finishing the Rim and Weaving Ends
- To give the dish a polished, professional look, work a final round of slip stitches loosely into every stitch around the rim.
- Fasten off the yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail for finishing.
- Using a tapestry needle, perform an invisible join to close the final round and weave the tail securely into the inside of the wall.
- Lightly steam block the dish if necessary to sharpen the points and ensure the walls are perfectly vertical.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I make my trinket dish walls stiffer so they don’t flop?
A: The key is using 100% cotton yarn and a hook size slightly smaller than what the yarn label recommends. This creates a denser, more rigid fabric. If it’s still too soft, you can dip the finished dish in a mixture of water and fabric stiffener or white glue.
Q: Can I resize this pattern to make a larger tray?
A: Yes! To make a larger dish, simply add 1 or 2 more increase rounds to the base before starting Step 4. Ensure you follow the ‘inc’ logic at the lobes and the ‘3 sc’ logic at the point to keep the heart shape proportional.
Q: Why is the bottom of my dish bowing or not sitting flat?
A: This usually happens if your tension is too tight in the center or if you didn’t add enough increases in the lobe sections during Step 2 and 3. Try using a slightly larger hook for the base and switching to the smaller hook for the walls.
Conclusion
Congratulations on completing your Crochet Heart Trinket Dish! These charming containers make wonderful gifts and are a fantastic way to use up scrap yarn. Experiment with different colors and heights to create a nested set. Don’t forget to share your finished creations with the community—happy crocheting!
