heart opening

I saw this demonstrated on Instagram using paper (account @the_jpp) and immediately wanted to try it with cloth. It was quite fiddly to weave, but doable. I’m enjoying the result. Something comes over me in February and I want to make hearts. This seems like a project kindergarteners make with construction paper, but it taught me some things about the heart shape.

Cut two identical rectangles three times as long as wide. These are about 3″ x 9″. Fold them in half.

On the open end, cut an arch shape. Nest the rectangles together to facilitate cutting the same shape on each.

Fold down the arched top to make a cutting line. The silk resisted folding, but I could still see the line.

From the folded edge to the line, cut three times to make four cloth fingers.

Criss cross the folded cloths to make the heart shape. Starting at the top of one side, interweave the fingers. Use pins as necessary to secure the ends. I had to coax the fabric quite a bit to get it to assume this shape.

To finish, stitch around the bottom edges of the weaving area through all layers. If desired, add decorative stitching to the upper petals and woven strips separately, so the heart can open.

Finished product. I love the pleats and the secret opening. The ceramic item below was made by my son in middle school. I’ve always liked it, although it’s chipped.