Woolen Stuffed Heart Ornament
The absolute truth is that making soft, stuffed heart ornaments makes my heart grow three times as large. I can’t explain it, but it is a project I regularly undertake in various iterations each winter.
This year, I decided to use upcycled wool (from old coats and skirts) that I had previously felted in my washer and dryer. Felted wool is so cozy; it adds warmth and fuzziness that I am particularly longing for this season.
While you could applique anything, I chose the cheery polka dots that allowed me to utilize more scrap fabrics in a rainbow of colors. (Again, all things that bring me joy.)
This is a simple sewing project perfect for beginners, but an experienced sewer will enjoy it as well! The process alone is heartworming and worthwhile!
Let me know if you make stuffed heart ornaments!!!
Gathering Supplies
For this project, you will need to gather the following:
- approximately 8″ x 8″ fabric for the front of your heart (I used felted, upcycled wool)
- approximately 8″ x 8″ fabric for the back of your heart (I used hand-dyed cotton velveteen)
- yarn for a hanger (I used wool)
- small bits of fabric scraps in many different colors
- embroidery floss
- embroidery needle
- pins
- scissors
- poly-fil
- cotton thread
- cardstock for making a template
- optional: sewing machine (you could hand sew this whole project)
Preparing Materials
Cut out a heart template from the card stock.
I free-handed this one, but you could easily trace a cookie cutter or print a heart template from google images for a more precise and symmetrical heart.
Pin the template to the front fabric and cut around the template to create the front of your heart.
Choose your fabric scraps in colors that are pleasing to you and cut little circles from them.
Again, I free-handed these, but you could use circle shaped stickers as an easy template if you are after precision.
Similarly, choose an embroidery floss — one or multiple colors that you think goes well with your fabric heart and circles. 
Embroidery floss is made of six strands of cotton. You can use it as it is or pull apart the strands to achieve a thinner amount of thread.
For this, I divided the floss into strands of three — so in half.
Thread your needle, tie a knot in the end of your floss, and pin your first circle to the your heart. You can start anywhere.
You are ready to sew!
Appliqueing Circles Onto Your Heart
Begin by sewing from the back of the heart to the fron so that your knot is kept on the back side of the heart.
Pierce the circle on the front side and pull the needle through to the back to make your first stitch.
Continue sewing as such around the circle. 
Keep adding circles until your heart is filled or YOUR heart is content. 
This is the back side of the heart to show what stitching and nots look like on the back. It’s OK that it is messy since it will all be hidden on the inside!
Sewing A Back Onto Your Heart
Pin your heart heart to the back side fabric. Make sure that right sides of fabrics are touching, and cut the back side of the heart ornament out. 
Cut your hanger, approximately 20″ of yarn. Fold your string in half and tie a knot a couple inches from the end. 
Tuck your hanger into the heart with the KNOT poking through the top and more or less centered. 
Ball up the rest of the hanger in the center, clear of the perimeter of the heart so that it doesn’t get accidently sewn. 
Begin sewing your heart ornament together on the machine. (You could also hand sew this, too). I used 1/4″ seam allowances and began by sewing an inch or so above the point of the heart. 
Continue sewing around the heart, but stop a few inches from where you started. 
This isn’t the greatest picture, but there should be a hole large enough to turn your heart right side out. Since the wool is thicker, you might need a larger hole than you think. 
Right side out your heart! Exciting, your heart is getting born!!! 
Finishing Your Heart Ornament!!!
Stuff your heart with poly-fil, or you could upcycle scraps, batting, or old fabric into your heart for a greener approach.
Stuff as much or as little as you like.
Use an invisible stitch to sew up the hole. Choose thread that matches your fabric if your stitches are like mine and sometimes make an appearance. : ) 
Ta Da! You did it. Now hang up your ornament and bask in its cozy warmth!!!! 