String of Hearts Arm Warmers

Lace-outlined hearts run down the fronts of these cozy arm warmers. The hearts extend coyly onto the top of the hands and are ornamented with heart-shaped beads for a simple yet elegant accent.

Skill Level: Intermediate

Size: Small: 8″ [20 cm] at upper arm (stretches to 12″ [30.5 cm]); Medium: 11″ [28 cm] at upper arm (stretches to 16.5″ [42.4 cm]); Large: 14″ [35.6 cm] at upper arm (stretches to 21″ [53.3 cm]); Length: 14″ [35.6 cm]

Gauge: 36 sts and 32 rows = 4″ [10 cm] in k1, p2 ribbing unstretched

Materials

Yarn: Debbie Bliss Rialto DK (100% merino wool; 115 yards [105 meters]/50 grams): 23048 Maroon (2 (3, 4) balls)
Needles: US size 4 (3.5 mm) set of 5 double pointed needles
Notions: US size E/4 (3.5 mm) hook, stitch markers, tapestry needle, 2 or more beads as desired, beading needle and threader, beading or sewing thread, blocking pins (optional)

Special Stitches

“String of Hearts” Panel
Rnd 1: K13.
Rnd 2: K5, yo, sl2-k1-p2sso, yo, k5.
Rnd 3: K13.
Rnd 4: K4, yo, ssk, [(k1, p1) 4 times, k1] into one st, k2tog, yo, k4. (21 sts)
Rnd 5: K5, k2tog, k7, ssk, k5. (19 sts)
Rnd 6: K1, ssk, yo, k1, k2tog, k7, ssk, k1, yo, k2tog, k1. (17 sts)
Rnd 7: K3, k2tog, k7, ssk, k3. (15 sts)
Rnd 8: Ssk, yo, k2tog, k7, ssk, yo, k2tog. (13 sts)
Odd Rows 9-15: K13.
Rnd 10: K2, yo, ssk, k5, k2tog, yo, k2.
Rnd 12: K3, yo, ssk, k3, k2tog, yo, k3.
Rnd 14: K4, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k4.
Rnd 16: K5, yo, sl2-k1-p2sso, yo, k5.

Pattern Notes

This pattern is worked in the round from the top down. The bottom heart is only partially connected to the background; it extends below the wrist onto the top of the hand and is ornamented with beads.
The row repeat for the heart panel is 16. The stitch number varies in Rows 4–8 from 13 sts to 21 sts and back down to 13 sts.
This pattern has considerable negative ease. Use the size where your upper arm measurement falls about half-way between the minimum and maximum given.

Pattern

Using Size E/4 (3.5 mm) crochet hook, chain CO 63 (93, 123) sts. Distribute over 4 needles. PM.
Rnds 1-30: P1, (k1, p2) 20(30, 40) times, end k1, p1.
Rnd 31 (decrease round): P1, ssk, p1, (k1, p2) 7(12, 17) times, PM, work Row 1 of panel pattern, PM, (p2, k1) 7(12, 17) times, p1, k2tog, p1. (61 (91, 121) sts)
Rnds 32-103: Continue following panel pattern between markers and maintain ribbing while decreasing every 5 (4, 3) rounds 14 (3, 8) times and every 0 (3, 2) rounds 0 (20, 24) times – 33 (45, 57) sts after Round 103. This will be the fifth repeat of the panel ending at Row 9.
Rnd 104: Loosely BO 12 (18, 24) sts as they present themselves, removing marker. (Last loop worked rem on needle.) Ssk, k5, k2tog. K2, pass first st over the second, remove stitch marker, and continue to loosely BO rem sts as they present themselves – 8 sts. Cut yarn, and secure tail temporarily. Continue in rows.
Row 105: With WS facing, rejoin yarn. P6, p2tog thus securing final loop from first set of bind-offs. (7 sts)
Row 106: Ssk, k3, k2tog. (5 sts)
Row 107: P5.
Row 108: Ssk, k1, k2tog. (3 sts)
Row 109: P3.
Row 110: Sl2-k1-p2sso. Cut yarn and pull rem loop through.

Finishing

With yarn tails, stitch across the end-of-round gaps. Darn in all ends.
Wet thoroughly. Lay arm warmers flat with hearts on top making sure ribbing is straight. Do NOT stretch; rather pat pieces into shape. Pin out the loose sections of hearts, if necessary. Allow to dry.
Stitch a bead or beads to the point of each of the bottom hearts.