Let Me Count the Ways - Free Pattern and Tutorial
Let Me Count the Ways: A Valentine Hanging Tutorial
Are you looking for a meaningful Valentine tradition that doesn’t include trinkets and chocolate? Years ago, I started a tradition of taping paper hearts to my kids’ doors, each one with a reason why I loved them. Every morning leading up to Valentine’s Day, they’d wake up to another little reminder of how special they are.
I’ve saved those paper hearts over the years, and looking back at them now fills my heart. They capture such a sweet snapshot of who my kids were as babies and toddlers—my son’s endless curiosity or the funny little phrases they used to say. It has become even more meaningful as one of my kids is creeping closer to the teenage years (how did that happen so fast?).
This year, I wanted to create something a little more lasting—a beautiful wall hanging that holds those daily love notes in pockets. That’s how the Let Me Count the Ways pattern came to life! Not only is it a sweet tradition, but it’s also a way to keep those memories close.
What Makes This Project Special
This wall hanging is about more than just pretty fabric and cute hearts. It’s a chance to speak love and encouragement into the lives of the people who matter most.
And the best part? This project isn’t just functional—it’s beautiful enough to hang as decor in your home. A step up from the construction paper hearts I used to hang.
How It Works
The finished wall hanging is 20½” x 26½” with little pockets that hold daily love notes. The included cards are perfect for jotting down sweet sentiments, and you can add one each day leading up to Valentine’s Day.
What You’ll Need
Here’s a quick look at the various fabrics needed. Download the pattern for the exact fabric requirements.
- Backing and Batting
- Binding fabric
- Pocket Fabric of Various Fabrics
- Sashing and Borders
- Heart Fabric that can be cut from scraps if needed
Putting It All Together
Make sure to download the pattern for detailed directions.
- Make the Hearts: Start by piecing the heart blocks. You can use scraps in your collection to assemble them.
- Create the Pockets: The pockets are simple to assemble using a ⅛” seam. Create a few extras so you can mix and match to your liking.
- Assemble the Rows: Arrange your blocks and pockets, sew them into rows, and add sashing in between.
- Finish the Top: Add borders to frame your wall hanging.
- Quilt and Bind: Quilt as you like, making sure not to stitch the pockets shut. Add the binding and hanging corner pockets on the back for a polished finish.
Why It Matters
As I was sewing my Let Me Count the Ways wall hanging, I couldn’t help but think about how much joy this tradition has brought to my family over the years. It’s a daily reminder to my kids that they are seen, valued, and deeply loved.
Hanging these on their doors this year feels like a little gift for both of us—they get their love notes, and I get a chance to pause and appreciate how great they are at this stage of life.
Share Your Creations
I’d absolutely love to see your version of Let Me Count the Ways! Whether you make one for your kids, your spouse, or even a friend, it’s such a beautiful way to celebrate love. Tag me on Instagram @fieldstone.fabric and use #fieldstonefabric and #letmecounttheways so I can cheer you on.
Start Your Valentine Tradition
Ready to make your own? Download the free pattern here. I hope this project brings as much joy to your family as it has to mine.
