Crochet Car Hanging Charm for the Rear-View Mirror

The pattern

Heart charm (make 2 halves)

Each half is worked as two bumps joined into one piece.

1. First bump: 6 sc in a magic ring, then inc in each st around. Fasten off. (12)
2. Second bump: Repeat, but do not fasten off. (12)
3. Join: Sc 12 around the second bump, then continue straight onto the first bump and sc 12 around it. (24)
4. Rnd 1: Sc in each st around. (24)
5. Rnd 2: (Sc 2, dec) 6 times. (18)
6. Rnd 3: (Sc 1, dec) 6 times. (12)
7. Rnd 4: Dec 6 times. (6)

Fasten off. Make a second half the same way, leaving a long tail on this one.

Joining the halves

1. Step 1: Hold the two halves wrong sides together, matching the bumps and the point.
2. Step 2: Whip stitch around the edge with the long tail, leaving a 1 in gap.
3. Step 3: Stuff lightly — the charm should keep its shape but stay soft.
4. Step 4: Close the gap and bury the tail inside.

The braided cord

1. Step 1: Cut six strands of yarn, each 20 in (50 cm) long.
2. Step 2: Knot them together 1 in from one end, then divide into three pairs and braid firmly to about 6 in (15 cm).
3. Step 3: Knot the end, then bring both knots together and tie them into a loop.
4. Step 4: Sew the loop's lower knot securely into the top dip of the heart, between the two bumps.

Two other charm shapes

• Tiny mushroom: shrink our toadstool by stopping the cap at Rnd 4 and the stalk at Rnd 6.
• Little ball: the first 10 rounds of the crochet ball in DK yarn make a perfect 2 in pompom-style charm.
• Bow: the mini version of our crochet bow, hung from the cord.

Common questions

Is it legal to hang something from a rear-view mirror?

Rules differ by country and by state — some prohibit anything that obstructs the driver's view. Keep the charm small and the cord short so it hangs well clear of your sightline, and check your local rules.

Will it swing while I drive?

A short cord (6 in or less) and a light charm barely move. Longer cords swing on corners and get annoying fast.

Can I make it smell nice?

Tuck a few drops of essential oil onto a cotton ball inside the stuffing. Refresh it every few weeks. Don't use oil directly on the yarn — it stains.

What yarn is best for a car charm?

DK cotton. It holds a crisp shape, doesn't fade as fast as acrylic in direct sun, and washes if it gets dusty.

A forty-five minute gift that fits in a card. 🚙