I used Laura Nelkin’s circular cast on, then moved the four stitches to the other end of the dpn and worked into the front and back of each as instructed, thus having four stitches on each of two dpns. Continue on two needles according to pattern.
If the hole between the two parts of the heart needs neatening/strengthening, use one of the long tails of yarn from the cast on to ‘bind’ the edge when you reach row 12or so (it’s easier than doing it when you close the hole after row 22).
The hearts are stuffed with fibre and scented with pine essential oil. The hanging loop was made with another long yarn tail when the hole was closed.
All set for the Christmas tree!

(The bag - which is the perfect size for small projects such as this - came from Jibbyroo Sews.)