Caterpillar Pencil Case Pin Loom Pattern

Make your own super cute caterpillar pencil case with pin loom woven shapes. This zipper pouch uses only 2 pin looms: 4″ square and 2″x4″ rectangle! If you also have a 1″ square, you can add little finger grips and zipper pull (pictured but optional).

This is a beginner friendly project as each shape is woven in plain weave. The Caterpillar Pattern includes step by step written instructions and lots of photos. Here’s what’s in the tutorial:

  • Caterpillar Pencil Case
  • Step-by-Step Written Instructions
  • 10+ color photos and charts
  • 7 pages

Reviews for our Pin Loom Patterns

  • “Well written pattern, nicely illustrated with good photos showing any tricky parts.”
  • “Well written pattern. Highly recommend her patterns.”
  • “This pattern in incredible and the designer is wonderful!”

Caterpillar Pencil Case Pin Loom Pattern on Etsy

The Caterpillar Pencil Case Pin Loom Pattern is now available in our Etsy Shop. This first appeared in Little Looms 2022. We have the rights back and are making the pattern available to you in our Etsy Shop.

Available now on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

Share the Love, Pin to Pinterest

Share the love of pin loom weaving by pinning one of these images to Pinterest.

Thank you!

More about the Caterpillar Pencil Case

We call this Caterpillar Pouch a pencil case, but it’s also a fun size for storing other craft and hobby supplies like crochet hooks. The Caterpillar Pencil Case is pretty quick to stitch. It takes a little longer if you want to line the bag…which we totally recommend as woven squares aren’t the most secure for sharp objects like pencils.

Here’s what you’ll need in order to make your own Caterpillar Pencil Case:

  • Pin Loom Square: 4” (and 1″ optional)
  • Pin Loom Rectangle: 2”x4”
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Yarns Vanna’s Choice (Acrylic, 170 yd/3.5 oz;),
    #180 Cranberry, 20 yd;
    #172 Kelly Green, 20 yd;
    #171 Fern, 30 yd
  • Fabric for Lining: 1 sq. foot
  • Zipper: 8” Green
  • Felt: remnants of brown, blue, grey.
  • Needle: 6” weaving needle, tapestry needle, sewing needle
  • Thread: Green
  • Washable Marker
  • Fabric Glue
  • Straight Pins

Caterpillar Pencil Case on Etsy

The Caterpillar Pencil Case Pin Loom Pattern is now available as an instant PDF download in our Etsy Shop.

Available now on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

Monster Pin Loom Pattern

Make a monster with a 4″ pin loom square following this tutorial with photos.

Pin Loom Monsters Pattern for 4″ Squares

These cute and cuddly monsters were made with only a 4″ pin loom square. They are super easy and really fun to make. Learn to make textured squares and how to tuck and fold squares to make ears, arms and feet.

  • Pajama Keeper – the mouth is left open so kids can tuck their PJ’s inside.
  • Pillow Pal – the monster is stuffed with fiberfill and the mouth is sewn closed.
  • Purse – sew a zipper in place of the mouth and use this monster as a purse. Pattern includes instructions for a crocheted shoulder strap.

Monster Pin Loom Pattern Available on Etsy

Get your copy of the monster pin loom pattern pdf from our Etsy Shop.

Available now on Etsy.

Shop our Etsy Shop

Monster Pattern: What’s Included

This is a tutorial with photos to make the trio of monsters pictured here. The pattern includes:

  • Step-by-by-Step Instructions
  • Pattern for 2 textured woven squares with photos
  • Step-by-Step Photos for shaping the ears and arms
  • Crochet instructions for eyes, teeth and purse handles (or use felt)
  • 20+ photos
  • 14 pages

Share the Love, Pin a Picture to Pinterest

Share the love of pin loom projects by pinning the above photo to pinterest.

More about the Monsters Pin Loom Pattern PDF

As we mentioned, the monsters are made with only one loom: a 4″ pin loom square. We used medium worsted weight yarn, specifically: Red Heart Soft and eyelash yarn. The textured squares use two colors on each square. The furry head also uses two different kinds of yarn. The ears, arms and legs are woven in plain weave with one color yarn.

The pattern is surprisingly easy to make. We include step-by-step photos for several steps…like the ears and how we warped the loom for the special squares. And of course, each step is written out from start to finish.

There is a tiny bit of crochet. But you can make the eyes and teeth with felt if you prefer.

Monster Pin Loom Pattern Available on Etsy

Get your copy of the monster pin loom pattern pdf from our Etsy Shop.

Available now on Etsy.

Shop our Etsy Shop

Frankenstein’s Monster Clutch

We’re celebrating Halloween all month long with this Frankenstein’s Monster clutch.

Designed to stand on it’s own, this blue eyed green monster bag has a zippered top to hold all your valuables safe inside. It can be used as a purse, pencil case, make-up bag and more. The gusset is narrow at the top by the zipper and wide at the base which allows it to stand. Make with or without a purse strap.

The Frankenstein’s Monster zipper pouch also features a bolt zipper pull. The sides and bottom are reinforced with heavy duty stabilizer so it flexible yet maintains it’s clutch shape.

Measurements: Approximately 9 ½” wide x 5 ½” tall x 2 ½” deep at base

Frankenstein’s Monster Crochet Pattern on Etsy

The Frankenstein’s Monster crochet pattern is available in our etsy shop.

Available now on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

More About The Frankenstein’s Monster Clutch

We call it Frankenstein’s Monster because of the scar on the forehead and bolt on the zipper pull. But we’ve also had people call it the Incredible Hulk or a Zombie. We can go with that, too.

The Frankenstein’s Monster Purse Crochet Pattern includes:

  • Written Instructions
  • 10 Pages
  • 10 Photos

The bag is made with 2 eyeball granny squares on the front panel and 2 plain granny squares on the back. A gusset is crocheted separately and joined to the front and back panels. The hair is crocheted at the end with regular crochet and spike stitches. Stabilizer, zipper, lining and optional handle give it a nice crisp look and make it super practical.

Share the Love, Pin to Pinterest

Share the love of Halloween by pinning one of our pictures to Pinterest.

Materials List for Frankenstein’s Monster Purse

We used Vanna’s choice yarn. But any medium worsted weight yarn should work. For the lining, you’ll want to measure your own bag as you may need more or less fabric and stabilizer.

  • Yarn:   Lion Brand Yarns: Vanna’s Choice – Medium Worsted Weight (4)
  • 100% acrylic (170 yds/156 m; 3.5 oz/100 g) 1 ball each:
  • #860 153 Black, C1
  • #860 108 Dusty Blue, C2
  • #860 100 White, C3
  • #860 171 Fern, C4
  • #860 113 Scarlet, C5
  • #860-149 Silver Grey, C6
  • Fabric: black for lining 15”x14” or size needed for your finished bag.
  • Stabilizer: Extra Firm 15”x14” or size needed for your finished bag.
  • Crochet Hook: H/8/5.00mm
  • Needle:  yarn needle for sewing
  • Needle and Thread: black
  • Stitch Markers
  • Straight Pins
  • Zipper: 10” black

Frankenstein’s Monster Crochet Pattern on Etsy

The Frankenstein’s Monster crochet pattern is available in our etsy shop.

Available now on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

Wolf Pencil Case Pin Loom Pattern

There’s no need to scratch and claw through the junk drawer looking for a pen. Make your own wolf pencil case with yarn and pin looms to store them in. These are great for holding pens, pencils, crochet hooks, mini scissors and more. And since it’s pin loom woven, you can even weave your needle through the outside of the case when you’re not using it.

The wolf pencil case measures approximately 12” long x 7” tall x 4” wide.

Pin These Pictures to Pinterest.

Share the love, pin this image to Pinterest.

Wolf Pencil Case Available on Etsy

The Wolf Pencil Case Pin Loom Pattern is now in our Etsy Shop.

Available now on Etsy.

Buy Now on Etsy

About the Wolf Pencil Case Pin Loom Pattern

This pencil case was a special request from one of the boys…he wanted a coyote. Both wolves and coyotes are a bit dog like, so sure, it’s not a wolf, it’s a coyote!

The pattern is 5 pages which includes step-by-step written instructions. There are 10+ photos that show the pencil case at different points of construction. Instructions are for the grey wolf, though step-by-step photos are often for the black dog. The shape for the black dog and grey wolf are the same.

Here’s what you’ll need to make the Pin Loom Wolf Pencil Case:

  • Pin Loom Square: 1”, 2”, and 4”
  • Pin Loom Rectangles: 2”x4”, 1”x4”
  • Yarn:   Red Heart: Soft – Medium (4), acrylic, 5 oz/256 yds
  •             Grayscale #9931
  •             Black #4614
  •             White #4600
  • Needle:           6” needle for weaving and yarn needle for sewing
  • Safety eyes: (2) 14mm
  • Safety nose: 2cm
  • Zipper: 9” in color of yarn
  • Fabric for lining: approximately 12” x 12”
  • Can – with 2 5/8” diameter for helping sew the ends to the body of the pencil case (optional)
  • Notions: straight pins, needle and thread

Please note that there are not photos to match each step-by-step written instruction. But there are photos throughout the pattern to help provide clarity.

PDF Instant Download Available

Buy the Wolf Pencil Case Pin Loom Pattern in our Etsy Shop.

Available Now on Etsy.

Buy Now on Etsy

The pattern is for your eyes only. We encourage you to give away or sell your finished work as long as you credit yarnovations.com as the designer.

Caterpillar Pencil Case in Little Looms

We’ve designed an adorable caterpillar pencil case for Little Looms Magazine. Isn’t it sweet!

We love this little pin loom woven creature. It’s the little finishing details that make it so cute. And those are really easy to make because they are just bits of felt fabric glued to the assembled project. But, wow, do they give this insect so much charm.

The caterpillar pencil case measures approximately 9 1/2″ x 3″ x 3″. Keep reading to learn more about the pin loom weaving caterpillar pencil case.

Caterpillar Pencil Case in Little Looms

The Caterpillar Pencil Case made it’s debut in the Little Looms Fall 2022 issue. You can get the pattern by purchasing the digital issue of the magazine or becoming an all access member to Little Looms. Learn more at Little Looms website.

More about the Pin Loom Weaving Caterpillar Pencil Case

The caterpillar pencil case uses only 2 pin looms; a 4″ square and 2″x4″ rectangle. If you’ve needed an excuse to buy the 2″x4″ pin loom, than this is it! The materials list for this project are pretty minimal. Here’s what you’ll need to make the pin loom caterpillar pencil case:

  • Pin Loom Square: 4″
  • Pin Loom Rectangle: 2” x 4”
  • Needles: 6″ weaving needle, tapestry needle, sewing needle
  • YARNS: Lion Brand Yarns Vanna’s Choice (Acrylic, 170 yd/3.5 oz)
  • #180 Cranberry, 20 yd
  • #172 Kelly Green, 20 yd
  • #171 Fern, 30 yd
  • Zipper: green 8”
  • Washable marker
  • Fabric Glue
  • Straight Pins
  • Green Thread
  • Optional: fabric and thread for lining
  • Optional: Sewing machine

Caterpillar Pencil Case is Great for New Crafters

There are just a few techniques used to make the pencil case. If you’re new to crafting, than this is a great project to learn new skills.

First, the caterpillar body / the main portion of the bag, is made with a technique called pin loom weaving. The fabric is woven in plain weave which is the most basic form of weaving on a pin loom. You weave under one thread and over one thread across.

Second, there are embroidered French knots on the body to represent spots. Those are another great beginner friendly embroidery technique.

Third, is sewing a zipper into the project. This can be done by hand sewing a running stitch or back stitch. Both are sewing stitches everyone should have in their knowledge banks.

Fourth, and completely optional, is a lining. This can be hand sewn as well, but most people will pull out a sewing machine for this portion. Lining is added to the bag prior to attaching the zipper.

A lining is recommended because woven fabric has holes and it’s easy for additional holes and larger ones to be poked into it.

Pin Loom Woven Gift Bags

Weave your own gift bags!

 

img_3526

Christmas is four days away and I decided today that I just had to weave 8 little drawstring gift bags for family members! Shouldn’t be too hard with a toddler and preschooler around. Not to mention that there is paint involved. What could go wrong?

I love these bags because they can be personalized to match the recipient and can be made for any season or reason. The color of yarn and stencil do all the work!

What you need:

Yarn

4 inch pin loom (I use the Zoom Loom)

Stencil and paint brush

Paint and some form of paint tray

Scissors, yarn needle

How-to Make a Drawstring Gift Bag

Plain weave 8 four inch squares per gift bag. I sewed the squares together so they were 2 x 4, then folded it in half so it was 2 x 2 with the top open. I always sew on the inside and use the double overcast method. It seems to make the nicest looking join on the front (in my humble opinion) and is sturdy for holding things in the bag.

Next I made a twisted cord. (I started with about 16 feet of yarn, twisted it, folded it in half and let it twist on itself.) Then I turned the bag inside out, folded the top of the bag over the cord, and sewed it to the bag making sure not to sew through the cord. I centered the cord in the bag and tied a knot about eight inches from the bag and trimmed off the rest.

img_3525

I bought several stencils at the store making sure they were small enough to fit on a project 8 inches square. I turned the bag right side out, inserted a piece  of paper in the bag (so the paint wouldn’t soak through to the other side), and painted the desired scene. To give it extra pizzazz, I used a Sharpie marker to add shading.

img_3523

 

 

And voila, I was on my way to making the gift bags I needed. Excuse me now, I need to weave more squares for the rest of the gift bags!

 

Fantail Dishcloth and Crochet Market Bag

Dishcloth+ Series: May’s Fantail Dishcloth and Crochet Market Bag

Crochet Market Bag and Dishcloth

Whether you just want to learn the fantail stitch or are looking for a fun lacy project to crochet, the fantail dishcloth and market bag are two fun projects to make.

The fantail creates a dishie that’s both lacy yet solid that’s perfect for hand washing.

The crochet market bag was designed to be more solid at the base and lacy in the middle to both catch little items that work their way to the bottom of the bag and bulky items that need to stretch.

Dishie and Market Bag

The dishcloth and market bag are crocheted in Fibra Natura Good Earth distributed by Universal Yarn. This cotton linen blend is perfect for going from sink to washing machine and back again.

PDF Instant Download Available Now

The Dishcloth+ Series: Fantail Dishie and Market Bag Crochet Pattern is now available in our Etsy Shop.

Available Now on Etsy.

Buy Now on Etsy

Merry Handmade Christmas 2015

We hope you all had a holly jolly Christmas. This year I, Dana, crocheted a few gifts…I felted a purse for my mom, made some lovely catnip filled mice toys for my sister and sister-in-law (well, for their cats anyway), and I crocheted a skull purse for my twin sister. For the latter two crocheted gifts I followed patterns created by fellow designers on the free membership site Ravelry.

Crocheted Skull Granny Purse

This flat bag used nearly every inch of one skein of Lion Brand Vanna’s Glamour. I lined it and added a zipper. The handle is attached with a couple of buttons so the strap length is adjustable. The front and back panel are the same.

If you love skulls, there are a ton of great patterns on ravelry. I modified the Crochet Skull Scarf pattern by Karin Kaufmann. She modified a pattern from the Crochet Skull Shawl / Doskallesjal by Kungen Och Majkis.

My sister originally requested that I make the shawl…but I really wasn’t up to such a large project. A purse is something she can use year around. So I think my modified gift is a win/win.

 

 

Behind the Scenes: Bohemian Handbag

Behind the Scenes: Bohemian Handbag

The Bohemian Handbag won by a very healthy margin in the Lion Brand sponsored Twins Face Off purse design challenge in April. I, Dana, am thrilled that so many people liked it.

Bohemian Handbag Collection

I have a confession to make, this simple handbag was not one of those projects that come to fruition in one sitting. In fact, I talked about it with the ladies in my crochet group, looked at projects online, and visualized a myriad of designs before settling on this basic construction.

There were several types of bags I considered for the challenge.

  • 1st I was contemplating a backpack, something cutesy that a child might wear. I was even calculating how to incorporate a small padded pocket to store a computer tablet.
  • 2nd I decided on a stitch sampler bag with lots of different pieces sewn together almost like a free form project. I even worked up a small swatch with the star stitch (which looked beautiful, by the way)
  • 3rd I began working on a round bag with the spiral that would be on the front and back panel. I envisioned a long shoulder strap and a gusset with a zipper.
  • Bohemian Handbag Crochet PatternFinally, after carefully frogging the previous designs, I settled on a spiral based bag with two skeins of yarn that would chase each other around the bag. I decided to let the color be the main feature of the bag and double crocheted in the round. Once the main shape of the bag was finalized, items like the handle and flower closure quickly took shape.

This entire project makes me chuckle becaues I rarely use a purse. Those rare instances where I do use a purse, it’s generally so small that it only fits my phone, wallet and car keys. That being said, this challenge was quite fun. I enjoyed both the project category and the vibrant Landscapes yarn.

Pattern available on Etsy: Here.

Tips and Tricks: Faux Fur

Working with Faux Fur Yarn

There is no doubt that a little faux fur yarn can add a lot of pizazz to a hand crafted project. And with a little practice, one can learn to crochet or knit with it a little easier.

Tip #1: Crocht Double Stranded

It is nearly impossible to see the stitches when crocheting with faux fur. The furry strands nearly completely hide the stitches. That’s great on a finished product, but not so great when you have to work in those stitches. The problem is not as pronounced when knitting since the stitches are on the needle. If stitches have to be picked up, it will be difficult to find them.

Solution: Crochet with two strands at once, one faux fur and one non-furry yarn. It makes each stitch thicker and a little easier to see. If the non-furry strand is the same color (or nearly the same) as the fur, it almost disappears. The thicker stitches may still be difficult to see, but it is also possible to feel the stitches as you work.

A Furry Sitting

Crocheting with Vanna’s Choice and Fun Fur yarn made finding the stitches in this panda set much easier to find.

Panda Pattern Set available on Etsy.

Tip #2: Count every row.

Counting the number of stitches at the end of every row or round is generally a good idea, but it is almost critical when using faux fur. It is very easy to drop a stitch or lose  track of a stitch because it can be difficult to see. You might even add a stitch because it’s not always easy to tell if a stitch has been worked in already.

Tiger Striped Scarves Crochet Pattern

Keeping track of the number of stitches per row is crucial to keeping a neat edge in projects like the tiger striped scarves.

Tiger Striped Scarves pattern on Etsy.

Tip #3: There is a Right Side and a Wrong Side.

The little furry strands often get trapped within the stitches as they are worked. When working back and forth in rows, both sides will generally be equally furry. When working in the round, the inside tends to be furrier. For a furrier look, turn the project inside out when appropriate so that the furrier side is out.

A hat can often be turned inside out after it’s finished. Some items may need to be turned inside out before they are sewn together. Just note how furry the sides are before completing the project.

Monkey Hanging in Palm Tree with Banana

The parts of the monkey are turned inside out to keep the furrier side on the outside. A little faux fur on the tree makes the palm tree look more authentic too.

Palm Tree and Monkey pattern set available on etsy.

Tip #4: Not all faux fur is equal.

Faux fur comes in varying lengths. The furry strands can be short or long, coarse or smooth. The type of fur can significantly impact the look and feel of the finished product. Projects with the longer strands of fur tend to look fuller and are softer than the shorter stranded fur. The size and nature of the project may determine which fur to use. Generally speaking, the longer stranded fur costs a little more.

Houndstooth Trio

 La Furla from Trendsetter Yarns is long and soft making this houdstooth trio very luxurious.

Houndstooth Trio pattern set available on Etsy.

Tip #5: Notice yardage.

Some faux furs come in small skeins. Generally speaking that means more skeins of fur yarn will be needed than non-furry yarn. Projects with smaller stitches will use more faux fur than larger stitches. For instance, a project  crocheted using single crochet will use more than the same project done in double crochet. Because the faux fur hides stitches anyway, you might want to change the stitch to a taller stitch to save on yarn. The project will get done faster and still look good.

Halloween Trick or Treat Bags

One skein of faux fur will work for small projects like the trick or treat bags.

Trick or Treat Bags pattern set available on Etsy.