Cinnamon Roll Coasters

Looking for a yummy treat to crochet? Check out our latest design in Crochet World Spring 2024 for Cinnamon Roll Coasters.

This coaster is crocheted as a spiral where stitches from three balls of yarn chase each other around, creating a delicious-looking cinnamon swirl treat sweet enough to rest your beverage upon.

Crochet World is bigger and better than before. There are sooo many patterns in here now. Do you see what it says across the top of the cover? “34 can’t-put-down Spring Crochet Patterns”. 34! Wow.

We are thrilled that our humble little pattern made it into this fun issue. Pick up your copy of Crochet World Spring 2024 today.

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

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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

Santa Gnome Pin Loom Pattern

Is that you, Santa Claus?

Weave your own Santa with gift sack with this easy to follow step-by-step tutorial for Pin Loom Weaving. This pattern is beginner friendly – everything is woven in plain weave and the tutorial shows you how to tuck, roll and cinch pin loom woven squares and rectangles into jolly old St. Nick gnome / stuffed toy.

The Santa Gnome Pin Loom Pattern includes:

  • Santa Claus Gnome
  • Santa Gift Sack
  • Step by Step Written Instructions
  • 40+ Color Photos
  • 18 Pages

The Santa Gnome Pin Loom Pattern is available on Etsy

This Santa Gnome Pin Loom Pattern step by step tutorial is now available in our Etsy Shop.

Available now on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

More about Santa Gnome Pin Loom Pattern

This version of Kris Kringle, aka Santa Claus, is made with worsted weight yarn. He’s approximately 12″ tall x 7″ wide x 4 1/2″ deep.

Only 3 pin looms are needed to make this festive home decor Santa Gnome. We use these pin looms all the time, especially in our Gnome series. You’ll need:

  • Square 4″
  • Rectangle 2″x4″
  • Rectangle 1″x4″

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Materials Needed to Make Papa Noel

Chances are, you have most of the tools you’ll need to make this Papa Noel, aka Santa Claus, Gnome. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Pin Looms: Squares: 4”
  • Pin Looms: Rectangles: 2” x 4” and 1” x 4”
  • Yarn: Lion Brand: Basic Stitch – Medium (4)
    • RED HEATHER #400g – 175 yds
    • BLACK #153 – 32 yds
    • ALMOND #121l – 16 yds
    • WHITE #100 – 132 yds
    • MUSTARD #158 – 4 yds
  • Needle: 6” needle for weaving and yarn needle for sewing
  • Stuffing
  • Beans: to weigh the gnome down
  • Fringe Twister, Gold Cord or Braided Yarn
  • Fabric Marker/Chalk: – white, dark
  • Straight Pins – (optional)
  • Pet Comb – metal (optional)
  • 1 ½” pompom maker
  • Steamer (optional)

Santa by Any Other Name

Santa Claus is known by many names: St. Nicholas, Sinterklaas, Kris Kringle, Papa Noel, and Father Christmas. No matter what you call him, this Gnome is sure to bring festive cheer this holiday season with a “Ho, Ho, Ho” and “Merry Christmas” to everyone you know.

Get Your Santa Gnome Pin Loom Pattern

The Santa Gnome Pin Loom Pattern step-by-step tutorial is now available in our Etsy Shop.

Available now on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

Denim and Fabric Basket Sewing Pattern Collection

Sew your own gorgeous basket with this fun and easy Denim Basket sewing pattern PDF.

It’s a beginner friendly sewing pattern with step-by-step instructions and photos. Traceable templates are included for a denim basket (or fabric basket) that measures 10″ wide x 6″ long x 6 1/2″ tall.

About The Denim Basket (Fabric Basket) Pattern

This denim basket sewing pattern is FULL of helpful information making it great for new and experienced sewists alike. Here’s what’s in the basket sewing pattern:

  • 1 basket pattern: 10″ wide x 6″ long x 6 1/2″ tall
  • 2 lining options: sewn in or sewn separate
  • 3 handle options
  • 6 fabric designs
  • Traceable templates
  • 40 pages
  • 70+ photos
  • Beginner Friendly
  • Step-by-Step instructions

You can build your own fabric design, or sew a basket with a solid piece of material.

denim basket and fabric basket options in this beginner friendly sewing pattern

What material do you need to make a denim basket?

You only need 1 pair of children’s jeans to make a denim basket. However, we used 5 pairs for the chevron because we wanted different shades of blues and black material. You can use any denim you have on hand to make the denim baskets. If you want a basket with a pocket on the front, we recommend children’s jeans as the small size pocket is a perfect fit. Don’t have denim, check out your local second hand store for a pair or two.

What material do you need to make a fabric basket?

If you want to sew a basket from fabric, you have even more options. You can buy new fabric or use material you have on hand such as clothing and bed linens. This is a great time to upcycle fabrics that are worn or neglected or have a stain or two (just cut around those bad spots). The second hand store is also a great resource because you can browse all the clothing departments (children, men’s women’s) as well as the linens. We recommend cotton fibers for new sewists.

How much material is needed to sew a denim basket?

The denim basket and fabric basket each require 3 layers of fabric.

  • Layer 1: The outside fabric (such as denim or cotton)
    (2) pieces at least 12″ x 17″
  • Layer 2: The inside lining fabric (such as muslin or cotton)
    (2) pieces at least 13″ x 17″
  • Layer 3: The stabilizer (ultra firm – fusible or non-fusible)
    (1) piece at least 20″ x 24″

You’ll also need thread to match your fabric.

The Denim Basket / Fabric Basket Sewing Pattern PDF

You’ll also need the Denim Basket Sewing Pattern. It’s available in our Etsy Shop.

Now available on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

1 Basket Pattern – 6 Fabric Designs

Even though there is only 1 size basket in this pattern, we show you how to create 6 unique fabric designs. So it’s really 6 patterns in 1!

Basket measures: 10″ wide x 6″ long x 6 1/2″ tall.

The 6 fabric designs included in the denim basket sewing pattern are as follows. Keep in mind that this is in addition to a solid fabric basket design:

  • Chevron
  • Quadrant
  • Pocket Front
  • Stripes
  • Wide Stripe
  • Scrappy
Denim Basket with pocket used as baby diaper basket

Uses for Denim Basket (Fabric Basket)

This 10″ x 6″ basket size is really quite convenient. It will help you get organized and help your house feel neat and tidy. We’ve used these baskets as:

  • Baby Diaper Basket
  • Baby Shower Gift
  • Paperless Towel Basket
  • Book Storage
  • Bathroom Storage
  • Christmas Basket
  • Laundry Room Storage Basket
  • College Dorm Room Storage Basket
  • And more…

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Buy the Denim Basket and Fabric Basket Sewing Pattern on Etsy.

We had a lot of fun sewing basket after basket. You will, too. The Denim Basket Sewing Pattern is available in our Etsy Shop.

Available now on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

Scrubby Dishcloths

Pros and Cons of Knit, Crocheted and Woven Dishcloths using Scrubby Yarn.

Though I enjoy using any of the scrubby dishcloths, there are definitely some pros and cons to each type. Let’s take a look at each one separately.

Knit

The Knit dishcloth was the easiest one to make. It was easiest on which to find the stitches. I made mine 25 stitches wide using the garter stitch with size H needles. I did not count the rows, so I’m really not sure how many there are, and it’s nearly impossible to count! It has the nicest drape and is stretchy. It is fairly thin and fits nicely in glasses and pots.

Crochet

The crocheted one was the fastest to work up. I also worked it 25 stitches across and the number of rows needed to make it a square using an H hook. It was very difficult to find the stitches, so I had to count my stitches every row. It was surprisingly not too difficult to pull out stitches if I missed a loop. It is the thickest dishcloth and has a moderate amount of drape. It feels bulky in comparison, but feels very sturdy for washing.

Pin Loom Woven

The pin loom woven dishcloth was the most difficult to make. I sewed four 4″ squares together. I wove the squares on the Zoom Loom, a 3-pin arrangement with 3 warp layers. The weaving needle often caught in the middle of a warp strand and was very difficult to pull through. I tried exaggerating the weaving motion, but that only helped a little. It was also very difficult to sew the squares together as it was hard to see the loops on the edges. The sewing needle often went through the strands and were difficult to pull through. It is the thinnest dishcloth and most static. It does not stretch. Because it is the thinnest, it fits into cups and bottles the easiest. And despite the frustrations to weave, it is fun to use.

*It might be easier to weave a 2-warp square, as there will be fewer layers around which to maneuver, though I’ve not tried this. Some weavers have found it much easier to warp the loom in cotton, and only weave with the Scrubby yarn. That would most certainly take away almost all of the difficulties I mentioned before. Continuous weaving would also be much easier, like on the Turtle Loom or other continuous weaving looms. Speaking of which, now I want to see how a hexagonal dishcloth works up!

All of the dishcloths were made using Red Heart Scrubby yarn. The woven one used the least amount of yarn and will make 11 squares, enough for 2.75 dischloths. The knit dishcloth used slightly more yarn and will easily make two dishcloths. The crocheted dishcloth used the most yarn, but you should still get two scrubbies of 25 stitches wide using an H hook.

Vote in Witchy Twins Face Off with Anne Geddes

Vote in the Twins Face Off Crochet Design Challenge with Anne Geddes Baby

For this Twins Face Off crochet challenge we used Anne Geddes Baby yarn. It’s up to you to choose, which crocheted Witch Accessory you like better. After you vote below, scroll down to enter the giveaway for your chance to win 4 skeins of Anne Geddes Baby from Red Heart and a copy of both crochet patterns.

Giveaway ends September 21, 2015 at midnight.

Twins Face Off Witch Hat and Scarf

Left: Witch Hat with Dangling Spider    Right: Extra Long Striped Scarf with skull and spider web applique. See more photos.

crochet witch accessories

The hat and scarf were designed this month to coordinate with some gloves and leg warmers that we crocheted earlier this year. See more photos of the Witch Way, This Way crochet pattern.

The vote is annonymous, so vote with confidence.

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Which Witch Accessory Do You Like Better?

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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.

Mulberry Stitch Sampler Scarf

Mulberry Stitch Sampler Scarf – Crochet Pattern

Mulberry Stitch Sampler Crochet Scarf

This Mulberry Stitch Sampler is a fabulous scarf! The extra length makes it fun to style (see photos below).

We refer to it as a stitch sampler because of all the fun crochet techniques it uses:

  • Star Stitch at the ends and middle
  • Horizontal cable created with reverse single crochet
  • Vertical cables made with front and back post work
  • Shell Stitch creates a lacy middle section
  • Chain work creates an edge to attach tassles
  • Working in front loop only allowed for another row of crochet to be worked in the back loop

scarf closeup

Mulberry Stitch Sampler Crochet Pattern

Summer 2014 Love of Crochet MagazineThe Mulberry Scarf first appeared on the cover of Love of Crochet magazine Summer 2014. It’s now available in our shop: Mulberry Stitch Sampler Scarf.

The pattern includes lots of photos, written directions, checkboxes to mark your progress, gauage and materials info, etc.

Available on Etsy: Here

Available in the Store

Learn more about the Mulberry Stitch Sampler Scarf in the shop.

Mulberry Stitch Sampler Scarf – Styling Options

Here are a few fun ways to style the Mulberry Stitch Sampler:

Long Pink Scarf

Star Stitch Scarf Woven in Front

Behind the Scenes: Granny Heart Clutch

Would you rather keep your hooks and supplies in a plastic sandwich baggie, or in a crocheted granny heart clutch?

For the longest time I used a zippered plastic bag. It was actually quite convenient. It could be rolled up and put in my crochet bag or sit beside me as I worked. But I had to use the gallon size bag and it seemed slightly bulky.

A Owl Bean Bag Deb Blanket

After making a few heart granny squares for the Granny’s Tree of Love afghan for the Owl Set (pictured above), I decided to try to make a little clutch. I decided to make a bright and colorful one first. Lion Brand’s Vanna’s Choice has many lovely colors and made a delightful clutch. I lined it so I could keep my hooks and supplies in it.

Owl Bean Bag pattern on Etsy.

Owl Crochet Set pattern on Etsy.

Granny’s Tree of Love Blanket Photo Tutorial pattern on Etsy.

This clutch appeared in Love of Crochet magazine. The editor suggest monochromatic colors and this grey and black version was created (pictured below in Knit Picks Shine).

Perfect purse for crochet hooks

I put a couple of magnetic clasps on it to keep my items safe inside. It has quickly become one of my favorite projects. It is beautiful and practical.

Learn more about the Heart Centered Granny Square Clutch.

Heart Granny Clutch pattern on Etsy.

Behind the Scenes: Designing a Houndstooth Pattern

Behind the Scenes: Designing a Houndstooth Crochet Pattern

How is it my husband knew what houndstooth was and I did not? A friend of mine said she was going to try to come up with a crocheted houndstooth pattern.  I had seen this pattern many times before but never knew what it was called. Trying to come up with a pattern intrigued me and I, too, made several attempts at getting an approximate pattern.

Lion Brand Fun Fur

Lion Brand Fun Fur

First I had to decide if I wanted a small houndstooth pattern or a large one. There are several lovely small patterns available online often using an alternating pattern of single crochet and double crochet. I wanted to come up with a larger pattern, one that really incorporated the diagonal lines of the houndstooth. However, the diagonal spike stitch patterns I came up with seemed jumbled and messy. I finally decided to use a spike stitch that went straight down. The effect was quite lovely.

Trendsetter La Furla

Trendsetter La Furla

I first proposed the houndstooth trio to a crochet magazine with Lion Brand’s Fun Fur. Paired with Vanna’s Choice yarn it made a lovely set. The magazine’s editor suggested I redo the set in Trendsetter’s Merino wool and La Furla. These are quite luxurious yarns. They are both incredibly soft and warm. The La Furla is thicker and softer than Fun Fur. They are stylish and functional for even the coldest of weather. Lion Brand has since come out with an equally soft and thicker fur like called Romance. Both yarn brands make for a beautiful houndstooth set.

So, just how did my husband know what houndstooth was? From football, of course. College football coach Paul Bryant was often seen at games wearing a houndstooth hat!

Learn more about the Houndstooth Trio in the shop.

Houndstooth Trio available on Etsy.