Granny Square Flamingo

The latest in our granny square birds series is…the Flamingo!

The flamingo is a late arrival to the Birds of a Feather Volume 2 crochet pattern. It was added 2/26/25. Not only that…but both versions of the flamingo have been added to the pattern. Yep, the furry version and the crocodile stitch version.

Granny Square Flamingo Videos

The crochet flamingo is different enough from the other birds in volume 2 that we created a few videos just for it. The crochet pattern has links to the how-to crochet flamingo videos including:

  • How to Stuff / Create the Flamingo Neck
  • How to Crochet a Flamingo Bill
  • How to Crochet Crocodile Stitch Flamingo Wings

Granny Square Flamingo on Etsy

The Granny Square Flamingo is now available in our Etsy shop in the Birds of a Feather Volume 2 collection.

Buy the pattern on etsy

What’s Included in Birds of a Feather Volume 2

Birds of a Feather Volume 2 has 9 granny square birds. Each bird is crocheted with only 2 small granny squares. Volume 2 includes all of these birds:

  • Crow / Raven
  • European Robin
  • Flamingo – 2 versions
  • Black Breasted Red Phoenix Rooster
  • Rubber Duckie
  • Mallard
  • Goose
  • Seagull
  • Red Winged Blackbird

In addition to instructions for making stuffed animals, Volume 2 has a couple of very exciting additions. All of the birds from both Volume 1 & 2 can become useful items like:

  • Cell Phone Holder
  • Lined Zipper Pouch (except Flamingo)
  • Bag Charm

As with the birds, there are step-by-step written instructions for making the cell phone holder, zipper pouch and bag charm. And each of these practical items have a TON of photos so it will be easy to customize your granny square bird.

Buy Birds of a Feather Volume 2 on Etsy in our shop: Yarnovationsshop.

Granny Square Birds of a Feather Vol 2

We are thrilled to introduce Birds of a Feather Volume 2 of our wildly popular Birds of a Feather crochet pattern. This new pattern (written in USA terminology) has 8 more birds and several really awesome features including a lined zipper pouch and a cell phone holder! Each bird is made from 2 granny squares. But now they are so much more than a simple amigurumi pattern. Let me introduce you to the new flock in town.

Granny Square Chicken: Black Breasted Red Phoenix Rooster

Volume 2 has a new granny square chicken crochet pattern: the Black Breasted Red Phoenix Rooster. This rooster is best known for it’s big bushy black tail and long gorgeous red feathers. As you can see from the photo above, we’ve crocheted it in two different styles…a traditional crochet square and a primped and fluffed version. The crochet pattern will teach you how to make both styles.

The tail of the fluffy version pictured above also has a secret. It’s a cell phone holder! WHAT?!

Granny Square Birds: Rubber Duckie, Mallard and Goose

Here’s a fun trio for your desk: duck, duck, goose! A fellow crocheter wrote to asked if we had a rubber duckie pattern in our granny square chicken collection. She is a jeep girl and apparently giving rubber duckies to other jeep lovers is a thing. Well, Melissa, here you go!

After a little trial and error, Deborah created a mallard with the iconic green head and white ringed neck. Not only that, she added the little blue tail feather. It’s amazing how much detail you can get in a small granny square! She did make a note that the mallard is more challenging than the other birds due to all the color changes. There are so many tails, she said she only had to add the tiniest amount of stuffing.

As a last minute addition, we decided we couldn’t have 2 granny square ducks without a goose. So the mother goose was added. As an aside, this would be a cute little bird to gift at a baby shower with a copy of nursery rhymes.

Birds made from 2 granny squares each: black breasted red phoenix, crow / raven, seagull, european robin.

More Granny Square Birds: Crow / Raven, European Robin, and more…

There are 8 birds in this granny square flock. The crow / raven is the easiest bird to make…if you don’t mind working with black yarn! If you’d prefer, you can make it in white to create a white dove. We include yarn colors for that option.

While on a walk one afternoon, we noticed a red-winged blackbird in the cattails along the stream. We love the bright contrast of the red and yellow to the black. If you’re not afraid to crochet in this dark color, this is another really fun and easy bird to make.

We love the little splash of grey that the European Robin has next to it’s chest. This is a gorgeous bird to make with heathered yarns. The flecks in the yarn give the feathers extra depth. And pictured above, this sweet little bird is also a cell phone holder. It’s the one I keep by my desk to hold my phone.

seagull made from two crochet granny squares. One as a zipper pouch with feet attached to zipper pull.

Mine, mine, mine…says the Seagull

The Granny Square Seagull has big personality in this pattern. The knobby knees and dark grey tail really pop next to the white and grey granny squares. We selected the granny square seagull to be a lined zipper pouch and we love how the legs dangle from the zipper pull.

Zipper Pouch and Cell Phone Holder

You’ve met the flock…and we love each and every one. But we are super thrilled to introduce them to you as either a lined zipper pouch or a cell phone holder.

Any of the granny square birds in volume 1 or 2 can be turned into a cell phone holder or a lined zipper pouch. I would venture to say any granny square chicken can be turned into a cell phone holder or zipper pouch so long as it’s the kind of chicken made from 2 granny squares that each measure about 4″ across. However, we recommend our version of the granny square as it has less holes, and will stand up better when stuffed or lined.

Because the lined zipper pouch includes elements of sewing, we turned that into a step-by-step photo tutorial with written instructions. This project is really a lot of fun to make. We sew fabric right to the granny square.

The cell phone holder has lots and lots of photos as well. You’ll be surprised at how simple the design is…yet so practical!

BONUS: Bag Charms and Yarn Weight

If all of that wasn’t enough…we also include instructions for how to turn your granny square birds into bag charms! There are two options in the pattern for securing birds to bags. We have a crochet loop or a strap for a swivel D ring.

Oh, and we talk about different yarn weights and share pictures and pattern adjustments for using various yarn weights from cotton thread to super bulky yarn.

Birds of a Feather, Volume 2 on Etsy

Birds of a Feather, Volume 2 is now available in our Etsy shop.

Available now on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

Bison Drawstring Backpack Sewing Pattern

Give me a home, where the buffalo roam…or a bison drawstring backpack for exploring parts near or far. Sew this fun and easy bison backpack in a weekend with this step-by-step sewing pattern which includes tracing templates.

We’ve created the bison backpack for the kids at our Vacation Bible School but thought others might enjoy making these bags, too. There are two sizes to fit younger children and older kids. The bison bag measures 10″ wide x16″ tall or 12″ wide x16″ tall. It’s perfect for carrying books, water bottles and other treasures you may find on a walk to school.

The pattern is fun and easy; perfect for a confident beginner. There is top stitching for the facial features which may be a new concept for new sewists, but the pattern will guide you every step of the way.

Bison Drawstring Backpack Sewing Pattern

The bison drawstring backpacks you see pictured here were made from upcycled materials. We used denim jeans for one book bag and old bed linens for the others. The sewing pattern will guide you step-by-step in creating your own bison backpacks. The sewing pattern includes:

  • Bison Head Tracing Templates
  • Lined Drawstring Bag Instructions
  • Step-by-Step Instructions
  • Lots of color photos
  • Helpful tips and tricks throughout the pattern
  • Instructions for adding a stripe to the bag
  • Instructions for 2 sizes: 10″x16″ and 12″ x 16″
2 Drawstring bags (blue and leaf print) with bison faces on them.

Bison Drawstring Backpack Sewing Pattern Available on Etsy

You can instantly download your copy of the Bison Drawstring Backpack Sewing Pattern right now on Etsy.

Available now on Etsy!

Buy the pattern on etsy

Bison vs. Buffalo

In the USA, bison and buffalo are terms often used interchangeably when referring to bison. The bison is such a beloved creature that the USA named the bison its national mammal in 2016. 3 of the 50 states in the USA have the bison as their state mammal including Kansas, Oklahoma, and Wyoming. Many, many sports teams have the bison as a mascot including but not limited to:

  • Bucknell Bison,
  • Buffalo Stampede,
  • Buffalo Beauts,
  • Buffalo Bills,
  • Buffalo Bisons,
  • Buffalo Blues,
  • Buffalo Braves,
  • Buffalo Bulls,
  • Buffalo Destroyers,
  • Buffalo Sabres,
  • Colorado Buffaloes,
  • Gallaudet Bison,
  • Harding Bisons,
  • Howard Bison,
  • Lipscomb Bisons,
  • Marshall University Thundering Herd,
  • North Dakota State Bison,
  • Oklahoma City Thunder,
  • University of Manitoba Bisons,
  • West Texas A&M Buffaloes.

Personalizing You Bison Drawstring Backpack

As we were designing the bison drawstring backpack, we considered many different ideas, but ultimately settled on the face. It captures the essence of the beast really well. The pattern touches on the concept of moving some of the elements around to create a more fierce looking beast should you desire a bison with a bit more fire in the eyes. Feel free to print out, modify and tweak the pattern to create the bison backpack or book bag you’re wanting.

The sewing pattern is for your eyes only, but we encourage you to give away or sell your finished pieces with credit to yarnovations.com as the original designer.

Buy the Bison Drawstring Backpack Sewing Pattern

The Bison Drawstring Backpack Sewing Pattern is available for immediate download in our Etsy Shop: Yarnovationsshop.

Avaialable now on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

Bear Drawstring Backpacks

Sew a beary adorable panda bear draw string backpack with this fun and easy sewing pattern pdf. Not only a panda, but sew a brown bear, black bear, or a polar bear!

The bear backpack is a fully lined cinch sack that comes in 2 sizes. Great for children younger or older. The sewing pattern is chock full of notes and tips for recreating bear bags on a sewing machine. They are perfect for carrying books or other childhood treasures like crayons, trucks, water bottle, or goodies you find on a walk. Can be used as a school bag or book bag or even a personal item on an airplane!

Bear Drawstring Backpack Sewing Pattern

We created these bear drawstring backpacks as gifts for kids at our upcoming church Awana program. We wrote the instructions down for our church sewing group…and are making the pattern available to you as well. Here’s what’s in the sewing pattern:

Bear Drawstring Sewing Pattern PDF Includes:

  • Brown Bear, Black Bear, Polar Bear, Panda Bear
  • Step-by-Step Written Instructions
  • Tracing Templates for Facial Features
  • Lots of Color Photos
  • 2 Sizes
  • 2 options for attaching the drawstring: eyelets or sewn loops
  • Lined Cinch Sack

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Upcycle Fabric to Make Bear Drawstring Backpacks

We sewed the bear drawstring backpacks from upcycled fabric like old bed linens and jeans. You don’t have to use old fabric…but these are great projects for it. The sewing pattern is rated easy…fun for a confident beginner. If you’re a newbie, then search your home for fabrics you aren’t using any more like old bed sheets, button down shirts or denim jeans.

Bear Drawstring Backpack Sewing Pattern on Etsy

The Bear Drawstring Backpack Sewing Pattern is available in our Etsy shop: YarnovationsShop.

Available now on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

What Others are Saying

People love our sewing patterns. Here’s what others are saying:

  • Very detailed instructions, so many pictures. Love it. – Carleen
  • Haven’t had a chance to start making it yet but everything looks great. Can’t wait! -Kristi
  • Great pattern … lots of pictures! Now I just need the time to make a couple. -Kathy
  • Very nice to deal with. Answered questions immediately & helped me the whole way. -Jane

https://yarnovationsshop.etsy.com/listing/1862491693/bear-drawstring-backpack-sewing-patternBuy your copy of the Bear Drawstring Backpack Sewing Pattern on Etsy.

Playing Card Holder Sewing Pattern

Our family loves to play games. We recently learned a few games that make Playing Card Holders essential. Super Samba has you holding 30+ cards at a time and Uno No Mercy has a Draw 10 card! So we created a sewing pattern for the playing card holder.

This playing card holder went through trial and error until we developed this version. It features:

  • 5 rows of pockets (without a center seam).
  • Slightly angled so cards are easy to see.
  • Weighted bottom so the card holder won’t fall over.
  • Velcro for easy set-up and fold away (or snap together option).
  • C-fold closed to protect the pockets
  • All cloth design to be light weight and portable.
  • 10.5” wide x 16.5” long – when lying flat open.
  • 5.5” tall x 3.75” deep x 10.5” wide – when assembled for play
  • 10.5” long x 6” wide – when C-folded closed for storing

Playing Card Holder on Etsy

The Playing Card Holder sewing pattern is a fun and easy step-by-step pattern with lots of photos. It’s available in our Etsy Shop: YarnovationsShop.

Available now on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

Upcycle Fabric to Make Playing Card Holders

This is a great project for using remnants and old clothing or bed linens. We made them from sheets, jeans and fabric remnants. Pictured above is an old bed sheet we picked up at a 2nd hand shop. The denim and doily one above was made from old stretch jeans I was using as paint pants. The doily was handed down to me by my aunt. It’s fun to find a use for the family heirloom!

The Playing Card Holder uses less than a yard of fabric, so it’s a fun and affordable way to make custom card holders for your friends and family. And since the design is all fabric, it’s a safe project for young hands or people with disabilities or limited abilities.

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The Sewing Pattern for the Playing Card Holder

The sewing pattern was specifically designed to be “easy” and is made with straight stitches.

There are little tips and tricks sprinkled throughout the pattern. There are photos of several different designs and information on where fabric was sourced.

The pattern has step-by-step written instructions and lots of color photos along the way.

The pattern gives instructions for two different types of closures…velcro or snap.

When open for play, the card holder is a pyramid. It closes and lays flat for easy portability.

Playing Card Holder Sewing Pattern on Etsy

The Playing Card Holder sewing pattern is a fun and easy step-by-step pattern with lots of photos. It’s available in our Etsy Shop: YarnovationsShop.

Available now on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

Mini Market Bag – Gift Card Holder

So tiny, so sweet, this little project is the perfect gift for raiding your fabric stash.

These mini market bags are reversible and can hold a bit of candy, a gift card or little notions. You can sew a gift card holder in 30-60 minutes…yes, we timed it. And the sewing pattern is really easy, too.

Mini Market Bag Sewing Pattern on Etsy

The reversible miniature market bag gift card holder sewing pattern is available now in our Etsy shop.

Available now on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

Last minute gifts…for all special occasions

Last minute gifts aren’t just something that happens at Christmas time…it happens all year long! This reversible miniature market bag gift card holder sewing pattern works for last minute gifts such as birthday, thinking of you, Halloween, Valentine’s Day, Secret Santa, St. Patty’s Day and so many more.

3 Market Bag Styles in this Sewing Pattern

The mini market bag sewing pattern has tracing templates and step-by-step written instructions for 3 different style market bags.

  • Solid Fabric Market Bag: Of the three market bags, this one is the quickest bag to sew. There are no pockets nor color changes on the outside.
  • Accented Top Market Bag: This design features a separate panel at the top to mix and match fabrics. It does not have a pocket. It’s easy, but does have an extra step.
  • Pocket Front and Back: This mini market bag has a main pouch and gift card size pocket on the front and back. This is also a great sewing project for mixing and matching fabric.

Miniature Market Bag Sewing Pattern

The mini market bag is also a great size for dolls like the American Girl Doll. Sew several for various playtime fun. Sew a shopping bag, beach bag or bag for using in a doll house.

The materials needed to make a miniature market bag are very minimal…making this a great stash buster for your fabric.

Materials needed to make a mini market bag:

  • Fabric:  Solid Bag: 6“ x 10” (2 fabrics)
  • Fabric: Pocket Bag: 7” x 10” (pocket), 6” x 10” (bag)
  • Fabric: Two Toned Bag: 8” x 10” (lining and top), 6” x 10” (bottom)
  • Stabilizer (optional): the size of bag fabric
  • Needle and Thread: matching or coordinating
  • Straight Pins
  • Scissors,
  • Sewing Machine
  • Pencil or Washable Marker

Mini Market Bag Sewing Pattern on Etsy

Get the Miniature Market Bag Sewing Pattern on Etsy.

Available now on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

Snowflake Bucket Tote – CW Winter 2024

Our latest design, the Snowflake Bucket Tote, is featured in Crochet World 2024 Winter issue. This crochet bag is a great way to store your current crochet project. The crochet pattern features a cinch-closed lining which will keep your project easily accessible yet off limits to tiny tots and fur babies.

The Snowflake Bucket Tote is stitched in corded yarn which offers both stability and flexibility. However, heavy purse handles can still weigh the project down. If more structure is needed to help the project bag maintain its bucket shape, add heavy stabilizer or plastic canvas between the crocheted bag and the lining.

The Snowflake Bucket Tote features a snowflake applique which is sewn to the front of the bag. Add it or not. Stitch up a different applique and use this tote all year long. This crochet bag design would make an awesome beach tote, too.

Lion Brand Yarn: Let’s Get Cozy Lazy Days

As mentioned, Lion Brand Yarn Let’s Get Cozy Lazy Days yarn is a tubular, chainette style yarn. It looks like corded yarn but it’s not stiff like macrame yarns. It’s soft and drapey yet strong and durable…perfect for making bags. Last I checked, it comes in 14 colors. If you haven’t crocheted or knitted with it, I highly recommend it.

  • 100% Polyester
  • 100 g / 3.5 oz
  • 179 yd / 164 m
  • Machine Wash and Dry
  • #144-150BC wind chime, #144-107N bluebell

Crochet World Magazine Winter 2024

Crochet World Winter 2024 will keep you busy stitching project for friends, family and yourself! There are wearable items, home decor, accessories, afghans, toys and more. We have a few patterns featured in the Winter 2024 issue of Crochet World, check it out:

Secret Santa Mini Gift Baskets Sewing Pattern

Miniature Gift Baskets Sewing Pattern, reversible and 6 sizes step-by-step instructions

This beginner friendly sewing pattern will show you step-by-step how to make a miniature basket as little as 1.5″. The pattern includes tracing templates to make miniature baskets in 6 tiny sizes.

We’ve used fabric scraps, old linens, discarded denim jeans and more to create adorable miniature gift baskets. They are super adorable with a print on one side and solid on the other. Pictured above, the winter fabric is a felt print and cotton solid.

Reversible Miniature Sewing Pattern includes:

  • 3 basket patterns each with 2 height options
    (small: 1 1/2″ w x 1 1/2″ d x 3″ h with handle)
    (medium: 2″ w x 2″ d x 3 1/2″ h with handle)
    (large: 2 1/2″ w x 2 1/2″ d x 4″ h with handle)
  • one or two handle option
  • traceable templates
  • 17 pages
  • 20 photos
  • Beginner friendly
  • Step-by-Step Written Instructions
  • BONUS Template: Frankenstein’s Monster Hair for a Halloween Basket!

Miniature Basket Sewing Pattern on Etsy

The reversible miniature baskets sewing pattern is available in our Etsy shop.

Now available on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

Just a Bit of Fabric to Make a Miniature Gift Basket

These miniatures are quick and easy to make and require very little fabric. This is the perfect project to raid your closet, dig through the rag pile or take a quick trip to the second hand store.

  • Small Basket: 6″ x 7″ of two different fabrics
  • Medium Basket: 7 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ of two different fabrics
  • Large Basket: 9″ x 10″ of two different fabrics
  • Stabilizer optional to match the size of basket

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Miniature Baskets for Every Occasion

This is a sewing pattern you can use all year long making gifts for so many special occasions. Wedding gift, bridal shower gifts, teacher gifts, Secret Santa. Great for Birthday, Thinking of You, Get Well Soon, Graduation and more. They make super adorable Halloween treat baskets, too. Check out our Frankenstein’s Monster bag…which is included in the sewing pattern.

Miniature Baskets for Guy Gifts

Miniature gift baskets are fun for guy gifts, too. We’ve upcycled old button down shirts into stylish mini gift baskets. The tracing templates make it really easy to line up your fabric with striped and plaid prints. Should you use your hubby’s old shirts, like we did, you should probably get his permission first. Having said that, this is also a great way to create special gifts for loved ones. We’ve made and gifted mini baskets as memory gifts when a father-in-law passed away.

Get the Mini Gift Basket Sewing Pattern on Etsy

Get your copy of the Miniature Basket Sewing Pattern on Etsy.

Available now on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

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

Triple Tassel Scarf in I Like Knitting

Photo courtesy of I Like Crochet magazine.

So excited to share our latest knitting pattern in I Like Knitting online magazine. This was specifically designed as a beginner friendly knitting pattern. If you can knit and purl, you can make this fun and flirty knit scarf. There are no cables, no increases and no decreases.

The Triple Tassel Scarf measures approximately 80″ long x 8″ wide. So it’s a really fun length for folding, wrapping and styling! The scarf has a different pattern on the right side and wrong side…but both are gorgeous. The crowning glory of this piece is obviously the triple tassels! So…much…fun!

I Like Knitting December 2024

You can find the Triple Tassel Scarf in I Like Knitting December 2024 issue. This exciting magazine includes hats, scarves, socks and more. Lots of fun knits to gift and a cute Christmas stocking, too.

Cascade Yarns Pacific Chunky

Triple Tassel Scarf is made with the fabulous Pacific Chunky by Cascade Yarns. This is a soft cuddly yarn made with 60% Acrylic / 40% Superwash Merino Wool. Besides being soft, this yarn is also machine washable and dryable! Yes! Perfect for winter accessories like scarves.

If you’re new to knitting (or even if you’re not), check out this easy to knit Triple Tassel Scarf in I Like Knitting magazine.

Santa’s Cheers Bottle Cozy – ILC Dec 2024

Photo courtesy “I Like Crochet” magazine.

Merry Christmas! Celebrate the holidays with Santa’s Cheers Bottle Cozy crochet pattern featured in I Like Crochet December 2024. If you’re gifting wine, don’t just put it in a bag, crochet this Santa’s coat wine bottle cozy! It’s sure to be the talk of the table and may even make appearances at family gatherings all winter long. It’s fun, it’s festive and can be stitched in a weekend.

Here’s the skinny on the fat man’s wine bottle cozy crochet pattern:

  • Skill Level: Easy
  • Size: Fits 750 mL bottle: 11″ tall x 11″ around
  • Premier Yarn Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted Yarn
  • Premier Yarn Little Bunny
  • Time to Stitch: In a Weekend

Premier Anti-Pilling Every Day Worsted

Premier Yarn Anti Pilling Worsted Weight Yarn

This is a fabulous yarn to work with, one of our favorites. We love that it’s anti-pilling and we love that there are over 60 colors in this medium worsted weight yarn (last we checked). We also love that this yarn has a little sheen to it, so the colors really pop.

  • 100% Anti-Pilling Acrylic
  • 4 medium worsted weight
  • 100 g / 3.5 oz
  • 180 yd / 165 m
  • OEKO-TEX Certified
  • #100-07 really red, #100-12 black #100-28 mustard

Premier Yarn Little Bunny

What a fun yarn! This soft yarn makes the cutest furry little stitches. We give it two thumbs up. Last we checked, this yarn comes in 21 colors…both solid and multi colored.

  • 100% polyester
  • 100 g / 3.5 oz
  • 109 yd / 100 m
  • Machine wash war, dry flat, do not iron
  • OEKO-TEX Certified
  • #2079-01 white

I Like Crochet December 2024

I Like Crochet magazine December 2024

Check out the I Like Crochet magazine December 20204 issue. It’s super fun … with wearables, home decor, holiday cheer and more. This will keep you in stitches all winter long.

I Like Crochet is an online magazine only with a new publication every other month.