Cardinal Christmas

November 10, 2025 By

Cardinals aren’t just sport mascots, they are a gorgeous reminder of Christmas. The cardinal from Birds of a Feather, Volume 1 is a lot of fun to use for decorating and gifting. Here’s how I’d use the 3 pictured above:

  • Smallest cardinal (right) is crocheted in cotton thread and would be adorable looped on a handbag as a charm.
  • Medium sized cardinal is crocheted in medium worsted weight yarn and is the perfect size for hanging on a tree (see photo below).
  • Largest cardinal is crocheted in super bulky yarn and it’s big. It would be a noticeable accent on a dinner table or bookshelf.
cardinal made from yarn from 2 small granny squares. Hanging as an Christmas ornament on an evergreen tree.

Want to know more about how to crochet smaller or larger granny square birds? Check out our blog post: Granny Square Birds in Different Yarn Weights blog post.

Birds of a Feather on Etsy

We have 19 granny square birds available in 2 volumes. Learn more on Etsy:

Filed Under: Accessories, Animals, Bags, Christmas, Crochet, Home Decor, Patterns for Sale, Toys Tagged With: ,

Caterpillar Pencil Case Pin Loom Pattern

August 5, 2025 By

Munch, munch…this caterpillar is hungry for pencils, pens and crochet hooks.

It’s easy to pin loom weave your own caterpillar pencil case following this step-by-step tutorial with photos. You need only 2 looms for the woven caterpillar: 2″x4″ rectangle and 4″ square. If you have a 1″ square pin loom, you can add a zipper pull and finger grips on each end of the zipper.

The Caterpillar Pencil Case Pin Loom Pattern includes:

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

What you’ll need to make your own caterpillar pencil case:

  • Pin Loom Square: 4” (and 1″ optional)
  • Pin Loom Rectangle: 2”x4”
  • Yarn: Medium Worsted Weight (4)
  • Fabric for Lining: 1 sq. foot
  • Zipper: 8”
  • Felt: remnants for facial features
  • Needle: 6” weaving needle, tapestry needle, sewing needle
  • Thread: to match zipper
  • Washable Marker
  • Fabric Glue
  • Straight Pins

This actias luna caterpillar was originally designed for Little Looms magazine. We have the rights back and it’s now available for purchase on Etsy.

Available now on Etsy: Caterpillar Pencil Case Pin Loom Pattern

Share the Love, Share on Social Media

Pin looming is a small yet vibrant community of weavers. Share this fun project on pinterest, instagram or wherever you browse for pin loom patterns.

Thank you.

Pencil cases are great for more than just back to school. It can be used to hold crochet hooks, sewing notions and even as a small make-up kit. Though not required, we strongly recommend that you line the panel case with fabric. It’s all too easy to snag or poke a hole in the woven shapes. You’ll be much happier with it lined with fabric (a thin cotton works great).

Pick up your copy on Etsy: Caterpillar Pencil Case Pin Loom Pattern.

Filed Under: Animals, Bags, Child, Great as Gifts, Patterns for Sale, Pin Loom, Yarnovator Tagged With: , ,

Published in I Like Crochet August 2025

July 15, 2025 By

We have 3 fun designs featured in I Like Crochet August 2025. This issue features 3 exciting themes including: Boho, Modern Mariner, Bold Prints for Late Summer. You’ll find items such as bags, pillows, tops and more.

1. Peach Grove Backpack

Photo courtesy of I Like Crochet magazine.

Peach Grove Backpack is a fun and stylish backpack that features a wide variety of crochet stitches and techniques. The handle and drawstring are made with a super easy faux icord. The shoulder straps are stitched in Tunisian crochet using a standard crochet hook. The main body of the bag is made with mini bobbles. It’s an exciting project to crochet and fun to assemble. I particularly love how the metal grommets and buckles create a tailored look.

Universal Yarns Clean Cotton yarn provides great stitch definition allowing each element to really pop. This line has 21 bold and beautiful colors to choose from.

There are a few more photos on our Peach Grove Backpack Instagram post.

2. Leather & Stripe Pillow

Photo courtesy of I Like Crochet magazine.

This mariner style pillow is fast and easy project to crochet. The faux leather band creates a gorgeous transition between the 2 panels. It is so enjoyable to make, I’m tempted to make this in other color schemes for different rooms in my home. I’m thinking black and white stripe section…or maybe a pink and white stripe.

Pacific yarn from Cascade Yarn is really lovely to crochet with. And with 82 colors to choose from, you’re bound to find just the right combination for your crochet pillow.

There are a couple more photos on our Leather & Stripe Pillow Instagram post.

3. Rosy Knots Tote

Photo courtesy of I Like Crochet magazine.

Rosy Knot Tote combines yarn and fabric, one of my new favorite things to do. In this case, I purchased a scarf from a second hand store and turned it into a shoulder strap for a bag. I love how the bright white single crochet stitches contrast with the vivid colors of the scarf. This is a great project for a brand new crocheter.

There are a few more photos on our Rosy Knots Tote Instagram post.

The yarn for this bag is made from upcycled textile waste. It’s a t-shirt yarn called Zpagetti by Hoooked. You need to check their website for colors and prints. There are so many to choose from and the inventory changes.

It’s pretty rare for us to have 3 projects in a single issue of a magazine. We are thankful for the opportunity and encourage you to check out this fantastic issue of I Like Crochet August 2025.

Filed Under: Bags, Crochet, Home Decor, Publications, Yarnitect Tagged With: , , , , ,

Horse Drawstring Backpack

March 13, 2025 By

This horse drawstring backpack sewing pattern is great for beginners and fun for sewists of all abilities. The reason it’s so great is because it has step-by-step written instructions and a TON of photos. If you’re new to sewing, there are lots of fun techniques in this backpack sewing pattern.

What you’ll learn with this sewing pattern:

  • How to make a drawstring bag.
  • How to reinforce the drawstring pocket opening.
  • How to use a tracing template.
  • How to sew an applique (sew on top of the bag).
  • 2 options for securing a drawstring: grommet or sewn tab.

Horse Drawstring Backpack Sewing Pattern on Etsy

The Horse Drawstring Backpack sewing pattern is available as a PDF on Etsy.

Available now on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

Upcycle Fabric to Sew Horse Drawstring Backpack

Another awesome feature of this bronco bag is that it looks great with upcycled materials! The pink bag with tan pony was made from upcycled bed linens sourced at a second hand store. The bookbag on the right was made with old denim jeans. If you’re new to upcycling denim, let me share a secret. The inside/wrong side of jeans is a different color than the outside/right side. So, one pair of jeans gives you 2 different colors if you use the wrong side as a second color.

Materials Needed to Sew the Horse Drawstring Backpack

The materials needed to make your own horse drawstring backpack are pretty minimal. We recommend a sewing machine. We used 2 stitches for this project: straight stitch and zigzag. Other supplies include:

  • Cotton or Denim Fabric
  • Wonder-Under Interfacing (heavy-duty)
  • Drawstring: 0.375-0.5” diameter rope (polypropylene, nylon, or cotton)
  • Thread: matching or coordinating
  • Eyelets: (2) Large ¼” (optional)
  • Straight Pins or Sewing Clips
  • Felt: brown
  • Yarn: beige or mane color
  • Scissors, pinking shears (optional)
  • Pencil or Washable Marker
  • Iron
  • Glue

Securing Rope to Horse Drawstring Backpack

The sewing pattern for the Horse Drawstring Backpack has instructions for securing the drawstring 2 different ways. When you look at the picture above, you will see the drawstring secured to the bottom of the bag by either a grommet or a cloth tab.

If you love the look of a grommet or eyelet, we’ve included instructions for that option. If you don’t have and don’t want to buy grommets, the sewing pattern shows you how to make the cloth tab. Both are easy to make/install and both look great.

The Horse Backpack Sewing Pattern on Etsy

Buy your copy of the Horse Drawstring Sewing Pattern on Etsy.

Available now on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

Personalize the Horse Drawstring Backpack

What to personize this horse drawstring backpack a little bit? Here are some fun ideas:

  • Embroider the child’s name on the bag.
  • Embroider a horse’s name on the bag.
  • Sew a horn on the forehead and make a unicorn (horn pattern not included).
  • Use team colors of your favorite sports team.

Happy Sewing!

Filed Under: Animals, Appliques, Bags, Boy, Child, Girl, Patterns for Sale, Sewing, Yarnovator Tagged With: , , , ,

Mini Wallet in Quick to Stitch to Crochet 2025

March 5, 2025 By

Keep your cards and money organized with this cute little wallet. There are 2 pockets and a fold over front flap secured with a button. Add a bit of whimsy to this mini wallet by embroidering a rose in the button hole.

This mini wallet is a great project for the confident beginner because it uses basic stitches. The wallet is crocheted flat and folded to make a wallet with 2 pockets.

The yarn is Lion Brand Cotton DK which is really nice to work with. It’s also durable and washable. This wallet measures 4″ wide x 2.5″ tall making a great size for stowing in a purse or grabbing for a quick trip out.

Quick to Stitch Crochet 2025 by Crochet World

Quick to Stitch Crochet by Crochet World has 35+ designs that use a wide variety of yarn weights from sport to super bulky. It includes bags, scarves, shawls, blankets, baskets and more. This issue is available in craft stores until Jun 9, 2025. Learn more about Crochet World magazine at Crochet-World.com.

Filed Under: Bags, Crochet, Publications, Yarnitect Tagged With: , , ,

Bison Drawstring Backpack Sewing Pattern

January 24, 2025 By

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
Filed Under: Animals, Appliques, Bags, Baseball, Basketball, Boy, Child, Football, Girl, Patterns for Sale, Soccer, Sports, Yarnovator Tagged With: , , , , ,

Bear Drawstring Backpacks

January 21, 2025 By

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

Pin the Bear Drawstring Backpack to Pinterest

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Thank you!

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.

Filed Under: Adult, Animals, Bags, Boy, Child, Girl, Patterns for Sale, Sewing, Yarnovator Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Snowflake Bucket Tote – CW Winter 2024

December 12, 2024 By

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:

Filed Under: Bags, Publications, Yarnitect Tagged With: , , ,

Secret Santa Mini Gift Baskets Sewing Pattern

December 2, 2024 By
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

Pin on Pinterest

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Thank you.

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.

Filed Under: 4th of July, Accessories, Adult, Age & Gender, Baby, Bags, Birthday, Boy, Bridal Shower, Child, Christmas, Earth Day, Easter, Father's Day, Girl, Great as Gifts, Halloween, Home, Home Decor, Mother's Day, New Years, Patterns for Sale, Recycled, Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day, Wedding, Yarnovator Tagged With: , , ,

Mini Pouches – Crochet World Winter 2024

November 16, 2024 By

More than just cute little animals, these adorable crochet mini pouch critters have pockets for holding ear buds, lip gloss or maybe a dollar or two. Crochet a cat or bear ear bud pocket and attach it to your backpack or hand bag keeping your ear buds within easy reach.

These Mini Pouches are featured in Crochet World Winter 2024. We’ve rated them “easy” but these are a fun project for the confident beginner. We love the expression of the bear with the added embroidery around the eyes. And we’re tickled by the playfulness of the cat with a ball of yarn wrapped around it’s tail.

  • Cat with Mini Ball of Yarn
  • Expressive Bear
  • Measures: 3.5″ across
  • Sirdar Happy Cotton DK Yarn

Sirdar Happy Cotton DK

We love these mini balls of yarn! They are a fun size for crochet projects on-the-go or crochet patterns with lots of colors. We opted for 2 colors plus black for each mini pouch. We also chose lighter weight yarn so we could make smaller accents (eyes, nose, embroidery).

  • 100% cotton
  • DK weight
  • 20 g
  • 47 yd / 43 m
  • Cat: #761 dolly, #753 freckle (1 skein each)
  • Bear: #777 cookie, #772 safari (1 skein each)
  • Embroidery: #775 liquorice (1 skein)

Crochet World 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:

Filed Under: Animals, Bags, Publications, Yarnitect Tagged With: , , , , ,
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