Cardinal Christmas

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:

Evergreens, Crochet World Winter 2025

Evergreens often remind me of winter and Christmas time. Why is that? They are green all year long! These darling crocheted evergreen trees are easy to make and can be enjoyed all year. I often put them out at Christmas, and put them away well into the new year. Now you can crochet your own evergreens as well!

Available on newsstands now, Crochet World magazine’s Winter 2025 is full of fun winter and Christmas-time projects perfect for wearing, decorating and gifting. We have another adorable pattern in the issue…Evergreen Trees! We show the trees in two different crochet stitch patterns and the instructions walk you step by step how to assemble them.

Each tree is crocheted with Omega Otono worsted weight yarn. They are crocheted with simple stitches and have simple construction making these fun and easy for beginner crocheters.

Just for added fun, I, Deborah, decided to create the little wooden reindeer as well! I saw a video of someone making one on a band saw, and cut one out myself using a scroll saw. I don’t do a lot of woodworking, but I was pleased with the result. It’s a cute little addition to my winter scene. Here’s the video of the reindeer using the band saw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W335wRyLLiY&t=61s

Check out Crochet World Winter 2025 for the trees and 28 other fun and festive patterns to crochet.

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.

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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.

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.

Polar Bear Hugs Pillow – CW Winter 2024

Whether near or far, you can give polar bear hugs to your loved ones with this beginner friendly crochet pattern, Polar Bear Hugs Pillow, featured in Crochet World Winter 2024. If you can single crochet, you can make this loveable friend.

Crochet bears are timeless and great for any season, though the red scarf on this polar bear screams classic Christmas. We love this crochet pillow for the holidays because it’s fun, whimsical, loveable and huggable.

  • Measures: 13″ wide x 14″ tall (to top of ears)
  • Skill Level: Beginner

Premier Yarns Anti Pilling Everyday Worsted

Premier Yarns Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted is a fantastic yarn for pillows and toys. I’ve seen the term “premium acrylic” used by other brands and I wouldn’t hesitate to use that term for this yarn, too. The yarn has a nice sheen which makes the colors pop on the Polar Bear Hugs Pillow. I highly recommend this yarn for any project where you will use acrylic yarn. Last I checked, this yarn was available in 66 colors.

  • 100% Anti-Pilling Acrylic
  • 3.5 oz/ 100 g
  • 180 yd / 165 m
  • 4 Medium Worsted Weight
  • Machine wash and dry
  • #100-01 snow white, #100-07 really red, #100-52 chinchilla, #100-12 black

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:

Positive Potato’s Cousin: Sassy Spud with 10 Hats

Positive Potato has a cousin and her name is Sassy Spud. She has lots of hats for various special occasions and several hats just for fun. All total, Sassy Spud has 10 hats and 75+ printable signs. You can attach a permanent sign or create one with elastic so you can change out her greeting.

As an added bonus, there are instructions for putting walking feet on Sassy Spud.

Sassy Spud is quick and easy to make. She measures only 2.75” tall x 1.75” wide x 1.5” deep without a hat. She definitely qualifies as amigurumi…which basically means crochet toy. We designed her with basic stiches and basic techniques. There will be some increases by working 2 single crochet in the same stitch and decreases by single crocheting 2 together. On occasion there will be working in front loop only. The dragon tail has a double crochet cluster. But for the most part, basic crochet skills are all you need to make the crochet potato and hats.

The Sassy Spud Crochet Pattern PDF Download

There are 10 hats for Sassy Spud. And they are all interchangeable. You could sew them on permanently, but they are designed to be changed out. The crochet hats for Sassy Spud include:

  • Birthday Cap
  • Christmas Santa Cap
  • Halloween Witch Hat
  • Easter Bunny Spring Bonnet
  • Pirate / Tricorn Hat
  • Valentine Pom Pom Beanie with Heart
  • Unicorn Beanie
  • Dragon Beanie
  • Straw Hat with Bow
  • Pom Pom Beanie

The pattern for Sassy Spud and her 10 crochet hats are available in our Etsy Shop.

Available now on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

Materials Needed to Make Sassy Spud the Crochet Potato

The materials needed to make Positive Potato’s cousin, Sassy Spud, are pretty minimal: yarn, crochet hook, safety eyes and stuffing. The hats take a extra colors, of course. And since the unicorn hat has a rainbow of colors for it’s mane, you’ll need even more colors when making that crochet hat.

  • Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Sport, 100% superwash merino wool, 50 g/1.75 oz, 136.5 yds/125 m
    Potato: Extra Crème Café #873, Chocolate #819, Black #815
  • Crochet Hook: F/5/3.75 mm – for 90% of the pattern
  • Crochet Hook: C/2/2.75 mm
  • Crochet Hook: B/1/2.25 mm
  • Navy Beans or Fiber Fill / Stuffing
  • 6 mm safety eyes: 2
  • Stitch Markers: 3
  • 1 mm elastic in white: 12” (optional)
  • Small beads for pirate hat (optional)
  • Fishing wire for beading strand for pirate hat. (optional)
  • Pet comb (optional) for pirate hair
  • Walking Feet Toy (optional) on Amazon

As noted above, we used Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Sport. We love this yarn because it’s thinner than medium worsted weight yarn and it comes in a wide variety of colors. You can usually find this yarn at independent yarn shops across the USA.

Sassy Spud is Nice and Spicy Nice

Sassy Spud has a tendency to reflect our own personality. Sometimes she can be very nice with sayings such as:

  • YUKON Do It.
  • You’re SPUDtacular.
  • I YAM proud of you.
  • Be Kind.

Sometimes Sassy Spud can be spicy nice. You know…a bit more saucy with sayings such as:

  • Watch This, Hold My Beer.
  • It Could Be Worse.
  • No…You…Didn’t.
  • I Don’t Think So.
  • Whatever
  • Per My Last Email

Because Sassy Spud has hats for various special occasions, she also has seasonal greetings such as:

  • They Say It’s Your Birthday.
  • Happy Halloween to My Favorite Ghoul.
  • Merry Christmas.
  • Happy Festivus.

There are over 75 printable greetings in this Sassy Spud crochet pattern. There are also a couple of blank signs so you can write your own greeting. All printable greetings are rated G and are appropriate for all audience.

Pin Pictures to Pinterest

Positive Potato is fairly reserved and shy. But Sassy Spud is full of personality. She loves to show of her hats. Pin her pictures on Pinterest and share her image on Instagram and Facebook so she can have her moment of fame. She’ll love it!

Buy Sassy Spud Crochet Pattern PDF

Sassy Spud Crochet Pattern PDF is only available as an instant downloadable PDF in one place, Etsy. Get your copy today.

Now available on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

The pattern is for your eyes only but we encourage you to give away or sell your finished work with credit to Yarnovations.com as the designer.

Granny Square Chicken Crochet Pattern

Granny Square Chicken Crochet Pattern

We’re calling it the Granny Square Chicken crochet pattern, but it’s really “Birds of a Feather” because there are 8 birds! Yep…we’ve designed 8 birds each made from 2 granny squares. We love the idea of the “emotional support chicken” but not limiting ourselves to just chickens! Other birds are sweet, adorable and equally supportive.

Granny Square Chicken and Other Adorable Birds

The chicken is super cute…but it doesn’t have to stop there. Changing colors in various places in the granny squares creates other equally stunning birds. This crochet pattern includes 8 total birds.

8 Birds in the Granny Square Chicken Crochet Pattern:

  • Sunflower Chicken
  • Bald Eagle
  • Blue Jay
  • Cardinal
  • Goldfinch
  • House Finch
  • Parakeet
  • Robin

Granny Square Chicken Crochet Pattern on Etsy

The Granny Square Chicken Crochet Pattern is now available in our Etsy Shop and includes all 8 granny square birds.

Available now on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

Materials Needed to Make a Granny Square Chicken or Bird

  • Yarn: Medium Worsted Weight (such as: Lion Brand Heartland or Caron Simply Soft)
  • Hook:     G / 6 / 4.00 mm
  • Needle: Yarn Needle for sewing
  • Stuffing
  • Safety Eyes: (2) 10mm per bird

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About the Granny Square Chicken Crochet Pattern

As mentioned above, the supplies needed to make a crochet granny square bird are pretty minimal. Some medium worsted weight yarn (pictured in acrylic), a crochet hook, stuffing and safety eyes. Some of these birds are made with only 2 colors. Some are made with up to 4 colors. These are great projects for partial skeins you may have in your stash.

The granny square used in these birds is similar to a traditional granny square but it’s not exactly the same. You can see by looking at the birds that the granny square is not as holey as a traditional granny square. The pattern is nearly the same for each bird with the major exception being color placement. The pattern will tell you where to change color to create each distinctive bird.

A crucial element to creating these crochet birds is that the granny squares have a left and right side. You’ll stitch the left side, then need to create the mirror image or reverse the color order so that the striping lines up when the granny squares are stitched together. The pattern will give complete written instructions for creating both the left and right side.

The granny square chicken measures about 4″ long x 3″ wide x 3″ tall.

Goldfinch or Wolverine?

Is it just me or does the Goldfinch bear a striking resemblance to the X-Men Wolverine comic book character? The black mask, the yellow body and black accents – are you seeing it?

Yes, we have some superhero fans in the family, so the goldfinch is a popular bird with us.

Granny Square Cardinal Crochet Pattern

Cardinals are loved by so many people. Their bright red coloring is gorgeous. This would be a fun bird to gift to friends and family. It’s also a popular mascot for sports teams.

We love the cardinal pattern because we have family in Arizona. Go Cardinals! #BeRedSeeRed Of course, it’s not just the mascot to the NFL team in Arizona. It’s used by many schools around the country. That’s what makes this a great handmade gift for friends and family.

Granny Square Bird Christmas Ornament

The granny square birds are a fun size for creating ornaments. Simply tie a string from the top of the head and it’s ready to hang on the tree.

Check out how the granny square cardinal looks on the tree. So stunning.

As you can see, we’re super excited about this granny square chicken pattern. There is no end to the number of birds you can make with this pattern simply by changing the color. Sometimes the color change is minimal. Sometimes there are a few more color changes. But it’s always worth it to see the different varieties come to life.

Granny Square Chicken Crochet Pattern on Etsy

This Granny Square Chicken Crochet Pattern with 8 birds total is now available in our Etsy shop.

Available now on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

3″ Pillow Christmas Ornaments

Sew a personalized Christmas Ornament for your family, friends and coworkers. We have created a 3″ Pillow Ornament that can be customized with 1 of 24 fun icons. The sewing pattern has a tracing template that celebrate many hobbies and special occasions.

This is a quick and easy pattern to stitch. The pattern includes step by step written instructions and lots of photos. No measuring required because the tracing template includes the 3″ pillow.

3″ Pillow Christmas Ornament Sewing Pattern

The pattern includes instructions and tracing templates to make a 3″ pillow ornament with a classic icon. Here’s what you’ll find in the pattern:

  • 24 Icons to Trace
  • Step by Step Written Instructions
  • Tracing Template for Pillow and Icons
  • Lots of Photos
  • Complete materials list
  • 14 Pages

Looking for a fun gift for couples? The lips and mustache are fun for dating couples, newly engaged, just married, bride and groom, his and hers. These would be fun gifts to sew and gift at a bridal shower, wedding gift or to make as a 1st Christmas married gift. Make 2 separate pillow ornaments or sew lips on one side and mustache on the other.

What Others Say About Our Sewing Patterns

We work diligently to make fun and easy sewing patterns for you to follow. Here’s what others have to say about our sewing patterns:

  • “Lovely pattern and makes for a great gift for friends…” -Korina
  • “Great instructions, instant download thanks for a great transaction!” -Laura
  • “Loved this pattern. It worked out great…” -Sabrina

3″ Pillow Christmas Ornament Available on Etsy

The 3″ Pillow Christmas Ornament Sewing Pattern is available in our Etsy Shop.

Available now on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

What Icons Are Included?

The 24 icons in the pattern were selected because they can be used to make pillows to celebrate many special occasions and hobbies. Meaning you can make a Christmas Ornament for everyone you know. The icons include:

Wedding, Bridal Shower, Quinceañera, Sweet 16, Prom

  • Lips
  • Mustache
  • Dress

School, Students and Teachers

  • Graduation Cap
  • Star
  • Shooting Star
  • Apple

Animal Lovers, Baby Shower, New Baby, Baby’s 1st Christmas

  • Dog
  • Cat
  • Dinosaur
  • Duckie
  • Unicorn
  • Snake
  • Pig

Other Hobbies

  • Flower
  • Ocean Wave
  • Coffee
  • Crown
  • Text Boxes

Special Occasions, Christmas, Birthday, Valentine’s Day

  • Heart
  • Pine Tree
  • Balloons

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Upcycle Clothing to Make 3″ Pillow Christmas Ornaments

This is a great project for upcycling clothing or using up scraps you have. Trying making an ornament from clothing. All the Pillow Ornaments pictured in this blog are made from clothing. This is a great way to use clothes that your kids have outgrown, or clothing that’s been stained and no longer wearable. This is also a fun project for using wild and crazy fabrics. Take a trip to the 2nd hand store and look for bright and colorful clothing with small patterns.

The materials list for a 3″ Pillow Christmas Ornament. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Fabric:          Front – 3 ½” x 3 ½” remnant
  •                      Back – 3 ½” x 3 ½” remnant
  •                      Icon – 2 ½” x 2 ½” remnant
  • Needle and Thread: To match fabric
  • Ribbon: 1/8” (3 mm) x 9” per ornament
  • Button: ½” or desired size (optional)
  • Straight Pins
  • Stuffing and Chopstick
  • Embroidery Thread (If attaching the button with the rose design)
  • Scissors
  • Pencil or Washable Marker
  • White colored pencil for drawing accents (optional)
  • Fabric and/or glue gun (optional)

Pillow Christmas Ornament Sewing Pattern

Buy your 3″ Pillow Christmas Ornament Sewing Pattern with 24 Icon Templates on Etsy.

Available now on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

Holly Jolly Bed Runner

If you love to decorate for the Christmas season, then you’ll want to add this Holly Jolly Bed Runner to your crochet must-do list!

The Holly Jolly Bed Runner was specifically designed for the new crocheter. I wanted something festive that would also be approachable. It uses basic stitches in long rows which make it simple yet so striking! This is a fun, quick and easy project for Santa loving crocheters of all abilities.

As I said in the magazine intro, this project is meant to be a blanket at the foot of your bed, but it’s so soft and cuddly, you may find yourself wrapping it around your shoulders on a cool winter evening. Premier Serenity Chunky is the perfect yarn for the project. I mean, that gold buckle really pops beautifully against the red and black.

Available Now in Crochet World Winter 2023

The Holly Jolly Bed Runner is available exclusively at Crochet World Magazine. Pick up your copy of Crochet World Winter 2023 today.

Available now in Crochet World 2023 from Annie’s Catalog.

Share the Love, Pin This To Pinterest

Share the Love of the Holiday Season with everyone you meet by pinning one of these pictures to Pinterest.

Above is a picture of the Holly Jolly Bed Runner at my home. It’s pictured on a queen size bed. I was so thrilled with the finished project that I snapped a picture of it on the bed before decorating the rest of the room. I just love how bold and vibrant it is.

Get your copy of Crochet World Winter 2023 to make your own Holly Jolly Bed Runner!