Kitchen

Crochet Shell Stitch Dishcloth Plus Table Runner Pattern

January 25, 2026 By Yarnitect (Dana)

The crochet shell stitch kicks off our journey to crochet a dishcloth each month using a different crochet stitch. This set, named January Snow, includes a lacy dishcloth and gorgeous table runner both using the crochet shell stitch. We especially love how the shell stitch pop next to solid sections of double crochet on the table runner. And this stitch creates a nice frilly edging, as well.

This crochet shell stitch creates a dishcloth that is simple, elegant and lacy. This open work design is very drapey and flexible. It’s especially well suited for washing cups and glasses and strong enough to handle pots and pans, too.

About the January Snow Crochet Dishcloth Pattern

We’ve rated this pattern easy. It’s very approachable for those who know how to single crochet and double crochet. It’s worked primarily in rows with edging worked in the round.

Dishcloth: 10 ¼” x 10 ¼”; Table Runner: 33 ½” x 11 ½”

Materials used in this crochet dishcloth and table runner include:

Yarn: FibraNatura distributed by Universal Yarn: Good Earth ‐ Medium (4)
color: CRYSTAL ‐ 3 skeins (1 for dishcloth, 2 for table runner)
Hook: F/5/3.75mm
Needle: Yarn Needle for sewing

Dishcloth+ Series

This shell stitch dishcloth is the 1st in our Dishcloth + series. We’ve consolidated them into a single ebook called Dishcloth+ ebook: 12 Dishcloths & 12 Accessories Crochet Pattern PDF which is available in our Etsy shop: YarnovationsShop.

You’ll learn lots of fun crochet stitches including:

V Stitch
Berry Stitch
Corner to Corner C2C
Moss Stitch or Woven Stitch
Fantail Stitch
Bobble Stitch
Fan Stitch
Star Stitch
Basketweave Stitch
Bead Stitch
Pentagon Pattern
Crochet Cable

It’s full of fun and practical items for the kitchen and home including:

Placemat
Hot pad
Plant Hanger
Table Runner
Cup Cozies for mug with handle, tapered glass, mason jar
Casserole Cover with zipper
Tea Towel
Tea Towel Dress Topper
Apron
Market Bag
Bread Bowl Liner

Dishcloth+ on Etsy

January Snow and entire Dishcloth+ ebook are available now in our Etsy shop: YarnovationsShop.

If you love making dishcloths, we also have a pattern pack of 7 dishcloths made with the single crochet stitch!

Learn more about each dishcloth pattern set in Etsy shop.

Available now:

January Snow shell stitch dishcloth and table runner
Dishcloth+ ebook with 12 dishcloths and 12 kitchen accessories
7 Single Crochet Dishcloths

Filed Under: Dining, Dishcloth+ Series, Home Decor, Kitchen, Yarnovator Tagged With: dishcloth, Dishcloth+ Series, shell stitch

Scrubby Yarn Tips & Tricks for Pin Loom Weaving

July 28, 2025 By Yarnitect (Dana)

Tips and tricks are definitely needed if you plan to weave with scrubby yarn. It makes the BEST dishcloths for handwashing dishes but the yarn is definitely aggravating to work with. We’ve made lots of variations of an 8″ dishcloth and learned a thing or two…and maybe said a colorful word or two, as well.

How to weave scrubby yarn without pulling all your hair out!!

Scrubby yarn makes wonderful woven dishcloths that are pliable and durable. Made from polyester, this yarn has lots of little tendrils sticking out which give it an abrasive quality, without actually being abrasive. The rough texture makes it great for washing dishes, but a challenge for weaving on a pin loom using multiple warp layers, like the looms with a 3-pin configuration. Not only do all the little tendrils make it difficult to see each warp strand around which to weave, the needle invariably snags a tendril making it nearly impossible to pull the needle through each layer.

After weaving quite a few Scrubby squares, we found a few tricks to make weaving with this yarn a little less frustrating (though not completely fool-proof)!

Pin Loom Weaving with Scrubby Yarn Tip 1:

Push nearby warp strands out of the way as you weave to isolate the strand around which you are weaving. This helps you find the warp strands you want, as the tendrils often make it difficult to see the different strands. By pushing neighboring warp strands out of the way, you are also less likely to snag a stray tendril.

Pin Loom Weaving with Scrubby Yarn Tip 2:

Exaggerate the up and down of the needle. Make the needle go very high when weaving over, and very low when weaving under to try to go over the tendrils.

Pin Loom Weaving with Scrubby Yarn Tip 3:

Pull out a weft row. Unfortunately, you won’t know that you have snagged a tendril or split a warp strand until you start to pull the needle through. And you won’t know where the problem is until the eye of the needle gets to the problem. With extreme care, you can attempt to pull the weft from the needle and pull the row out from the side, but this will be a tiresome task.

Pin Loom Weaving with Scrubby Yarn Tip 4:

Hulk out! More than one square was made with me losing my cool. After much careful but (quite) forceful tugging, I’ve managed to force the needle to pass through the row. More often than not, this has ended up in some tendril pulling and breaking. Surprisingly, the square holds up. It doesn’t unravel and can still be used.

Pin Loom Weaving with Scrubby Yarn Tip 5:

Use the continuous strand weaving method. This method uses a hook, and creates the warp and weft as you go. No more piercing or splitting a strand or tendril with a needle, unless the pin loom shape you are weaving also has a plain weave section, like a hexagon.

Pin Loom Weaving with Scrubby Yarn Tip 6:

Weave with cotton and scrubby yarn in different layers. This is probably the best way to weave scrubby, or at least the least frustrating way!

Hip to Be Square Pin Loom Pattern

We love gifting dishcloths woven in cotton and scrubby yarn and created a super fun design using a 4″ square pin loom. We call it, “Hip to be Square” because there are 3 embossed square weaving designs along with a scrubby square. This 4″ pin loom square pattern includes all the tips listed here and more!

Hip to be Square pattern includes:

Hip to Be Square Dishcloth Pattern
3 Embossed Squares Weaving Patterns
6 Variations on cotton / scrubby dishcloths
6 Weaving Tips
3 Finishing Tips
Comparison of crochet vs weaving with scrubby

Hip to Be Square on Etsy

The Hip to Be Square Dishcloth Pin Loom Pattern is available in our Etsy shop. It includes all the tips, tricks and weaving variations.

Available now on Etsy.

More about Hip to Be Square Pin Loom Dischloth

One of the great features of pin loom weaving dishcloths is that the supplies needed are minimal and with only 2 balls of you yarn, you can made several dishcloths! And even better than that…you only need one pin loom, a 4″ square. Here’s what you’ll need to make this giftable dishie:

Yarn: Lily: Sugar’n Cream – 100% cotton, Medium (4) – 1 skein
Red Heart: Scrubby – 100% polyester, Medium (4) – 1 skein
Pin Loom: 4” square
Needle: 6” weaving needle, yarn needle for sewing
Crochet Hook: G/6/4.00mm (optional)

This dishcloth first appeared in Little Looms magazine. We have the rights back to this project and have created a pattern packed full of more tips and tricks. Get your Hip to Be Square Pin Loom Pattern on Etsy.

Filed Under: Kitchen, Patterns for Sale, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: dishcloth, pattern, pin loom, tips and tricks, weaving

Cinnamon Roll Coasters

January 24, 2024 By Yarnitect (Dana)

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.

Filed Under: Adult, Crochet, Dining, Kitchen, Publications, Yarnitect Tagged With: coaster, crochet pattern, crochet world

I Like Crochet February 2024 Patterns

January 18, 2024 By Yarnitect (Dana)

Check out the February 2024 issue of “I Like Crochet” online magazine. We have two designs featured inside! Woot.

Pattern 1: Dual Texture Dishie

First is “Dual Texture Dishie”. It’s a fun, quick and easy dishcloth with two textures on the diagonal. This dishie is super fun to stitch. There is a solid section worked in herringbone hdc that is great for scrubbing pots and pans. There’s a filet section that’s ideal for reaching inside glasses and such.

The yarn featured is Universal Yarn, Cotton Supreme. It’s really soft and cozy to crochet with. And you can make a couple dishies from each skein.

Photo courtesy of *I Like Crochet* magazine.

Pattern 2: Spring Sky Ruffle Pillow

Second is Spring Sky Ruffle Pillow. It’s a fun understated pillow with a whimsical ruffle. The ruffle really steals the show with it’s contrasting edge. The yarn is a little thinner than you’d expect, but it works up surprisingly quick thanks to the extended half double crochet. The project is really relaxing to stitch and really rewarding when the ruffle is complete.

The yearn featured is Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Sport. Their 220 line is fabulous and comes in so many different yarn weights and colors. And it’s machine washable.

Check out I Like Crochet Magazine

“I Like Crochet” is a beautifully curated magazine that you can access online. They offer a few membership levels. Well worth checking out.

The magazine comes out with a new issue every other month.

Filed Under: Crochet, Kitchen, Publications, Yarnitect Tagged With: dishcloth, publication, throw pillow

Denim and Fabric Basket Sewing Pattern Collection

August 15, 2023 By Yarnitect (Dana)

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.

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:

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:

Pin Our Picture to Pinterest

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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.

Filed Under: Adult, Baby, Bath, Bedroom, Boy, Child, Christmas, Girl, Home Decor, Kitchen, Patterns for Sale, Sewing Tagged With: basket, beginner, denim, fabric, pattern, sewing, step-by-step, tutorial

Pin Loom Chef Gnome

May 16, 2023 By Yarnitect (Dana)

This little pin loom chef gnome has a sweet tooth. Here he is serving up some cherry desserts.

Make your own chef gnome with pin looms. He’s the perfect accessory for the kitchen and makes a great gift for those who love to cook…and eat.

We love the obvious and the subtle details that turn this gnome into an accomplished chef. The toque (hat) is probably the most iconic item. But the gnome is also wearing a white apron and holding a red and white striped serving towel. All of these items were made with pin looms. There are a couple little elements of crochet (we’ll touch on that in a moment). The cherry dessert in his hand was purchased at a craft store in the miniatures/doll department.

Chef Gnome Pattern Available on Little Looms

This particular gnome pattern was designed for Little Looms and is available with All Access membership to their site. Learn more about the online subscription to Little Looms where you can buy access to all past and present patterns from Little Looms magazine.

Materials Used to Make the Chef Gnome

The main items needed to make this chef gnome are pin looms and yarn. But there are a few other items that give the gnome his polished appearance. For instance, the yarn of the beard is combed with a metal pet comb then steam ironed to straighten the threads. Here’s a complete list of what was used to make the chef gnome:

Pin Loom – Square: 2” and 4”
Pin Loom – Hexagon: 3 ¾“ diameter (2” sides)
Pin Loom – Rectangle: 2” x 4” and 2” x 6”
Needle: 5” weaving needle, tapestry needle
Yarns Red Heart Soft (100% acrylic; 256 yd/4 oz), #E4600 White, 200 yd; #46414 Black, 24 yd; #9274 Biscuit, 8 yd; #9925 Really Red, 5 yd.
SUBSTITUTION if needed: Red Heart With Love (100% acrylic, 370 yd/7 oz) #1001 White, 1012 Black, #1308 Tan, #1909 Holly Berry.
Stuffing
Miniature Cake
Crochet Hook Size G/6/4.00mm
Small Bag of Bean or Something Heavy to Weigh Down the Gnome
Straight Pins
White Fabric Marker
Steamer
Pet Comb
Hot Glue.

More about the Chef Gnome

As mentioned earlier, there is a tiny bit of crochet on the gnome. The apron strings are crocheted as are the cuffs at the wrist of each arm. If you don’t know how to crochet, then ribbon could be substituted for the apron strings. And the cuffs could be omitted.

All the shapes are woven in plain weave. So that portion is very beginner friendly. The project my look intimidating, but the pattern will explain step-by-step how to fold, roll, tuck and cinch pin loom woven shapes into a chef worthy of any kitchen.

Bon Appetit!

Filed Under: Kitchen, Pin Loom, Publications, Toys Tagged With: chef, gnome, pin loom, weaving

Scrubby Dishcloths

December 17, 2019 By Yarnovator

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.

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.

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.

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.

Filed Under: Adult, Crochet, Dishcloth+ Series, Great as Gifts, Kitchen, Knit, Pin Loom, Review, Yarnovator Tagged With: crochet, knit, pin loom, red heart, Scrubby, weaving, yarn

Crochet Cable Dishcloth and Tea Towel

December 29, 2016 By Yarnovator

Dishcloth+ Series: Celery Stalks Dishcloth and Tea Towel – pattern with crochet cables.

Create stunning cables in these two lovely kitchen accessories.

Whether you’re new to working post stitches or an old hat, the post work dishcloth is a must for your kitchen. The columns of stitches create a bumpy texture perfect for scrubbing pots and pans.

The tea towel takes crochet cables to a whole other level. Create a stunning tea towel as a house warming gift or for your own home.

Buy Now on Etsy

The Cabled Dishie and Tea Towel are available in our Etsy Shop.

Available on Etsy.

This set is crocheted with Fibra Natura Good Earth distributed by Universal Yarn. This cotton linen blend is perfect for going from sink to washing machine and back again.

Filed Under: Dishcloth+ Series, Kitchen, Patterns for Sale Tagged With: Dishcloth+ Series

Dishcloth and Plant Holder Pattern

November 24, 2016 By Yarnovator

Who says dishcloths have to be square? This month’s dishie pattern is a beautiful pentagonal cloth made from FibraNatura Good Earth distributed by Universal Yarns. Though I stopped with an 8″ dishcloth, it could be made in any size. It’s the perfect dishcloth for washing and scrubbing as well as gift giving.

This lovely dishcloth would also be great as a doily or as a hot pad.

I fell in love with this design so much, I decided to turn it into a plant holder! The plant holder starts with a pentagonal base, with the side supports crocheted around that. Because of the design, it can hold various sized pots a little smaller or larger than 1.46 quarts.

Plants make a house so homey. Plant some ivy or perhaps some spices. Turn your kitchen into a living space!

Finished Measurements:

Dishcloth: 8″
Plant Holder: 26 x 4 1/2″, holds a 1.46 qt pot

PDF Instant Download Now Available

The Dishcloth+ Series: Pentagonal Dishcloth and Plant Holder is now available in our Etsy Store.

Available Now on Etsy.

Filed Under: Crochet, Dining, Dishcloth+ Series, Home, Home Decor, Kitchen, Yarn, Yarnovator Tagged With: crochet, dishcloth, Dishcloth+ Series, plant holder

Casserole Cover and Bead Dishcloth

October 30, 2016 By Yarnovator

Dishcloth+ Series: “Bead” Dishcloth and Casserole Cover

Going to a potluck? Casserole covers keep your food warm and make your dish easy to carry. Crochet one for your next get together!

The “bead” stitch accents both the 10″ x 10″ crochet dishcloth and the 9″ x 13″ casserole cover!

I’m listing this as an intermediate pattern because of the untraditional stitches. But I’ve defined both the bead stitch and the extended single crochet, so you should be able to whip this out in no time.