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

Veggie Soup Pin Loom Tutorial

March 30, 2023 By Yarnitect (Dana)

Pin loom woven fruits and vegetables. — Weave delicious looking fruits and vegetables with 4″ pin loom squares

Veggie Soup Step-by-Step Tutorial

Carrots, tomatoes and mushrooms, oh my! This photo tutorial has 60+ photos and will show you how to fold, roll, tuck and sew 4″ pin loom woven squares into these deliciously fun shapes. It’s surprisingly easy!

Yes, you need only one pin loom…the 4″ square. All of the fruits and veggies were made with one loom.

Instant PDF Download Available Now

This Veggie Soup Pattern is available as a PDF digital download at Etsy.com.

Available now on our Etsy Shop.

The veggies first appeared in Little Looms 2018, a publication of Long Thread Media. We have shared rights to the pattern and it’s now available as an instant download in our Etsy Shop.

Step-by-Step Guide Includes:

Eggplant
Peas in a Pod
Mushroom
Carrot
Tomato
Broccoli
60+ beautiful color photos
18 well organized pages
Easy to follow written instructions
Materials list
Directions to make 6 fruits and vegetables including: Broccoli Florets, Carrots, Eggplant, Mushrooms, Peas in a Pod and Tomatoes.

Cornucopia of fruits and vegetables make from 4" pin loom squares — Make your own cornucopia of pin loom fruits and vegetables.

Pattern Available at Etsy

Get instant access to the Veggie Soup Pin Loom Pattern by purchasing it from our Etsy shop.

Available now on Etsy

Filed Under: Patterns for Sale, Pin Loom Tagged With: pin loom, toys

Flower Blanket Weave Along and Pattern

March 10, 2023 By Yarnitect (Dana)

If you love flowers and you love to pin loom weave, you’ll love this weave along! We’re making a floral lapghan. It has five iconic flowers and an adorable bee. Flowers in the pin loom blanket include sunflower, tulip, daffodil, daisy, and zinnias.

The flowers are all woven with the same background so they join together seamlessly. You can create a border in any color, we chose to use the green of the leaves which creates a sense of boundary but also allows the flowers to really take all the attention.

What You’ll Need

Floral Afghans Pattern (Buy this bonus bundle or join the facebook group mentioned below).
Pin Looms: 4″ square and 4″ triangle
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft or medium worsted weight (4) yarn

This is a beginner friendly project because all the shapes are woven in plain weave. And only two pin looms are needed: the 4″ square and 4″ triangle. The floral afghan measures approximately 56″x76″. This blanket was woven with Caron Simply Soft which is a worsted weight yarn. You can use any worsted weight yarn but note that Caron Simply Soft is a little bit thinner than some which makes it a great choice for beginners.

How the Weave Along Works

We’ll weave one motif each month for six months, then assemble the final blanket in the seventh.

Where to join the Weave Along

We share the free pattern with chart in the Pin Loom Weaving Support Group on Facebook. If you’re not a member, it’s free to join, too.

The weave along pattern will list materials needed such as yarn and pin loom shapes. It will include a couple charts: one of the flower layout, the other with the number of shapes and how many are needed.

At the beginning of each month we’ll post the pattern to the group. The pattern and chart will be uploaded to the files folder in the Facebook group and will be available at any time. If you join the Facebook group in the future, no worries, the pattern can be found in the files.

When you finish a flower or bee, take a picture and post it to the group and mention the weave along. It’s that simple.

If you’re familiar with Files in Facebook, you know that they are clunky, unorganized and can be a real pain to sort through. We’ve created a full PDF of the Flower Blanket and bundled it with a second flower blanket!

Flowers Pin Loom Blankets Pattern Bundle

If you’re really into flowers, you’ll love this Pin Loom Flower Blanket bundle. It includes the simple weave along blanket and the more detailed flower blanket.

The Pin Loom Flower Afghans Pattern is available in our Etsy Shop.

Get your pattern today and weave at your own pace. Then when all the shapes are joined together, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the view.

Want to know more about both blankets in the bundle? Check out the blog post Pin Loom Diary: Floral Afghans for more details.

Filed Under: Afghan, Flowers, Patterns for FREE, Pin Loom Tagged With: afghan, pin loom, weave along

Pin Loom Diary: Floral Afghans Pattern

February 21, 2023 By Yarnitect (Dana)

First you make one flower, then another. Before you know it, you have a garden of flowers and a little bee, too!

We’ll confess, the first blanket we wove was the detailed one. It has 9 flowers and 1 bee. And it takes 7 pin loom shapes including squares, triangles and rectangles. And we love it. And we wanted every pin loom weaver to make one. But….not all pin loom weavers have 7 pin looms let alone the ones used in this pattern. So, a more simplified version was created. And it uses only 2 looms. Now everyone can weave their own flower garden!

About the Pin Loom Flower Afghan Pattern

This is great for beginners and experienced weavers alike as every shape is woven in plain weave.

There are two blankets in this Pin Loom Diary: Floral Afghans Pattern available in our Etsy Shop. Each has it’s own unique design and appeal.

Blanket A is the simple version with 5 flowers and a bee. The flowers are larger and the border is a solid color. It uses only 2 pin looms. The finished afghan measures approximately 56″x76″.

Blanket B is a more detailed version and has 9 flowers with stems and a bee. The flowers are smaller to allow space for leaves and stems. It uses 7 pin looms. The background and border on the detailed blanket is more quilt-like with pops of color sprinkled throughout. The finished afghan measures approximately 48″x72″.

What’s Included in the pattern:

2 Flower Afghan Patterns
16 pages
Charts of flowers and bees
Table of each shape, color and quantity needed for each motif
Table of total number of shapes, color and quantity needed for each blanket
Complete materials list
Pattern for simple flowers: sunflower, tulip, daffodil, daisy, zinnias
Pattern for detailed flowers: tulip, delphinium, daisy, daffodil, sunflower, indian paintbrush, calla lily, zinnia, poppy

PDF Instant Download Available Now

The Floral Afghans Pin Loo m Pattern is now available in our Etsy Shop.

Available on Etsy.

What You’ll Need:

With Flower Afghans Pin Loom Pattern in hand, here is a list of the other items you’ll need to weave one or both of these floral afghans.

Yarn: Caron Simply Soft or any medium worsted weight (4) yarn
Blanket A uses 11 colors
Blanket B uses 15 colors
6″ needle for weaving and yarn needle for sewing
Blanket A Pin Looms: Square 4″ and Triangle 4″
Blanket B Pin Looms: Square 4″, 2″, 1″ and Triangle 4″, 2″ and Rectangle 2″x4″ and 2″x6″

These designs can be used for more than just afghans. We’ve made pillows and garden flags, too. What will you make with these flower shapes?

Oh, and be sure to join the Pin Loom Flower Afghan Weave Along in the Pin Loom Support Group on Facebook!

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Floral Afghans Pattern Now Available

Are you ready to weave your own garden of flowers?

The Pin Loom Diary: Floral Afghans is available as a PDF download in our Etsy Shop.

Available now on Etsy.

Filed Under: Afghan, Flowers, Patterns for Sale, Pin Loom Tagged With: afghan, bee, flowers, pattern, pin loom

Sheep Pillow Published in Little Looms

January 9, 2023 By Yarnitect (Dana)

Sheep are neat and so are pillows that look like them! Deborah designed an adorable sheep pillow using yarn and pin loom woven shapes.

We love this pillow because it’s fairly easy to make, yet has lots of little details that make it quite interesting. The 4″ squares give it a puffed / quilted look. The woven texture of each square adds more interest. The fleck in the yarn adds still more depth.

Sheep Pillow Pin Loom Pattern in Little Looms Magazine

Little Looms Magazine first published this “Counting Sheep” pattern in their Spring 2023 issue. You can access the pattern either by purchasing that single issue or joining their all access subscription service.

About the Pin Loom Sheep Pillow Pattern

The finished size is approximately 10″ x 11″ x 4 1/2″.

There are two weaving structures: plain weave and Loomette Weave #1. Check out our blog post for the Loomette Weave #1 pattern. Here are the supplies needed to make your own Pin Loom Sheep Pillow:

Pin Loom Square: 4″
Pin Loom Rectangle: 2” x 4”
5” weaving needle
Tapestry Needle
Yarns: Lion Brand Yarns Vanna’s Choice Heather (92% acrylic/8% rayon; 145 yd/3 oz), #400D Oatmeal, 160 yd.
Lion Brand Yarns Vanna’s Choice Solid (100% acrylic, 170 yd/3.5oz), #153 Black, 40 yd.
Stuffing
Pins

It’s really fun to see how many people find this project so appealing. Even though it’s pin loom woven, we find that fiber enthusiasts of all kids find this little guy irresistible. So do farmers and city folk…and people who like to count sheep before they nod off to sleep.

Filed Under: Animals, Home Decor, Pin Loom, Publications Tagged With: lamb, little looms, magazine, pattern, pin loom, publications, sheep

Wolf Pencil Case Pin Loom Pattern

October 22, 2022 By Yarnitect (Dana)

There’s no need to scratch and claw through the junk drawer looking for a pen. Make your own wolf pencil case with yarn and pin looms to store them in. These are great for holding pens, pencils, crochet hooks, mini scissors and more. And since it’s pin loom woven, you can even weave your needle through the outside of the case when you’re not using it.

The wolf pencil case measures approximately 12” long x 7” tall x 4” wide.

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Wolf Pencil Case Available on Etsy

The Wolf Pencil Case Pin Loom Pattern is now in our Etsy Shop.

Available now on Etsy.

About the Wolf Pencil Case Pin Loom Pattern

This pencil case was a special request from one of the boys…he wanted a coyote. Both wolves and coyotes are a bit dog like, so sure, it’s not a wolf, it’s a coyote!

The pattern is 5 pages which includes step-by-step written instructions. There are 10+ photos that show the pencil case at different points of construction. Instructions are for the grey wolf, though step-by-step photos are often for the black dog. The shape for the black dog and grey wolf are the same.

Here’s what you’ll need to make the Pin Loom Wolf Pencil Case:

Pin Loom Square: 1”, 2”, and 4”
Pin Loom Rectangles: 2”x4”, 1”x4”
Yarn: Red Heart: Soft – Medium (4), acrylic, 5 oz/256 yds
Grayscale #9931
Black #4614
White #4600
Needle: 6” needle for weaving and yarn needle for sewing
Safety eyes: (2) 14mm
Safety nose: 2cm
Zipper: 9” in color of yarn
Fabric for lining: approximately 12” x 12”
Can – with 2 5/8” diameter for helping sew the ends to the body of the pencil case (optional)
Notions: straight pins, needle and thread

Please note that there are not photos to match each step-by-step written instruction. But there are photos throughout the pattern to help provide clarity.

PDF Instant Download Available

Buy the Wolf Pencil Case Pin Loom Pattern in our Etsy Shop.

Available Now on Etsy.

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

Filed Under: Animals, Bags, Patterns for Sale, Pin Loom Tagged With: coyote, dog, pattern, pencil case, pin loom, weaving, wolf

Caterpillar Pencil Case in Little Looms

July 18, 2022 By Yarnitect (Dana)

We’ve designed an adorable caterpillar pencil case for Little Looms Magazine. Isn’t it sweet!

We love this little pin loom woven creature. It’s the little finishing details that make it so cute. And those are really easy to make because they are just bits of felt fabric glued to the assembled project. But, wow, do they give this insect so much charm.

The caterpillar pencil case measures approximately 9 1/2″ x 3″ x 3″. Keep reading to learn more about the pin loom weaving caterpillar pencil case.

Caterpillar Pencil Case in Little Looms

The Caterpillar Pencil Case made it’s debut in the Little Looms Fall 2022 issue. You can get the pattern by purchasing the digital issue of the magazine or becoming an all access member to Little Looms. Learn more at Little Looms website.

More about the Pin Loom Weaving Caterpillar Pencil Case

The caterpillar pencil case uses only 2 pin looms; a 4″ square and 2″x4″ rectangle. If you’ve needed an excuse to buy the 2″x4″ pin loom, than this is it! The materials list for this project are pretty minimal. Here’s what you’ll need to make the pin loom caterpillar pencil case:

Pin Loom Square: 4″
Pin Loom Rectangle: 2” x 4”
Needles: 6″ weaving needle, tapestry needle, sewing needle
YARNS: Lion Brand Yarns Vanna’s Choice (Acrylic, 170 yd/3.5 oz)
#180 Cranberry, 20 yd
#172 Kelly Green, 20 yd
#171 Fern, 30 yd
Zipper: green 8”
Washable marker
Fabric Glue
Straight Pins
Green Thread
Optional: fabric and thread for lining
Optional: Sewing machine

Caterpillar Pencil Case is Great for New Crafters

There are just a few techniques used to make the pencil case. If you’re new to crafting, than this is a great project to learn new skills.

First, the caterpillar body / the main portion of the bag, is made with a technique called pin loom weaving. The fabric is woven in plain weave which is the most basic form of weaving on a pin loom. You weave under one thread and over one thread across.

Second, there are embroidered French knots on the body to represent spots. Those are another great beginner friendly embroidery technique.

Third, is sewing a zipper into the project. This can be done by hand sewing a running stitch or back stitch. Both are sewing stitches everyone should have in their knowledge banks.

Fourth, and completely optional, is a lining. This can be hand sewn as well, but most people will pull out a sewing machine for this portion. Lining is added to the bag prior to attaching the zipper.

A lining is recommended because woven fabric has holes and it’s easy for additional holes and larger ones to be poked into it.

Filed Under: Animals, Bags, Child, Pin Loom, Publications Tagged With: caterpillar, pencil case, pin loom, publications

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

Pin Loom Corn

September 10, 2019 By Yarnovator

Corn

The scarecrow may have a hard time keeping the birds away with this delicious corn ready for the picking! The corn itself is made from texture 4” squares, while the husk is made from 2” x 6” rectangles (which could easily be substituted with 4” squares folded in half.)

SUPPLIES:

Loom: Schacht Zoom Loom – 4″ pin loom, Wunderwag 2” x 6” rectangle pin loom

Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver: Lemon; Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice: Kelly Green

Yarn Needle

Scissors

Stuffing

Chopstick

Textured Weave:

All odd rows: Plain weave

All even rows: *Under 3, over one* across ending with under 3

CORN

Plain weave four 2” x 6” rectangles in Kelly Green.
Texture weave four 4” squares in Lemon using the texture weave.
Sew the 4 textured Lemon squares together to make a 2 x 2 square.
Fold the square in half with the wrong side facing and sew along 8” side to make a cylinder.
With Lemon, cinch the top of the corn by passing the needle and yarn through each loop along the top, then pulling tightly to close.
Turn right side out. Tuck the top right and top left corners in about 1 cm and use whip stitches to create a tapered top. See photo.
Stuff. (I add a foam ball in the middle so I can stick the chopstick/skewer into it to make a yard pick.)
With Lemon, cinch the bottom of the corn by passing the needle and yarn through each loop along the bottom, then pulling tightly to close. Weave in ends.
For each husk/leaf, tri-fold just the top 2”. Use Kelly Green and make small stitches to sew the folded area down to the husk/leaf on both sides. This is just to create a more tapered end of the husk/leaves. Make 4.
Sew all four husks/leaves together along the bottom half to make a 1 x 4 rectangle.
Fold in half so that the unsewn ends are all in the same direction. Sew along the bottom 3”.
With Kelly Green, cinch the bottom of the husks together by passing the needle and yarn through each loop on the bottom of each leaf, then pull tightly to close.
Place the corn in the husk as far as it will go and tack into place with Kelly Green.
To make a yard pick, insert a chopstick/skewer/wire approximately 2/3 the way up.

Patterns for the Scarecrow, Pumpkins, and Ghost are available in the Shop here. They are also available in my Etsy shop here.

Filed Under: Halloween, Home, Patterns for FREE, Pin Loom, Yarnovator

Little Looms 2017 Patterns

May 6, 2017 By Yarnovator

Two New Pin Loom Patterns

Two of my pin loom patterns appear in the 2017 Little Looms magazine by Handwoven. You are going to love them.

Pin Color Flow Rug

First, the Color Flow Rug. I call it Color Flow because the colors transition nicely due to the quadrant squares between the solid squares. Because you change colors during the warping and weaving process, part of the square is solid, and part of the square is a mixed color. The twisted cord tassels really finish off the rug nicely.

Pin Geo Waves Scarves

Second, the Geometric Waves Scarves. These striking scarves are actually just solid squares sewn with a dark color on one half and a light color on the other. The lines are all embroidered on. If you use wool, it can be felted. Just be sure to make it extra long as it will shrink in the felting process!

Check out these and more great patterns in the 2017 Little Looms magazine.

What are you weaving?

Filed Under: Great as Gifts, Home, Pin Loom, Publications, Scarves, Cowls & Shrugs, Uncategorized, Yarnovator Tagged With: pin loom, rug, scarf, yarn