Mushroom Pin Cushion with Basket Crochet Pattern

Mushroom Pin Cushion with Basket is an easy crochet pattern you can make in a weekend. It’s darling to display but even more fun to use. It’s the perfect size for collecting yarn snips (or candy wrapper). If you like to sew or embroider, it’s great for tossing thread snips as well. Or, you could store notions it it for crochet, knitting, weaving, sewing and quilting.

I, Dana, woke up one day with a vision for mushrooms on a grassy knoll. I wasn’t sure if I could recreate my vision…but it came out pretty much as I’d envisioned it. I love that it can be decorated with straight pins. I love that it’s cute…and practical at the same time.

About the Mushroom Pin Cushion and Project Bag Crochet Pattern

The crochet pattern includes everything you need to recreate a mushroom pin cushion with basket of your own. It includes:

  • Mushroom in 2 sizes
  • Basket
  • Connector Piece
  • Tab for holding mini scissors, crochet hook and pencil
  • Step by step written instructions
  • Written in US terms

The size is great for putting on a side table, arm of a chair or at your work table. My mushroom and basket has a permanant home on my desk which doubles as my sewing table. The measurements are approximately:

  • Pin Cushion: 5.75″ wide x 5.75″ deep x 3.5″ tall
  • Basket: 4″ wide x 4″ deep x 5″ tall

The crochet pattern is rated easy because there aren’t lots of stitch patterns. It is made with stitches as small as a slip stitch and as large as a double treble. Pieces are worked in the round and in rows. It’s interesting to note that the same stitch pattern is used on the bean bag (base of pin cushion) and on the basket. But they look different because one is crocheted in rows and the other in the round.

Mushroom Pin Cushion and Basket on Etsy

The Mushroom Pin Cushion and Basket first appeared in Crochet World Summer 2024. We have the rights back to sell direct to you. Find it now in our Etsy Shop.

Buy the pattern on etsy

The Mushroom Pin Cushion and Basket is So Useful!

One of the things I love most about this Mushroom Pin Cushion with Basket is that it’s useful for lots of different hobbies. It has a little tab sewn to the lining with 3 sections to hold small things like pencils, mini scissors and crochet hooks. Here are my favorite ways to use the mushroom pin cushion and basket…and yes, I’ve used it for each of these things:

  • Project bag
  • Yarn snips trash basket (for knitting, crochet and weaving)
  • Thread keeper (trash basket) (for sewing, quilting and embroidery)
  • Notions keeper (sewing clips, stitch markers, etc).

Yarn for Mushroom Pin Cushion and Basket

The yarn used to make the Mushroom Pin Cushion and Basket is Cascade 220 Superwash Sport. It’s a light weight (size 3) superwash merino wool yarn. As of today, it comes in 83 colors! We chose this yarn specifically for color options and yarn weight. It is thin enough to create beautiful stitch definition and sturdy enough to hold the 3D shape of the mushrooms (with fiber-fill stuffing inside).

Get your copy of the Mushroom Pin Cushion and Basket now.

Notebook and Pen Holder Pattern

Customize and make your own notebook cover (no sew) and pen holder bookmark (sewing) with this fun and easy – beginner friendly – pattern. Find some cute fabric and a composition notebook…and Bam, inspirational notebook.

Create a notebook for guys and gals of all ages. Heck, make a bunch for yourself! Make a journal, or a to-do list, or score pad. Make notebooks for kids for school. Make a notebook for work….and find a possible new side hustle!

Never lose your pen with this elastic bookmark pen holder. Make with or without stabilizer. Fits around a composition notebook from the dollar store or grocery store. Notebooks are 9.75″ x 7.5″ (24.76 cm x 19 cm).

This pattern is quick and easy. It’s a great beginner no sew and sewing pattern.

Notebook Cover and Pen Holder Pattern on Etsy

The Notebook Cover and Pen Holder pattern is available in our Etsy Shop.

Available now on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

This is a fun pattern because you can customize the notebook for hobbies and interests. You can find some specialty fabrics at craft stores and online. This is also a great stash buster. Have a long skinny strip of fabric? Make a notebook or pen holder!

The no sew Notebook Cover and Pen Holder sewing pattern includes:

  • Lots of photos
  • Step by Step written instructions
  • No sew notebook cover pattern
  • Pen holder sewing pattern
  • Supplies List

Get the Notebook Cover and Pen Holder Bookmark pattern on Etsy.

Make a Shark!

Great for Shark Week or any week! We have 3 fun and creative stuffed animals you can weave and sew. These include step-by-step instructions, so anyone can make them.

1. Get Hammered: Hammerhead Shark Sewing Pattern

Hammerhead shark sewing pattern with step by step instructions

This Hammerhead Shark sewing pattern is a great pattern for new sewists. It includes step-by-step written instructions, lots of photos and tracing templates. The coral reef pictured is not included. It was woven on pin looms.

The sewn hammerhead shark measures approximately 18″ long. If you love upcycling, this is a great project for that. What makes this hammerhead shark sewing pattern so realistic is the inclusion of all 8 fins and the notch on the caudal (tail) fin.

Hammerhead Shark sewing pattern is now available on Etsy.

2. Nailed It: Hammerhead Shark Pin Loom Weaving Pattern

You’ll be saying, “Nailed It” after weaving your own hammerhead shark. This shark stuffed animal is created with pin loom shapes that are folded or tucked and sewn together. The hammerhead shark pin loom pattern includes step-by-step written instructions and lots of photos, so even the beginner weaver can make one.

The pin loom hammerhead shark measures approximately 10″ long. Each pin loom shape is woven in plain weave making it a very approachable project.

The Hammerhead Shark Pin Loom Pattern is now available on Etsy.

3. Shark Attack: Gnome Pin Loom Weaving Pattern

Ready for a day at the beach, this gnome’s hat looks like a Shark Attack! The gnome, shark and even the starfish are made from pin loom woven shapes. This pin loom pattern also includes step-by-step written instructions and lots of photos.

Shark Attack Gnome measures approximately 18″ tall from bottom of gnome to the end of the shark tail. The gnome, shark and starfish are all woven on pin looms in plain weave. The teeth are crocheted.

Shark Attack Pin Loom Pattern is now available on Etsy.

All three of these Hammerhead Shark patterns are a lot of fun to make and to play with.

Enjoy!

Rag Quilt – Creating Squares

Part 2: After making a plan and creating colorful scrap triangles and rectangles, I sewed the triangles and rectangles together to make squares. The pieces were sewn together with the wrong side facing so the seam would be on the front to be ragged. I cut the seam with little slits about 1/8″ apart. I cut very close to the seam stitches. Once in awhile, I accidentally cut the stitches. I put a sewing clip on the cut section to remind myself to sew that area together as I sewed the large “X’s”.

Next, I began working on the second major part of the scrap rag quilt, deciding on the bottom fabric and layout, and cutting the center layer. I chose three colors of cotton for the bottom layer, and a random pattern. I sketched it out so I could place the colors in the correct place.

I decided on fleece for the center as an inlay. I cut the fleece squares to 12″. This meant there wouldn’t be fleece in the ragged seam.

Once all the top squares, middle inlays, and bottom squares were cut, I decided to stack all the square layers together square by square. I laid the bottom layer down, centered a fleece on that, then the top piece on top.

I made a nice tall pile of these layers to get them ready to sew “X’s” on them.

Before sewing the “X’s”, I made sure each layer was centered neatly. 2 Clips per side is a nice amount to keep the layers steady.

I kept the sewn layers in order so it would be easy to sew them into strips. Does this look like a CA king quilt?

The plan is to sew them into strips, rag them, then sew 2 strips together at a time so it isn’t hard to sew the whole blanket together. This step took about 2 weeks, bringing the total working time up to 8 weeks.

**Some people sew two straight stitches per square or strip for extra durability.

Beginning a Scrap Rag Quilt – CA King

I am embarking on a large task, sewing a California king sized rag quilt! Do I have lots of time for this? Not really. I anticipate this quilt will take several months working in 10-30 minute snippets at a time. First, I made a plan.

I decided on a star image with border sections. I sketched out several stars to try out different color placements. Next, I measured the bed (top and overhang desired) to determine what sized squares and triangles I would need. The top measured 72″ wide x 84″ long. The length of the sides could be 18-22″ long. I already know that I do not want the sides to touch the floor. With these dimension in mind, I decided on 12″ squares after being sewn together. I decided on 1/2″ seams on each side, so the squares need to be 13″.

Next, I sketched out a design. Many quilts used as bedspreads have a bunch of extra fabric in the corners. I don’t want all that fabric, so I decided to leave out the corner sections on the bottom of the blanket. If the quilt doesn’t close in the corners after being placed on the bed, I will come up with a creative solution for keeping the corners closed.

With this design in mind, I began tackling the shapes for the top. As drawn, I would need triangles, squares, and rectangles. Rag quilts often have 1/2″ (5/8″, 3/4″, or 1″) seams on the front/right side of the quilt that are clipped 1/8″ apart to create the rag look. Therefore, I cut the squares at 13″ to allow for a 1/2″ seam on each side. I cut the triangles to 13 1/2″ lengths (on the two sides that make the right angle, not the hypotenuse), but that ended up being just a tad short when I sewed the squares together. I recommend 14″ right triangles. The border is rectangles, and those were cut to 7″ x 13″ I don’t have special cutting equipment, so I decided to make cardboard templates from cereal boxes.

In addition to being a rag quilt, this is a scrap quilt. I decided to sew my remnant pieces together to create the star and border sections.

Because I couldn’t wait to see the star come together, I started my scrap quilt with the colorful triangles. I organized all my scraps by color and used the cardboard templates to make the triangles, squares, and rectangles.

Want to guess how long these steps took? Between homeschooling my two boys, driving my kids to appointments and activities, creating other sewing, weaving, and crocheted designs, the above steps took 6 1/2 weeks. Did I get frustrated? Normally I would have, but I decided that this project is allowed to take as long as it takes.

Next steps: Decide on the bottom fabric and colors, cut the bottom squares, cut middle fleece, then assemble the quilt.

Horse Drawstring Backpack

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!

Granny Square Birds of a Feather Vol 2

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

Granny Square Chicken: Black Breasted Red Phoenix Rooster

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

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

Granny Square Birds: Rubber Duckie, Mallard and Goose

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mine, mine, mine…says the Seagull

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

Zipper Pouch and Cell Phone Holder

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

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

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

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

BONUS: Bag Charms and Yarn Weight

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

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

Birds of a Feather, Volume 2 on Etsy

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

Available now on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

Bear Drawstring Backpacks

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

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

Bear Drawstring Backpack Sewing Pattern

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

Bear Drawstring Sewing Pattern PDF Includes:

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

Pin the Bear Drawstring Backpack to Pinterest

Share the love, pin one of our pictures to Pinterest.

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.

Playing Card Holder Sewing Pattern

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

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

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

Playing Card Holder on Etsy

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

Available now on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

Upcycle Fabric to Make Playing Card Holders

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

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

Share to Pinterest

Share the love…pin one or more of these images to Pinterest. We’d love for others to learn about this handy playing card holder.

The Sewing Pattern for the Playing Card Holder

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

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

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

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

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

Playing Card Holder Sewing Pattern on Etsy

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

Available now on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

Mini Market Bag – Gift Card Holder

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

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

Mini Market Bag Sewing Pattern on Etsy

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

Available now on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

Last minute gifts…for all special occasions

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

3 Market Bag Styles in this Sewing Pattern

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

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

Miniature Market Bag Sewing Pattern

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

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

Materials needed to make a mini market bag:

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

Mini Market Bag Sewing Pattern on Etsy

Get the Miniature Market Bag Sewing Pattern on Etsy.

Available now on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy