Bison Drawstring Backpack Sewing Pattern

Give me a home, where the buffalo roam…or a bison drawstring backpack for exploring parts near or far. Sew this fun and easy bison backpack in a weekend with this step-by-step sewing pattern which includes tracing templates.

We’ve created the bison backpack for the kids at our Vacation Bible School but thought others might enjoy making these bags, too. There are two sizes to fit younger children and older kids. The bison bag measures 10″ wide x16″ tall or 12″ wide x16″ tall. It’s perfect for carrying books, water bottles and other treasures you may find on a walk to school.

The pattern is fun and easy; perfect for a confident beginner. There is top stitching for the facial features which may be a new concept for new sewists, but the pattern will guide you every step of the way.

Bison Drawstring Backpack Sewing Pattern

The bison drawstring backpacks you see pictured here were made from upcycled materials. We used denim jeans for one book bag and old bed linens for the others. The sewing pattern will guide you step-by-step in creating your own bison backpacks. The sewing pattern includes:

  • Bison Head Tracing Templates
  • Lined Drawstring Bag Instructions
  • Step-by-Step Instructions
  • Lots of color photos
  • Helpful tips and tricks throughout the pattern
  • Instructions for adding a stripe to the bag
  • Instructions for 2 sizes: 10″x16″ and 12″ x 16″
2 Drawstring bags (blue and leaf print) with bison faces on them.

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Bison vs. Buffalo

In the USA, bison and buffalo are terms often used interchangeably when referring to bison. The bison is such a beloved creature that the USA named the bison its national mammal in 2016. 3 of the 50 states in the USA have the bison as their state mammal including Kansas, Oklahoma, and Wyoming. Many, many sports teams have the bison as a mascot including but not limited to:

  • Bucknell Bison,
  • Buffalo Stampede,
  • Buffalo Beauts,
  • Buffalo Bills,
  • Buffalo Bisons,
  • Buffalo Blues,
  • Buffalo Braves,
  • Buffalo Bulls,
  • Buffalo Destroyers,
  • Buffalo Sabres,
  • Colorado Buffaloes,
  • Gallaudet Bison,
  • Harding Bisons,
  • Howard Bison,
  • Lipscomb Bisons,
  • Marshall University Thundering Herd,
  • North Dakota State Bison,
  • Oklahoma City Thunder,
  • University of Manitoba Bisons,
  • West Texas A&M Buffaloes.

Personalizing You Bison Drawstring Backpack

As we were designing the bison drawstring backpack, we considered many different ideas, but ultimately settled on the face. It captures the essence of the beast really well. The pattern touches on the concept of moving some of the elements around to create a more fierce looking beast should you desire a bison with a bit more fire in the eyes. Feel free to print out, modify and tweak the pattern to create the bison backpack or book bag you’re wanting.

The sewing pattern is for your eyes only, but we encourage you to give away or sell your finished pieces with credit to yarnovations.com as the original designer.

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

Caterpillar Pencil Case Pin Loom Pattern

Make your own super cute caterpillar pencil case with pin loom woven shapes. This zipper pouch uses only 2 pin looms: 4″ square and 2″x4″ rectangle! If you also have a 1″ square, you can add little finger grips and zipper pull (pictured but optional).

This is a beginner friendly project as each shape is woven in plain weave. The Caterpillar Pattern includes step by step written instructions and lots of photos. Here’s what’s in the tutorial:

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

Reviews for our Pin Loom Patterns

  • “Well written pattern, nicely illustrated with good photos showing any tricky parts.”
  • “Well written pattern. Highly recommend her patterns.”
  • “This pattern in incredible and the designer is wonderful!”

Caterpillar Pencil Case Pin Loom Pattern on Etsy

The Caterpillar Pencil Case Pin Loom Pattern is now available in our Etsy Shop. This first appeared in Little Looms 2022. We have the rights back and are making the pattern available to you in our Etsy Shop.

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More about the Caterpillar Pencil Case

We call this Caterpillar Pouch a pencil case, but it’s also a fun size for storing other craft and hobby supplies like crochet hooks. The Caterpillar Pencil Case is pretty quick to stitch. It takes a little longer if you want to line the bag…which we totally recommend as woven squares aren’t the most secure for sharp objects like pencils.

Here’s what you’ll need in order to make your own Caterpillar Pencil Case:

  • Pin Loom Square: 4” (and 1″ optional)
  • Pin Loom Rectangle: 2”x4”
  • Yarn: 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
  • Fabric for Lining: 1 sq. foot
  • Zipper: 8” Green
  • Felt: remnants of brown, blue, grey.
  • Needle: 6” weaving needle, tapestry needle, sewing needle
  • Thread: Green
  • Washable Marker
  • Fabric Glue
  • Straight Pins

Caterpillar Pencil Case on Etsy

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Monster Pin Loom Pattern

Make a monster with a 4″ pin loom square following this tutorial with photos.

Pin Loom Monsters Pattern for 4″ Squares

These cute and cuddly monsters were made with only a 4″ pin loom square. They are super easy and really fun to make. Learn to make textured squares and how to tuck and fold squares to make ears, arms and feet.

  • Pajama Keeper – the mouth is left open so kids can tuck their PJ’s inside.
  • Pillow Pal – the monster is stuffed with fiberfill and the mouth is sewn closed.
  • Purse – sew a zipper in place of the mouth and use this monster as a purse. Pattern includes instructions for a crocheted shoulder strap.

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Monster Pattern: What’s Included

This is a tutorial with photos to make the trio of monsters pictured here. The pattern includes:

  • Step-by-by-Step Instructions
  • Pattern for 2 textured woven squares with photos
  • Step-by-Step Photos for shaping the ears and arms
  • Crochet instructions for eyes, teeth and purse handles (or use felt)
  • 20+ photos
  • 14 pages

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More about the Monsters Pin Loom Pattern PDF

As we mentioned, the monsters are made with only one loom: a 4″ pin loom square. We used medium worsted weight yarn, specifically: Red Heart Soft and eyelash yarn. The textured squares use two colors on each square. The furry head also uses two different kinds of yarn. The ears, arms and legs are woven in plain weave with one color yarn.

The pattern is surprisingly easy to make. We include step-by-step photos for several steps…like the ears and how we warped the loom for the special squares. And of course, each step is written out from start to finish.

There is a tiny bit of crochet. But you can make the eyes and teeth with felt if you prefer.

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Frankenstein’s Monster Clutch

We’re celebrating Halloween all month long with this Frankenstein’s Monster clutch.

Designed to stand on it’s own, this blue eyed green monster bag has a zippered top to hold all your valuables safe inside. It can be used as a purse, pencil case, make-up bag and more. The gusset is narrow at the top by the zipper and wide at the base which allows it to stand. Make with or without a purse strap.

The Frankenstein’s Monster zipper pouch also features a bolt zipper pull. The sides and bottom are reinforced with heavy duty stabilizer so it flexible yet maintains it’s clutch shape.

Measurements: Approximately 9 ½” wide x 5 ½” tall x 2 ½” deep at base

Frankenstein’s Monster Crochet Pattern on Etsy

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More About The Frankenstein’s Monster Clutch

We call it Frankenstein’s Monster because of the scar on the forehead and bolt on the zipper pull. But we’ve also had people call it the Incredible Hulk or a Zombie. We can go with that, too.

The Frankenstein’s Monster Purse Crochet Pattern includes:

  • Written Instructions
  • 10 Pages
  • 10 Photos

The bag is made with 2 eyeball granny squares on the front panel and 2 plain granny squares on the back. A gusset is crocheted separately and joined to the front and back panels. The hair is crocheted at the end with regular crochet and spike stitches. Stabilizer, zipper, lining and optional handle give it a nice crisp look and make it super practical.

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Materials List for Frankenstein’s Monster Purse

We used Vanna’s choice yarn. But any medium worsted weight yarn should work. For the lining, you’ll want to measure your own bag as you may need more or less fabric and stabilizer.

  • Yarn:   Lion Brand Yarns: Vanna’s Choice – Medium Worsted Weight (4)
  • 100% acrylic (170 yds/156 m; 3.5 oz/100 g) 1 ball each:
  • #860 153 Black, C1
  • #860 108 Dusty Blue, C2
  • #860 100 White, C3
  • #860 171 Fern, C4
  • #860 113 Scarlet, C5
  • #860-149 Silver Grey, C6
  • Fabric: black for lining 15”x14” or size needed for your finished bag.
  • Stabilizer: Extra Firm 15”x14” or size needed for your finished bag.
  • Crochet Hook: H/8/5.00mm
  • Needle:  yarn needle for sewing
  • Needle and Thread: black
  • Stitch Markers
  • Straight Pins
  • Zipper: 10” black

Frankenstein’s Monster Crochet Pattern on Etsy

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Wolf Pencil Case Pin Loom Pattern

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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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.

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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.

Caterpillar Pencil Case in Little Looms

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.

Pin Loom Woven Gift Bags

Weave your own gift bags!

 

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Christmas is four days away and I decided today that I just had to weave 8 little drawstring gift bags for family members! Shouldn’t be too hard with a toddler and preschooler around. Not to mention that there is paint involved. What could go wrong?

I love these bags because they can be personalized to match the recipient and can be made for any season or reason. The color of yarn and stencil do all the work!

What you need:

Yarn

4 inch pin loom (I use the Zoom Loom)

Stencil and paint brush

Paint and some form of paint tray

Scissors, yarn needle

How-to Make a Drawstring Gift Bag

Plain weave 8 four inch squares per gift bag. I sewed the squares together so they were 2 x 4, then folded it in half so it was 2 x 2 with the top open. I always sew on the inside and use the double overcast method. It seems to make the nicest looking join on the front (in my humble opinion) and is sturdy for holding things in the bag.

Next I made a twisted cord. (I started with about 16 feet of yarn, twisted it, folded it in half and let it twist on itself.) Then I turned the bag inside out, folded the top of the bag over the cord, and sewed it to the bag making sure not to sew through the cord. I centered the cord in the bag and tied a knot about eight inches from the bag and trimmed off the rest.

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I bought several stencils at the store making sure they were small enough to fit on a project 8 inches square. I turned the bag right side out, inserted a piece  of paper in the bag (so the paint wouldn’t soak through to the other side), and painted the desired scene. To give it extra pizzazz, I used a Sharpie marker to add shading.

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And voila, I was on my way to making the gift bags I needed. Excuse me now, I need to weave more squares for the rest of the gift bags!

 

Fantail Dishcloth and Crochet Market Bag

Dishcloth+ Series: May’s Fantail Dishcloth and Crochet Market Bag

Crochet Market Bag and Dishcloth

Whether you just want to learn the fantail stitch or are looking for a fun lacy project to crochet, the fantail dishcloth and market bag are two fun projects to make.

The fantail creates a dishie that’s both lacy yet solid that’s perfect for hand washing.

The crochet market bag was designed to be more solid at the base and lacy in the middle to both catch little items that work their way to the bottom of the bag and bulky items that need to stretch.

Dishie and Market Bag

The dishcloth and market bag are crocheted in Fibra Natura Good Earth distributed by Universal Yarn. This cotton linen blend is perfect for going from sink to washing machine and back again.

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