Horse Drawstring Backpack

March 13, 2025 by ·

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!

Filed Under: Animals, Appliques, Bags, Boy, Child, Girl, Patterns for Sale, Sewing, Yarnovator · Tagged With: , , , ,

Bison Drawstring Backpack Sewing Pattern

January 24, 2025 by ·

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.

Bison Drawstring Backpack Sewing Pattern Available on Etsy

You can instantly download your copy of the Bison Drawstring Backpack Sewing Pattern right now on Etsy.

Available now on Etsy!

Buy the pattern on etsy

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.

Buy the Bison Drawstring Backpack Sewing Pattern

The Bison Drawstring Backpack Sewing Pattern is available for immediate download in our Etsy Shop: Yarnovationsshop.

Avaialable now on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy
Filed Under: Animals, Appliques, Bags, Baseball, Basketball, Boy, Child, Football, Girl, Patterns for Sale, Soccer, Sports, Yarnovator · Tagged With: , , , , ,

3″ Pillow Christmas Ornaments

July 18, 2024 by ·

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

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

3″ Pillow Christmas Ornament Sewing Pattern

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

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

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

What Others Say About Our Sewing Patterns

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

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

3″ Pillow Christmas Ornament Available on Etsy

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

Available now on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

What Icons Are Included?

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

Wedding, Bridal Shower, Quinceañera, Sweet 16, Prom

  • Lips
  • Mustache
  • Dress

School, Students and Teachers

  • Graduation Cap
  • Star
  • Shooting Star
  • Apple

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

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

Other Hobbies

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

Special Occasions, Christmas, Birthday, Valentine’s Day

  • Heart
  • Pine Tree
  • Balloons

Share the Love, Pin an Image to Pinterest

Share the love by pinning one or more of these images to pinterest.

We so appreciate it. Thank you.

Upcycle Clothing to Make 3″ Pillow Christmas Ornaments

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

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

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

Pillow Christmas Ornament Sewing Pattern

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

Available now on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy
Filed Under: 4th of July, Adult, Animals, Appliques, Armed Forces Day, Baby, Birthday, Boy, Bridal Shower, Child, Christmas, Easter, Father's Day, Flowers, Girl, Great as Gifts, Home Decor, Mother's Day, Patterns for Sale, Sewing, Valentine's Day, Wedding, Yarnovator · Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Crochet Stars!

June 18, 2018 by ·

Seeing (Crocheted) Stars!

You are a star! And now your projects can light up like them too, with these quick, fun and beautiful crocheted stars. They are so fun to make, you will want to put them everywhere! They are great for greeting cards, wall hangings, pallet art, and so much more! Add sparkle to your stars by using glittery or sequined yarn.

I’ve written the instructions for multiple sizes, so you can add stars to any project. No yarn size or hook size is listed as you should use the yarn and hook size that most fits the size project you are making. For the smallest stars, I recommend using crochet thread and size 2 hooks. Otherwise, I use size 3 or 4 yarn with a C-E hook. Medium stars are great for size 4 yarn with size F-J hooks. The large star looks great in size 4-6 yarn using hooks sized G and up. The size of yarn and hook really will depend on the project you are making.

These are 5 pointed stars, though you can make more points if desired. Because the stars are individual points, (as opposed to connected points), the points tend to curl. Pin and spray starch them to lay flat, unless you are sewing, gluing or stapling them to a project!

The large star uses a special linked stitch so there is not a big gap between the center circle and the bottom of the point. Linking the point is not necessary. I only linked it on projects where I didn’t want what appeared to be a hole.

Special Abbreviation

Linked double treble crochet (Ldtrc): YO 3 times, insert hook in stitch indicated, YO and pull through, YO and pull through 2 loops on hook, skip a stitch on Rnd 2, insert hook in next st of Rnd 2, YO and pull through and pull through 2 loops on hook, YO and pull through 2 loops on hook, YO and pull through 2 loops on hook.

SMALL STAR

Ch 2 or use magic circle/magic ring
Rnd 1: Work 10 sc in second ch from hook or in magic ring. Join with a sl st. (10)
Rnd 2: Make 5 points as follows: *Ch 4, work in back bump of ch sts, sc in second ch from hook, hdc in next ch, dc in next ch, skip a st on Rnd 1, sl st in next st* (on point made), repeat 4 more times. Fasten off. Cut yarn leaving a tail if sewing on a project.

 

MEDIUM STAR

Ch 2 or use magic circle/magic ring
Rnd 1: Work 7 sc in second ch from hook or in magic ring. Join with a sl st. (7)
Rnd 2: Work 3 sc in first st, work 2 sc in each st around. (15)
Rnd 3: Make 5 points as follows: *Ch 5, work in the back bump of the ch sts, sc in second ch from hook, hdc in next ch, dc in next ch, trc in next ch, skip two sts on Rnd 2, sl st in next st* (one point made), repeat four more times. Fasten off. Cut yarn leaving a tail if sewing on a project.

 

LARGE STAR

Ch 4, join with a sl st.
Rnd 1: Ch 1, 10 dc in ring. Join with a sl st. (10)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, 2 dc in each st around. Join with a sl st. (20)
Rnd 3: Make 5 points as follows: *Ch 7, work in the back bump of the ch sts, sl st in second ch from hook, sc in next, hdc in next, dc in next, trc in next, ldtrc in last st, skip a st on Rnd 2, sl st* (one point made), repeat four more times. Fasten off. Cut yarn leaving a tail if sewing it on a project.

Filed Under: 4th of July, Appliques, Crochet, Events, Holidays & Special Occasions, Home, Home Decor, Yarnovator · Tagged With: , , ,

Vote in Witchy Twins Face Off with Anne Geddes

September 15, 2015 by ·

Vote in the Twins Face Off Crochet Design Challenge with Anne Geddes Baby

For this Twins Face Off crochet challenge we used Anne Geddes Baby yarn. It’s up to you to choose, which crocheted Witch Accessory you like better. After you vote below, scroll down to enter the giveaway for your chance to win 4 skeins of Anne Geddes Baby from Red Heart and a copy of both crochet patterns.

Giveaway ends September 21, 2015 at midnight.

Twins Face Off Witch Hat and Scarf

Left: Witch Hat with Dangling Spider    Right: Extra Long Striped Scarf with skull and spider web applique. See more photos.

crochet witch accessories

The hat and scarf were designed this month to coordinate with some gloves and leg warmers that we crocheted earlier this year. See more photos of the Witch Way, This Way crochet pattern.

The vote is annonymous, so vote with confidence.

Vote

[poll id=”11″]

Enter Anne Geddes Baby Giveaway

US & Canada Only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Adult, Appliques, Halloween, Hat, Mittens, Scarves, Cowls & Shrugs, Twins Face Off Design Challenge · Tagged With: , ,

Blog Tour with Crochetville

March 9, 2015 by ·

We’re Part of the Crochetville Blog Tour

CrochetvilleTo celebrate National Crochet Month (NatCroMo), Deborah and I joined the Crochetville Blog Tour! It is a whole lot of fun. We are highlighted on March 9. We answer lots of questions about our journey as crochet designers. You can read more about the us, the Yarn Twins on Crochetville. There are two crochet designers highlighted each day in March. It’s absolutely fascinating to read about so many talented crocheters.

Alternative Uses for to Victorian Lace Gift Card Holder

Victorian Lace Gift Card HolderFor National Crochet Month 2015 we shared a free pattern for a Victorian Lace Gift Card Holder. Today I also want to share with you a alternate uses for the various parts and pieces of the pattern.

The gift card holder itself can be used multiple ways. The friend I made this for is using it as a business card holder!

  • Gift Card Holder
  • Business Card Holder
  • Credit Card Wallet
  • Perks / Reward Cards to various businesses

The flower on the gift card holder is a lot of fun. It’s amazing how different it looks when crocheted with different yarns.

flower gallery

Acrylic Yarns from various companies were used in the flowers above. From left to right:

  1. Bernat Handicrafter Thread
    Bottom flower is single stranded with steel hook – 1″ across.
    Top flower is double stranded with D Hook – 1 1/2″ across.
  2. Caron Simply Soft with H Hook – 2″ across.
  3. Vanna’s Choice with I Hook – 2 1/2″ across.
  4. Red Heart (yellow: Super Saver, pink: Love)
    Bottom flower is single stranded with I Hook – 1 3/4″ across.
    Top flower is double stranded with L Hook – 3 3/4″ across.

Flowers can be used to dress up lots of things, handmade or store bought. Here are a couple of ways we’ve used the flowers:

Mittens dressed with flowers

It’s really fun to pin the flowers to a pair of mittens. Here is a pair of mittens our sister-in-law made for Deborah for Christmas one year.

Headband and flowers

Flowers look adorable on headbands. I’ve attached the thread flowers to a headband Deborah bought for me when living in China.

Want More Flowers

We’ve used flowers in various designs. Here are a few:

Bath-Salts-Jar-Cozy     Hiking-Buddy-Mini-Purse     Red-Heart-Mothers-Day-Bouquet

 

 

Filed Under: Appliques, Flowers, Mittens · Tagged With: , ,

Crochet Football Newborn Outfit Crochet Pattern

December 9, 2014 by ·

Crochet Football Newborn Outfit & Team Hats for the Whole Family – Crochet Pattern

Newborn-Football-Photo-prop-crochet-pattern

Hey football fans! Newborns score big with this newborn football outfit. This PDF ebook also includes hats for the whole family…so everyone can get into the game!

The Football Set crochet pattern ebook is now available in the store.

Football Set pattern available on Etsy.

Pattern includes:

  • Newborn Helmet
  • Newborn Football Mitts
  • Newborn Cleats Booties
  • Newborn Jersey Sweater
  • 5 Beanie Hat Sizes – 3 mos to adult men
  • 3 Jersey Sweater Sizes – newborn to 24 mos
  • Number Appliques: 1, 2, 3

Newborn-Football-Outfit-Crochet-PatternNewborn Football Outfit

With a newborn in the family, we couldn’t resist crocheting a newborn photo prop to celebrate football season. And you know how it is…once we made some mitts, we couldn’t resist making some booties. Then we thought…if the little guy is really going to get into the game, he needs a helmet and jersey, too!

So, the newborn football outfit is born. But we couldn’t even stop there. We wanted to get the whole family involved.

Football-Team-HatsFootball Beanies – Hats for the Whole Family

Football is a fall and winter sport…and for lots of teams, you need a hat when you go to the game.

The pattern includes striped beanie hats for ages 3 mos to adult men.

Mix and match the colors to match your favorite teams.

And there’s more.

Football-Jersey-Baby-SweatersFootball Jersey – Sweater for Newborn to 24 mos.

We’ve included instructions for making the jersey (sweaters for babies) newborn to 24 mos. Crochet the number of your favorite player or the birth order of the child wearing the sweater.

We’ve included instructions for the numbers 1, 2 and 3.

Football Set – Available Now in the Store

The Football Set is now available in the store as a PDF.

Football Set pattern available on Etsy.

The pattern includes written instructions, lots of photos, checkboxes to mark your progress, supplies list and more.

Available in the Store

Filed Under: Accessories, Adult, Age & Gender, Appliques, Baby, Boy, Child, Football, Girl, Hat, Holidays & Special Occasions, Mittens, Patterns for Sale, Sports, Super Bowl · Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Baseball Bean Bag, Blanket & Flags Crochet Pattern

March 23, 2014 by ·

Baseball Play Set: Bean Bag, Baby Blanket, Bunting and Pennant – Crochet Pattern

Baseball Bean Bag Play Set

If you’re a big time baseball fan, you’ll love this crochet pattern.

This Super Sized baseball is a bean bag chair! Yep, we crocheted a cozy to fit around a standard bean bag chair (we picked up at Walmart).

And of course, we couldn’t stop there. We created a matching baby blanket. It’s the perfect size to use as a lapghan or play mat.

To set it all off, we created some decorative flags. Create your own bunting and pennants in the colors of your favorite team.

Pattern Includes:

  • Baseball Bean Bag Chair
  • Ball Diamond Baby Blanket
  • “Play Ball” Bunting
  • “Go Team” Pennant
  • Baseball Applique

Baseball Set Crochet Pattern Available in the Store

Available on Etsy: Here

Learn more about the crochet pattern for the Baseball Set in the store.

Available in the Store

baseball set backYou can buy the whole set or individual pieces. Learn more:

Filed Under: Afghan, Appliques, Baby, Baseball, Bean Bag - Pouf, Boy, Child, Patterns for Sale, Sports · Tagged With: , , , , ,

Boston “B” – Photos of Each Row

February 14, 2014 by ·

Crochet Boston B – More Details

Boston fans asked us for more photos on how we crocheted the B we blogged about on our post: Boston Red Sox – Crochet B Applique.

Here are some tips and photos that may help.

Tips:

  1. First crochet this with a worsted weight yarn (4) and a J hook. Once you are comfortable with it, then switch to a C hook for a nice tight applique.
  2. There are slip stitches that are worked into a chain and the side of a single crochet. If that’s too complex, just sl st into the ch.
  3. Take liberty to wing it. If you aren’t liking how your B is looking…try inserting your hook in different places and using different stitches to get the look you want. It won’t hurt our feelings if you don’t follow our pattern to the letter. =)

Crochet Boston B Photo Help

“B” INSTRUCTIONS

B Row 1

Ch 13

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook. Ch 3. Sl st into 2nd ch from hook. Ch 1. Work sl st in 1st ch made in the ch-3 and side of last sc made. 5 sc. In next st work sc, ch 3 and sc. 5 sc, ch 3. Sl st into 2nd ch from hook. Ch 1. Work sl st in 1st ch made in the ch-3 and side of last sc made.

B Row 2

Row 2: Work on the other side of the foundation ch. Sc inc. Ch 10, skip 4 sts, sc (in sp opposite of ch-3 sp), ch 10, skip 5 sts, sc, sl st on top of work.

B Row 3

Row 3: Turn, skip the sl st. 6 sc, ch 3. Work sl st into 3rd ch from hook and side of last sc made. 4 sc, skip a st, sc dec, 3 sc. Ch 3. Work sl st into 3rd ch from hook and side of last sc made. 6 sc, 2 sl st (last sl st will be on top of the B). Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.

OUTLINE INSTRUCTIONS

B Row 4

There is no “right side” to the letter. Choose which side you want to be the top.

In the back loop only, loosely sl st around the outside of the “B” and the inside holes. If your sl sts are tight, the “B” will bunch making it harder to stretch the “B” to its desired form when pinning it to the hat. Finish off and weave in ends.

Attach the B to a little baby baseball cap. Check out the Baseball pattern set on Etsy.

Filed Under: Appliques · Tagged With: , ,

Sock Monkey Toys and Gifts Crochet Pattern

January 14, 2014 by ·

Sock Monkey Toys and Gifts Crochet Pattern

Sock Monkey Toys and Gifts

Hey all you Sock Monkey lovers out there….we’ve done it again. We’ve created some toys and cozies that you are gonna love and brought them all together in one set.

Mini Sock Monkey

This mini sock monkey is the perfect size for carrying around with you wherever you go. He can be made into a key chain, a backpack buddy or even an office accessory.

Sock Monkey Christmas Ornament

The sock monkey ornament takes on the shape of a traditional Christmas ball, but with the face of sock monkey! He loves hanging on the tree!

Sock Monkey Applique

The sock monkey applique is the perfect size for sewing to bags, scarves, hats and more. We’ve sewn it to a cozy…making it a fun gift idea!

Trio of CoziesSock Monkey Cozies

We love cozies. This pattern includes two unique designs in three sizes each. There are directions for mason jars, mugs and tapered cups/glasses! That’s six cozy patterns!

There are two delicious recipes, too! You can make monkey bread in the morning and banana pudding for dessert in the evening!

Sock Monkey Toys and Gifts – Available in the Store

The Sock Monkey Toy and Gift Set is available in the store.

Sock Monkey Toy and Gift Set also available on Etsy.

Available in the Store

That’s 9 crochet patterns and 2 recipes! See the store for more details.

Filed Under: Adult, Animals, Appliques, Child, Christmas, Cozy, Great as Gifts, Home, Kitchen, Mason Jar Series, Patterns for Sale · Tagged With: , , , , , ,
Next Page »