Toy Soldier Gnome Pin Loom Pattern

Make your own little drummer boy with this Toy Soldier Pin Loom Pattern. We’ll show step-by-step how easy it is to turn yarn into a nutcracker gnome with this PDF download. The toy was made with only 4 pin looms.

It’s quite adorable at 11 1/2″ tall. The finished measurements are approximately 6 1/2″ wide x 4 1/2″ deep x 11 1/2″ tall.

When you look closely at the drummer boy, you’ll notice extra little scallops on the sleeves and shoulders, etc. Lucky for us, this is a natural feature if pin loom shapes. It’s little “cheats” like that which give the illusion of grandeur to the toy soldier.

What’s in the Toy Soldier Gnome Pin Loom Pattern

This step-by-step tutorial for the Toy Soldier Gnome includes all of the following:

  • Toy Soldier Gnome Instructions
  • Drum Instructions
  • Step-by-Step Written Instructions
  • 17 Pages
  • 50+ Color Photos and Charts
  • Complete Materials List
  • Helpful Tips

Toy Soldier Gnome Pattern Available on Etsy

The Toy Soldier Gnome Pin Loom Pattern is available in our Etsy Shop.

Available now on Etsy.

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More about the Toy Soldier Gnome Pin Loom Pattern

We rate the Toy Soldier Gnome as intermediate, but it’s very doable by the confident beginner. This gnome is made by folding, rolling and tucking woven shapes. The photos will show you step-by-step how to do that.

Here are the supplies you’ll need to make your own Nutcracker Gnome.

  • Pin Loom Squares: 2” and 4”
  • Pin Loom Rectangles:  1”x4” and 2”x4”
  • Yarn:   Caron Simply Soft –
  • Medium Worsted Weight (4)
  •             BLACK #727 – 55 yds
  •             WHITE #701 – 55 yds
  •             BONE #9388 – 15 yds
  •             HARVEST RED #763 – 75 yds
  •             OCEAN #759 – 40 yds
  •             GOLD #782 – 50 yds
  •             TAUPE #783 – 8 yds
  • Needle:  6” needle for weaving and yarn needle for sewing
  • Stuffing
  • Fringe Twister or premade gold cord – 14”
  • Beans: to weigh the gnome down
  • Fabric Marker: – white, dark, or chalk
  • Pet comb: – metal
  • Steamer (optional)
  • Starch or Hair Spray (optional)

We’ve added a little bonus at the end for turning the drum into a Christmas ornament. This little drummer boy would make a great decoration for a table or fireplace mantel. He’s also a great gift to make for your friends and family who love the Nutcracker ballet or have a passion for drums.

Get your copy of the Toy Soldier Gnome Pin Loom Pattern today.

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Bear Pillow Sewing Pattern

Looking for a bear sewing pattern? Look no further. This step-by-step tutorial will guide you through each step of turning fabric into a cute and cuddly bear pillow. Mix and match your fabric to make your own one of a kind bear.

This sewing project is so much fun, and easy, that we kept coming up with more bears to make. This tutorial is great for making all kinds of bears such as: Asiatic black bear (moon bear), brown bear (including grizzly), giant panda, North American black bear, polar bear, sloth bear, Andean bear (spectacled), and sun bear!

Not only that, this bear pillow is festive, too. One can be made for various holidays by changing out the fabric on the scarf. These are great for new baby, nursery and baby shower gifts, Christmas, Halloween, and going away to college gifts. They also make great gifts for boys and gifts for girls, memory bears, gifts for bear enthusiasts and bears for those who love to cuddle.

They can also be a heartfelt and thoughtful gift for someone that has lost a loved one. Sew the bear with a shirt that belonged to their special person and they can hug it in times of sorrow.

The bear sewing pattern includes:

  • Bear Pillow Pal Rectangular Pillow Pattern
  • Panda Bear Instructions
  • Bamboo Instructions
  • Step-by-Step Written Instructions
  • 25+ Color Photos
  • 10 Printable Template Pages (8.5″x11″)
  • Complete Materials List
  • Helpful Tips
  • Information About Sewing Machine Settings
  • Links to helpful videos

The finished measurements of the bear pillow are approximately 16″ wide x 3 1/2″ deep x 12″ tall. The templates are drawn at 100% and can be printed on 8.5″ x 11″ paper. So you’ll need to cut out the templates and tape pieces together.

Bear Pillow Available on Etsy

Our bear pillow sewing pattern is available in our Etsy Shop.

Available now on Etsy.

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More About the Bear Pillow Pattern

Bonus: Panda and Bamboo are included!

This bear pillow pattern can be sewn in an afternoon if you have all the supplies. Here’s what you’ll need to sew your own bear pillow:

  • Pattern Pieces: Template included with pattern
  • Fabric: Head Color: 20” x 10”
  • Snout Color: 12” x 5”
  • Scarf Color: 25” x 12”
  • Bamboo: 25” x 4” per stalk
  • Felt: Black – 1 sheet (10” x 5”)
  • Thread: To match felt and fabric
  • Straight Pins and Needle
  • Stuffing: Approximately 8-10 oz of Poly-fil or 12”x16” pillow form
  • Scissors
  • Sewing Machine
  • Pencil, Pen or Chaulk

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Even More about the Bear Sewing Pattern

This is a great pattern for sewists of all abilities from the brand new to the seasoned enthusiast. The tutorial includes information about how to set up your sewing machine and different stitches to use. Three different stitches were used on the bear because sometimes the fabric is sewn on the right side and sometimes on the wrong side.

The pattern will take you step-by-step with written instructions and helpful color photos. Helpful tips and included as well as links to videos that will show you different sewing techniques.

So, pick out your fabric and head over to Etsy for your copy of the Bear Pillow Sewing Pattern.

This pattern is for your eyes only. We encourage you to give away or sell your finished projects and ask that you mention Yarnovations.com as designer. Thanks.

Get your copy of the Bear Pillow Sewing Pattern on Etsy.

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Pin Loom Chef Gnome

Pin Loom Chef Gnome. Photo Matt Graves

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!

Sheep Pillow Published in Little Looms

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.

Giraffe Pin Loom Pillow in Little Looms

The worlds tallest mammal is now the worlds tallest pin loom pillow. Ok, we just made that up. But it might be true. This giraffe pin loom body pillow measures approximately 16″ wide x 49″ tall. If it’s not the tallest pin loom pillow, we don’t know what is!

Kick back and relax with your very own cozy long-necked friend. This large pin loom body pillow has a quilt-like front and a fabric back, sewn together with a binding edge. There is shaping and layering on the nose portion of the giraffe, otherwise, each woven shape is sewn to the shapes next to it like a puzzle.

Giraffe Pin Loom Pillow available at Little Looms

We designed the Giraffe Pin Loom Pillow for Little Looms magazine and it made it’s debut in the Little Looms Magazine Winter 2022. To get the pattern, you can purchase a digital copy of the magazine or join their all access program. Learn more on the Little Looms website.

About the Giraffe Pin Loom Body Pillow Pattern

As we’ve said, this giraffe pillow is tall, so there are a lot of shapes to weave. It’s kind of like weaving a lapghan only more cuddly. To cut down on the weaving, we’ve attached a fabric back. But you could certainly weave squares for the back as well.

Everything is woven in plain weave.

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own Giraffe Pin Loom Pillow:

  • Pin Loom Squares: 1”, 2”, and 4”
  • Pin Loom Triangles: 2” and 4” right triangles
  • Pin Loom Rectangles: 2” x 4” and 2” x 6”
  • Needle: 7″ weaving needle; tapestry needle; sewing needle
  • Sewing Machine (though you could hand stitch the project)
  • Yarns Lion Brand Heartland (100% acrylic; 251 yd/5 oz), #173 Everglades, 370 yd; #158 Yellowstone, 160 yd; #124 Big Bend, 70 yd; #153 Black Canyon, 1 yd.
  • Fiber-fil
  • 17” x 50” fabric
  • 4 yds brown double fold ¼” bias tape,
  • brown thread

Enjoy!

Scrubby Dishcloths

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.

Knit

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.

Crochet

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.

Pin Loom Woven

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.

Pin Loom Corn

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

  1. Plain weave four 2” x 6” rectangles in Kelly Green.
  2. Texture weave four 4” squares in Lemon using the texture weave.
  3. Sew the 4 textured Lemon squares together to make a 2 x 2 square.
  4. Fold the square in half with the wrong side facing and sew along 8” side to make a cylinder.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Stuff. (I add a foam ball in the middle so I can stick the chopstick/skewer into it to make a yard pick.)
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. Sew all four husks/leaves together along the bottom half to make a 1 x 4 rectangle.
  11. Fold in half so that the unsewn ends are all in the same direction. Sew along the bottom 3”.
  12. 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.
  13. Place the corn in the husk as far as it will go and tack into place with Kelly Green.
  14. 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.

Crochet Stars!

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.

Little Looms 2017 Patterns

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?

Crochet Cable Dishcloth and Tea Towel

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

Dishcloth and Tea Towel with crochet cables

Create stunning cables in these two lovely kitchen accessories.

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

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

Buy Now on Etsy

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

Available on Etsy.

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