Otter Family Sewing Pattern

These stuffed animals are Otterly adorable! Sew a momma and pup with this fun and easy step-by-step sewing pattern PDF with templates. Don’t forget the fish! The otter and fish each come in two sizes.

Here’s what’s included in the Otter Sewing Pattern

  • Otter Sewing Pattern Includes:
  • Otter in 2 sizes: 14″ and 11.5″ long
  • Fish in 2 sizes: 3 5/8″ and 2 3/4″ long
  • Traceable Templates
  • 20 Pages
  • 30+ Color Photos
  • Step-by-Step Written Instructions
  • Helpful tips

Reviews of our Sewing Patterns

  • “Wonderful pattern, was very easy to follow and the images were very helpful.”
  • “This pattern was exactly as advertised and met my expectations. The instruction were great and easy to follow.”
  • “Great project! Easy and clear assembly directions!”

Otter and Fish Sewing Pattern on Etsy

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About the Otter and Fish Sewing Pattern

The otter and fish are great projects for upcycling and recycling fabric. We used old sheets to create these. Here’s what you’ll need to sew your own stuffed animal otter and fish:

  • Pattern Pieces: Templates included
  • Fabric (per otter/fish):
    • Brown – 18” x 21”
    • Tan – 4 ½” x 2”
      • Fish Head – 1 ½” x 2”
      • Fish Body – 2 ½” x 6”
  • Felt:
    • Black – 1” x 1”
    • Off White – 2” x 3”
  • Needle and Thread: brown, black, off white
  • Safety Eyes: (2) per animal; black; 12mm for the otter, 5 mm for the fish
  • Straight Pins
  • Stuffing and Chopstick
  • Scissors
  • Seam Ripper
  • Pencil or Washable Marker
  • Fabric Glue optional
  • Wire Cutter optional
  • Sewing Machine

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Roman Soldier Gnome Pin Loom Pattern

It’s easier than you think to pin loom weave your own Roman Soldier. This step-by-step pattern will guide you every step of the way – showing you how to fold, tuck and sew squares and rectangles into a Roman Soldier Gnome including a helmet, spear, and shield.

Reviews of Our Pin Loom Patterns

Here’s what people are saying about 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!”

The Roman Soldier Gnome Pin Loom Pattern is available in our Etsy shop.

About the Roman Soldier Gnome Pin Loom Pattern

The Roman Soldier Gnome measures approximately 13″ tall x 9″ wide and 5″ deep while holding the shield. This toy soldier tutorial includes:

  • Gnome Instructions
  • Helmet, Shield, Spear, Belt, etc. Instructions
  • Step by Step Written Instructions
  • 16 Pages
  • 40+ photos

Roman Soldier Gnome Pattern on Etsy

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More about the Roman Soldier Pin Loom Pattern

The Roman Soldier Gnome is made with only 5 pin looms. We use these sizes a lot. Here’s what you’ll need to make your own woven warrior:

  • Pin Looms: Square: 2” and 4”
  • Pin Looms: Rectangle: 1” x 4”, 2” x 4” and 2” x 6”
  • Yarn: Lion Brand: Basic Stitch – Medium (4)
    • RED HEATHER #400G – 100 yds
    • ALMOND #121L – 40 yds
    • SILVER HEATHER #404J – 100 yds
    • WHITE #100 – 120 yds
    • MUSTARD #158I – 20 yds
    • MAHOGANY #126AL – 40 yds
  • Needle: 6” needle for weaving and yarn needle for sewing
  • Stuffing
  • Beans: to weigh the gnome down
  • Felt: gold, 2” square
  • Fabric Glue
  • Skewer: 8 ½” long, wooden
  • Fabric Marker: – white, dark
  • Pins
  • Pet comb: – metal
  • Steamer (optional)
  • Spray Starch (optional)

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Bottlenose Dolphin Sewing Pattern

Looking for a beginner friendly sewing tutorial? Try this fun and easy Bottlenose Dolphin Sewing Pattern. It has step-by-step instructions, lots of photos and is great for brand new sewists.

*coral not included.

bottle nose dolphin sewing pattern

We love making patterns for people new to sewing. The bottlenose dolphin is a great first project. The end result is something fun to hold and to hug. Here’s what’s included in the tutorial:

  • Dolphin Instructions
  • Tracing Templates
  • Step by Step Written Instructions
  • 13 Pages
  • 20 Photos

Reviews of Our Sewing Patterns

  • “Wonderful pattern, was very easy to follow and the images were very helpful.”
  • “This pattern was exactly as advertised and met my expectations. The instruction were great and easy to follow.”
  • “Great project! Easy and clear assembly directions!”

Bottlenose Dolphin Pattern on Etsy

The Bottlenose Dolphin Pattern is now available on Etsy. This is a beginner friendly step-by-step tutorial with photos.

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The Bottlenose Dolphin Sewing Pattern

Real dolphins can grow to be up to 13 feel long and 660 pounds. Ours is bit smaller than that. This bottlenose dolphin stuffed animal measures approximately 10 1/4″ long x 3″ wide x 4 1/2″ tall. It can be made with traditional grey and white fabric or other bright and colorful fabrics, too. This is a great project to reuse fabric you have on hand like old bed sheets.

The supplies list is very minimal for this beginner friendly sewing pattern. To make the bottlenose dolphin stuffed animal you’ll need:

  • Pattern Pieces: templates at the end of the pattern
  • Fabric: Grey – 12” x 10”, White – 12” x 3 ½”
  • Felt or Stabilizer (optional): White – 4” x 6”
  • Needle and Thread: Grey
  • Safety Eyes: (2) 10mm
  • Straight Pins
  • Fabric Glue
  • Stuffing and Chopstick
  • Scissors
  • Pencil or Washable Marker

Get the pattern and make a bottlenose dolphin today!

Bottlenose Dolphin Sewing Pattern on Etsy

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Santa Gnome Pin Loom Pattern

Is that you, Santa Claus?

Weave your own Santa with gift sack with this easy to follow step-by-step tutorial for Pin Loom Weaving. This pattern is beginner friendly – everything is woven in plain weave and the tutorial shows you how to tuck, roll and cinch pin loom woven squares and rectangles into jolly old St. Nick gnome / stuffed toy.

The Santa Gnome Pin Loom Pattern includes:

  • Santa Claus Gnome
  • Santa Gift Sack
  • Step by Step Written Instructions
  • 40+ Color Photos
  • 18 Pages

The Santa Gnome Pin Loom Pattern is available on Etsy

This Santa Gnome Pin Loom Pattern step by step tutorial is now available in our Etsy Shop.

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More about Santa Gnome Pin Loom Pattern

This version of Kris Kringle, aka Santa Claus, is made with worsted weight yarn. He’s approximately 12″ tall x 7″ wide x 4 1/2″ deep.

Only 3 pin looms are needed to make this festive home decor Santa Gnome. We use these pin looms all the time, especially in our Gnome series. You’ll need:

  • Square 4″
  • Rectangle 2″x4″
  • Rectangle 1″x4″

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Materials Needed to Make Papa Noel

Chances are, you have most of the tools you’ll need to make this Papa Noel, aka Santa Claus, Gnome. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Pin Looms: Squares: 4”
  • Pin Looms: Rectangles: 2” x 4” and 1” x 4”
  • Yarn: Lion Brand: Basic Stitch – Medium (4)
    • RED HEATHER #400g – 175 yds
    • BLACK #153 – 32 yds
    • ALMOND #121l – 16 yds
    • WHITE #100 – 132 yds
    • MUSTARD #158 – 4 yds
  • Needle: 6” needle for weaving and yarn needle for sewing
  • Stuffing
  • Beans: to weigh the gnome down
  • Fringe Twister, Gold Cord or Braided Yarn
  • Fabric Marker/Chalk: – white, dark
  • Straight Pins – (optional)
  • Pet Comb – metal (optional)
  • 1 ½” pompom maker
  • Steamer (optional)

Santa by Any Other Name

Santa Claus is known by many names: St. Nicholas, Sinterklaas, Kris Kringle, Papa Noel, and Father Christmas. No matter what you call him, this Gnome is sure to bring festive cheer this holiday season with a “Ho, Ho, Ho” and “Merry Christmas” to everyone you know.

Get Your Santa Gnome Pin Loom Pattern

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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?

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.

img_3525

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!

 

Dishcloth and Plant Holder Pattern

Who says dishcloths have to be square? This month’s dishie pattern is a beautiful pentagonal cloth made from FibraNatura Good Earth distributed by Universal Yarns. Though I stopped with an 8″ dishcloth, it could be made in any size. It’s the perfect dishcloth for washing and scrubbing as well as gift giving.

This lovely dishcloth would also be great as a doily or as a hot pad.

thumbnail_star-dishie

I fell in love with this design so much, I decided to turn it into a plant holder! The plant holder starts with a pentagonal base, with the side supports crocheted around that. Because of the design, it can hold various sized pots a little smaller or larger than 1.46 quarts.

thumbnail_holding-plant

Plants make a house so homey. Plant some ivy or perhaps some spices. Turn your kitchen into a living space!

Finished Measurements:

  • Dishcloth: 8″
  • Plant Holder: 26 x 4 1/2″, holds a 1.46 qt pot

PDF Instant Download Now Available

The Dishcloth+ Series: Pentagonal Dishcloth and Plant Holder is now available in our Etsy Store.

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