Swatch Critters from the Pin Loom: Step-by-Step Instructions for Making 30 Cuddly Animals from Woven Squares

This fun, easy-to-follow guide from fiber artist Essen (Easy Weaving with Supplemental Warps) shows readers how to weave squares with knitting yarn on a pin loom and stitch them together to form stuffed animals, like a turtle, panda bear, or owl. Users will need a pin loom that weaves four-inch squares; Essen used the “Zoom Loom” created by the Schacht Spindle Company. The opening chapters teach weaving basics, like how to wind the yarn onto the loom and how to choose the best yarn for each project. She then explains common shapes that will form the base of each critter. For example, stitching together two squares into a small, closed tube creates the bodies of a sheep, goat, llama, or lion. The remaining chapters are how-tos for specific creatures, each of which is named after a location in Essen’s home state of Montana. The most eye-catching are those that are cohesive and three-dimensional without looking patched together, like Eureka the Unicorn, Pablo the Peacock, and Bridger the Bison. Throughout, photos clearly illustrate Essen’s instructions, which are inclusive to right- and left-handed weavers. Textile artists looking for a quick, portable project will be especially pleased. (Aug.)