Crochet Tutorial: Meadow Post & Library Treehouse with Woodland Animals – Free Crochet Pattern.

This detailed woodland play mat features a tall library treehouse surrounded by leafy branches, glowing lanterns, miniature books, two hanging swings, lavender stems, garden beds, stepping stones, spotted mushrooms, flowers, vegetables, and a Meadow Post sign. Four woodland characters complete the scene: a gardener mouse, a squirrel with a vegetable wheelbarrow, a reading mouse, and a mouse wearing a blue dress on the tree swing.

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Pattern Overview

• Skill level: Intermediate to advanced.
• Terminology: US crochet terms.
• Finished mat diameter: Approximately 34–36 inches.
• Finished tree height: Approximately 14 inches, excluding the tallest lavender stems.
• Finished animal height: Approximately 4–5 inches.
• Construction: The mat, tree, animals, garden pieces, mushrooms, books, and decorations are crocheted separately and sewn together.
• Important: The finished project is intended as a decorative display. Internal wire is recommended for the branches, tails, lavender stems, and swing ropes. Omit wire when making the project for a young child.

Materials

• Worsted-weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn in meadow green, approximately 900–1,100 yards for the mat.
• DK-weight yarn in medium brown, dark brown, chocolate brown, tan, beige, cream, white, gray, black, sage green, olive green, forest green, pale green, lavender, purple, pale blue, denim blue, yellow, gold, orange, rust, red, pink, and burgundy.
• 4 mm crochet hook for the meadow mat.
• 2.5 mm crochet hook for the tree, animals, mushrooms, and larger accessories.
• 2 mm crochet hook for flowers, leaves, books, vegetables, and facial details.
• Polyester fiberfill.
• Yarn needle.
• Stitch markers.
• Black, brown, pink, and white embroidery thread.
• Two pairs of 6 mm safety eyes for the mice.
• One pair of 7 mm safety eyes for the squirrel.
• Plastic canvas or firm craft felt for the tree base, library shelves, sign, and wheelbarrow.
• Craft wire or pipe cleaners for the branches, roots, animal tails, lavender stems, and swing ropes.
• Fabric-safe craft glue for securing hidden structural pieces.
• Small amount of translucent yellow felt, optional, for the lantern glow panels.

Abbreviations

• MR: Magic ring.
• ch: Chain.
• sl st: Slip stitch.
• sc: Single crochet.
• hdc: Half double crochet.
• dc: Double crochet.
• tr: Treble crochet.
• inc: Work 2 single crochet stitches in the same stitch.
• dec: Single crochet 2 stitches together.
• BLO: Back loop only.
• FLO: Front loop only.
• st or sts: Stitch or stitches.
• FO: Fasten off.

Gauge and Working Notes

For the small pieces, the exact gauge is less important than producing a firm fabric that does not show stuffing. With DK yarn and a 2.5 mm hook, aim for approximately 22 single crochet stitches and 24 rounds per 4 inches.

For the meadow mat, aim for approximately 15 double crochet stitches and 8 rounds per 4 inches. Keep the circle flat by changing hook size slightly when necessary. Use a larger hook if the mat cups and a smaller hook if the edge ripples.

• Work amigurumi pieces in continuous rounds unless instructed otherwise.
• Use a stitch marker to identify the first stitch of every round.
• Stuff each piece gradually and firmly without stretching the stitches.
• Leave long sewing tails on all pieces that will be attached later.
• All placement measurements are approximate and may be adjusted slightly to maintain visual balance.

Large Circular Meadow Mat

Use meadow-green worsted-weight yarn and the 4 mm hook. Join each round with a slip stitch and chain 3 at the beginning. The beginning chain counts as the first double crochet.

1. Round 1: Work 12 dc into an MR. Join to the first dc. 12 sts.
2. Round 2: Work 2 dc in every stitch around. 24 sts.
3. Round 3: Repeat 1 dc, 2 dc in the next stitch around. 36 sts.
4. Round 4: Repeat 2 dc, 2 dc in the next stitch around. 48 sts.
5. Round 5: Repeat 3 dc, 2 dc in the next stitch around. 60 sts.
6. Round 6: Repeat 4 dc, 2 dc in the next stitch around. 72 sts.
7. Round 7: Repeat 5 dc, 2 dc in the next stitch around. 84 sts.
8. Round 8: Repeat 6 dc, 2 dc in the next stitch around. 96 sts.
9. Round 9: Repeat 7 dc, 2 dc in the next stitch around. 108 sts.
10. Round 10: Repeat 8 dc, 2 dc in the next stitch around. 120 sts.
11. Round 11: Repeat 9 dc, 2 dc in the next stitch around. 132 sts.
12. Round 12: Repeat 10 dc, 2 dc in the next stitch around. 144 sts.
13. Round 13: Repeat 11 dc, 2 dc in the next stitch around. 156 sts.
14. Round 14: Repeat 12 dc, 2 dc in the next stitch around. 168 sts.
15. Round 15: Repeat 13 dc, 2 dc in the next stitch around. 180 sts.
16. Round 16: Repeat 14 dc, 2 dc in the next stitch around. 192 sts.
17. Round 17: Repeat 15 dc, 2 dc in the next stitch around. 204 sts.
18. Round 18: Repeat 16 dc, 2 dc in the next stitch around. 216 sts.
19. Round 19: Repeat 17 dc, 2 dc in the next stitch around. 228 sts.
20. Round 20: Repeat 18 dc, 2 dc in the next stitch around. 240 sts.
21. Round 21: Repeat 19 dc, 2 dc in the next stitch around. 252 sts.
22. Round 22: Repeat 20 dc, 2 dc in the next stitch around. 264 sts.
23. Round 23: Repeat 21 dc, 2 dc in the next stitch around. 276 sts.
24. Round 24: Repeat 22 dc, 2 dc in the next stitch around. 288 sts.
25. Round 25: Repeat 23 dc, 2 dc in the next stitch around. 300 sts.
26. Round 26: Repeat 24 dc, 2 dc in the next stitch around. 312 sts.
27. Round 27: Repeat 25 dc, 2 dc in the next stitch around. 324 sts.
28. Round 28: Repeat 26 dc, 2 dc in the next stitch around. 336 sts.
29. Round 29: Repeat 27 dc, 2 dc in the next stitch around. 348 sts.
30. Round 30: Repeat 28 dc, 2 dc in the next stitch around. 360 sts.
31. Round 31: Chain 1 and work 1 sc in every stitch around. Join. 360 sts.
32. Round 32: Repeat: skip 4 stitches, work 4 dc, ch 2, and 4 dc in the next stitch, skip 4 stitches, sl st in the next stitch. Repeat 36 times.
33. Round 33: Slip stitch to the first shell. Work 1 sc in each of the first 4 dc, 3 sc in the ch-2 space, and 1 sc in each of the next 4 dc. Sl st into the previous round’s slip stitch. Repeat around.

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Fasten off and weave in the ends. Steam lightly from the wrong side without flattening the raised scallops.

Central Library Tree Trunk

Trunk Base and Main Body

Use medium-brown DK yarn and the 2.5 mm hook. The trunk is worked from the bottom upward. Insert a circular piece of plastic canvas inside the base before stuffing so the tree remains upright.

1. Round 1: Work 6 sc in an MR. 6 sts.
2. Round 2: Inc in each stitch. 12 sts.
3. Round 3: Repeat 1 sc, inc around. 18 sts.
4. Round 4: Repeat 2 sc, inc around. 24 sts.
5. Round 5: Repeat 3 sc, inc around. 30 sts.
6. Round 6: Repeat 4 sc, inc around. 36 sts.
7. Round 7: Repeat 5 sc, inc around. 42 sts.
8. Round 8: Repeat 6 sc, inc around. 48 sts.
9. Round 9: Repeat 7 sc, inc around. 54 sts.
10. Round 10: Repeat 8 sc, inc around. 60 sts.
11. Round 11: Repeat 9 sc, inc around. 66 sts.
12. Round 12: Repeat 10 sc, inc around. 72 sts.
13. Round 13: Work 72 sc BLO.
14. Rounds 14–20: Work 72 sc.
15. Round 21: Repeat 10 sc, dec around. 66 sts.
16. Rounds 22–28: Work 66 sc.
17. Round 29: Repeat 9 sc, dec around. 60 sts.
18. Rounds 30–36: Work 60 sc.
19. Round 37: Repeat 8 sc, dec around. 54 sts.
20. Rounds 38–44: Work 54 sc.
21. Round 45: Repeat 7 sc, dec around. 48 sts.
22. Rounds 46–52: Work 48 sc.
23. Round 53: Repeat 6 sc, dec around. 42 sts.
24. Rounds 54–58: Work 42 sc.

Insert a rolled cylinder of plastic canvas approximately 4 inches wide and 8 inches tall. Add stuffing firmly around the canvas. Keep the top opening accessible until the branches have been inserted.

Raised Bark Texture

Thread dark-brown yarn through a needle. Add irregular vertical lines from the base to the top using long surface stitches. Make 12 major bark lines and 15 shorter broken lines. Add three pale-tan lines beside selected dark lines to create the ridged appearance visible on the trunk.

Library Opening and Shelves

Dark Recess Panel

Use very dark brown yarn. Chain 18.

1. Row 1: Beginning in the second chain, work 17 sc. Turn.
2. Rows 2–24: Chain 1, work 17 sc. Turn.

Fasten off. Round the upper and lower corners by trimming the internal plastic-canvas insert into an elongated oval. Place the panel vertically on the front of the trunk with its lower edge approximately 1.5 inches above the base.

Brown Opening Frame

Join medium-brown yarn to one lower corner of the dark panel. Work evenly around the entire panel using 2 sc in each row end and 3 sc in each corner. Work a second round of sc, placing 2 sc in each curved corner. Fasten off and sew the frame securely to the trunk.

Three Library Shelves

Make three. Use tan yarn and chain 18.

1. Row 1: Work 17 sc beginning in the second chain. Turn.
2. Rows 2–3: Chain 1, work 17 sc. Turn.

Place a narrow strip of plastic canvas inside each shelf. Fold the crochet piece lengthwise and sew the long edges together. Attach the shelves horizontally across the dark opening, spacing them approximately 1 inch apart.

Miniature Closed Books

Make fourteen books in red, teal, cream, mustard, rust, sage, burgundy, pale blue, and purple. For each book, chain 6. Work 5 sc for four rows. Fasten off. Fold the rectangle in half and add a contrasting surface-slip-stitch line along the folded spine.

Arrange four books on the bottom shelf, five on the middle shelf, and five on the top shelf. Alternate upright books with two books lying horizontally. Sew every book to the shelf so the arrangement remains secure.

Tree Roots

Make seven roots in medium brown. The two front roots should be longer than the side and rear roots.

Long Front Roots

Make two.

1. Round 1: Work 6 sc in an MR.
2. Round 2: Inc in every stitch. 12 sts.
3. Round 3: Repeat 1 sc, inc around. 18 sts.
4. Rounds 4–8: Work 18 sc.
5. Round 9: Repeat 4 sc, dec around. 15 sts.
6. Rounds 10–14: Work 15 sc.
7. Round 15: Repeat 3 sc, dec around. 12 sts.
8. Rounds 16–20: Work 12 sc.
9. Round 21: Repeat 2 sc, dec around. 9 sts.
10. Rounds 22–26: Work 9 sc.
11. Round 27: Repeat 1 sc, dec around. 6 sts.
12. Rounds 28–30: Work 6 sc.

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Insert wire and a light amount of stuffing. Flatten the narrow end and sew closed.

Medium Side Roots

Make three. Follow the long-root instructions through Round 21, then work two rounds of 9 sc. Fasten off.

Short Rear Roots

Make two. Follow the long-root instructions through Round 15, then work two rounds of 12 sc. Fasten off.

Sew all roots around the bottom of the trunk. Curve the two front roots toward the 5 o’clock and 7 o’clock positions. Position the remaining roots between the branches of the front roots.

Main Tree Branches

Use medium-brown yarn. Cut and twist craft wire into a central armature before closing each branch. Cover all wire ends with tape or folded felt.

Long Horizontal Branches

Make two. These branches support the swings and outer leaves.

1. Round 1: Work 6 sc in an MR.
2. Round 2: Inc in every stitch. 12 sts.
3. Round 3: Repeat 1 sc, inc around. 18 sts.
4. Rounds 4–8: Work 18 sc.
5. Round 9: Repeat 4 sc, dec around. 15 sts.
6. Rounds 10–17: Work 15 sc.
7. Round 18: Repeat 3 sc, dec around. 12 sts.
8. Rounds 19–28: Work 12 sc.
9. Round 29: Repeat 2 sc, dec around. 9 sts.
10. Rounds 30–36: Work 9 sc.
11. Round 37: Repeat 1 sc, dec around. 6 sts.
12. Rounds 38–42: Work 6 sc.

Stuff lightly around the wire. Sew one branch to each side of the trunk between Rounds 45 and 51. Angle both branches slightly upward.

Upper Fork Branches

Make five in varied lengths. Begin each branch with 18 stitches as for the horizontal branch. For two long branches, complete through Round 30. For two medium branches, complete through Round 24. For one central branch, complete through Round 35.

Attach the central branch vertically at the top of the trunk. Angle two branches toward the upper left and two toward the upper right. Stitch firmly through the trunk fabric and the internal canvas support.

Small Twig Tips

Make ten. Work 6 sc in an MR. Continue with 6 sc for 12 rounds. Insert a short wire, flatten the lower opening, and attach two twig tips to each upper fork. Curve the tips upward and outward.

Leaf Sprays and Climbing Vines

Individual Woodland Leaf

Use sage, olive, forest green, and pale green. Chain 8. Beginning in the second chain, work sl st, sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc, and 3 sc in the final chain. Continue along the opposite side with sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc, and sl st. Fasten off.

Make 72 leaves: 20 sage, 18 olive, 18 forest green, and 16 pale green.

Leaf Sprays

Cut green yarn approximately 18 inches long. Sew five or six leaves along a crocheted chain of 18–24 stitches. Make twelve sprays. Attach three sprays to each long horizontal branch and distribute the remaining sprays around the upper forks.

Curled Vines

Make eight. Chain 28. Beginning in the second chain, work 2 sc in every chain. The strip will curl naturally. Attach the vines around the trunk and branches, allowing three curls to hang freely near the books and lanterns.

Lavender Crown

The tall lavender crown rises from the top center of the tree. Make 28 stems in mixed lengths between 5 and 8 inches.

Lavender Stem

Use gray-green yarn and the 2 mm hook. Chain 35 for a short stem, 42 for a medium stem, or 50 for a tall stem. Slip stitch back through every chain. Sew or glue the crocheted chain around a covered craft-wire stem.

Lavender Leaves

For each leaf, chain 7. Slip stitch in the second chain, then work sc, hdc, hdc, sc, and sl st. Make 70 leaves. Sew two or three leaves along the lower half of every lavender stem.

Purple Flower Tips

Use lavender and dark-purple yarn. Chain 7. Work 3 hdc in the second chain and in each remaining chain. The strip will curl into a narrow flower spike. Wrap it around the upper 1–1.5 inches of the stem and stitch firmly.

Bundle the 28 stems together. Arrange taller stems in the center and shorter stems around the outside. Insert the bundle into the top of the tree and secure it to the central wire armature.

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Hanging Lanterns

Make three lanterns. Position one under the left horizontal branch, one under the upper-left fork, and one under the upper-right fork.

Yellow Lantern Center

Use golden-yellow yarn.

1. Round 1: Work 6 sc in an MR.
2. Round 2: Inc around. 12 sts.
3. Rounds 3–7: Work 12 sc.
4. Round 8: Work dec around. 6 sts.

Stuff lightly and fasten off.

Brown Lantern Base

Use dark brown. Work 6 sc in an MR, then inc around for 12 stitches. Work one round of 12 sc BLO. Fasten off and sew beneath the yellow center.

Brown Lantern Cap

1. Round 1: Work 6 sc in an MR.
2. Round 2: Repeat 1 sc, inc around. 9 sts.
3. Round 3: Work 9 sc.
4. Round 4: Repeat 2 sc, inc around. 12 sts.
5. Round 5: Work 12 sc BLO.

Sew the cap to the top of the yellow center. Embroider four vertical dark-brown bars around the yellow section. Add a chain loop of 16 stitches and sew the lantern beneath a branch.

Hanging Swings

Left Book Swing

Use tan yarn. Chain 13.

1. Row 1: Beginning in the second chain, work 12 sc.
2. Rows 2–5: Chain 1, work 12 sc. Turn.

Insert a 1.5-inch strip of plastic canvas, fold the piece, and stitch closed. Attach two brown cords, each made with a chain of 42 stitches. Hang the seat beneath the left horizontal branch.

Place one small lavender closed book on the seat. Make the book by chaining 7, working 6 sc for five rows, folding it in half, and adding a pale-blue spine.

Right Mouse Swing

Make a second seat using the same instructions. Create two cords with chains of 48 stitches. Attach the cords approximately 1.5 inches apart beneath the right horizontal branch. Leave enough room for the mouse in the blue dress to sit securely.

Miniature Open Books

Make three open books: one on the upper-left branch, one red-covered book on the upper-right branch, and one beside the reading mouse.

Pages

Make two page panels for each book. Use white or cream yarn. Chain 9. Beginning in the second chain, work 8 sc for six rows. Fasten off.

Cover

Chain 18 in the selected cover color. Beginning in the second chain, work 17 sc for eight rows. Fasten off. Place the two page panels side by side on the cover and sew around their outer edges.

Fold the cover gently at the center. Add a line of dark-gray surface stitches across each page to represent printed text. Curve the pages slightly before sewing the books into position.

Basic Woodland Mouse

Use this body pattern for the gardener mouse, the reading mouse, and the mouse in the blue dress. Change the body color and clothing as described for each character.

Mouse Head

Begin at the nose.

1. Round 1: Work 6 sc in an MR.
2. Round 2: Work 6 sc.
3. Round 3: Repeat 1 sc, inc three times. 9 sts.
4. Round 4: Work 9 sc.
5. Round 5: Repeat 2 sc, inc three times. 12 sts.
6. Round 6: Work 12 sc.
7. Round 7: Repeat 1 sc, inc around. 18 sts.
8. Round 8: Work 18 sc.
9. Round 9: Repeat 2 sc, inc around. 24 sts.
10. Rounds 10–13: Work 24 sc.
11. Round 14: Repeat 2 sc, dec around. 18 sts.
12. Round 15: Repeat 1 sc, dec around. 12 sts.
13. Round 16: Dec around. 6 sts.

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Insert the eyes between Rounds 8 and 9, approximately six stitches apart. Stuff firmly and close the opening. Embroider a small pink or dark-brown nose over the magic ring.

Mouse Ears

Make two outer ears in the body color and two inner ears in pale pink.

For each outer ear, work 6 sc in an MR. Inc around for 12 stitches. Work one round of 12 sc. Fasten off.

For each inner ear, work 6 sc in an MR. Fasten off. Sew one inner ear into each outer ear. Fold the bottom edge slightly and attach the ears to the head between Rounds 11 and 13.

Mouse Body

1. Round 1: Work 6 sc in an MR.
2. Round 2: Inc around. 12 sts.
3. Round 3: Repeat 1 sc, inc around. 18 sts.
4. Round 4: Repeat 2 sc, inc around. 24 sts.
5. Rounds 5–10: Work 24 sc.
6. Round 11: Repeat 2 sc, dec around. 18 sts.
7. Rounds 12–14: Work 18 sc.
8. Round 15: Repeat 1 sc, dec around. 12 sts.
9. Round 16: Work 12 sc.

Stuff firmly. Leave the opening unclosed and sew the head to the body through the remaining 12 stitches.

Mouse Arms

Make two. Work 6 sc in an MR. Inc in every stitch for 12 stitches. Work 12 sc for two rounds. Repeat 2 sc, dec around for 9 stitches. Work 9 sc for seven rounds. Stuff only the paw and lower arm. Flatten and sew closed.

Mouse Legs

Make two. Work 6 sc in an MR. Inc around for 12 stitches. Work 12 sc for six rounds. Stuff lightly. Flatten the top and sew closed.

Mouse Tail

Chain 36 in pale pink. Slip stitch back through every chain. For a curved tail, crochet the chain around a thin covered wire. Sew the tail to the lower back of the body.

Gardener Mouse

Make the mouse in cream yarn. Sew the arms slightly forward so it can hold the gardening tool. Position the character beside the upper-left vegetable bed.

Straw Sun Hat

Use pale straw-yellow yarn.

1. Round 1: Work 6 sc in an MR.
2. Round 2: Inc around. 12 sts.
3. Round 3: Repeat 1 sc, inc around. 18 sts.
4. Round 4: Repeat 2 sc, inc around. 24 sts.
5. Rounds 5–7: Work 24 sc.
6. Round 8: In FLO, repeat 3 sc, inc around. 30 sts.
7. Round 9: Repeat 4 sc, inc around. 36 sts.
8. Round 10: Work 36 sc.

Add a pink chain band around the crown and sew a small yellow flower above one ear.

Gardener Apron

Use warm cream yarn. Chain 15. Work 14 sc for eight rows. Decrease one stitch at each end of Rows 9 and 10, leaving 10 stitches. Work four more rows. Add two chain-20 waist ties and two chain-16 neck straps.

Small Garden Trowel

Use gray yarn. Chain 7 and work 6 sc for two rows. Decrease at both ends of the next two rows. Fasten off. Attach a brown chain-10 handle. Sew the handle between the mouse’s paws.

Mouse in the Blue Dress

Make the mouse in pale beige yarn. This mouse sits on the right swing and wears a light-blue dress.

Blue Dress Bodice

Use pale-blue yarn. Chain 25 and join carefully without twisting.

1. Round 1: Work 24 sc.
2. Rounds 2–4: Work 24 sc.
3. Round 5: Repeat 2 sc, inc around. 32 sts.

Flared Dress Skirt

1. Round 6: Repeat 3 sc, inc around. 40 sts.
2. Round 7: Work 40 hdc.
3. Round 8: Repeat 4 hdc, 2 hdc in the next stitch around. 48 sts.
4. Rounds 9–11: Work 48 hdc.
5. Round 12: Repeat sl st, skip one stitch, 5 dc in the next stitch, skip one stitch around.

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Add two shoulder straps by chaining 12 from the front bodice edge to the back. Add a cream waistband with surface slip stitches. Place the dress on the mouse before attaching the head.

Position the mouse on the right swing with its legs hanging over the front edge. Stitch the lower body and both paws to the swing ropes for stability.

Reading Mouse

Make the reading mouse in white yarn. Position it near the mushroom cluster at the right side of the mat. Bend the arms inward around the open book.

Pale-Blue Beret

1. Round 1: Work 6 sc in an MR.
2. Round 2: Inc around. 12 sts.
3. Round 3: Repeat 1 sc, inc around. 18 sts.
4. Round 4: Repeat 2 sc, inc around. 24 sts.
5. Round 5: Repeat 3 sc, inc around. 30 sts.
6. Round 6: Work 30 sc.
7. Round 7: Repeat 3 sc, dec around. 24 sts.
8. Round 8: Repeat 2 sc, dec around. 18 sts.

Fasten off. Add a small chain-4 stem at the center. Tilt the beret slightly toward one ear and sew it to the head.

Make an open book with a dark-red cover. Add two lines of gray embroidery on each page. Sew the lower edge of the book to the mouse’s lap.

Woodland Squirrel

Squirrel Head

Use warm brown yarn and begin at the muzzle.

1. Round 1: Work 6 sc in an MR.
2. Round 2: Inc around. 12 sts.
3. Rounds 3–4: Work 12 sc.
4. Round 5: Repeat 1 sc, inc around. 18 sts.
5. Round 6: Repeat 2 sc, inc around. 24 sts.
6. Round 7: Repeat 3 sc, inc around. 30 sts.
7. Rounds 8–12: Work 30 sc.
8. Round 13: Repeat 3 sc, dec around. 24 sts.
9. Round 14: Repeat 2 sc, dec around. 18 sts.
10. Round 15: Repeat 1 sc, dec around. 12 sts.
11. Round 16: Dec around. 6 sts.

Insert the eyes between Rounds 8 and 9, seven stitches apart. Add a cream oval muzzle over Rounds 2–6 and embroider a dark-brown nose.

Squirrel Ears

Make two. Work 6 sc in an MR. Work one round of 6 sc. Repeat 1 sc, inc three times for 9 stitches. Flatten each ear and sew it between Rounds 11 and 13.

Squirrel Body

1. Round 1: Work 6 sc in an MR.
2. Round 2: Inc around. 12 sts.
3. Round 3: Repeat 1 sc, inc around. 18 sts.
4. Round 4: Repeat 2 sc, inc around. 24 sts.
5. Round 5: Repeat 3 sc, inc around. 30 sts.
6. Rounds 6–11: Work 30 sc.
7. Round 12: Repeat 3 sc, dec around. 24 sts.
8. Rounds 13–15: Work 24 sc.
9. Round 16: Repeat 2 sc, dec around. 18 sts.
10. Round 17: Repeat 1 sc, dec around. 12 sts.

Stuff and sew the head to the body. Make the arms and legs using the mouse instructions in warm brown.

Squirrel Tail

Use medium and dark brown.

1. Round 1: Work 6 sc in an MR.
2. Round 2: Inc around. 12 sts.
3. Round 3: Repeat 1 sc, inc around. 18 sts.
4. Round 4: Repeat 2 sc, inc around. 24 sts.
5. Rounds 5–10: Work 24 sc.
6. Round 11: Repeat 2 sc, dec around. 18 sts.
7. Rounds 12–20: Work 18 sc.
8. Round 21: Repeat 1 sc, dec around. 12 sts.
9. Rounds 22–27: Work 12 sc.
10. Round 28: Dec around. 6 sts.

Insert a curved wire and stuff firmly. Add dark-brown surface stitches in curved stripes. Bend the tail upward behind the squirrel and curl the tip toward the head.

Acorn-Style Cap

Use dark brown. Work 6 sc in an MR, increase to 12, then 18, and then 24 stitches. Work three rounds of 24 sc. Finish with one round of crab stitch. Add a chain-4 stem at the top.

Vegetable Wheelbarrow

Wheelbarrow Base

Use tan yarn. Chain 21. Beginning in the second chain, work 20 sc for ten rows. Cut a 4-by-2-inch piece of plastic canvas and place it beneath the crochet panel.

Side Panels

Make two. Chain 21 and work 20 sc for six rows. Sew one side panel to each long edge of the base.

Front Panel

Chain 13 and work 12 sc for six rows. Attach it across one short edge. Leave the opposite short edge lower and slightly open.

Handles

Make two. Chain 28 and slip stitch back through every chain. Insert a thin wire in each handle. Sew the handles beneath the base so they extend approximately 2.5 inches behind the wheelbarrow.

Wheel

Use dark brown. Make two circles. Work 6 sc in an MR, increase to 12, then increase to 18. Place a small plastic-canvas circle between the pieces and single crochet them together. Attach the wheel beneath the front panel.

Position the squirrel behind the handles. Sew both paws around the handles and stitch the squirrel’s feet to the mat.

Miniature Fruit and Vegetables

Small Pumpkin

Make four in orange, rust, and pale gold.

1. Round 1: Work 6 sc in an MR.
2. Round 2: Inc around. 12 sts.
3. Round 3: Repeat 1 sc, inc around. 18 sts.
4. Rounds 4–6: Work 18 sc.
5. Round 7: Repeat 1 sc, dec around. 12 sts.
6. Round 8: Dec around. 6 sts.

Thread a long yarn tail through the center several times to create six pumpkin sections. Add a green chain-3 stem.

Small Apple or Tomato

Make six in red, orange, and yellow. Work 6 sc in an MR, increase to 12, work two rounds of 12 sc, then decrease to 6. Stuff lightly and add a green chain-2 leaf.

Mini Cabbage

Make two in pale green. Create a 12-stitch stuffed ball. Make six leaves by chaining 6 and working sl st, sc, hdc, dc, hdc, and sl st. Sew the leaves around the ball.

Place three pumpkins, three apples, one cabbage, and two tomatoes inside the wheelbarrow. Sew every piece to the base.

Garden Beds

Upper-Left Vegetable Bed

Use dark-brown yarn. Chain 31. Beginning in the second chain, work 30 sc for 24 rows. The finished rectangle should measure approximately 5 by 4 inches.

Make sixteen border stones in gray, beige, cream, and brown. For each stone, work 6 sc in an MR, increase to 12, work one round of 12 sc, then decrease to 6. Stuff lightly and close.

Sew the stones around the bed. Add two red radishes, two beets, one yellow squash, one pale-green cabbage, and three small leaf clusters. Position the gardener mouse along the left edge.

Front-Left Flower and Pumpkin Bed

Make a second dark-brown rectangle by chaining 35 and working 34 sc for 26 rows. Border it with eighteen gray, cream, lavender, and pale-blue stones.

Place three sunflowers along the rear edge. Add two orange pumpkins, one pale-green cabbage, three carrots, two red flowers, and several dark-green leaf clusters inside the bed.

Sunflowers

Make five large sunflowers and two smaller sunflowers.

Large Sunflower Center

Use dark brown. Work 6 sc in an MR and increase around for 12 stitches.

Large Sunflower Petals

Join yellow yarn. Repeat: chain 5, slip stitch in the second chain, sc in the next chain, hdc in the next, dc in the next, and slip stitch into the next center stitch. Make 12 petals.

Stem and Leaves

Chain 18 in dark green and slip stitch back through the chain. Make two leaves using the woodland-leaf instructions. Attach one leaf on each side of the stem.

Stepping-Stone Path

Make 34 flat circles in sage, olive, pale green, light gray, medium gray, charcoal gray, cream, and dusty blue.

• Make 10 small stones using 6 sc in an MR, increasing to 12 stitches.
• Make 14 medium stones by increasing from 6 to 12 and then to 18 stitches.
• Make 10 large stones by increasing from 6 to 12, 18, and then 24 stitches.

Arrange the stones in an irregular path beginning near the lower center edge of the mat. Curve the path toward the right side of the tree and finish beside the reading mouse and mushroom cluster.

Overlap selected stones by approximately one-quarter inch. Sew around the outer edge of every stone while leaving the center slightly raised.

Woodland Mushroom Cluster

The right-side cluster contains one large dark-brown mushroom, two tall tan mushrooms, one rust mushroom, one medium brown mushroom, one red mushroom, and five small cream, pink, and white mushrooms.

Large Mushroom Stem

Use cream yarn.

1. Round 1: Work 6 sc in an MR.
2. Round 2: Inc around. 12 sts.
3. Round 3: Repeat 1 sc, inc around. 18 sts.
4. Rounds 4–16: Work 18 sc.
5. Round 17: Repeat 2 sc, inc around. 24 sts.
6. Rounds 18–19: Work 24 sc.

Insert a firm plastic-canvas strip and stuff securely.

Large Dark-Brown Cap

1. Round 1: Work 6 sc in an MR.
2. Round 2: Inc around. 12 sts.
3. Round 3: Repeat 1 sc, inc around. 18 sts.
4. Round 4: Repeat 2 sc, inc around. 24 sts.
5. Round 5: Repeat 3 sc, inc around. 30 sts.
6. Round 6: Repeat 4 sc, inc around. 36 sts.
7. Rounds 7–9: Work 36 sc.
8. Round 10: Repeat 4 sc, dec around. 30 sts.

Make a cream underside circle through 30 stitches. Sew the cap and underside together, stuffing lightly. Add twelve white embroidered spots in mixed sizes.

Medium Mushroom

For the stem, increase from 6 to 12 stitches and work 12 sc for ten rounds. For the cap, increase from 6 to 24 stitches, work two rounds of 24 sc, then decrease to 18 stitches.

Small Mushroom

For the stem, work 6 sc for six rounds. For the cap, increase from 6 to 18 stitches, work one round of 18 sc, then decrease to 12 stitches.

Vary the stem heights and cap colors. Add white spots to the brown, rust, and red caps. Arrange the largest mushroom at the rear and the smallest mushrooms along the front edge.

Tall Grass Clumps

Make four grass clumps in dark green. Cut 18 lengths of yarn between 5 and 8 inches for each clump. Fold the strands in half and pull them through a crocheted base circle using a lark’s-head knot.

For each base circle, work 6 sc in an MR, increase to 12, then to 18 stitches. Trim the strands into pointed, uneven lengths. Position two clumps behind the tree and one near each garden bed.

Meadow Post and Library Sign

Sign Board

Use light-tan yarn. Chain 25.

1. Row 1: Beginning in the second chain, work 24 sc.
2. Rows 2–14: Chain 1, work 24 sc. Turn.

Make a second identical panel. Place a rectangular plastic-canvas insert between the panels. Single crochet around all four edges with dark-tan yarn, placing 3 sc in each corner.

Sign Posts

Make two in medium brown. Work 6 sc in an MR and continue with 6 sc for 22 rounds. Insert a short covered wire into each post. Sew the posts behind the sign board.

Lettering

Use black embroidery thread and backstitch the words in three centered lines:

MEADOW
POST
& LIBRARY

Place the sign near the lower-right edge of the mat. Angle it slightly toward the center of the scene.

Post Parcels and Stone Border

Make eight small stones around the sign using gray, pale blue, cream, and green. Use the small garden-border stone pattern.

Make three rolled parcels by working 8 sc in an MR and continuing for eight rounds. Use white, pale blue, and yellow yarn. Tie each parcel with a contrasting chain of 18 stitches.

Arrange the parcels between the sign posts and surround them with the eight stones.

Tiny Meadow Flowers

Make at least 24 tiny flowers in white, yellow, pink, blue, and lavender.

For each flower, work 5 sc in an MR. Repeat: chain 3, work 2 dc in the same stitch, chain 3, and slip stitch in the same stitch. Repeat once in each of the five stitches.

Add a contrasting French-knot center. Scatter the flowers around the outside edge, beside the path, near the tree roots, around the sign, and between the garden beds.

Additional Tree Details

Small Hive or Pinecone

Use golden-brown yarn. Work 6 sc in an MR. Increase to 12 stitches, work four rounds of 12 sc, decrease to 6, and close. Add horizontal dark-brown surface stitches. Hang the piece from the upper-right branch near the leaves.

Small Book at the Tree Base

Make one miniature closed book with a dark-brown cover and cream pages. Chain 8 and work 7 sc for six rows. Fold in half and sew it near the front-right root.

Loose Forest Leaves

Make twelve additional leaves using the woodland-leaf instructions. Place them individually around the tree roots, garden beds, mushrooms, and path.

Scene Placement Guide

Place the mat with one scallop centered at the lower edge. Treat the upper edge as the 12 o’clock position and use the following layout to reproduce the pictured arrangement.

1. Center the library tree slightly above the true center of the mat, approximately 2 inches toward 12 o’clock.
2. Angle the left branch toward 9 o’clock and the right branch toward 3 o’clock.
3. Place the gardener mouse and rectangular vegetable bed at approximately 9:30.
4. Place the squirrel and wheelbarrow directly in front of the tree, slightly left of center.
5. Place the blue-dress mouse on the right swing at approximately 2 o’clock.
6. Place the reading mouse and open book at approximately 3:30.
7. Arrange the mushroom cluster behind the reading mouse near the outer-right edge.
8. Place the larger flower and pumpkin bed at approximately 7:30.
9. Begin the stepping-stone path near 6 o’clock and curve it toward 3 o’clock.
10. Place the Meadow Post sign at approximately 4:30.
11. Position the left book swing between the gardener mouse and the tree.
12. Distribute flowers, loose leaves, and grass clumps throughout the open spaces.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Sew the tree to the mat through the base and every root. Use medium-brown yarn and pass through both the mat and the internal base support. Check that the trunk remains vertical before tightening the final stitches.

Attach the animals after all garden pieces are positioned. Stitch through the feet, lower bodies, and hidden clothing edges. Secure the squirrel’s paws to the wheelbarrow handles and the reading mouse’s paws to the open book.

Embroider a small curved mouth beneath each nose. Add two short brown eyebrow stitches above each eye. Use pale-pink yarn for cheek stitches and white embroidery thread for one tiny highlight beside each safety eye.

Check every branch connection, swing cord, lantern loop, book, mushroom, stepping stone, and flower. Reinforce any piece that moves when the mat is gently lifted.

Care Notes

• Keep the finished display away from direct sunlight to reduce fading.
• Do not place heavy objects on the branches, lavender stems, or lanterns.
• Use a soft brush to remove surface dust.
• Avoid machine washing because the internal supports may bend or deform.
• Store the scene flat with the tree protected by a loose cotton cover.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Confirm that the mat lies flat and all scallops are evenly shaped.
• Check that the tree is centered, stable, and securely attached.
• Confirm that all three lanterns, both swings, three open books, and fourteen shelf books are present.
• Check that all four woodland animals have secure eyes, ears, limbs, tails, and clothing.
• Confirm that the wheelbarrow contains fruit and vegetables.
• Check that the stepping-stone path curves naturally toward the mushroom area.
• Confirm that the sign clearly reads “MEADOW POST & LIBRARY.”
• Trim loose yarn ends and hide all knots inside the nearest piece.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

For routine cleaning, support the tree with one hand and use a clean, soft paintbrush to sweep dust from the leaves, books, lanterns, mushrooms, and animal clothing. A handheld vacuum may be used only through a protective mesh screen and on the lowest setting.

For small marks, dampen a white cloth with cool water and gently blot the affected stitches. Do not rub. Allow the piece to dry completely in a shaded, well-ventilated area before covering or storing it.

When storing the display, place acid-free tissue around the branches, lanterns, lavender crown, and animals. Keep the mat flat inside a rigid container. Avoid folding the meadow circle or pressing the scalloped border beneath the tree.