Crochet Tutorial: Mouse Snowday Baking Cottage – Free Crochet Pattern.

Create a cozy crochet snowday baking cottage inside a soft suitcase-style display box. This pattern includes a warm tan cottage case, cream wall panel, snowy window, glowing-style garland lights, wreath, shelves, aprons, stove, baking counter, flour bag, jars, bowl, rolling pin, egg basket, checked rug, stool, a mother mouse in a red apron, two little mice, and a tray of tiny cookies.

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

Pattern Information

This pattern is written in US crochet terms. Most pieces are worked tightly so the miniature cottage keeps its shape. Use firm stuffing for the mice, light stuffing for furniture, and thin cardboard or plastic canvas inside the suitcase panels to create the upright display form shown in the photo.

• Finished size: about 10 in wide, 7 in deep, and 8.5 in tall when opened.
• Main hook: 2.25 mm for amigurumi and mini objects.
• Panel hook: 3.00 mm for suitcase walls, floor, and border.
• Skill level: adventurous beginner to intermediate.
• Construction: separate crocheted pieces are sewn onto a soft suitcase cottage base.

Materials

• Worsted weight yarn in warm camel brown for suitcase exterior and trim.
• Worsted weight yarn in cream for inner wall, floor accents, mice bodies, snow, and baking details.
• DK or sport weight yarn in red, mint green, dark brown, tan, white, black, gray, yellow, gold, dark green, burgundy, and light pink.
• 2.25 mm and 3.00 mm crochet hooks.
• Fiberfill stuffing.
• Plastic canvas or thin cardboard for the suitcase base, back wall, side walls, stove, and counter.
• 6 mm black safety eyes or embroidered black eyes for the mice.
• Black embroidery thread for noses, clock numbers, stove knobs, and facial details.
• Dark green embroidery thread for light cord.
• Yellow felt or yellow yarn scraps for glowing bulbs.
• Small sewing needle, yarn needle, pins, stitch markers, scissors.
• Optional: two small silver buttons or metal-look fasteners for the front latch and handle brackets.

Abbreviations

• ch = chain
• sl st = slip stitch
• sc = single crochet
• hdc = half double crochet
• dc = double crochet
• inc = 2 sc in the same stitch
• dec = invisible single crochet decrease
• BLO = back loop only
• FLO = front loop only
• RS = right side
• FO = fasten off
• MR = magic ring
• st = stitch
• rep = repeat

Gauge and Texture Notes

For the suitcase panels with 3.00 mm hook, 18 sc and 20 rows should measure about 4 in. For the mice with 2.25 mm hook, 7 sc rounds should measure about 1 in across. Exact gauge is less important than tight, even stitches.

The image has a firm crochet texture with visible vertical stitches on the suitcase side and tighter amigurumi stitches on the mice and tiny accessories. Crochet the wall panel, floor, and suitcase sides with even tension. Crochet the mice more tightly so stuffing does not show through.

Special Techniques

• Invisible decrease: insert hook into FLO of next 2 sts, yarn over, pull through both loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops.
• Clean color change: finish the last pull-through of the stitch with the new color.
• Flat applique stitching: sew small items to the wall with tiny whipstitches around the outer edge only.
• Firm panel shaping: crochet around plastic canvas pieces, or sew crochet panels over inserts after blocking.

Suitcase Cottage Base

The suitcase is the largest structure. It has a rectangular floor tray with rounded corners, a tall back wall, short side walls, and a thick camel-colored rim. The front remains lower so the scene is easy to view. Work firmly and add inserts before final assembly.

Floor Panel

Use camel brown yarn and 3.00 mm hook.

1. Ch 46.
2. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. Turn. 45 sts.
3. Rows 2-38: ch 1, sc across. Turn. 45 sts.
4. Do not FO. Ch 1 and work around the rectangle: 38 sc down first side, 3 sc in corner, 45 sc across bottom, 3 sc in corner, 38 sc up other side, 3 sc in corner, 45 sc across top, 3 sc in corner. Sl st to first sc.
5. Round 2: sc around, placing 3 sc in each corner center stitch. Sl st to join.
6. Round 3: BLO sc around with no increases. This creates the upright edge line.
7. Rounds 4-11: sc around. FO, leaving a long tail.

Cut plastic canvas to fit inside the floor base. Insert it before closing the underside. The photo shows the suitcase floor as a firm, slightly textured base, so do not overstuff. A flat insert gives the best result.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Back Wall Panel

Use cream yarn and 3.00 mm hook.

1. Ch 47.
2. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. Turn. 46 sts.
3. Rows 2-44: ch 1, sc across. Turn. 46 sts.
4. Border Round 1: with camel brown, attach in any corner, ch 1, sc evenly around, placing 3 sc in each corner.
5. Border Round 2: sc around, placing 3 sc in each corner center stitch.
6. Border Round 3: reverse sc around for the raised rope-like trim. FO.

Place plastic canvas behind the wall panel and sew the cream panel to it with camel yarn around the edge. Then sew the bottom edge of the wall to the back edge of the floor. The wall should stand upright at a 90-degree angle.

Side Walls and Front Lip

Use camel brown yarn and 3.00 mm hook.

1. For each side wall, ch 39. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. Turn. 38 sts.
2. Rows 2-12: ch 1, sc across. Turn. FO.
3. Make 2 side walls.
4. For front lip, ch 47. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. Turn. 46 sts.
5. Rows 2-10: ch 1, sc across. Turn. FO.

Sew side walls to the floor edges and the back wall. Sew the lower front lip to the front edge. The front lip should sit lower than the back wall, matching the open suitcase look. Add a round of camel sc around the top edge of the side walls and front lip for a smooth finish.

Rounded Suitcase Rim

The image has a thick rounded rim framing the back wall and the front tray. Use camel brown yarn.

1. Ch 120 for the back wall rim.
2. Row 1: hdc in 3rd ch from hook and across. Turn.
3. Row 2: ch 2, hdc across. FO.
4. Wrap this strip around the outside edge of the back wall and sew it down so it forms a padded rounded border.
5. For the front rim, ch 100 and work 2 rows of hdc. Sew around the front and side top edges.

Handle and Latch

Use gray yarn for a soft metal look, or attach small silver hardware if the display is not for a child.

1. Handle: with gray, ch 28. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. Turn. Row 2: ch 1, sc across. FO.
2. Make 2 small handle brackets: MR, 6 sc in ring, sl st to join. FO.
3. Sew brackets to the front lip, about 8 sts from each side of center. Sew handle ends to brackets, leaving the center slightly curved.
4. Latch: with gray, ch 8. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. FO. Sew to front center.
5. Add a tiny camel rectangle behind the latch: ch 6, sc in 2nd ch and across for 3 rows. Sew under the gray piece.

Snowy Window

The window sits on the upper left wall. It has a camel frame, pale blue panes, white snow at the bottom, and a small snowy ledge.

Window Backing

1. With pale blue yarn and 2.25 mm hook, ch 18.
2. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. Turn. 17 sts.
3. Rows 2-14: ch 1, sc across. Turn.
4. FO.

Snow Pane Details

• With white yarn, embroider tiny snow dots across the blue backing.
• At the lower edge, sew a wavy white line of surface sl sts or small embroidery stitches.
• For extra snow piles, make 2 small white ovals: MR, 6 sc, inc around to 12, sl st, FO. Sew partly over the lower panes.

Window Frame

1. Outer frame: with camel, ch 22. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. FO. Make 2.
2. Side frame: with camel, ch 18. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. FO. Make 2.
3. Center vertical bar: ch 16, sc in 2nd ch and across. FO.
4. Center horizontal bar: ch 18, sc in 2nd ch and across. FO.
5. Sew outer frame around the blue panel, then sew the center bars in a cross.
6. Window ledge: with white, ch 18, hdc in 3rd ch from hook and across. FO. Sew below window.

String Lights

The light garland arcs across the top of the wall. The photo shows a dark cord with warm yellow bulbs. Crochet the bulbs small and sew them along an embroidered cord.

1. With dark green thread or yarn, embroider a gentle zigzag cord from the upper left wall to the upper right wall.
2. For each bulb, with yellow yarn and 2.25 mm hook: MR, 5 sc in ring. Round 2: inc around. 10 sts.
3. Round 3: sc around. Round 4: dec around. FO and close.
4. Make 8 bulbs.
5. Sew bulbs under the cord, spacing them evenly. Use a tiny dark green stitch above each bulb as the socket.

Wall Clock

The small round clock hangs above the shelf. It has a cream face, camel edge, black numbers, and black hands.

1. With cream yarn, MR, 6 sc in ring.
2. Round 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Round 3: (sc, inc) around. 18 sts.
4. Round 4: with camel, sc around. Sl st to join. FO.
5. Embroider 12, 3, 6, and 9 with black thread. Add small black dots for the remaining numbers.
6. Embroider clock hands pointing close to 12 and 6, matching the photo’s vertical hand placement.
7. Sew clock to the upper center wall.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Christmas Wreath

The wreath sits on the upper right wall. It is green with red berries and a red bow.

1. With dark green yarn, ch 24 and sl st to first ch to form a ring.
2. Round 1: work 36 sc around the chain ring. Sl st to join.
3. Round 2: (sl st, ch 3, sl st in same st, sl st in next st) around to make leafy texture. FO.
4. Berries: with red yarn, make 8 tiny knots or MR with 4 sc, sl st, FO. Sew around wreath.
5. Bow center: with red, ch 5, sc in 2nd ch and across. FO.
6. Bow loops: ch 6, sl st into first ch. Make 2 loops. Sew loops to center strip.
7. Sew bow to top of wreath, then sew wreath to wall.

Yarn Shelf

The shelf is centered below the clock. It holds tiny yarn balls in warm winter colors.

Shelf Frame

1. With camel yarn, ch 20.
2. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. Turn. 19 sts.
3. Rows 2-3: ch 1, sc across. Turn. FO.
4. Make 2 horizontal shelves.
5. Side posts: ch 10, sc in 2nd ch and across. FO. Make 2.
6. Center divider: ch 10, sc in 2nd ch and across. FO.
7. Assemble into a small rectangle with one shelf halfway across the height.

Tiny Yarn Balls

1. With any yarn color, MR, 6 sc in ring.
2. Round 2: sc around. Round 3: dec around. FO.
3. Make 10 small balls in red, cream, mint, yellow, brown, and gray.
4. Wrap each ball with one strand of matching yarn to create a wound-yarn look.
5. Sew balls onto the shelf in two neat rows.

Wall Aprons

Two tiny aprons hang on the right wall, one red and one mint green. They echo the baking theme and add color to the cottage.

1. With red yarn, ch 10. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch and across. Turn. 9 sts.
2. Rows 2-7: ch 1, sc across. Turn.
3. Row 8: dec, sc 5, dec. Turn. 7 sts.
4. Row 9: ch 1, sc across. FO.
5. Neck loop: attach at top corner, ch 12, sl st to opposite top corner.
6. Side ties: attach to each side at Row 5, ch 12, FO.
7. Pocket: ch 6, sc in 2nd ch and across for 3 rows. Sew to apron front.
8. Repeat the apron in mint green.
9. Sew both aprons to the wall, red on the left and mint on the right.

Striped Hanging Towel

The striped towel hangs on the left wall beside the window. It is cream with burgundy diagonal-style stripes.

1. With cream yarn, ch 12.
2. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch and across. Turn. 11 sts.
3. Rows 2-18: ch 1, sc across, changing to burgundy every 3rd row. Turn.
4. FO and weave in ends.
5. Top loop: attach burgundy yarn to one top corner, ch 8, sl st to same corner. FO.
6. Use burgundy yarn to surface stitch short diagonal lines if you want the towel to look closer to the photo.
7. Sew to the wall at a slight angle.

Stove and Oven

The stove is cream with black burners, black knobs, a black oven door, and a pale gray open oven edge. It stands near the center-left of the suitcase floor.

Stove Body

1. With cream yarn and 2.25 mm hook, ch 16.
2. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch and across. Turn. 15 sts.
3. Rows 2-12: ch 1, sc across. Turn.
4. Make 6 rectangles total for top, bottom, front, back, and two sides.
5. Cut plastic canvas to match each rectangle.
6. Sew rectangles around the inserts to form a small cube-like stove, about 2 in wide and 1.5 in tall.

Burners and Knobs

1. Burners: with black yarn, MR, 6 sc in ring, sl st to join. FO. Make 4.
2. Sew burners to the stove top in a square arrangement.
3. Knobs: with black yarn, make 4 French knots or tiny 4-sc circles. Sew across the front upper edge.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Oven Door

1. With black yarn, ch 11.
2. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch and across. Turn. 10 sts.
3. Rows 2-6: ch 1, sc across. Turn. FO.
4. With gray yarn, ch 12, sc in 2nd ch and across. FO. Sew as the lower open lip.
5. Sew black oven door to the stove front, leaving gray lip slightly angled outward.

Back Counter and Cabinet

The right-side counter is camel brown with drawer details. It holds flour, jars, eggs, and baking supplies. The counter is slightly longer than the stove and sits against the back wall.

Counter Body

1. With camel yarn, ch 24.
2. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch and across. Turn. 23 sts.
3. Rows 2-10: ch 1, sc across. Turn.
4. Make 6 panels: top, bottom, front, back, and two sides.
5. Insert plastic canvas and sew panels into a box shape.

Drawer and Door Details

1. Drawer: with darker brown, ch 16, sc in 2nd ch and across for 3 rows. FO. Sew to upper front.
2. Cabinet doors: make 2 small rectangles, each ch 8, sc in 2nd ch and across for 5 rows. FO.
3. Sew doors under drawer.
4. Handles: with cream yarn, make tiny straight stitches across drawer and doors.
5. Add 2 cream French knots as door knobs.

Flour Bag

1. With tan yarn, ch 9.
2. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch and across. Turn. 8 sts.
3. Rows 2-12: ch 1, sc across. Turn.
4. Fold in half and sew side seams to make a small bag.
5. Lightly stuff.
6. Top fold: pinch the top flat and sew closed.
7. Label: with white yarn, ch 7, sc in 2nd ch and across for 2 rows. FO.
8. Sew label to bag and embroider FLOUR with black thread.

Jars, Milk Bottle, and Rolling Pin

White Jar

1. With white yarn, MR, 6 sc.
2. Round 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Rounds 3-7: sc around.
4. Round 8: BLO dec around. FO and close.
5. Add tan cork top: MR, 6 sc, sl st, FO. Sew to top.

Glass Jar

1. With white or very pale cream yarn, MR, 6 sc.
2. Round 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Rounds 3-6: sc around.
4. Round 7: dec around. FO.
5. With tan yarn, make a flat cork circle and sew on top.

Rolling Pin

1. With light tan yarn, MR, 5 sc.
2. Rounds 2-18: sc around. Stuff lightly as you go.
3. Round 19: dec around until closed. FO.
4. Handles: with dark tan, ch 4, sl st back along chain. Make 2 and sew to each end.

Egg Carton and Eggs

The egg carton is a small cream basket on the counter with several white eggs and a few pale yellow dough balls nearby.

Egg Carton

1. With cream yarn, ch 13.
2. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch and across. Turn. 12 sts.
3. Rows 2-5: ch 1, sc across. Turn.
4. Border: sc around, placing 2 sc in corners. FO.
5. Fold the short sides slightly upward and sew the corners to form a shallow tray.

Eggs

1. With white yarn, MR, 5 sc.
2. Round 2: inc around. 10 sts.
3. Rounds 3-4: sc around.
4. Round 5: dec around. FO and close.
5. Make 6 white eggs.
6. With pale yellow yarn, make 4 smaller dough balls: MR, 6 sc, Round 2 sc around, dec closed.

Mixing Bowl and Spoon

Brown Bowl

1. With dark brown yarn, MR, 6 sc.
2. Round 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Round 3: (sc, inc) around. 18 sts.
4. Round 4: BLO sc around.
5. Rounds 5-7: sc around.
6. Round 8: reverse sc around rim. FO.

📌Thank you for reading the article

White Batter

1. With white yarn, MR, 6 sc.
2. Round 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Round 3: (sc, inc) around. 18 sts. FO.
4. Sew or place inside the bowl.

Spoon

1. With white yarn, ch 10.
2. Sl st in 2nd ch from hook and next 6 ch.
3. In last ch, work 4 sc to create spoon bowl.
4. FO and sew spoon into the bowl at an angle.

Utensil Basket

The utensil basket sits near the stove and holds tiny spatulas and tools.

Basket

1. With dark brown yarn, MR, 6 sc.
2. Round 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Round 3: BLO sc around.
4. Rounds 4-9: sc around. FO.

Utensils

• Gray spatula: ch 10, sl st in 2nd ch and next 6 ch, sc 3 times in last ch. FO.
• Wooden spoon: with tan, ch 11, sl st in 2nd ch and next 7 ch, 4 sc in last ch. FO.
• Red rolling tool: with red, ch 8, sc back across. FO.
• Make 5 utensils total and sew them inside the basket.

Tray of Cookies

The mother mouse holds a gray tray with golden waffle cookies and star cookies. The tray should be light but firm enough to sit between her paws.

Tray

1. With gray yarn, ch 18.
2. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch and across. Turn. 17 sts.
3. Rows 2-9: ch 1, sc across. Turn.
4. Border: sc around, placing 2 sc in each corner. FO.

Waffle Cookies

1. With golden tan yarn, ch 7.
2. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch and across. Turn. 6 sts.
3. Rows 2-4: ch 1, sc across. FO.
4. Embroider 2 vertical and 2 horizontal lines with darker tan to create waffle squares.
5. Make 2 waffle cookies.

Star Cookies

1. With pale golden yarn, MR, 5 sc.
2. Round 2: (sl st, ch 3, sl st in 2nd ch, sc in next ch, sl st in next st) 5 times. FO.
3. Make 3 tiny stars.
4. Sew cookies to the tray.

Checked Rug

The red and white checked rug sits in front of the little mice. It is worked as a small flat panel with color changes every few stitches.

1. With red yarn, ch 22.
2. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc 2 red, change to white, sc 3 white, change to red. Continue in 3-st blocks across. Turn. 21 sts.
3. Rows 2-3: ch 1, continue the same colors above each block.
4. Rows 4-6: switch the block order so white sits above red and red sits above white.
5. Rows 7-12: repeat Rows 1-6 once more.
6. Border: with red, sc around the rug. FO.
7. Block flat before sewing or placing on the floor.

Red Mushroom Stool

The small stool has a tan base and a red cushion with white flower-like dots.

Stool Legs

1. With tan yarn, MR, 6 sc.
2. Rounds 2-8: sc around. FO.
3. Make 4 legs.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Seat Cushion

1. With red yarn, MR, 6 sc.
2. Round 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Round 3: (sc, inc) around. 18 sts.
4. Round 4: (2 sc, inc) around. 24 sts.
5. Round 5: BLO sc around.
6. Rounds 6-7: sc around.
7. Round 8: (2 sc, dec) around. 18 sts. Stuff lightly.
8. Round 9: (sc, dec) around. 12 sts. FO and close.
9. Embroider small white stars or flowers over the red cushion.
10. Sew 4 legs under the cushion.

Mother Mouse

The mother mouse stands on the left side wearing a red apron. Her body is cream, her ears are round with pink centers, and she holds the baking tray. Work all mouse pieces with the 2.25 mm hook.

Head

1. With cream yarn, MR, 6 sc.
2. Round 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Round 3: (sc, inc) around. 18 sts.
4. Round 4: (2 sc, inc) around. 24 sts.
5. Round 5: (3 sc, inc) around. 30 sts.
6. Rounds 6-11: sc around.
7. Round 12: (3 sc, dec) around. 24 sts.
8. Round 13: (2 sc, dec) around. 18 sts.
9. Insert eyes between Rounds 8 and 9, 7 sts apart.
10. Round 14: (sc, dec) around. 12 sts. Stuff firmly.
11. Round 15: dec around. FO and close.

Pointed Muzzle

1. With cream yarn, MR, 5 sc.
2. Round 2: sc around. 5 sts.
3. Round 3: inc, sc 4. 6 sts.
4. Round 4: (sc, inc) around. 9 sts.
5. Round 5: sc around. FO, leaving tail.
6. Stuff very lightly and sew to front of head, slightly low.
7. Embroider a small dark brown nose at the tip and a short vertical mouth line.

Ears

1. Outer ear, make 2: with cream, MR, 6 sc.
2. Round 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Round 3: (sc, inc) around. 18 sts. FO.
4. Inner ear, make 2: with light pink, MR, 6 sc.
5. Round 2: (sc, inc) around. 9 sts. FO.
6. Sew pink centers to cream ears, then sew ears to the head between Rounds 5 and 8.

Body

1. With cream yarn, MR, 6 sc.
2. Round 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Round 3: (sc, inc) around. 18 sts.
4. Round 4: (2 sc, inc) around. 24 sts.
5. Round 5: (3 sc, inc) around. 30 sts.
6. Rounds 6-12: sc around.
7. Round 13: (3 sc, dec) around. 24 sts.
8. Round 14: sc around.
9. Round 15: (2 sc, dec) around. 18 sts.
10. Round 16: (sc, dec) around. 12 sts. Stuff firmly.
11. FO, leaving tail for sewing head to body.

Arms

1. With cream yarn, MR, 6 sc.
2. Rounds 2-9: sc around.
3. Stuff lightly at paw end only.
4. Flatten opening and sc through both layers to close. FO.
5. Make 2 arms.
6. Sew arms to body so they angle forward and can hold the tray.

Legs and Feet

1. With cream yarn, MR, 6 sc.
2. Round 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Rounds 3-5: sc around.
4. Stuff lightly.
5. Round 6: dec around. FO.
6. Make 2 and sew under body.

Tail

1. With light pink yarn, ch 18.
2. Sl st in 2nd ch from hook and across.
3. FO and sew to lower back of body.

Red Apron Dress

1. With red yarn, ch 19.
2. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch and across. Turn. 18 sts.
3. Rows 2-8: ch 1, sc across. Turn.
4. Row 9: dec, sc 14, dec. Turn. 16 sts.
5. Row 10: dec, sc 12, dec. Turn. 14 sts.
6. FO and sew apron to the front of the body.
7. Neck strap: attach at top corner, ch 16, sl st to opposite top corner.
8. Waist ties: attach at side, ch 18, FO. Repeat on other side.
9. Sew mother mouse on the left side of the suitcase, facing toward the little mice.

Little Mouse in Green Sweater

This smaller mouse stands near the rug and holds the mixing bowl. The body is cream with a mint green sweater.

Head

1. With cream yarn, MR, 6 sc.
2. Round 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Round 3: (sc, inc) around. 18 sts.
4. Rounds 4-8: sc around.
5. Round 9: (sc, dec) around. 12 sts.
6. Insert or embroider eyes between Rounds 5 and 6, 5 sts apart.
7. Stuff firmly.
8. Round 10: dec around. FO and close.

Muzzle and Ears

1. Muzzle: with cream, MR, 5 sc, Round 2 sc around, FO. Sew to face and embroider nose.
2. Ears: with cream, MR, 6 sc, Round 2 inc around to 12, FO. Make 2.
3. Inner ears: with pink, MR, 5 sc, FO. Make 2 and sew onto ears.
4. Sew ears to top sides of head.

Body with Sweater

1. With tan or cream yarn, MR, 6 sc.
2. Round 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Round 3: (sc, inc) around. 18 sts.
4. Round 4: switch to mint green, sc around.
5. Rounds 5-10: sc around.
6. Round 11: (sc, dec) around. 12 sts. Stuff.
7. Round 12: dec around. FO.
8. Sew head to body.

Arms, Legs, and Tail

1. Arms: with cream, MR, 5 sc, Rounds 2-7 sc around. Make 2. Sew angled forward.
2. Legs: with tan, MR, 6 sc, Rounds 2-4 sc around. Make 2. Sew under body.
3. Tail: with pink, ch 14, sl st back across. Sew to lower back.
4. Sew this mouse near the center of the rug, holding or facing the small bowl.

Little Mouse in Red Sweater

The second little mouse wears a red sweater and stands on the right side of the checked rug. It faces the green sweater mouse, as if helping mix batter.

1. Make the head, muzzle, ears, arms, legs, and tail using the same instructions as the green sweater mouse.
2. For the body, work Rounds 1-3 in cream or tan.
3. Switch to red for Rounds 4-10.
4. Round 11: (sc, dec) around. 12 sts. Stuff.
5. Round 12: dec around. FO.
6. Sew head to body.
7. Position arms forward. Sew the mouse to the right side of the rug.

Small Bowl for Little Mice

1. With white yarn, MR, 6 sc.
2. Round 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Round 3: BLO sc around.
4. Rounds 4-5: sc around. FO.
5. For batter, make a white flat circle: MR, 6 sc, Round 2 inc around. FO.
6. Place the batter inside the bowl.
7. Sew bowl between the two little mice.

Snow Piles and Tiny Extras

Small white accents make the cottage feel like a winter baking scene. Add them carefully so the scene remains tidy and close to the reference image.

• Snow on window ledge: sew small white chains and ovals across the lower window edge.
• Snow dots outside window: use white embroidery knots on blue panes.
• Small dough balls: make MR with 6 sc, sc one round, dec closed.
• Counter crumbs: add a few tiny cream French knots near the rolling pin.
• Wall hooks: embroider small brown V stitches above the aprons and towel.

Placement Guide

Before sewing everything permanently, place all pieces inside the suitcase. The photo has a balanced layout: mother mouse on the left, stove in the center, counter on the right, little mice on the rug in front, and the wall decorations spread evenly above.

1. Sew the snowy window on the upper left wall, about 7 rows below the top rim.
2. Sew the striped towel to the left of the window, tilted slightly.
3. Embroider the light cord across the top wall and attach 8 yellow bulbs.
4. Sew the clock near the upper center.
5. Sew the yarn shelf under the clock.
6. Sew the wreath on the upper right wall.
7. Sew the two aprons on the right wall, below the wreath.
8. Place the stove slightly left of center on the floor.
9. Place the counter on the right against the back wall.
10. Add flour bag, jars, eggs, rolling pin, and bowl on or near the counter.
11. Place utensil basket between mother mouse and stove.
12. Sew mother mouse on the left, holding the tray.
13. Place checked rug in front of the counter and stove.
14. Sew the two little mice on the rug with the bowl between them.
15. Place the red mushroom stool near the front center-left.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Use pins first and view the cottage from the front before sewing. The miniature room should look full but not crowded. Keep the main walking area visible between the stove, rug, stool, and mother mouse.

• Embroider each mouse nose with dark brown or black thread.
• Add one short vertical mouth line below the nose.
• Add tiny pink cheek stitches if desired, but keep them soft and small.
• Sew the mother mouse’s tray to both paws so it stays angled forward.
• Sew little mouse paws close to the bowl so they look like they are mixing.
• Hide all yarn tails inside furniture or behind wall decorations.

Care Notes

This project is best used as a decorative crochet display. Because it includes small parts, it is not recommended for babies or toddlers. For child-safe use, embroider all eyes and avoid metal hardware, beads, and detachable miniatures.

• Spot clean gently with cool water and mild soap.
• Do not machine wash if cardboard or plastic canvas is inside.
• Let the cottage air dry fully before storing.
• Keep away from direct sunlight to protect the soft winter colors.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The suitcase base stands firmly and does not collapse.
• The back wall is upright and securely sewn to the floor.
• Window, shelf, clock, wreath, lights, towel, and aprons are evenly placed.
• The stove and counter are stable and aligned with the back wall.
• All tiny jars, eggs, cookies, and tools are sewn or secured.
• The mice can stand or sit naturally in their arranged positions.
• No loose yarn tails are visible from the front.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

To preserve the cottage shape, store it open on a shelf or in a box with tissue paper supporting the wall and side rims. Avoid crushing the suitcase front lip, handle, wreath, and light bulbs.

If dust collects, use a soft makeup brush or small clean paintbrush to lift dust from the wall, furniture, and mice. For deeper cleaning, dab only the stained area with a barely damp cloth and allow it to dry completely.

For long-term display, rotate the cottage occasionally so one side does not fade more than the other. Keep the tiny cookie tray, bowl, jars, and eggs stitched down if the piece will be moved often.