Crochet Tutorial: Mushroom Root Cellar Mole Cottage – Free Crochet Pattern.

This cozy crochet scene features a rounded underground root cellar cottage with green, cream, and earthy brown stripes, an arched wooden door, glowing lanterns, a “Root Cellar Farm” sign, mole gardeners, a tiny mole helper, mushrooms, stepping stones, crates of vegetables, potato sacks, pumpkins, onions, turnips, tools, shelves, jars, and a little farm-scale display. The finished project is a detailed amigurumi-style display piece inspired by a warm harvest cellar garden.

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

This pattern is worked as a miniature crochet diorama. The large green base is crocheted first, then the striped dome cottage is built as a firm half-sphere shell. The arched entrance, open wooden door, sign, lanterns, mole characters, garden tools, stones, vegetables, shelves, crates, sacks, and mushrooms are made separately and sewn in place.

The cottage is designed to look like a soft root cellar built into a mushroom-shaped hill. The dome should be broad, rounded, and slightly flattened at the bottom. The front opening is arched, with the brown door swung open toward the left side.

Finished Size

Full display diameter: about 12 in / 30 cm.
Dome height: about 5.5 in / 14 cm.
Dome width: about 8 in / 20 cm.
Adult mole height: about 3 in / 7.5 cm.
Baby mole height: about 2 in / 5 cm.
Door height: about 3.25 in / 8 cm.

Skill Level

Intermediate. A confident beginner can complete this project by following each small section slowly. Most pieces use basic amigurumi stitches, but the project includes shaping, color changes, flat panels, embroidery, tiny accessories, and detailed assembly.

Materials

Worsted weight cotton or cotton-acrylic yarn in grass green, olive green, moss green, cream, tan, warm brown, dark brown, black, charcoal gray, light gray, peach-pink, purple, orange, white, red, yellow, and beige.
Sport weight yarn or embroidery floss for small labels, lantern details, hinges, facial embroidery, and vegetable stems.
3.0 mm crochet hook for main pieces.
2.25 mm crochet hook for vegetables, jars, labels, tiny lanterns, and mushrooms.
Fiberfill stuffing.
Plastic canvas, cardboard, or firm felt for the base, dome support, shelves, door, crates, and sign backing.
6 mm safety eyes for adult moles, or black embroidery thread.
4 mm safety eyes for the baby mole, or black embroidery thread.
Tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors, sewing pins.
Optional: warm yellow felt or embroidery thread for lantern glow.

Abbreviations

MR: magic ring.
ch: chain.
sl st: slip stitch.
sc: single crochet.
hdc: half double crochet.
dc: double crochet.
tr: treble crochet.
inc: 2 sc in the same stitch.
dec: invisible single crochet decrease.
BLO: back loop only.
FLO: front loop only.
FO: fasten off.
st/sts: stitch/stitches.
R: round or row.

Gauge

Gauge is not critical, but tight stitches are important. With a 3.0 mm hook and worsted yarn, 6 sc should measure about 1 in / 2.5 cm. If your stuffing shows through, use a smaller hook.

Important Construction Notes

Work amigurumi pieces in continuous rounds unless a section says to join.
Use a stitch marker for the first stitch of each round.
Stuff the mole bodies firmly, but do not overstuff the tiny snouts, arms, or feet.
The dome should be lightly stuffed and supported with a hidden plastic canvas half-circle or firm felt so it keeps the cellar shape.
For a display piece, sew every item firmly to the base so the scene stays neat.
For children under 3 years old, embroider eyes instead of using safety eyes.

Large Round Grass Base

The base is a flat green circle with a slightly raised edge. It should be wide enough for the dome cottage, stepping stones, crates, mushrooms, tools, and garden baskets. Work with grass green yarn and the 3.0 mm hook.

R1: MR, 6 sc in ring. Pull tight. 6 sts.
R2: Inc in each st around. 12 sts.
R3: Sc 1, inc; repeat around. 18 sts.
R4: Sc 2, inc; repeat around. 24 sts.
R5: Sc 3, inc; repeat around. 30 sts.
R6: Sc 4, inc; repeat around. 36 sts.
R7: Sc 5, inc; repeat around. 42 sts.
R8: Sc 6, inc; repeat around. 48 sts.
R9: Sc 7, inc; repeat around. 54 sts.
R10: Sc 8, inc; repeat around. 60 sts.
R11: Sc 9, inc; repeat around. 66 sts.
R12: Sc 10, inc; repeat around. 72 sts.
R13: Sc 11, inc; repeat around. 78 sts.
R14: Sc 12, inc; repeat around. 84 sts.
R15: Sc 13, inc; repeat around. 90 sts.
R16: Sc 14, inc; repeat around. 96 sts.
R17: Sc 15, inc; repeat around. 102 sts.
R18: Sc 16, inc; repeat around. 108 sts.
R19: Sc 17, inc; repeat around. 114 sts.
R20: Sc 18, inc; repeat around. 120 sts.
R21: Sc 19, inc; repeat around. 126 sts.
R22: Sc 20, inc; repeat around. 132 sts.
R23: Sc 21, inc; repeat around. 138 sts.
R24: Sc 22, inc; repeat around. 144 sts.
R25: Sc 23, inc; repeat around. 150 sts.
R26: Sc 24, inc; repeat around. 156 sts.
R27: Sc 25, inc; repeat around. 162 sts.
R28: Sc 26, inc; repeat around. 168 sts.
R29: Sc 27, inc; repeat around. 174 sts.
R30: Sc 28, inc; repeat around. 180 sts.

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Place the crocheted circle over a matching circle of firm felt or thin cardboard. For a clean finish, crochet one more round through the base and the backing edge if possible.

R31: BLO sc around. 180 sts.
R32: Sc around. 180 sts.
R33: Reverse sc around for a neat raised rim. Sl st to finish. FO and weave in ends.

Striped Root Cellar Dome

The dome is a half-sphere with wide rustic stripes. It is worked from the top center down. Use a 3.0 mm hook. Keep the tension even so the color bands look round and natural.

Color Order for Dome

R1-R4: olive green.
R5: warm brown.
R6-R8: cream.
R9-R12: moss green.
R13-R15: tan brown.
R16-R18: cream.
R19-R22: olive green.
R23-R25: moss green.
R26-R28: warm brown.
R29-R31: cream.
R32-R34: olive green.

R1: With olive green, MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
R2: Inc around. 12 sts.
R3: Sc 1, inc; repeat around. 18 sts.
R4: Sc 2, inc; repeat around. 24 sts.
R5: Change to warm brown. Sc 3, inc; repeat around. 30 sts.
R6: Change to cream. Sc 4, inc; repeat around. 36 sts.
R7: Sc 5, inc; repeat around. 42 sts.
R8: Sc 6, inc; repeat around. 48 sts.
R9: Change to moss green. Sc 7, inc; repeat around. 54 sts.
R10: Sc 8, inc; repeat around. 60 sts.
R11: Sc 9, inc; repeat around. 66 sts.
R12: Sc 10, inc; repeat around. 72 sts.
R13: Change to tan brown. Sc 11, inc; repeat around. 78 sts.
R14: Sc 12, inc; repeat around. 84 sts.
R15: Sc 13, inc; repeat around. 90 sts.
R16: Change to cream. Sc 14, inc; repeat around. 96 sts.
R17: Sc 15, inc; repeat around. 102 sts.
R18: Sc 16, inc; repeat around. 108 sts.
R19: Change to olive green. Sc 17, inc; repeat around. 114 sts.
R20: Sc 18, inc; repeat around. 120 sts.
R21: Sc 19, inc; repeat around. 126 sts.
R22: Sc 20, inc; repeat around. 132 sts.
R23: Change to moss green. Sc 21, inc; repeat around. 138 sts.
R24: Sc around. 138 sts.
R25: Sc around. 138 sts.
R26: Change to warm brown. Sc around. 138 sts.
R27: Sc around. 138 sts.
R28: Sc around. 138 sts.
R29: Change to cream. Sc around. 138 sts.
R30: Sc around. 138 sts.
R31: Sc around. 138 sts.
R32: Change to olive green. Sc around. 138 sts.
R33: Sc around. 138 sts.
R34: BLO sc around. 138 sts. FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Cut a front arch opening after crocheting is not recommended. Instead, shape the front opening by folding the lower front inward when attaching the entrance frame. For a cleaner beginner-friendly method, place the dome on the base and mark a front opening about 3.5 in wide and 3.25 in tall. Sew the arched frame over the dome surface and leave the central space visually open by covering it with dark brown interior fabric or crochet panel.

Dark Interior Back Panel

This panel sits behind the arched opening to create the deep cellar look. Use dark brown yarn and a 3.0 mm hook.

Ch 25.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. 24 sts.
Rows 2-14: Ch 1, turn, sc across. 24 sts.
Row 15: Ch 1, turn, dec, sc 20, dec. 22 sts.
Row 16: Ch 1, turn, dec, sc 18, dec. 20 sts.
Row 17: Ch 1, turn, dec, sc 16, dec. 18 sts.
Row 18: Ch 1, turn, dec, sc 14, dec. 16 sts.
Row 19: Ch 1, turn, dec, sc 12, dec. 14 sts.
Row 20: Ch 1, turn, dec, sc 10, dec. 12 sts.
Row 21: Ch 1, turn, dec, sc 8, dec. 10 sts.
Row 22: Ch 1, turn, dec, sc 6, dec. 8 sts. FO.

Sew this panel inside the front of the dome. The straight lower edge touches the grass base. The rounded upper edge should sit under the arched frame.

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Arched Doorway Frame

The doorway frame is thick, warm brown, and rounded. It outlines the cellar entrance and gives the front its root-cellar shape.

With warm brown yarn, ch 38.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. 37 sts.
Rows 2-4: Ch 1, turn, sc across. 37 sts.
FO, leaving a very long tail.

Bend the strip into an arch. Pin it around the dark interior panel. The bottom ends should sit 3.5 in apart. Sew the strip firmly along both long edges, shaping it into a smooth upside-down U.

Doorway Outer Ridge

With dark brown yarn, join at the lower left base of the arch.
Sc evenly around the outside edge of the arch, placing 3 sc into the top center curve.
Sl st at the lower right base. FO.

Open Wooden Door

The door is oval-topped and made to look like vertical wooden planks. It swings open toward the left side of the entrance. Use tan brown yarn for the main door.

Ch 15.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. 14 sts.
Rows 2-18: Ch 1, turn, sc across. 14 sts.
Row 19: Ch 1, turn, dec, sc 10, dec. 12 sts.
Row 20: Ch 1, turn, dec, sc 8, dec. 10 sts.
Row 21: Ch 1, turn, dec, sc 6, dec. 8 sts.
Row 22: Ch 1, turn, dec, sc 4, dec. 6 sts.
Row 23: Ch 1, turn, dec, sc 2, dec. 4 sts. FO.

Make a second matching door panel. Place plastic canvas or firm felt between the two panels. Sc around both layers with tan brown yarn, placing 2 sc in the lower corners and 3 sc around the rounded top curve.

Door Plank Lines

Using dark brown embroidery thread, sew 4 vertical lines from top to bottom.
Keep each line slightly uneven to imitate rustic wood.
Add short horizontal stitches across the lower third for a natural plank effect.

Door Hinges and Handle

With black yarn, embroider 2 horizontal hinge straps on the left side of the door.
Each hinge is 5 straight stitches wide.
Add 1 small black French knot or short satin stitch for the handle on the right edge.
Sew the left edge of the door to the left side of the arch only, leaving the door angled outward at about 45 degrees.

Root Cellar Farm Sign

The sign is a small tan rectangle above the doorway. Use beige yarn and a 2.25 mm hook.

Ch 22.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. 21 sts.
Rows 2-5: Ch 1, turn, sc across. 21 sts.
Sc evenly around the rectangle, placing 2 sc in each corner. FO.

Embroider Root Cellar Farm in dark brown using small backstitches. Sew the sign above the arched entrance, centered between the two lanterns.

Hanging Lanterns

Make two lanterns. They hang on each side of the door and should look warm yellow inside with a gray-brown frame.

Lantern Body

With yellow yarn and 2.25 mm hook, MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
R2: Sc 1, inc; repeat around. 9 sts.
R3-R5: Sc around. 9 sts.
R6: Sc 1, dec; repeat around. 6 sts.
FO and lightly stuff.

Lantern Frame

With gray yarn, embroider 3 vertical frame lines over the yellow body.
Wrap one gray stitch around the top and one around the bottom.
For the handle, ch 8 with gray yarn, sl st to the opposite side of the top, and FO.
Sew one lantern to each side of the doorway, slightly below the sign.

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Interior Floor Mat

Inside the root cellar, the visible floor is a small tan mat. Use tan yarn and a 3.0 mm hook.

Ch 22.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. 21 sts.
Rows 2-13: Ch 1, turn, sc across. 21 sts.
Sc around the edge. FO.

Sew the mat inside the doorway. The front edge should meet the base of the arch, while the back edge disappears into the dark interior.

Interior Storage Shelf

The shelf behind the moles holds tiny jars and stacked vegetables. Make it flat so it can be sewn to the back panel.

Shelf Back

With warm brown yarn, ch 20.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. 19 sts.
Rows 2-10: Ch 1, turn, sc across. 19 sts.
FO.

Shelf Rails

With dark brown yarn, ch 20 and sew across Row 4 of the shelf back.
Make another ch 20 and sew across Row 8.
Embroider two vertical side supports with dark brown yarn.
Sew the shelf to the dark back panel before attaching the moles, so it remains visible between them.

Tiny Shelf Jars

Make 8 tiny jars in purple, pink, yellow, and tan. Use a 2.25 mm hook.

R1: MR, 5 sc. 5 sts.
R2: Sc around. 5 sts.
R3: Sc around. 5 sts. FO.

Sew jars onto the shelf rows. Use beige embroidery stitches for lids. Keep them clustered in small groups like preserves and stored roots.

Adult Mole Body

Make two adult moles. Use charcoal gray or black yarn and a 2.25 mm or 3.0 mm hook. The adult moles are short, rounded, and slightly hunched. One stands near the vegetable basket inside the doorway. The second stands by the wheelbarrow.

Head and Body, Made as One Piece

R1: MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
R2: Inc around. 12 sts.
R3: Sc 1, inc; repeat around. 18 sts.
R4: Sc 2, inc; repeat around. 24 sts.
R5-R9: Sc around. 24 sts.
R10: Sc 2, dec; repeat around. 18 sts.
R11: Sc around. 18 sts.
R12: Sc 1, dec; repeat around. 12 sts.
Stuff the head firmly. This narrow round becomes the neck.
R13: Sc 1, inc; repeat around. 18 sts.
R14: Sc 2, inc; repeat around. 24 sts.
R15-R20: Sc around. 24 sts.
R21: Sc 2, dec; repeat around. 18 sts.
R22: Sc 1, dec; repeat around. 12 sts.
Stuff the body firmly.
R23: Dec around. 6 sts. FO and close.

Mole Snout

With peach-pink yarn, MR, 5 sc. 5 sts.
R2: Sc around. 5 sts.
R3: Sc 1, inc, sc 1, inc, sc 1. 7 sts.
FO, leaving a tail. Lightly stuff.

Sew the snout to the lower front of the head, centered between R6 and R9. Embroider a tiny dark brown nose at the tip.

Mole Arms

Make 4 arms for two adult moles.

With peach-pink yarn, MR, 5 sc. 5 sts.
R2: Sc around. 5 sts.
Change to charcoal gray.
R3-R8: Sc around. 5 sts.
Flatten the arm and sc through both layers with 2 sc. FO.

Sew arms to the body at R13-R15. Angle one mole’s arms forward to hold a purple vegetable. Angle the other mole’s arms downward toward the wheelbarrow handle.

Mole Feet

Make 4 small feet.

With peach-pink yarn, ch 4.
R1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc 1, 3 sc in last ch. Work on other side of chain: sc 1, inc. 8 sts.
R2: Sc around. 8 sts.
FO. Flatten lightly.

Sew two feet to the bottom front of each adult mole. Use three short dark stitches on each foot for tiny claws.

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Mole Face

Place 6 mm safety eyes between R6 and R7, about 5 sts apart.
For a softer handmade look, embroider the eyes with black yarn instead.
Add 3 tiny whisker stitches on each side of the snout using dark gray thread.
Sew the two adult moles inside the doorway, leaving space for the wheelbarrow and shelf to show.

Baby Mole With Red Scarf

The small mole stands outside the cellar near the doorway and looks like a tiny helper. Use gray yarn for the body and red yarn for the scarf.

Baby Mole Body

R1: MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
R2: Inc around. 12 sts.
R3: Sc 1, inc; repeat around. 18 sts.
R4-R7: Sc around. 18 sts.
R8: Sc 1, dec; repeat around. 12 sts.
R9: Sc around. 12 sts.
R10: Sc 1, inc; repeat around. 18 sts.
R11-R14: Sc around. 18 sts.
R15: Sc 1, dec; repeat around. 12 sts.
Stuff firmly.
R16: Dec around. 6 sts. FO and close.

Baby Snout

With peach-pink yarn, MR, 5 sc. 5 sts.
R2: Sc around. 5 sts. FO.

Sew the snout to the face. Add tiny eyes with black embroidery thread or 4 mm safety eyes. Add two short whiskers on each side.

Red Scarf

With red yarn, ch 26.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. 25 sts.
FO and trim both ends into short fringe.

Wrap the scarf around the neck and stitch it in place. Place the baby mole outside the doorway, slightly right of center, facing the stone path.

Wheelbarrow With Potatoes

The wheelbarrow sits inside the entrance and points outward. It has a small black wheel, tan tray, handles, and round potatoes.

Wheelbarrow Tray

With tan yarn, ch 13.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. 12 sts.
Rows 2-6: Ch 1, turn, sc across. 12 sts.
Sc around the rectangle. FO.

Tray Sides

Join tan yarn to one long edge and work 1 row of sc across. FO.
Repeat on the other long edge.
Join tan yarn to one short edge and work 1 row of sc across. FO.
Sew the side rows upward slightly to form a shallow box.

Wheel

With black yarn, MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
R2: Inc around. 12 sts.
R3: BLO sc around. 12 sts.
FO. Sew to the front center of the tray.

Handles

With dark brown yarn, ch 10 for one handle. FO.
Make a second handle.
Sew both chains to the back of the tray, angled outward.

Potatoes for Wheelbarrow

Make 10 small potatoes with tan-brown yarn and a 2.25 mm hook.

R1: MR, 5 sc. 5 sts.
R2: Inc around. 10 sts.
R3: Sc around. 10 sts.
R4: Dec around. 5 sts. FO and close.

Sew or glue-safe stitch the potatoes into the wheelbarrow. Position the wheelbarrow between the two adult moles, angled toward the open doorway.

Wooden Vegetable Crates

Make several shallow crates for potatoes, turnips, onions, and pumpkins. Use tan or warm brown yarn with the 2.25 mm hook.

Basic Crate Base

Ch 16.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. 15 sts.
Rows 2-7: Ch 1, turn, sc across. 15 sts.
Sc around the rectangle. FO.

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Crate Wall

Join yarn in any corner.
R1: BLO sc around the rectangle, placing 1 sc in each edge stitch and 2 sc in each corner.
R2: Sc around. FO.

Make at least 5 crates: one potato crate, one purple turnip crate, one onion crate, one pumpkin crate, and one small empty crate near the tools. Embroider dark brown straight lines across each crate to imitate wooden slats.

Potato Crate and Loose Potatoes

The left front area has a crate full of brown potatoes. Use tan-brown yarn.

Make 12 potatoes using the potato pattern from the wheelbarrow section.
Sew 8 potatoes inside the crate.
Sew 4 potatoes slightly higher so the pile looks full.
Place the crate at the front left side of the grass base.

Purple Turnip or Beet Crate

The purple vegetables sit in a crate at the front left, near the mushrooms. Use purple yarn for the round roots and green yarn for leafy tops.

Purple Root

R1: MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
R2: Inc around. 12 sts.
R3-R4: Sc around. 12 sts.
R5: Sc 1, dec; repeat around. 8 sts.
Stuff lightly.
R6: Dec around. 4 sts. FO and close.

Leafy Top

With green yarn, ch 5.
Sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc 1, hdc 1, sl st 1.
Ch 5 again and repeat for a second leaf.
Ch 4 and repeat for a third smaller leaf. FO.

Sew one leafy top to each purple root. Make 6 purple roots and arrange them in the front-left crate.

White Onion Crate

The onion crate sits at the front right. The onions are white bulbs with tall green stems.

Onion Bulb

With white yarn, MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
R2: Inc around. 12 sts.
R3-R4: Sc around. 12 sts.
R5: Sc 1, dec; repeat around. 8 sts.
Stuff lightly.
R6: Dec around. 4 sts. FO and close.

Onion Stem

With green yarn, ch 8.
Sl st in 2nd ch from hook and across. FO.

Make 6 onions. Sew one stem to each bulb. Arrange the onions upright in the right-front crate so the green stems point upward.

Pumpkins

The pumpkins are bright orange and sit on the right side near the empty crate and tools. Make three large pumpkins and one tiny pumpkin on the scale box.

Large Pumpkin

With orange yarn, MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
R2: Inc around. 12 sts.
R3: Sc 1, inc; repeat around. 18 sts.
R4-R7: Sc around. 18 sts.
R8: Sc 1, dec; repeat around. 12 sts.
Stuff firmly.
R9: Dec around. 6 sts. FO, leaving a long tail.

Use the tail to wrap from the top center to the bottom center 6 times, pulling gently to create pumpkin grooves. Knot securely underneath.

Pumpkin Stem

With green yarn, ch 5.
Sl st in 2nd ch from hook and across. FO.

Sew the stem to the top. Make 3 large pumpkins. For the tiny pumpkin, follow the same pattern but stop after R7, then close.

Potato Sacks and Small Baskets

Two sacks labeled potatoes stand near the left side of the door. A small basket with a handle sits nearby.

Potato Sack

With beige yarn, MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
R2: Inc around. 12 sts.
R3: Sc 1, inc; repeat around. 18 sts.
R4: BLO sc around. 18 sts.
R5-R12: Sc around. 18 sts.
R13: Sc 1, dec; repeat around. 12 sts.
Stuff lightly.
R14: Sc around. 12 sts. FO.

Make 2 sacks. Flatten the top slightly and sew it partly closed. Embroider POTATOES on the front using dark brown yarn. If the word is too long, embroider POTATO on one sack and POTATOES on the other.

Small Basket

With tan yarn, MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
R2: Inc around. 12 sts.
R3: BLO sc around. 12 sts.
R4-R6: Sc around. 12 sts.
FO.

Basket Handle

Ch 14.
Sl st in 2nd ch from hook and across. FO.

Sew the handle to opposite sides of the basket. Place the basket near the potato sacks on the left side of the scene.

Tiny Price Signs and Labels

The image includes small signs in the garden crates and sacks. These details make the scene look like a tiny farm market.

For each sign, use beige yarn or felt-backed crochet rectangles.
Ch 5, sc in 2nd ch from hook and across for 4 sts.
Work 2 rows total, then FO.
Embroider short words such as Pea, Crop, $25, or tiny lines if the space is too small.
Sew the signs to thin brown yarn stems and attach them to crates or sacks.

Red Spotted Mushrooms

Make several mushrooms around the base, especially near the left and right edges. Each mushroom has a white stem, red cap, and small white spots.

Mushroom Stem

With white yarn, MR, 5 sc. 5 sts.
R2: Inc around. 10 sts.
R3-R5: Sc around. 10 sts.
R6: Sc 1, dec; repeat around, ending with sc 1. 7 sts.
FO and stuff lightly.

Mushroom Cap

With red yarn, MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
R2: Inc around. 12 sts.
R3: Sc 1, inc; repeat around. 18 sts.
R4-R5: Sc around. 18 sts.
R6: Sc 1, dec; repeat around. 12 sts.
FO, leaving a tail.

Sew the cap onto the stem. Embroider 4 to 6 small white French knots on the cap. Make 7 mushrooms in different heights by adding or removing one stem round.

Stepping Stone Path

The path is made from flat gray circles leading from the open door to the front of the base. Use light gray yarn and the 2.25 mm hook.

Large Stone

R1: MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
R2: Inc around. 12 sts.
R3: Sc 1, inc; repeat around. 18 sts.
R4: Sc 2, inc; repeat around. 24 sts.
Sl st to finish. FO.

Medium Stone

R1: MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
R2: Inc around. 12 sts.
R3: Sc 1, inc; repeat around. 18 sts.
Sl st to finish. FO.

Small Stone

R1: MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
R2: Inc around. 12 sts.
Sl st to finish. FO.

Make 8 large stones, 5 medium stones, and 3 small stones. Sew them in a curved path from the door toward the front center. Overlap a few stones slightly for the cobbled look shown in the image.

Garden Tools

The tools stand on the right side of the doorway. Make a shovel, rake, and small fork using beige handles and gray tool heads.

Tool Handle

With beige yarn, ch 24.
Sl st in 2nd ch from hook and across. FO.

Make 3 handles.

Shovel Head

With gray yarn, MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
R2: Sc 1, inc; repeat around. 9 sts.
R3: Sc around. 9 sts.
Flatten and sew the top closed. FO.

Rake Head

With gray yarn, ch 8.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. 7 sts.
Ch 3, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in next ch, sl st into next base st; repeat across to create teeth.
FO.

Garden Fork Head

With gray yarn, ch 6.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. 5 sts.
Ch 4, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and next 2 ch, sl st into base; repeat 3 times for prongs.
FO.

Sew each head to a handle. Attach the tools upright to the right side of the cellar, leaning slightly against the dome.

Small Wooden Scale Box

The small crate with a round scale and tiny pumpkin sits near the baby mole. Use tan yarn for the box and light gray for the scale face.

Box

With tan yarn, ch 11.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. 10 sts.
Rows 2-5: Ch 1, turn, sc across. 10 sts.
Sc around. FO.

Scale Face

With light gray yarn, MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
R2: Inc around. 12 sts.
Sl st to finish. FO.

Embroider a tiny black pointer on the gray circle. Sew the scale face to the front of the box. Place a tiny pumpkin on top of the box.

Extra Wooden Crate on Right Side

The right side of the image includes an empty slatted crate. Make one flat crate with open lines.

With tan yarn, ch 18.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. 17 sts.
Rows 2-8: Ch 1, turn, sc across. 17 sts.
FO.

Embroider 4 dark brown horizontal lines across the crate.
Embroider 2 diagonal lines from corner to corner for wooden support.
Sew the crate flat to the grass base near the pumpkins.

Interior Vegetable Basket Held by Mole

One adult mole holds a small basket or vegetable bundle. Use tan yarn for the basket and purple-green colors for the produce.

Tiny Basket

With tan yarn, MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
R2: Inc around. 12 sts.
R3: BLO sc around. 12 sts.
R4: Sc around. 12 sts. FO.

Tiny Vegetables

Make 3 purple roots using MR, 5 sc, then one round of sc, then FO.
Add green chain leaves on top of each root.
Sew the roots into the basket.
Sew the basket between the first adult mole’s hands.

Attaching the Dome to the Base

Before sewing, place every large piece on the base and check the layout. The dome should sit toward the back center, leaving enough front space for the stone path, crates, vegetables, baby mole, and mushrooms.

Place the dome on the grass base with the arched entrance facing forward.
Lightly stuff the inside edges of the dome, keeping the bottom flat.
Insert a half-dome support made from firm felt or plastic canvas if needed.
Pin the dome to the base from the inside lower edge.
Sew the dome down using olive green or matching lower-stripe yarn.
Use small whipstitches and hide the stitches between the base rounds.

Scene Layout Guide

Back center: striped root cellar dome.
Front center: gray stepping stone path.
Left of doorway: open wooden door, potato sacks, basket, potato crate, red mushrooms.
Inside doorway: shelf, two adult moles, wheelbarrow, jars, tiny vegetable basket.
Right of doorway: tools, baby mole, scale box, pumpkins, empty crate.
Front left: purple turnip crate and mushroom cluster.
Front right: white onion crate, pumpkins, and red mushrooms.

Detailed Assembly Steps

Sew the dark interior panel behind the arched opening.
Sew the tan floor mat inside the doorway.
Sew the shelf to the back wall before adding the moles.
Attach the jars and tiny stored vegetables to the shelf.
Sew the arched frame over the entrance, shaping it into a rounded doorway.
Attach the open door to the left side of the arch at a 45-degree angle.
Sew the sign above the arch.
Sew one lantern on each side of the entrance.
Place the two adult moles inside, one slightly left and one slightly right.
Sew the wheelbarrow between them and fill it with potatoes.
Sew the baby mole outside near the right side of the path.
Sew the stepping stones from the doorway to the front edge.
Attach crates and vegetables around the base.
Add mushrooms last so they frame the garden scene naturally.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check the faces before the final stitching. The adult moles should look gentle and busy, with small dark eyes, rounded pink snouts, and tiny claws. Add short whiskers using dark gray embroidery thread. Keep the baby mole’s scarf slightly loose-looking but stitched securely at the back.

Make sure the door remains open and visible. The hinge side should be attached firmly to the left arch, while the outer door edge should point toward the viewer. This angle gives the cottage the welcoming look shown in the image.

Use small stitches to secure loose vegetables in crates.
Hide all yarn tails inside the dome, base, or stuffed pieces.
Trim fuzzy fibers carefully, especially around the sign and labels.
Add extra tiny brown stitches to the door if you want a more rustic wood texture.

Care Notes

This project is best used as a decorative display. Because it has many small vegetables, signs, stones, tools, and lantern details, it should not be handled roughly. Keep it on a shelf, table, or craft display area away from moisture and direct sunlight.

Do not machine wash.
Spot clean only with a slightly damp cloth.
Do not soak the cardboard, felt, or plastic canvas supports.
Let the piece air dry completely after cleaning.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

The dome is round, firm, and striped in green, cream, and brown.
The arched doorway is centered and framed in warm brown.
The wooden door opens to the left and has black hinges.
The sign reads Root Cellar Farm.
Two lanterns hang beside the door.
Two adult moles are inside the cellar.
The baby mole wears a red scarf outside the entrance.
The wheelbarrow contains small potatoes.
The path has gray round stepping stones.
Crates contain potatoes, purple roots, onions, and pumpkins.
Red spotted mushrooms are placed around the grass base.
Garden tools lean against the right side of the cottage.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

To remove dust, use a soft makeup brush or clean paintbrush and gently sweep over the dome, vegetables, and moles. Work from the top of the cottage downward so dust does not settle into finished areas.

For small stains, dampen a white cloth with cool water and press gently. Do not rub the tiny labels, sign, or embroidered lettering. Let the piece dry in open air before returning it to storage or display.

Store the root cellar cottage in a breathable cotton bag or a clean display box. Avoid plastic bags for long storage, because trapped moisture may affect the yarn, stuffing, or inner support pieces.

If the stepping stones, crates, or vegetables shift over time, use matching yarn and a tapestry needle to tack them back into place. A few hidden stitches are usually enough to restore the original scene.

Finishing Thought

Your Mushroom Root Cellar Mole Cottage is complete when the whole scene feels like a tiny harvest morning: the moles working inside the warm cellar, lanterns glowing beside the arched door, crates full of root vegetables, red mushrooms tucked into the grass, and a stone path leading visitors into the cozy underground farm.