Crochet Tutorial: Chipmunk Willow Bridge Pond Harvest House – Free Crochet Pattern

This crochet pattern creates a round willow harvest scene with a tall tree-trunk cottage, draping willow leaves, a black arched door, round windows, balcony, lanterns, pond, stone path, wooden bridge, vegetable beds, pumpkins, signs, mushrooms, laundry line, garden tools, wheelbarrow, duckling, and three tiny chipmunks gathering vegetables around the cottage.

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

Finished Size

• Full display base: about 14 in / 35.5 cm wide.
• Tree cottage: about 8 in / 20 cm tall before leaves, about 10 in / 25.5 cm with willow canopy.
• Chipmunks: about 2.5 in / 6.5 cm tall when seated.
• Bridge: about 5.5 in / 14 cm long.
• Pond: about 6.5 in / 16.5 cm wide.

Materials

• Worsted weight yarn in grass green, pond blue, tan, warm brown, dark brown, beige, cream, black, pumpkin orange, carrot orange, beet purple, cabbage green, leaf green, moss green, gray, white, red, yellow, and pale blue.
• Sport weight yarn or embroidery floss in gold, black, dark green, and brown for small details.
• 3.5 mm crochet hook for the base, cottage, bridge, and larger vegetables.
• 2.5 mm crochet hook for chipmunks, leaves, tiny vegetables, lanterns, signs, balcony railings, and facial details.
• Polyester fiberfill.
• Yarn needle, stitch markers, scissors, pins, and small amount of cardboard or plastic canvas for the bridge and signs.
• Optional 6 mm safety eyes for chipmunks, or black yarn knots for a fully soft project.
• Optional floral wire for the balcony rail, trellis, and hanging lantern loops.

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: single crochet 2 stitches together
• BLO: back loop only
• FLO: front loop only
• RS: right side
• FO: fasten off

Gauge and Construction Notes

Gauge is not critical, but the stitches should be firm enough to hold stuffing and keep the small vegetables neat. For the cottage trunk and chipmunks, use a smaller hook if your fabric has visible gaps. Keep all seams on the back or lower side whenever possible.

The display is made in separate pieces and sewn together. The round grass base is made first, then the pond is appliqued onto the front half. The bridge is sewn over the pond at a slight diagonal. The cottage sits in the back center, with gardens, props, chipmunks, and signs arranged around it.

Round Grass Base

Use grass green yarn and the 3.5 mm hook. Work in joined rounds if you want a flatter circle, or continuous rounds if you prefer a seamless look. The sample style looks like visible spiral ridges, so continuous rounds work well.

1. Round 1: MR, 8 sc in ring. Pull tight. 8 sts.
2. Round 2: inc in each st around. 16 sts.
3. Round 3: sc 1, inc, repeat around. 24 sts.
4. Round 4: sc 2, inc, repeat around. 32 sts.
5. Round 5: sc 3, inc, repeat around. 40 sts.
6. Round 6: sc 4, inc, repeat around. 48 sts.
7. Round 7: sc 5, inc, repeat around. 56 sts.
8. Round 8: sc 6, inc, repeat around. 64 sts.
9. Round 9: sc 7, inc, repeat around. 72 sts.
10. Round 10: sc 8, inc, repeat around. 80 sts.
11. Round 11: sc 9, inc, repeat around. 88 sts.
12. Round 12: sc 10, inc, repeat around. 96 sts.
13. Round 13: sc 11, inc, repeat around. 104 sts.
14. Round 14: sc 12, inc, repeat around. 112 sts.
15. Round 15: sc 13, inc, repeat around. 120 sts.
16. Round 16: sc 14, inc, repeat around. 128 sts.
17. Round 17: sc 15, inc, repeat around. 136 sts.
18. Round 18: sc 16, inc, repeat around. 144 sts.
19. Round 19: sc 17, inc, repeat around. 152 sts.
20. Round 20: sc 18, inc, repeat around. 160 sts.
21. Round 21: sc 19, inc, repeat around. 168 sts.
22. Round 22: sc 20, inc, repeat around. 176 sts.
23. Round 23: sc 21, inc, repeat around. 184 sts.
24. Round 24: sc 22, inc, repeat around. 192 sts.
25. Round 25: sc 23, inc, repeat around. 200 sts.
26. Round 26: sc 24, inc, repeat around. 208 sts.
27. Round 27: sc 25, inc, repeat around. 216 sts.
28. Round 28: sc 26, inc, repeat around. 224 sts.
29. Round 29: sc 27, inc, repeat around. 232 sts.
30. Round 30: sc 28, inc, repeat around. 240 sts.
31. Round 31: sc around. 240 sts.
32. Round 32: BLO sc around to create a raised rim. 240 sts.
33. Round 33: sc around. 240 sts. Sl st to next st and FO, leaving a long tail for smoothing the edge.

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For a thicker display mat, make a second circle through Round 30 only. Place wrong sides together and sc through both layers around the edge. Lightly stuff between layers only if you want a soft padded lawn.

Blue Pond Applique

The pond sits on the front half of the base and curves around the bridge. Use pond blue yarn and the 3.5 mm hook. This pond is an oval with a slightly organic shape, not a perfect circle.

1. Ch 23.
2. Round 1: 2 sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc 20, 4 sc in last ch. Working on the other side of the chain, sc 20, 2 sc in first ch space. 48 sts.
3. Round 2: inc in next 2 sts, sc 20, inc in next 4 sts, sc 20, inc in next 2 sts. 56 sts.
4. Round 3: sc 1, inc, repeat twice, sc 20, sc 1, inc, repeat four times, sc 20, sc 1, inc, repeat twice. 64 sts.
5. Round 4: sc 2, inc, repeat twice, sc 20, sc 2, inc, repeat four times, sc 20, sc 2, inc, repeat twice. 72 sts.
6. Round 5: sc 5, hdc 8, dc 4, hdc 8, sc 11, hdc 8, dc 4, hdc 8, sc 16. 72 sts.
7. Round 6: sc around. 72 sts.
8. Round 7: sl st around loosely for a smooth water edge. FO, leaving a long sewing tail.

Pin the pond onto the front center of the grass base, leaving at least 1 in / 2.5 cm of green grass visible at the front edge. Sew around the pond with small whipstitches. Keep the water flat and do not overstuff.

Stone Border Around Pond

Make 28 to 34 small stones in gray, beige, cream, and taupe. Vary the size slightly so the pond edge looks natural. Sew them around the pond after the bridge is placed, leaving small gaps where the bridge posts touch the grass.

Small Stone

1. Round 1: MR, 6 sc in ring. 6 sts.
2. Round 2: inc in each st around. 12 sts.
3. Round 3: sc around. 12 sts.
4. Round 4: dec around. 6 sts. Stuff lightly, FO, close the hole.

Long Pebble

1. Ch 5.
2. Round 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc 2, 3 sc in last ch, working on other side sc 2, 2 sc in last ch. 10 sts.
3. Round 2: sc around. 10 sts. FO, flatten slightly, and sew down.

Tree-Trunk Cottage Body

The cottage is a tall warm-brown cylinder with a slightly wider base and a leafy willow roof. Use warm brown yarn and the 3.5 mm hook. Work in continuous rounds. The front door will be added later, so keep the cleanest side facing front.

1. Round 1: MR, 8 sc in ring. 8 sts.
2. Round 2: inc in each st around. 16 sts.
3. Round 3: sc 1, inc, repeat around. 24 sts.
4. Round 4: sc 2, inc, repeat around. 32 sts.
5. Round 5: sc 3, inc, repeat around. 40 sts.
6. Round 6: sc 4, inc, repeat around. 48 sts.
7. Round 7: sc 5, inc, repeat around. 56 sts.
8. Round 8: sc 6, inc, repeat around. 64 sts.
9. Round 9: BLO sc around. 64 sts.
10. Rounds 10-18: sc around. 64 sts.
11. Round 19: sc 14, dec, repeat around. 60 sts.
12. Rounds 20-42: sc around. 60 sts.
13. Round 43: sc 13, dec, repeat around. 56 sts.
14. Rounds 44-57: sc around. 56 sts.
15. Round 58: sc 12, dec, repeat around. 52 sts.
16. Rounds 59-63: sc around. 52 sts.
17. Round 64: BLO sc around. 52 sts.
18. Round 65: sc 11, dec, repeat around. 48 sts.
19. Round 66: sc 4, dec, repeat around. 40 sts.
20. Round 67: sc 3, dec, repeat around. 32 sts.
21. Stuff the trunk firmly, keeping the sides straight and the bottom flat.
22. Round 68: sc 2, dec, repeat around. 24 sts.
23. Round 69: sc 1, dec, repeat around. 16 sts.
24. Round 70: dec around. 8 sts. FO and close the top.

To create bark texture, attach dark brown yarn at the back lower edge. Surface crochet vertical lines from the base upward for 2 to 5 in / 5 to 12.5 cm. Make 9 irregular lines around the trunk, keeping the front lighter so the door remains visible.

Root Bumps at the Base

The cottage has a soft natural base where the trunk meets the grass. Use warm brown yarn. Make 7 root bumps and sew them around the lower edge, with two larger roots beside the front door.

1. Ch 8.
2. Round 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc 5, 3 sc in last ch, working on other side sc 5, 2 sc in last ch. 16 sts.
3. Rounds 2-3: sc around. 16 sts.
4. Round 4: sc 2, dec, repeat around. 12 sts.
5. Stuff lightly.
6. Round 5: dec around. 6 sts. FO and close.

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Black Arched Door

The door is black, rounded at the top, and placed on the lower front of the tree. Use black yarn and the 2.5 mm hook. Work in rows. Add gold details after sewing.

1. Row 1: Ch 12, sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. 11 sts. Ch 1, turn.
2. Rows 2-9: sc across. 11 sts. Ch 1, turn.
3. Row 10: dec, sc 7, dec. 9 sts. Ch 1, turn.
4. Row 11: dec, sc 5, dec. 7 sts. Ch 1, turn.
5. Row 12: dec, sc 3, dec. 5 sts.
6. Border: sc evenly around the door, placing 3 sc around the arched top curve. FO.

With tan yarn, crochet a second border by working surface sl sts around the door edge after it is sewn to the trunk. With gold embroidery floss, stitch a small round doorknob on the right side and two short horizontal hinge bars on the left side.

Doorstep Stone Pad

1. With beige yarn, ch 13.
2. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. 12 sts. Ch 1, turn.
3. Rows 2-4: sc across. 12 sts.
4. Border: sc around, placing 2 sc in each corner. FO.

Sew the doorstep directly below the door. Place it so it touches the start of the pebble path and sits slightly raised from the grass.

Round Cottage Windows

Make one larger front window above the door and one smaller side window near the right lower side. Both windows have tan frames and gold crossbars.

Large Round Window

1. With dark gray yarn, Round 1: MR, 8 sc in ring. 8 sts.
2. Round 2: inc in each st around. 16 sts.
3. Round 3: sc 1, inc, repeat around. 24 sts.
4. Change to tan yarn. Round 4: BLO sc around. 24 sts.
5. Round 5: sl st around. FO, leaving a sewing tail.

Small Round Window

1. With dark gray yarn, Round 1: MR, 6 sc in ring. 6 sts.
2. Round 2: inc in each st around. 12 sts.
3. Change to tan yarn. Round 3: sc around. 12 sts.
4. Round 4: sl st around. FO.

Sew the large window centered above the door. Sew the small window on the right side of the trunk, about 1.5 in / 4 cm above the ground. Use gold thread to stitch one vertical and one horizontal line across each window.

Willow Roof Cap

The roof cap sits on top of the trunk and supports many hanging leaves. Use moss green yarn and the 3.5 mm hook. Work a shallow dome, then sew it to the top of the trunk.

1. Round 1: MR, 8 sc in ring. 8 sts.
2. Round 2: inc in each st around. 16 sts.
3. Round 3: sc 1, inc, repeat around. 24 sts.
4. Round 4: sc 2, inc, repeat around. 32 sts.
5. Round 5: sc 3, inc, repeat around. 40 sts.
6. Round 6: sc 4, inc, repeat around. 48 sts.
7. Round 7: sc 5, inc, repeat around. 56 sts.
8. Round 8: sc 6, inc, repeat around. 64 sts.
9. Rounds 9-11: sc around. 64 sts.
10. Round 12: FLO only, sc 7, inc, repeat around. 72 sts.
11. Round 13: sc around. 72 sts.
12. Round 14: sl st around loosely. FO.

Lightly stuff the top of the trunk before sewing the roof cap in place. The cap should overhang the trunk evenly, forming a soft mushroom-like willow crown.

Hanging Willow Leaves

The image shows many long, soft, drooping willow leaves around the roof. Make 55 to 70 leaves in three lengths using leaf green, moss green, and dark green. Mix the colors for a natural layered canopy.

Short Willow Leaf

1. Ch 11.
2. Starting in 2nd ch from hook: sl st 1, sc 2, hdc 3, sc 2, sl st 2.
3. Ch 1 at the tip, then work along the other side: sl st 2, sc 2, hdc 3, sc 2, sl st 1.
4. FO, leaving a tail for sewing.

Medium Willow Leaf

1. Ch 15.
2. Starting in 2nd ch from hook: sl st 1, sc 2, hdc 4, dc 2, hdc 3, sc 1, sl st 1.
3. Ch 1 at the tip, then work along the other side: sl st 1, sc 1, hdc 3, dc 2, hdc 4, sc 2, sl st 1.
4. FO with a sewing tail.

Long Willow Leaf

1. Ch 20.
2. Starting in 2nd ch from hook: sl st 1, sc 3, hdc 5, dc 3, hdc 4, sc 2, sl st 1.
3. Ch 1 at the tip, then work along the other side: sl st 1, sc 2, hdc 4, dc 3, hdc 5, sc 3, sl st 1.
4. FO with a long tail.

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Sew leaves around the roof edge in two layers. First sew long leaves to the underside of the roof overhang, letting them hang down. Then sew medium and short leaves over the first layer to cover the stitches. Keep the front leaves slightly parted so the window remains visible.

Leaf Skirt Above the Door

A lighter green leaf trim wraps around the trunk just above the door. Make 16 small pointed leaves and sew them side by side in a scalloped row.

1. Ch 8.
2. Starting in 2nd ch from hook: sl st 1, sc 1, hdc 2, dc 1, hdc 1, sc 1.
3. Ch 1, turn slightly, then sl st down the opposite side of the chain.
4. FO, leaving a tail.

Pin the leaves around the front half of the cottage, points facing down. Sew each leaf only along the top edge so the tips stay dimensional.

Branch Arm with Hanging Lantern

The left side of the cottage has a branch extending outward with a small black lantern hanging from the tip. Use warm brown yarn for the branch.

1. Round 1: MR, 6 sc in ring. 6 sts.
2. Rounds 2-16: sc around. 6 sts.
3. Round 17: sc 1, inc, repeat around. 9 sts.
4. Rounds 18-20: sc around. 9 sts.
5. Stuff lightly with a small amount of fiberfill.
6. FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Sew the thick end of the branch to the left side of the trunk, angled slightly upward at about 20 degrees. Add 4 dark brown surface stitches along the branch to suggest bark.

Small Black Lantern

1. With black yarn, Round 1: MR, 6 sc in ring. 6 sts.
2. Round 2: sc 1, inc, repeat around. 9 sts.
3. Round 3: BLO sc around. 9 sts.
4. Change to pale yellow yarn. Round 4: sc around. 9 sts.
5. Change to black yarn. Round 5: BLO sc around. 9 sts.
6. Round 6: sc 1, dec, repeat around. 6 sts.
7. FO and close. Embroider two vertical black lines over the yellow section.

Attach a 10-chain loop to the top of the lantern and sew it to the end of the branch. Let the lantern hang freely but secure the top loop with several stitches.

Balcony Platform

The small balcony sits on the right side of the tree and holds a plant pot and tiny cup. Use brown yarn and the 2.5 mm hook. Insert a small piece of cardboard or plastic canvas inside if you want a firm balcony floor.

1. Ch 16.
2. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. 15 sts. Ch 1, turn.
3. Rows 2-6: sc across. 15 sts. Ch 1, turn.
4. Border: sc around, placing 2 sc in each corner. FO.

Balcony Rail

1. Ch 42.
2. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. 41 sts.
3. FO, leaving a long sewing tail.

Shape the rail into a shallow oval around the front of the balcony platform. Sew the rail to the edge. For vertical posts, make 7 small bars by chaining 5 and working sl st back along each chain. Sew them evenly between the rail and floor.

Balcony Support Posts

1. Make 3 posts. With brown yarn, ch 7.
2. Sl st in 2nd ch from hook and across. FO.

Sew the balcony to the right side of the trunk, about halfway up the cottage. Add the three support posts underneath, angled toward the trunk.

Tiny Balcony Plant Pot

1. With terracotta yarn, Round 1: MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
2. Round 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Round 3: BLO sc around. 12 sts.
4. Rounds 4-5: sc around. 12 sts.
5. Round 6: sc 1, dec, repeat around. 8 sts. Stuff lightly and FO.

For the plant, attach dark green yarn to the top of the pot. Ch 5, sl st into the pot, repeat 8 times. Trim tails neatly and sew the pot on the balcony.

Tiny White Cup

1. With white yarn, Round 1: MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
2. Round 2: sc 1, inc, repeat around. 9 sts.
3. Round 3: BLO sc around. 9 sts.
4. Rounds 4-5: sc around. 9 sts. FO.
5. Handle: Ch 5, sew both ends to one side of the cup.

Place the cup beside the balcony plant. Use one small stitch through the base so it stays upright.

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Stone Path to the Door

The stone path runs from the bridge toward the front door. Make 13 flat stones in gray and beige. Sew them in a gentle curve from the bridge center to the doorstep.

Flat Path Stone

1. Ch 6.
2. Round 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc 3, 3 sc in last ch, working on other side sc 3, 2 sc in first ch space. 12 sts.
3. Round 2: sc 1, inc, sc 3, inc, sc 1, inc, sc 3, inc. 16 sts.
4. Round 3: sl st loosely around. FO.

Arrange the stones so they overlap slightly. Sew only around the edges, leaving the centers softly raised.

Wooden Bridge Over the Pond

The bridge is made from individual plank strips in tan and brown. It crosses the pond from front center toward the cottage path. The finished bridge should look rustic and uneven, like small crochet boards tied together.

Bridge Planks

Make 8 planks using tan, beige, and light brown yarn. Use the 3.5 mm hook.

1. Ch 15.
2. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. 14 sts. Ch 1, turn.
3. Rows 2-4: sc across. 14 sts.
4. Border: sc around the plank, placing 2 sc in each corner. FO.

For a rough wooden look, embroider 2 or 3 dark brown lines lengthwise on each plank. Make some lines slightly crooked. Pin the planks across the pond with small gaps between them.

Bridge Side Logs

1. Make 2 long logs. With dark brown yarn, Round 1: MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
2. Rounds 2-24: sc around. 6 sts.
3. FO and close both ends.

Bridge Posts

1. Make 4 posts. With dark brown yarn, Round 1: MR, 5 sc. 5 sts.
2. Rounds 2-10: sc around. 5 sts.
3. FO, leaving long tails.

Sew the planks side by side onto the long logs. Place two posts at each end of the bridge. Sew the bridge to the pond edge and grass base, keeping it raised slightly in the center.

Wheelbarrow with Pumpkins

The small wheelbarrow is placed near the bridge and carries two pumpkins. Use dark brown for the handles and wheel, tan for the tray, and orange for the pumpkins.

Wheelbarrow Tray

1. With tan yarn, ch 13.
2. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. 12 sts. Ch 1, turn.
3. Rows 2-5: sc across. 12 sts.
4. Row 6: dec, sc 8, dec. 10 sts.
5. Border: sc around. FO.

Wheel and Handles

1. Wheel: With dark brown yarn, MR, 8 sc in ring. Sl st to join, FO.
2. Handles: Ch 22, sl st back across the chain. FO. Make 2.
3. Legs: Ch 6, sl st back across the chain. FO. Make 2.

Sew the wheel to the narrow front of the tray. Sew both handles to the back corners so they extend behind the tray. Sew two short legs under the back.

Small Pumpkin

1. With orange yarn, Round 1: MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
2. Round 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Round 3: sc 1, inc, repeat around. 18 sts.
4. Rounds 4-5: sc around. 18 sts.
5. Round 6: sc 1, dec, repeat around. 12 sts.
6. Stuff firmly.
7. Round 7: dec around. 6 sts. FO, leaving a long tail.
8. Use the tail to wrap around the pumpkin from top to bottom 5 times, pulling gently to form ridges.
9. Stem: With green yarn, ch 4, sl st back down, sew to top.

Make 2 pumpkins for the wheelbarrow and 4 extra pumpkins for the garden. Sew two pumpkins into the wheelbarrow and place the others near the pumpkin sign and door.

Vegetable Garden Beds

The harvest cottage has several raised beds filled with beets, carrots, cabbages, and pumpkins. Use dark brown yarn for soil rectangles. Use the 2.5 mm hook for vegetables.

Small Soil Bed

1. With dark brown yarn, ch 16.
2. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. 15 sts. Ch 1, turn.
3. Rows 2-7: sc across. 15 sts.
4. Border: sc around, placing 2 sc in each corner. FO.

Large Soil Bed

1. With dark brown yarn, ch 20.
2. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. 19 sts. Ch 1, turn.
3. Rows 2-8: sc across. 19 sts.
4. Border: sc around. FO.

Make one large bed for the right vegetable patch, one small bed for beets near the trellis, and one small bed for cabbages and carrots. Sew them flat onto the grass base.

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Carrot

1. With carrot orange yarn, Round 1: MR, 5 sc. 5 sts.
2. Round 2: sc around. 5 sts.
3. Round 3: sc 1, inc, repeat twice, sc 1. 7 sts.
4. Rounds 4-5: sc around. 7 sts.
5. Round 6: sc 1, dec, repeat twice, sc 1. 5 sts.
6. FO, close bottom if needed.
7. Leaves: Attach green yarn at top, ch 5, sl st into top, repeat 3 times.

Make 10 carrots. Sew 6 into the right garden bed, 2 near the chipmunk with the bucket, and 2 inside the pale blue bucket.

Beet

1. With beet purple yarn, Round 1: MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
2. Round 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Round 3: sc around. 12 sts.
4. Round 4: dec around. 6 sts. Stuff lightly and FO.
5. Leaves: Attach green yarn, ch 6, sl st into same top stitch, repeat 3 times.

Make 7 beets and sew them into the left garden bed below the trellis. Mix beet purple and deep red for variety.

Cabbage

1. With light green yarn, Round 1: MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
2. Round 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Round 3: sc 1, inc, repeat around. 18 sts.
4. Round 4: BLO sc around. 18 sts.
5. Round 5: sc 1, dec, repeat around. 12 sts. Stuff lightly.
6. Round 6: dec around. 6 sts. FO.

For outer cabbage leaves, attach green yarn to any front loop from Round 4. Work ch 4, sc in 2nd ch, hdc 1, sc 1, sl st into next front loop. Repeat around until the cabbage looks leafy. Make 3 cabbages.

Herb Pot and Trellis

On the left side of the scene there is a small herb pot, a sign, and a trellis with climbing green vines. These pieces add height and make the harvest area look busy.

Herb Pot

1. With terracotta yarn, Round 1: MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
2. Round 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Round 3: BLO sc around. 12 sts.
4. Rounds 4-6: sc around. 12 sts.
5. Round 7: sc 1, dec, repeat around. 8 sts. Stuff lightly and FO.

Attach dark green yarn to the top. Ch 4, sl st into top, repeat 10 times. Add a few lighter green chains for mixed herbs.

Trellis Posts

1. Make 2 vertical posts. With brown yarn, ch 22, sl st back across. FO.
2. Make 4 horizontal bars. With brown yarn, ch 13, sl st back across. FO.

Lay the two vertical posts parallel, about 1 in / 2.5 cm apart. Sew the four bars across them like a ladder. With green yarn, chain 38 and weave it up and down the trellis. Sew the trellis behind the beet bed.

Garden Signs

The scene includes small labels for herbs, beets, pumpkins, and the front sign reading Willow Bridge Harvest. Use beige yarn and brown posts.

Small Sign Board

1. With beige yarn, ch 9.
2. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. 8 sts. Ch 1, turn.
3. Rows 2-3: sc across. 8 sts.
4. Border: sl st around. FO.

Front Sign Board

1. With beige yarn, ch 15.
2. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. 14 sts. Ch 1, turn.
3. Rows 2-5: sc across. 14 sts.
4. Border: sc around. FO.

Sign Posts

1. For each post, ch 8 with brown yarn.
2. Sl st in 2nd ch from hook and across. FO.

Sew one post behind each small sign and two posts behind the front sign. Embroider short label lines in brown or black thread. For the front sign, stitch two short rows to suggest the words Willow Bridge Harvest without overcrowding the crochet.

Pale Blue Harvest Bucket

The small chipmunk on the right holds a pale blue bucket filled with carrots. Use pale blue yarn and the 2.5 mm hook.

1. Round 1: MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
2. Round 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Round 3: sc 1, inc, repeat around. 18 sts.
4. Round 4: BLO sc around. 18 sts.
5. Rounds 5-8: sc around. 18 sts.
6. Round 9: sl st around. FO.
7. Handle: Ch 18, sew one end to each side of the bucket.

Place two carrots inside the bucket and secure them with a few hidden stitches. Sew the bucket beside the seated right chipmunk.

Mushrooms

Make one large brown mushroom and one red mushroom with white spots for the right side of the cottage. These sit near the pumpkin sign and add woodland detail.

Mushroom Stem

1. With cream yarn, Round 1: MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
2. Round 2: sc 1, inc, repeat around. 9 sts.
3. Rounds 3-6: sc around. 9 sts.
4. Round 7: sc 1, dec, repeat around. 6 sts. FO.

Mushroom Cap

1. With red or brown yarn, Round 1: MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
2. Round 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Round 3: sc 1, inc, repeat around. 18 sts.
4. Round 4: sc 2, inc, repeat around. 24 sts.
5. Round 5: sc around. 24 sts.
6. Round 6: sc 2, dec, repeat around. 18 sts.
7. Stuff lightly and sew to stem.

For white dots, embroider small French knots or straight stitches on the red cap. Sew the mushrooms to the grass on the right side of the cottage.

Laundry Line

A tiny laundry line stands behind the right garden. Use brown for posts and pale blue for the cloth.

Posts

1. Make 2 posts with brown yarn. Ch 18, sl st back across. FO.
2. Make 2 top knobs. MR, 5 sc, sl st to join, FO.

Blue Cloth

1. With pale blue yarn, ch 9.
2. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. 8 sts. Ch 1, turn.
3. Rows 2-6: sc across. 8 sts.
4. FO.

Sew the posts upright behind the right garden bed. Use brown yarn to make a tight chain between the posts. Fold the blue cloth over the line and sew the top edge closed.

Tiny Duckling in the Pond

The pond includes a tiny yellow duckling. Use yellow yarn and the 2.5 mm hook. This is a simple soft shape with a small beak.

1. Body Round 1: MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
2. Round 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Round 3: sc 1, inc, repeat around. 18 sts.
4. Rounds 4-5: sc around. 18 sts.
5. Round 6: sc 1, dec, repeat around. 12 sts. Stuff lightly.
6. Round 7: dec around. 6 sts. FO and close.
7. Head Round 1: MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
8. Round 2: sc 1, inc, repeat around. 9 sts.
9. Rounds 3-4: sc around. 9 sts. Stuff lightly and FO.

Sew the head to the front top of the body. With orange yarn, stitch a tiny beak using 2 horizontal stitches. With black thread, add two tiny eyes. Sew the duckling onto the pond near the left side of the bridge.

Chipmunk Body

Make three chipmunks: one near the bridge with the wheelbarrow, one standing by the door, and one seated near the bucket. Work each chipmunk with the 2.5 mm hook. Use warm brown for the body, beige for the belly and muzzle, and dark brown for stripes.

Chipmunk Head

1. With warm brown yarn, Round 1: MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
2. Round 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Round 3: sc 1, inc, repeat around. 18 sts.
4. Round 4: sc 2, inc, repeat around. 24 sts.
5. Rounds 5-8: sc around. 24 sts.
6. Round 9: sc 2, dec, repeat around. 18 sts.
7. Insert safety eyes between Rounds 6 and 7, 5 sts apart, or embroider eyes later.
8. Round 10: sc 1, dec, repeat around. 12 sts. Stuff firmly.
9. Round 11: dec around. 6 sts. FO and close.

Chipmunk Muzzle

1. With beige yarn, ch 5.
2. Round 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc 2, 3 sc in last ch, working on other side sc 2, 2 sc in first ch space. 10 sts.
3. Round 2: sc around. 10 sts. FO, leaving a tail.

Sew the muzzle to the lower front of the head. Embroider a small dark brown nose at the center and one short vertical line below it. Add two tiny cheek stitches in cream if desired.

Chipmunk Ears

1. With warm brown yarn, MR, 6 sc in ring. Do not close into a full ball.
2. Ch 1, turn, sc 1, hdc 1, dc 1, hdc 1, sc 1, sl st 1. FO.

Make 2 ears for each chipmunk. Sew them to the top sides of the head between Rounds 3 and 5. Angle them slightly outward.

Chipmunk Body

1. With warm brown yarn, Round 1: MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
2. Round 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Round 3: sc 1, inc, repeat around. 18 sts.
4. Rounds 4-8: sc around. 18 sts.
5. Round 9: sc 1, dec, repeat around. 12 sts. Stuff firmly.
6. Round 10: dec around. 6 sts. FO and close.

Chipmunk Belly Patch

1. With beige yarn, ch 6.
2. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc 4. 5 sts. Ch 1, turn.
3. Row 2: inc, sc 3, inc. 7 sts. Ch 1, turn.
4. Rows 3-4: sc across. 7 sts. Ch 1, turn.
5. Row 5: dec, sc 3, dec. 5 sts. FO.

Sew the belly patch to the front of the body before attaching the head. Sew the head to the body with the nose facing forward and slightly upward.

Chipmunk Arms

1. With warm brown yarn, MR, 5 sc. 5 sts.
2. Rounds 2-7: sc around. 5 sts.
3. FO, leaving a sewing tail. Do not stuff.

Make 2 arms for each chipmunk. Sew them to the upper sides of the body. For the door chipmunk, angle the arms forward as if holding a small cloth. For the bucket chipmunk, sew one arm against the bucket handle.

Chipmunk Legs

1. With warm brown yarn, Round 1: MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
2. Round 2: sc around. 6 sts.
3. Round 3: sc 1, inc, repeat around. 9 sts.
4. Rounds 4-5: sc around. 9 sts.
5. FO, leaving a tail. Stuff lightly.

Make 2 legs for each chipmunk. Sew them at the lower front of the body for seated chipmunks. For the standing door chipmunk, sew the legs underneath the body so it stands upright against the cottage.

Chipmunk Tail

1. With warm brown yarn, ch 18.
2. Starting in 2nd ch from hook: sc 3, hdc 4, dc 4, hdc 4, sc 2.
3. Ch 1, turn to the other side of the foundation chain and work sc 2, hdc 4, dc 4, hdc 4, sc 3.
4. Border with dark brown yarn: sl st around the tail. FO.

Sew the tail to the back of each chipmunk, curving it upward and around the side. Use a few hidden stitches to hold the curve. Embroider two dark brown stripes along the tail and one cream stripe between them.

Chipmunk Facial Stripes

With cream yarn, embroider one stripe above each eye, curving from the forehead toward the side of the face. With dark brown yarn, add a shorter stripe above each cream stripe. These markings create the chipmunk look and should be visible from the front.

Door Chipmunk Cloth

The chipmunk near the door holds a small pale pink cloth or harvest towel. Use light pink yarn.

1. Ch 8.
2. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. 7 sts. Ch 1, turn.
3. Rows 2-5: sc across. 7 sts.
4. Border: sl st around. FO.

Sew the towel across the chipmunk’s front and tack both arms over the sides of the towel.

Books Near the Herb Garden

A small stack of books sits on the left side of the lawn. Make three tiny rectangles and stack them slightly offset.

1. Book cover: With white, gray, or beige yarn, ch 10.
2. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. 9 sts. Ch 1, turn.
3. Rows 2-4: sc across. 9 sts. FO.
4. Book spine: Attach a contrasting yarn to one long edge and sl st across.

Make 3 books and sew them together. Add one dark line across the top book with embroidery thread. Place the book stack near the herb sign.

Fence and Small Garden Posts

Small posts appear around the garden areas. Use brown yarn and the 2.5 mm hook. Make them short and firm so they resemble tiny stakes.

1. For each stake, ch 9.
2. Sl st in 2nd ch from hook and across. FO.
3. Make 10 to 14 stakes.

Sew stakes behind the garden beds, near the laundry line, and beside the trellis. Place them unevenly for a handmade cottage garden feeling.

Placement Guide

• Back center: tree-trunk cottage with willow canopy.
• Front center: blue pond with bridge crossing diagonally toward the door.
• Center path: gray stones leading from bridge to doorstep.
• Left garden: trellis, beets, herb pot, herb sign, book stack, and wheelbarrow chipmunk.
• Right garden: carrots, cabbages, pumpkins, laundry line, mushrooms, bucket chipmunk, and pumpkin sign.
• Cottage side: balcony on the right side, branch lantern on the left side, round windows on front and side.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

1. Pin the cottage to the back center of the grass base. Sew around the bottom of the trunk several times so it stands upright.
2. Sew the pond to the front base if you have not already done so. Add stones around the edge after the bridge position is final.
3. Sew the bridge across the pond, with the front end touching the lower front edge and the back end pointing toward the door.
4. Sew the stone path between the bridge and door. Let a few stones curve naturally to the right or left.
5. Add the garden beds, trellis, signs, mushrooms, books, laundry line, bucket, and wheelbarrow.
6. Sew the chipmunks last so their poses match the scene. Place one by the wheelbarrow, one beside the door, and one near the bucket of carrots.
7. Check each chipmunk face. Add cream and dark brown head stripes, a small nose, tiny mouth line, and secure eyes. Keep the expression gentle and friendly.

When sewing small pieces, use matching yarn for invisible stitches. For very tiny items, split the yarn into fewer strands or use embroidery floss. Tug lightly after sewing each prop to confirm that it is secure, especially if the piece will be handled often.

Care Notes

Spot clean only with a cool damp cloth. Do not soak the full display, because the cottage, bridge, balcony, and signs may lose shape. Let the piece air dry completely away from direct sunlight.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The tree cottage stands straight and is firmly attached to the grass base.
• The willow leaves cover the roof edge but do not hide the front window completely.
• The bridge is secured at both ends and slightly raised in the middle.
• The pond stones are evenly scattered around the water edge.
• All vegetables, signs, chipmunks, lanterns, and balcony pieces are sewn down securely.
• The chipmunk stripes, noses, eyes, and tails are visible from the front viewing angle.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the finished display in a dry place with good airflow. If dust gathers on the willow leaves, lift it away with a soft makeup brush or a cool hair dryer on the lowest setting. Avoid pulling the leaves, balcony rail, trellis, or lantern loops.

For long-term storage, place the cottage scene in a box slightly larger than the base. Add tissue paper around the bridge and chipmunks, but do not press down on the willow canopy. Keep the display away from moisture, pets, and strong sunlight to preserve the colors and shape.