Embrace the wanderlust spirit with the “Dreamcatcher” Boho Van! This project is a soulful tribute to the bohemian lifestyle, featuring a vintage-style camper van decked out in macrame, feathers, and spiritual charm. The exterior sports a classic two-tone paint job in Cream and Terracotta, highlighted by a massive, intricate crochet mandala on the side. The interior is a cozy sanctuary, overflowing with miniature dreamcatchers, scented candles, and floor cushions. Guarding the entrance is a wise little owl perched on a dreamcatcher, welcoming good vibes only.

This is an intricate construction project. To capture the iconic curves of the van while maintaining a rigid, play-ready structure, we use the “3-Layer Sandwich Method” (Yarn – Plastic Canvas – Yarn). This technique ensures the walls stand straight to support the heavy interior decor without sagging.

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

Materials & Tools

• Yarn: Sport or DK weight cotton yarn.

  – Terracotta (Burnt Orange): Lower vehicle body.

  – Cream/Off-White: Upper vehicle body, roof, macrame details.

  – Earth Tones: Brown, Beige, Sage Green (Feathers, owl).

  – Black: Tires.

  – Grey: Hubcaps, bumpers.

• Hooks:

  – 2.5mm (Size C/2): For the main van structure and large cushions.

  – 1.5mm (Steel Hook): CRITICAL for the tiny dreamcatchers, owl, feathers, and candles.

• Structure: 6 sheets of Plastic Canvas (7-mesh stiffness).
• Other: Fiberfill stuffing, small metal or plastic rings (for dreamcatchers – or use wire), tapestry needle, hot glue gun, fabric glue.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• MR: Magic Ring
• Ch: Chain
• Sc: Single Crochet
• Hdc: Half Double Crochet
• Dc: Double Crochet
• Tr: Treble Crochet
• Inc: Increase
• Dec: Decrease
• BLO: Back Loop Only
• Sl st: Slip Stitch
• Picot: Ch 3, sl st in first ch.

Part 1: The Van Structure (Sandwich Method)

Use Hook Size: 2.5mm

The van is built using a “Central Strip” (Front-Roof-Back) and two “Side Panels.”

1. The Floor Base

Make 2 identical panels using Terracotta.

1. Row 1: Ch 21. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (20)
2. Row 2-45: Sc across. (Rectangle approx 4″ x 8″).
3. Fasten off Panel 1. Keep yarn attached to Panel 2.

Assembly: Cut plastic canvas to size. Sandwich between the panels. Sc around the perimeter through both layers to seal.

2. The Side Panels (The Profile)

We need two panels: The Driver Side (Solid wall) and the Passenger Side (Open door frame). Each panel needs an Inner and Outer layer.

Driver Side Panel (Solid Wall):

• Start with Terracotta.
• Row 1: Ch 46. Sc across.
• Row 2-12: Sc across. (Wheel wells can be shaped by skipping stitches and chaining over them, or crocheted flat and wheels glued on top later. For simplicity, crochet flat).
• Change to Cream.
• Row 13-25: Sc across.
• Windows: In Rows 18-22, create window gaps by chaining and skipping stitches.
• Make 2 of these (One for Outside, One for Inside). Sandwich plastic canvas between them and Sc around.

Passenger Side Panel (Open Frame):

• Follow the same pattern as the Driver Side, but create a LARGE opening in the center (from Row 2 to Row 22) to allow viewing of the interior.
• Make 2 layers, sandwich plastic canvas, and seal edges.

3. The Central Strip (Nose-Roof-Rear)

Make 2 long strips (Inner and Outer).

• Start with Terracotta (Front Bumper).
• Row 1: Ch 21. Sc across. Work 5 rows.
• Change to Cream (Windshield/Roof).
• Work enough rows to go up the windshield, across the roof, and down to the rear window.
• Change to Terracotta (Rear Bumper).
• Work 5 rows.
• Sandwich: Place a long strip of plastic canvas between the two crochet strips. Sc around edges.

Assembly: Sew the Central Strip to the Side Panels to form the van body. Sew the assembled body to the Floor Base.

Part 2: The Exterior Decor

Use Hook Size: 2.5mm (Mandala) and 1.5mm (Feathers).

1. The Mandala Applique

Use Cream yarn. This goes on the solid Terracotta side.

• Rnd 1: MR 12 Dc.
• Rnd 2: (Dc, Ch 1) in each st.
• Rnd 3: (Sc, Ch 3, Sc) in each ch-space.
• Rnd 4: 5 Dc in each Ch-3 loop (Shells).
• Rnd 5: (Sc, Ch 5, Sk 1) around.
• Sew this large doily-like circle to the side of the van.

2. Bumper & Wheels

• Bumpers: Crochet thick Cream tubes (Ch 6, join, Sc around) and sew to front and back.
• Wheels: Black yarn. MR 6, Inc to 24. Sc 2 rounds (tread). Grey Hubcaps. Sew to bottom.

Part 3: The Boho Interior (Maximalism)

IMPORTANT: Switch to 1.5mm Hook for these details.

1. Tiny Dreamcatchers (Make 5-6)

• Ring: Use a small plastic ring (from a bottle cap safety seal) or make a circle of wire.
• Webbing: Crochet a tiny doily (Thread weight yarn). MR 6 sc, (Ch 3, sk 1, sc) around. Stretch and sew this into the ring.
• Feathers: Ch 5, sl st back down. Tie 3-4 of these to the bottom of the ring.
• Hang these from the ceiling and walls inside.

2. Scented Candles

• Jar: Beige yarn. MR 5 sc, BLO Sc around, Sc 3 rows.
• Wax: White yarn circle sewn inside.
• Wick: Tiny speck of black thread.
• Group them on the floor or on a small shelf.

3. Fringe Cushions

• Cushion: Terracotta/Sage yarn. Ch 8, Sc 8 rows. Make 2, sew together, stuff lightly.
• Fringe: Cut 1-inch strands of yarn. Latch hook them to the edges of the cushion. Trim evenly.
• Scatter them on the floor.

4. Macrame Wall Hanging

• Dowel: A toothpick or small twig.
• Rope: Cut lengths of Cream thread. Fold in half and loop onto the dowel (Lark’s head knot). Braid some, knot others. Trim into a V-shape. Glue to the wall.

Part 4: The Owl & Door Dreamcatcher

Use Hook Size: 1.5mm

1. The Little Owl

• Body: Brown/Grey. MR 6 sc, Inc to 12. Sc 6 rounds. Dec to 6. Stuff.
• Eyes: White. MR 4 sc. Make 2. Sew to face with black bead pupils.
• Beak: Orange stitch.
• Wings: Ch 4, Dc in 1st ch. Sew to sides.
• Ear Tufts: Tiny strands of yarn on top of head.

2. The Door Dreamcatcher

• This is larger than the interior ones. Use a 2-inch diameter ring.
• Crochet a “spiderweb” mesh inside.
• Attach long tassels of yarn and beads to the bottom.
• Assembly: Glue the Owl so it is perched on the bottom rim of the Dreamcatcher ring. Hang the whole piece from the open door frame.

Final Assembly

1. Structural Integrity: Check that the “Sandwich” walls are straight. The open side should not sag; if it does, reinforce the door frame with an extra strip of plastic canvas.
2. Interior Styling: This step requires patience. Use tweezers to glue the tiny candles and arrange the cushions. Hang the macrame and dreamcatchers at varying heights to create a layered, “cluttered” boho look.
3. Exterior Touches: Glue the Mandala to the solid side. Attach the “Owl Dreamcatcher” to the doorway. Add extra fringe trim to the bottom of the van if desired.

Congratulations! You have manifested your own “Dreamcatcher” Boho Van. May it bring peace, creativity, and good vibes to your crochet collection. Namaste!