Welcome to the freshest, cleanest stop on our miniature road trip! “The Laundromat” is a charming, squeaky-clean caravan that brings the nostalgic scent of fresh linen to life in crochet form. The exterior design features a classic two-tone palette: a soothing Mint Blue on the bottom and a crisp, clean White on top, separated by a textured ridge line. Large windows with Mint trim allow a peek into the bustling activity inside.

Step through the imaginary door, and you will find a fully equipped laundry room. A row of five identical white washing machines lines the walls, complete with porthole doors (one is even open, ready for loading!) and digital control panels. A clothesline strung across the ceiling displays tiny drying garments—a pink shirt, white shorts, and a blue tee—held up by miniature clothespins. On the floor, a woven laundry basket overflows with colorful folded clothes and striped socks, next to a box of “SUDS” powder and a bottle of fabric softener. This project is a delight for those who love organizational aesthetics and tiny details.

This project relies on precise geometric shapes for the appliances and the caravan body. To ensure the walls stand straight and the washing machines remain perfectly square cubes, we will strictly use the “3-Layer Sandwich Method” (Yarn – Plastic Canvas – Yarn). This technique is non-negotiable for this pattern, as it provides the necessary rigidity to support the interior layout 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 (Mercerized cotton is best for the tiny clothes and crisp machine edges).

  – Mint Blue / Aqua: Lower exterior walls, interior floor, window trim, washing machine panels.

  – Bright White: Upper exterior walls, washing machine bodies, tiny shorts.

  – Grey / Silver: Washing machine doors, hubcaps.

  – Tan / Light Brown: Laundry basket.

  – Laundry Colors: Pink, Navy Blue, Yellow, Red (for the tiny clothes and socks).

  – Black: Tires, washer door interiors.

  – Detergent Colors: Peach (Box), Sky Blue (Bottle).

• Hooks:

  – 2.5mm (Size C/2): For the caravan shell, floor, and washing machine structures.

  – 1.5mm (Steel Hook): CRITICAL for the tiny clothes, socks, detergent bottles, and basket details.

• Structure: 7-8 sheets of Plastic Canvas (7-mesh stiffness).
• Other: Fiberfill stuffing (minimal), thin twine or thread (clothesline), tiny wooden craft clothespins (or wire to make them), tapestry needle, fabric glue.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• MR: Magic Ring
• Ch: Chain
• Sc: Single Crochet
• Hdc: Half Double Crochet
• Dc: Double Crochet
• Inc: Increase (2 sc in one st)
• Dec: Decrease (invisible decrease)
• BLO: Back Loop Only
• Sl st: Slip Stitch
• FPSC: Front Post Single Crochet (for basket texture).

Part 1: The Caravan Structure (Sandwich Method)

Use Hook Size: 2.5mm

1. The Clean Floor Base

Make 2 identical panels using Mint Blue.

1. Row 1: Ch 26. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (25)
2. Row 2-40: Sc across. (Rectangle approx 4″ x 6.5″).
3. Fasten off Panel 1. Keep yarn attached to Panel 2.

Assembly: Cut plastic canvas to the exact size of the crochet piece. Sandwich it between the two Mint Blue panels. Sc around the perimeter through both layers to seal. This creates the rigid foundation.

2. The Two-Tone Shell (U-Shaped)

This forms the Left Wall, Roof, and Right Wall. The color change creates the classic waistline.

Panel A: Exterior (Mint & White)

• Start with Mint Blue.
• Row 1: Ch 91 (Length to cover Left Side + Roof + Right Side). Sc across. (90)
• Row 2-12: Sc across (Mint Bottom Section).
• Row 13: Work in BLO (Back Loop Only) to create a ridge line, or Sc across and surface slip stitch later. Change to White in this row.
• Row 14-35: Sc across (White Top Section).
• Window Cutouts: In the White section on the side walls, create rectangular window openings (Ch 10, Sk 10).
• Fasten off.

Panel B: Interior (White/Mint)

• You can make the interior entirely White for a bright look, or match the Mint floor. Let’s use Mint for the bottom rows and White for the top to match the outside.
• Match dimensions and window gaps of Panel A.

Assembly:

• Cut plastic canvas strip (with window holes).
• Sandwich canvas between Panel A and Panel B.
• Join: Sc around the perimeter through both layers. Use Mint for the bottom edge and White for the rest.
• Shape: Bend into a U-shape arch. Sew the bottom edges to the Floor Base.

📌Thank you for reading the article.

Part 2: The Laundromat Appliances

Use Hook Size: 2.5mm. Precision is key for the “cube” look.

1. Washing Machines (Make 5)

There are 4 along the back wall and 1 on the side wall.

• The Box (Body): Use White.

  Side/Top/Bottom Strip: Ch 10. Sc 26 rows. Join ends to make a square ring.

  Front Panel: Ch 8. Sc 8 rows. (Square).

  Back Panel: Ch 8. Sc 8 rows.

• Structure: Cut plastic canvas squares for all 6 sides of each machine. Assemble the crochet pieces around the canvas to form a perfect, hard cube.

2. Machine Details

• The Door (Porthole): Use Grey.

  MR 6 sc, Inc to 12, (1, Inc) to 18.

  Glass: Sew a smaller Black or Dark Blue circle in the center.

  Assembly: Sew the door to the Front Panel. For the Open Machine, sew the door only at one hinge point on the side so it flaps open.

• Control Panel: Mint Blue or Light Blue.

  Ch 8, Sc 2 rows. Sew to the top of the Front Panel.

  Buttons: Embroider tiny French knots in Red and Yellow on the blue strip.

Installation: Glue 4 machines tightly together in a row along the back wall. Glue the 5th machine against the right side wall, perpendicular to the others.

Part 3: The Laundry Accessories

IMPORTANT: Switch to 1.5mm Hook.

1. Woven Laundry Basket

• Base: Tan/Light Brown. MR 6 sc, Inc to 18. Oval shape: (Ch 6, work around chain).
• Sides: BLO Sc around.

  Texture: Work *FPSC (Front Post Sc), Sc* around for 4 rows to create a wicker basket texture.

• Rim: Sc around. Fasten off.

2. Tiny Clothes (For Line & Basket)

• T-Shirt: Use Pink/Blue. Ch 6. Sc across.

  Sleeves: Ch 2 at corners. Tiny T-shape.

• Shorts: White. Ch 6, join. Sc 2 rounds. Ch 1 at bottom center and sl st to create leg holes.
• Socks: White/Red striped. Ch 3. Sc 2 rows. Tiny tube.
• Folded Stack: Crochet small colored squares (Ch 4, Sc 3 rows). Glue them in a stack and place inside the basket.

3. Detergents

• “SUDS” Box: Peach/Beige. Ch 4. Sc 4 rows. Make a tiny cube (stuff lightly). Embroider “SUDS” or a rainbow arch on the front.
• Detergent Bottle: Sky Blue.

  Body: MR 5 sc, Inc to 10. Sc 3 rounds. Dec to 5.

  Cap: Darker Blue knot on top.

  Handle: Tiny chain loop on the side.

Part 4: Exterior & Final Details

1. Clothesline

• String: Use a thin piece of twine or beige thread.
• Mounting: Sew the ends of the thread to the upper interior corners of the caravan (left and right walls). It should sag slightly.
• Hanging: Use tiny dabs of glue to attach the Pink Shirt, White Shorts, and Blue Shirt to the line. If you can make tiny wire clips, use those, otherwise just glue them to look pinned.

2. Windows & Trim

Use 2.5mm Hook.

• Frames: Mint Blue. Surface slip stitch around the window openings to create a neat border.

3. Wheels

• Tire: Black. MR 6 sc, Inc to 12, (1, Inc) to 18. Sc 2 rounds.
• Hubcap: Grey. MR 6 sc. Texture with radiating lines.
• Sew to sides.

Final Assembly

1. Structural Check: Ensure the Mint/White shell is firmly attached to the floor. The walls must be rigid.
2. Interior Installation:
   • Ensure the row of washing machines is glued securely to the floor and back wall.
   • Place the “SUDS” box and Detergent Bottle on top of the side washing machine.
   • Glue the Laundry Basket to the floor in the open space. Arrange the striped socks draping out of it.
   • Check the Clothesline; ensure the hanging clothes don’t block the view of the machines too much.
3. Exterior Finish:
   • Attach the wheels.
   • Add a small hitch to the front (Mint/Grey tube).

Congratulations! You have completed “The Laundromat.” This caravan is squeaky clean, organized, and ready for display. Just don’t forget to empty the lint trap!