
Welcome to the most stylish spot for four-legged friends! “The Paw-fect” Dog Grooming Salon is a mobile spa designed with a fun, Dalmatian-inspired aesthetic. The exterior is crisp white covered in playful black polka dots, topped with a massive, eye-catching beige dog bone sign on the roof. It is cute, quirky, and instantly recognizable.
The interior is a fully functional grooming station. On the left, a white ceramic-style bathtub is filled with frothy bubbles, where a pampered Poodle enjoys a soak under a modern silver shower head. To the right, a blue cabinetry unit stores towels and tools, while the walls are lined with rainbow-colored shampoo bottles and a display of dapper bow ties. A Corgi and a Pug wait patiently on a blue mat for their turn. This project is a treat for dog lovers and miniature enthusiasts alike.
To support the weight of the roof decoration and ensure the walls remain straight for the shelving displays, we will strictly use the “3-Layer Sandwich Method” (Yarn – Plastic Canvas – Yarn). This technique creates the rigid, box-like structure necessary for a durable playset. We will use a standard hook for the caravan shell and a precision micro-hook for the tiny grooming accessories and dogs.
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 definition).
– White: Main caravan exterior, bathtub, interior walls, bubbles, Poodle.
– Black: Dalmatian spots, tires, Pug mask.
– Beige/Tan: Roof bone, floor, Pug body.
– Sky Blue: Cabinet doors, floor mat.
– Silver/Grey: Shower head, faucet.
– Orange/White: Corgi.
– Assorted Brights: Shampoo bottles, bow ties (Red, Yellow, Teal, Purple).
- Hooks:
– 2.5mm (Size C/2): For the caravan shell, floor, bathtub, and roof bone.
– 1.5mm (Steel Hook): CRITICAL for the tiny dogs, bottles, combs, and bow ties.
- Structure: 7-8 sheets of Plastic Canvas (7-mesh stiffness).
- Other: Fiberfill stuffing, small black beads (eyes), craft wire (shower pipe), 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
- Bobble: Cluster stitch (for Poodle fur and bubbles).
Part 1: The Salon Structure (Sandwich Method)
Use Hook Size: 2.5mm
1. The Beige Floor
Make 2 identical panels using Beige yarn.
- Row 1: Ch 26. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (25)
- Row 2-40: Sc across. (Rectangle approx 4″ x 6.5″).
- Fasten off Panel 1. Keep yarn attached to Panel 2.
Assembly: Cut plastic canvas to the exact size. Sandwich it between the two Beige panels. Sc around the perimeter through both layers to seal.
2. The Dalmatian Shell (U-Shaped)
This forms the Left Wall, Roof, and Right Wall. We will make it solid White and add spots later.
Panel A: Exterior (White)
- Row 1: Ch 91 (Length to cover Left Side + Roof + Right Side). Sc across. (90)
- Row 2-35: Sc across.
- Window Cutouts: On the side wall sections, create window openings (Ch 10, Sk 10).
- The Spots: Before assembly, use Black yarn to embroider random varying-sized circles (spots) all over the white panel. Alternatively, crochet tiny flat black circles (MR 6 sc) and sew them on.
- Fasten off.
Panel B: Interior (White)
- Use White yarn. 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 using White yarn.
- Shape: Bend into a U-shape arch. Sew the bottom edges to the Floor Base.
3. The Giant Roof Bone
Use Beige yarn.
- Ends (Make 2): This shape is like a heart.
Lobe 1: MR 6 sc, Inc to 12, Sc 2 rounds. Fasten off.
Lobe 2: Repeat Lobe 1, do not fasten off.
Join: Sc into Lobe 1, work around both lobes (24 sc). Dec randomly to 12 sc.
- Center Shaft: Sc around on these 12 stitches for about 15-20 rows (Length of the bone).
- Opposite Ends: Inc to 24. Split into two circles of 12 sc. Work each circle into a rounded lobe (Inc, Sc rounds, Dec to close).
- Assembly: Stuff firmly. Sew this large bone handle to the center of the roof.
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Part 2: The Grooming Interior
Use Hook Size: 2.5mm.
1. The Bathtub
- Tub: White. Ch 12.
Rnd 1: Work around chain (Oval base). Inc at ends.
Rnd 2-3: Sc around.
Rnd 4: BLO Sc around (Start walls).
Rnd 5-8: Sc around.
Rnd 9: (Sc, Inc) to flare the rim.
- Bubbles: White. Make many tiny balls (MR 4, Sc, Dec) or use Bobble stitches on a flat panel. Fill the tub with these.
- Shower Head: Grey. Ch 20 (Hose/Pipe). Insert wire. Bend into a hook shape. Sew a small Grey cone (MR 6, Inc to 12) to the tip. Attach to the wall above the tub.
2. Cabinet & Shelves
- Cabinet Base: Sky Blue. Ch 10. Sc 6 rows. Make a box shape. Add tiny bead handles.
- Shelving Unit: White. Create a backboard with 3 horizontal shelves. Glue above the blue cabinet.
Part 3: The Dogs (Micro-Crochet)
IMPORTANT: Switch to 1.5mm Hook.
1. The Poodle (In the Tub)
- Head: Beige. MR 6 sc, Inc to 12. Sc 2 rounds.
Texture: Use a loop stitch or sew tiny french knots to create the curly topknot and ears.
- Body: Beige. MR 6 sc, Inc to 12. Sc 3 rounds.
Texture: Add texture to the chest and ankles.
- Pose: Place inside the tub surrounded by bubbles.
2. The Corgi
- Head: Orange/White. MR 6, Inc to 12. Pointy ears.
- Body: Sausage shape. White belly. Tiny legs.
- Pose: Sitting on the floor.
3. The Pug
- Head: Beige. Flat face.
Mask: Black. MR 4 sc. Sew to face.
Ears: Black triangles folded down.
- Body: Beige chunky roll. Curly tail.
Part 4: Accessories
Use Hook Size: 1.5mm.
1. Wall of Bows
- Bow Tie: Use various bright colors. Ch 3. In 1st ch work: (Dc, ch 2, sl st, ch 2, Dc, ch 2, sl st). Tighten.
- Display: Glue 6-8 of these directly onto the wall in neat rows.
2. Grooming Products
- Bottles: Ch 3 tube. Sc 3 rows. Change color for cap. Make 4-5 in different colors. Place on shelves.
- Comb: Flat grey rectangle. Embroider lines for teeth.
3. Floor Mat
- Mat: Sky Blue. Ch 12. Sc 8 rows. Place under the dogs.
Part 5: Exterior Details
1. Paw Print Wheels
Use 2.5mm Hook.
- Tire: Black. MR 6 sc, Inc to 12, (1, Inc) to 18. Sc 2 rounds.
- Hubcap: Beige or White. MR 6 sc, Inc to 12.
Print: Embroider a large black pad and 3 toe beans in the center.
- Sew wheels to the sides.
2. Hitch
- White. Tube shape sewn to front.
Final Assembly
- Structural Check: Ensure the Spotted Shell is rigid. The roof bone is heavy, so the walls must be sturdy (plastic canvas is key).
- Interior Installation:
- Glue the Bathtub to the left side. Secure the Shower Head to the wall so it hangs over the tub.
- Glue the Blue Cabinet and Shelves to the right side. Stock the shelves with bottles.
- Arrange the Bow Ties on the wall.
- Placing the Pets:
- Secure the Poodle in the bubbles.
- Place the Corgi and Pug on the floor mat.
- Exterior:
- Double-check the embroidery of the exterior spots.
- Attach the Paw Print wheels.
Congratulations! You have opened “The Paw-fect” Dog Grooming Salon. It is a bubbly, happy place ready for business!