Transport yourself to the sun-drenched coasts of Italy or Greece with this exquisite “Bougainvillea” Mediterranean Car. This project is not just a crochet pattern; it is a miniature architectural escape. The vehicle takes the form of a charming stucco cottage on wheels, featuring crisp white textured walls and a classic terracotta tiled roof that evokes the warmth of the Mediterranean sun.

The interior is a celebration of vibrant color and rustic elegance. The defining feature is the explosion of Magenta Bougainvillea vines, which climb the interior walls and cascade dramatically from the ceiling, leaving a romantic trail of petals on the floor. The living space is furnished with a stunning mosaic-tiled table and rustic terracotta pots, framed by windows painted in the iconic “Santorini Blue.” Outside, a colorful lizard basks on the warm white wall, and a vintage Italian-style scooter is parked nearby, ready for a coastal road trip. This playset is a masterpiece of texture and cultural charm.

This is a structural project that mimics building construction. To ensure the white “stucco” walls stand vertical and the heavy tiled roof maintains its peaked shape without sagging, we will strictly use the “3-Layer Sandwich Method” (Yarn – Plastic Canvas – Yarn). This technique creates rigid, house-like walls essential for this design. We will use a standard hook for the main structure and a precision micro-hook for the intricate vines, mosaic tiles, and the vintage scooter.

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 “tile” and “mosaic” definition).

  – Stucco White: Main exterior and interior walls.

  – Terracotta/Rust Orange: Roof tiles, flower pots.

  – Magenta/Fuchsia: Bougainvillea flowers.

  – Leaf Green: Vines, stems, lizard base.

  – Santorini Blue: Window frames, door.

  – Mosaic Colors: Yellow, Teal, Orange (small scraps).

  – Cream/Beige: Scooter body, floor.

  – Black: Tires, scooter details.

  – Brown: Soil, scooter seat.

• Hooks:

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

  – 1.0mm – 1.25mm (Steel Hook): CRITICAL for the bougainvillea flowers, lizard, scooter, and mosaic tiles.

• Structure: 7-8 sheets of Plastic Canvas (7-mesh stiffness).
• Other: Fiberfill stuffing, craft wire (for scooter handlebars and vine shaping), fabric glue, tapestry needle.

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
• Picot: Ch 3, sl st in first ch.
• Cluster: A group of stitches to form a flower bract.

Part 1: The Mediterranean Structure (Sandwich Method)

Use Hook Size: 2.5mm

1. The Limestone Floor

Make 2 identical panels using Cream or Light Beige yarn.

1. Row 1: Ch 28. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (27)
2. Row 2-42: Sc across. (Rectangle approx 4.5″ x 7″).
3. Fasten off Panel 1. Keep yarn attached to Panel 2.

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

2. The White Stucco Walls (Box Shape)

Unlike the rounded caravans, this has vertical walls and a peaked top.

Panel A: Exterior Walls (White)

• Row 1: Ch 95 (Length to cover Left Wall + Back Wall + Right Wall). Sc across.
• Row 2-30: Sc across. This creates the vertical walls.
• Row 31-40 (Gables): You need to create triangular peaks on the two side sections only. Work the side sections separately, decreasing 1 st at the start and end of each row to form a triangle top. The back wall remains flat or follows the peak if you prefer a barn shape (the image suggests a peaked roof).
• Window Cutouts: Create square openings on the side walls.
• Texture: Use a simple Sc stitch to mimic smooth stucco.

Panel B: Interior Walls (White)

• Repeat Panel A. Match dimensions and window gaps exactly.

Assembly:

• Cut plastic canvas shapes (including the triangular gables).
• Sandwich canvas between Exterior and Interior panels.
• Join: Sc around the perimeter using White yarn.
• Blue Trim: Before bending, surface slip stitch around the window openings using Santorini Blue yarn to create the painted frame look.
• Shape: Fold into a U-shape (Left, Back, Right). Sew the bottom edges to the Floor Base.

3. The Tiled Roof

Use Terracotta/Rust Yarn. Use the Sandwich Method.

• Panel A (Top): Ch 45 (Width of caravan + overhang).

  Pattern: Work in BLO (Back Loop Only) for every row. This creates horizontal ridges that mimic rows of clay tiles. Work until the piece is long enough to fold over the peak and create an overhang on both sides.

• Panel B (Underside): Sc flat (no ridges) in Terracotta or White (ceiling).
• Assembly: Sandwich plastic canvas (bent into a V-shape) between the panels. Sew onto the top of the White Wall structure.

📌Thank you for reading the article.

Part 2: The Bougainvillea (Maximalism)

IMPORTANT: Switch to 1.0mm Hook. The beauty is in the volume of tiny blooms.

1. The Vines

• Stems: Green. Ch 30, Ch 50, Ch 20. Make many chains of varying lengths.

  Thickening: Sl st back down some chains to make thicker woody stems.

  Leaves: *Ch 4, sl st in 2nd ch, sc, sl st* spaced randomly along the chains.

2. The Magenta Bracts (Flowers)

Make 40-50 clusters.

• Pattern: Bougainvillea flowers are actually colored leaves (bracts) in groups of three.

  Cluster: Magenta. In a Magic Ring (or a single chain stitch): *(Ch 3, Dc, Ch 3, Sl st)* repeat 3 times. Tighten.

  Center: Sew three tiny White French knots in the center of the magenta cluster.

• Assembly: Sew the clusters densely onto the Green vines.
• Placement: Attach vines to the interior ceiling so they hang down. Attach more vines to the exterior front left corner, climbing up the white wall and spilling over the roof.
• Scattered Petals: Glue individual Magenta clusters onto the floor and the roof tiles.

Part 3: Mediterranean Interior

Use Hook Size: 1.25mm – 2.5mm.

1. Mosaic Ceramic Table

• Tabletop: White. MR 6 sc, Inc to 24. (Flat circle).

  Mosaic Detail: Use Yellow, Teal, and Orange embroidery thread. Stitch tiny geometric squares or triangles all over the white surface to mimic broken tile mosaic.

• Pedestal: White. Ch 15. Sl st back to make a thick tube. Coil it at the base for stability.
• Assembly: Glue top to pedestal. Place in the center of the room.

2. Terracotta Pots

• Pot: Rust/Brown. MR 6 sc, Inc to 18. BLO Sc around. Sc 5 rows.

  Rim: Ch 1, turn, Sc around the top.

• Contents: Crochet a small Green cactus or leafy plant to go inside. Place in corners.

3. “Bougainvillea” Sign

• Plaque: Beige. Ch 12. Sc 4 rows.

  Text: Embroider “Bougainvillea” in tiny Rust letters.

  Frame: Surface crochet a Rust border. Glue to the exterior wall.

Part 4: Exterior & The Vintage Scooter

1. The Vintage Scooter (Vespa Style)

Use 1.0mm Hook. Colors: Cream/Beige and Orange.

• Rear Body (Engine): Cream. Ch 6. Sc 10 rows. Fold into a bulbous shape (teardrop profile). Stuff.
• Seat: Orange/Brown leather color. Oval shape sewn on top of the rear body.
• Floorboard: Cream. Flat rectangle extending forward from the rear body.
• Front Shield: Cream. Flat shield shape (wider at top, narrow at bottom). Sew to the front of the floorboard.
• Handlebars: Cream. Wrap a piece of wire with yarn. Bend into a T-shape. Attach a round Headlight (White/Silver) to the center. Glue behind the shield.
• Wheels (Make 2): Black. MR 6 sc, Inc to 12.

  Hubcaps: Silver embroidery. Glue one wheel under the front shield, one under the rear body.

• Kickstand: Tiny piece of black wire.
• Placement: Park the scooter next to the caravan.

2. The Colorful Lizard

Use 1.0mm Hook.

• Body: Bright Green. Ch 10. Sl st in 2nd ch, Sc in next 3, Hdc in next 2, Sc in next 3. (Tapered tail and body).
• Head: MR 4 sc, Inc to 8. Sew to body.
• Legs: Ch 3, sl st back. Make 4.
• Detail: Embroider tiny Blue and Orange dots down its back.
• Placement: Glue the lizard vertically on the white exterior wall, enjoying the sun.

3. Wheels (Caravan)

Use 2.5mm Hook.

• Tire: Black. MR 6 sc, Inc to 12, (1, Inc) to 18. Sc 2 rounds.
• Hubcap: Silver/Grey. MR 6 sc.
• Sew to sides.

Final Assembly

1. Structural Check: Ensure the White walls are perfectly vertical and the Terracotta roof sits in a V-shape on top. The plastic canvas sandwich is vital for the roof overhangs.
2. Interior Decorating:
   • Secure the Mosaic Table in the center.
   • Place a small Terracotta clay cup (crochet) on the table.
   • Arrange the Terracotta Pots on the floor.
   • Ensure the Bougainvillea vines are cascading naturally from the ceiling.
3. Exterior Styling:
   • Attach the “Bougainvillea” sign near the door or window.
   • Position the Lizard on the wall.
   • Park the Scooter next to the entrance.
   • Glue individual petals on the “ground” outside for atmosphere.

Congratulations! You have built your own Mediterranean escape. The “Bougainvillea” Car is a radiant, sun-soaked addition to your collection.