Welcome to the season of crisp air, falling leaves, and warm hues! The “Chrysanthemum” Autumn Potting Shed is a tribute to the cozy transition of the seasons. Unlike the delicate wildflowers of summer, this caravan celebrates the bold, hardy beauty of the Chrysanthemum (or “Mum”). The exterior is styled in rich Burnt Orange and deep Earthy Brown, perfectly camouflaging with the turning trees.

Peek inside the open side, and you will find a bustling potting station. The space is packed with large, spherical Chrysanthemums in shades of Golden Yellow, Crimson, and Pumpkin Orange. This isn’t just a display; it’s a workspace. A miniature wheelbarrow sits ready with fresh soil, black plastic nursery pots are stacked high, and a pair of muddy rain boots waits by the door. Outside, a cheeky squirrel has found a prize—a chestnut—and is busy hiding it in one of the flower pots among the scattered autumn leaves.

This project is designed to be a sturdy, heirloom-quality display piece. Because we are mimicking the straight lines of a shed and holding heavy “ceramic” pots, we will strictly use the “3-Layer Sandwich Method” (Yarn – Plastic Canvas – Yarn). This technique ensures the walls never sag and the floor remains flat under the weight of the garden tools. We will alternate between a standard hook for the structure and a precision micro-hook for the intricate tools and the squirrel.

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 provides the best definition for the flower petals).

  – Burnt Orange/Rust: Upper exterior walls, orange mums.

  – Chocolate Brown: Lower exterior, floor, soil.

  – Golden Yellow: Yellow mums, fallen leaves.

  – Crimson Red: Red mums.

  – Terracotta: Clay pots.

  – Black: Nursery pots, tires, boots.

  – Squirrel Brown: The animal.

  – Grey/Silver: Wheelbarrow tray, rake tines.

  – Beige/Wood: Wheelbarrow handles, rake handle.

• Hooks:

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

  – 1.5mm (Steel Hook): CRITICAL for the tiny mums petals, squirrel, rake, and boots.

• Structure: 7-8 sheets of Plastic Canvas (7-mesh stiffness).
• Other: Fiberfill stuffing, craft wire (for the rake and wheelbarrow frame), 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
• Loop Stitch: Creates loops for the flower texture (optional, can also use ruffles).

Part 1: The Potting Shed Structure (Sandwich Method)

Use Hook Size: 2.5mm

1. The Earth Floor Base

Make 2 identical panels using Chocolate Brown.

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. Sandwich it between the two brown panels. Sc around the perimeter through both layers to seal. This creates a rigid base that looks like a dirt floor or dark wood decking.

2. The Autumn Shell (U-Shaped)

This forms the Left Wall, Roof, and Right Wall. The colors mimic a rustic cabin.

Panel A: Exterior (Orange & Brown)

• Start with Chocolate Brown.
• Row 1: Ch 91 (Length to cover Left Wall + Roof + Right Wall). Sc across. (90)
• Row 2-12: Sc across (Brown Bottom Section).
• Change to Burnt Orange/Rust.
• Row 13-35: Sc across (Orange Top Section).
• Window Cutouts: On the side wall sections, create rectangular window openings to let light onto the plants (Ch 10, Sk 10).
• Fasten off.

Panel B: Interior (Beige or Light Wood)

• Use a lighter wood tone for the interior so the dark accessories stand out. 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 Brown for the bottom edge and Orange for the rest.
• Shape: Bend into a U-shape arch. Sew the bottom edges to the Floor Base.
• Back Wall: Create a solid sandwich panel (Brown bottom, Orange top) to close the back.

📌Thank you for reading the article.

Part 2: The Chrysanthemums (Maximalism)

IMPORTANT: Switch to 1.5mm Hook. Mums are dense, ball-shaped flowers, not flat daisies. We need to create volume.

1. The Flower Globe

Make 6-8 flowers in Yellow, Crimson, and Orange.

• Base: MR 6 sc, Inc to 12, (1, Inc) to 18, (2, Inc) to 24. Sc 3 rounds. (Half sphere).
• Petals (The Ruffle Technique): Do not fasten off.

  Work *Ch 4, sc in next st* repeatedly around the half-sphere, working in a spiral towards the center.

  Alternatively, if you are comfortable, use the Loop Stitch for every stitch on the base, then cut the loops to create a pom-pom effect.

  The goal is a tight, dense, textured dome.

2. The Pots

Use 2.5mm Hook.

• Terracotta Pot: Rust/Clay yarn. MR 6 sc, Inc to 18. BLO Sc around. Sc 4 rows.

  Rim: Ch 1, turn, Sc around the top edge to make it thick.

• Black Nursery Pot: Black yarn. MR 6 sc, Inc to 18. BLO Sc around.

  Texture: Work *FPSc (Front Post Sc), Sc 2* around to create the vertical plastic ridges found on seedling pots.

Assembly: Stuff the pots firmly. Sew the Flower Globes onto the top of the pots. Group them together in the back of the caravan.

Part 3: Gardening Equipment

Use Hook Size: 1.5mm.

1. The Wheelbarrow

• Tray: Grey. Ch 8. Sc 10 rows.

  Sides: Sc around the rectangle, decreasing at the front corners to taper the nose. Fold up to form a bucket shape. Stiffen with glue.

• Frame/Handles: Beige. Wrap wire with yarn. Form a “Y” shape for the handles and legs. Glue to the bottom of the tray.
• Wheel: Black. MR 6 sc, Inc to 12. Sandwich two circles. Attach to the front of the frame.
• Contents: Glue some dark brown yarn scraps inside for “soil.”

2. The Rake

• Handle: Beige. Ch 15 tight tube (or cover a toothpick).
• Tines: Grey. Ch 6. In the 3rd ch from hook, work 3 Dc fan-wise. Fasten off. Embroider individual metal tines with grey thread. Glue to handle.

3. Muddy Rain Boots

• Boot: Black or Dark Green.

  Foot: MR 5 sc, Inc to 10. Sc 2 rounds.

  Shaft: Work on the back 5 stitches only for 1 row (Heel), then rejoin to work in the round upwards for 4 rows.

  Mud: Use Light Brown embroidery floss to stitch messy splotches on the toes. Make 2.

4. Seedling Pot Stack

• Stack: Black. Crochet 3-4 identical small pots (as per Part 2 but smaller). Glue them stacked inside each other.

Part 4: The Exterior Scene

1. The Squirrel & The Chestnut

Use 1.5mm Hook.

• Head: Squirrel Brown. MR 6 sc, Inc to 12. Sc 2 rounds. Dec to 6.

  Ears: Tiny tufts (Ch 2).

• Body: Brown. MR 6 sc, Inc to 12. Sc 4 rounds. Dec to 6.
• Tail: Use a fluffier brown yarn or Loop Stitch. Ch 6, Sc back. Brush it out to make it bushy. Curl it up the back.
• Chestnut: Dark Brown bead or tiny crochet ball. Beige spot on top.

  Action: Sew the chestnut to the squirrel’s paws. Place the squirrel peeking out from behind a flower pot.

2. Fallen Leaves

• Leaf: Yellow/Gold. Ch 4. Sl st, Sc, Dc, Sc, Sl st (Diamond shape). Make 5-6.

  Scatter them on the floor inside and the ground outside.

3. Wheels

Use 2.5mm Hook.

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

Final Assembly

1. Structural Check: Ensure the Orange/Brown shell is rigid. The plastic canvas is vital here to keep the walls straight against the roundness of the flower pots.
2. Potting Shed Layout:
   • Arrange the large Chrysanthemum pots in the back, varying the height (stack one on a small box if needed).
   • Place the Wheelbarrow in the center, angled slightly.
   • Lean the Rake against the interior wall.
   • Stack the Black Nursery Pots in the corner.
   • Place the Muddy Boots near the entrance.
3. Exterior Styling:
   • Position the Squirrel hiding his nut in one of the lower pots or near the wheelbarrow.
   • Glue the Fallen Leaves randomly on the floor and roof for that windswept autumn look.

Congratulations! You have cultivated the “Chrysanthemum” Autumn Potting Shed. This piece captures the golden warmth of the season and the joy of preparing the garden for winter.