Welcome to the softest, most luxurious stop on our miniature tour! “The African Violet” Fuzzy House is a tribute to the delicate and velvety world of indoor gardening. Inspired by the Saintpaulia (African Violet), known for its fuzzy leaves and vibrant blooms, this caravan is a tactile delight. The exterior features a rich Deep Purple shell that contrasts beautifully with a foundation of dark moss green velvet, designed to look like a bed of giant leaves.
The interior is a specialized nursery for these fussy plants. Because African Violets dislike water on their leaves, the design includes specific tools like a long-spout watering can and a bottle of liquid fertilizer. The space is illuminated by simulated “purple grow lights” on the ceiling, ensuring the blooms stay bright. The plants themselves use chenille or velvet yarn to replicate nature’s texture. Outside, a soft, round Chinchilla—the ultimate fuzzy companion—greets visitors with a flower in hand, standing next to a tiered display shelf. This project mixes standard cotton yarn with plush velvet textures for a unique finish.
To ensure the Deep Purple walls can support the roof structure and maintain a crisp, architectural shape amidst all the soft textures, we will strictly use the “3-Layer Sandwich Method” (Yarn – Plastic Canvas – Yarn). This technique is non-negotiable. While the velvet elements are soft, the walls must be rigid to create a professional miniature room box. We will alternate between a standard hook for the structure and a precision micro-hook for the tiny fertilizer bottle and flower centers.
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:
– Standard Cotton (Sport/DK): Deep Purple (Exterior), Beige/Grey (Interior floor/walls), Terracotta (Pots), Wood Brown (Shelf).
– Velvet / Chenille Yarn (Fine/DK weight): Dark Moss Green (Leaves, exterior base), Grey/Silver (Chinchilla), Purple (Interior cloth).
– Micro/Embroidery Thread: Yellow (Flower centers), Silver (Watering can), Amber (Fertilizer bottle), Neon Purple (Grow lights).
- Hooks:
– 2.5mm – 3.0mm (Size C/D): For the caravan shell and working with Velvet yarn.
– 1.0mm – 1.25mm (Steel Hook): CRITICAL for the tiny flowers, watering can, and fertilizer bottle.
- Structure: 7-8 sheets of Plastic Canvas (7-mesh stiffness).
- Other: Fiberfill stuffing, craft wire (for plant stems and shelf structure), 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
- Bobble: Used for flower depth.
Part 1: The Structure & Leaf Base (Sandwich Method)
Use Hook Size: 2.5mm for Cotton, 3.0mm for Velvet.
1. The Interior Floor
Make 2 identical panels using Beige or Light Grey cotton.
- Row 1: Ch 30. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (29)
- Row 2-45: Sc across. (Rectangle approx 4.5″ x 7″).
- 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 to seal.
2. The Purple Shell (U-Shaped)
This forms the Left Wall, Roof, and Right Wall.
Panel A: Exterior (Deep Purple Cotton)
- Row 1: Ch 95 (Length to cover Left + Roof + Right). Sc across.
- Rows 2-35: Sc across. Create a smooth, solid fabric.
- Window Cutouts: On the side wall (Left), cut a square window. The Right side is the open viewing area.
Panel B: Interior (Light Purple or White)
- Use a light color to reflect the “grow lights” inside. 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 using Deep Purple.
- Shape: Bend into a U-shape arch. Sew the bottom edges to the Floor Base.
- Back Wall: Make a solid sandwich panel (Purple/Light) to close the back.
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3. The Velvet Leaf Foundation (The Rug)
Use Dark Green Velvet Yarn and 3.0mm Hook. This sits under the caravan.
- Center: Ch 20. Sc around to create a long oval base.
- Scalloped Leaves: Work around the perimeter of the oval.
Pattern: *Sl st, Sk 1, 5 Dc in next st, Sk 1, Sl st* repeat around.
Round 2: Work *Inc, Inc, Sc, Inc, Inc* into the Dc shells to expand them into large, round leaf shapes.
Result: A large, lumpy, soft green mat that looks like a cluster of African Violet leaves. Glue the caravan floor onto this mat.
Part 2: The African Violets (Texture Focus)
IMPORTANT: Use 3.0mm Hook for Velvet Leaves, 1.25mm Hook for Cotton Flowers.
1. Fuzzy Leaves
Use Dark Green Velvet Yarn.
- Leaf: MR 6 sc, Inc to 12. *Sc, Inc* to 18. (Round, thick leaf).
Stem: Ch 4 (Cotton yarn) attached to the base of the velvet leaf.
- Assembly: Make 6-8 leaves per plant. Group them in a rosette shape.
2. The Flowers
Use Purple/Pink Cotton/Thread.
- Petals: MR. *Ch 3, 2 dc, Ch 3, Sl st* repeat 5 times into the ring.
Center: Tiny Yellow French Knot or bead.
- Assembly: Glue flowers into the center of the velvet leaf rosette.
3. Pots
Use Terracotta Cotton Yarn (2.5mm).
- Pot: MR 6 sc, Inc to 15. BLO Sc 4 rounds. Rim: (Sc, Ch 1) around.
Fill: Stuff and glue the leaf rosette on top. Make 4-5 large plants.
Part 3: The Nursery Interior
Use Hook Size: 1.0mm – 1.25mm.
1. Purple Grow Lights
- Fixture: Black yarn. Ch 15. Sc 2 rows.
Light Strips: Neon Purple or Pink embroidery thread. Surface slip stitch a bright line down the center of the black strip.
Mounting: Glue 2-3 of these strips to the interior ceiling.
2. Watering Can
- Body: Silver/Grey. MR 5 sc, Inc to 10. BLO Sc 4 rounds.
- Spout (Long): Ch 6. Sc back. Sew to base. African Violets need long spouts to water the soil directly!
- Handle: Loop on top.
3. Fertilizer Bottle
- Bottle: Amber/Brown. MR 4 sc. Sc 5 rounds (Cylinder). Dec to 3.
Cap: White knot.
Label: Tiny white fabric square with “FERT” written on it.
4. Velvet Cloth & Table
- Table: White/Grey. Simple cube shape (Sandwich panel).
- Cloth: Purple Velvet yarn. Crochet a small rectangle. Drape it over the table. Place the fertilizer and watering can here.
Part 4: Exterior & The Chinchilla
1. The Fluffy Chinchilla
Use Grey Velvet Yarn and 3.0mm Hook.
- Body: MR 6 sc, Inc to 12, *Sc, Inc* to 18. Sc 5 rounds. Dec to 6. Stuff firmly. (Round ball shape).
- Head: MR 6 sc, Inc to 12. Sc 3 rounds. Dec to 6. Sew to body.
- Ears: Grey Velvet. Ch 4. Dc in 3rd ch. (Large rounded ears). Sew to head.
- Tail: Ch 6. Work 3 Dc in each chain back. (Curly fluffy tail).
- Hands: Tiny grey nubs holding a single Purple Flower (from Part 2).
2. Tiered Wooden Shelf
Use 2.5mm Hook and Wood Brown Cotton.
- Ladder Frame: Ch 15. Sc 2 rows. Make 4 legs. Join in an A-frame shape.
- Shelves: Make 2 rectangular planks (sandwiched with canvas). Glue them across the A-frame rungs.
3. Mini Succulents for Shelf
Use 1.0mm Hook.
- Tiny Pots: Brown. MR 5 sc. BLO Sc 2 rounds.
- Plants: Green knots or tiny leaves (Ch 2, sl st). Fill the tiered shelf with these micros.
4. Wheels
Use 2.5mm Hook.
- Tire: Black. MR 6 sc, Inc to 12, (1, Inc) to 18. Sc 2 rounds.
- Hubcap: Silver. MR 6 sc.
- Sew to sides, sitting just above the Green Velvet Base.
Final Assembly
- Structural Check: Ensure the Purple shell is rigid. The Velvet Base should be wider than the caravan, creating a scalloped “skirt” around the bottom.
- Interior Staging:
- Glue the Grow Lights to the ceiling.
- Place the Table with the Velvet Cloth, Fertilizer, and Watering Can.
- Arrange the large Potted African Violets on the floor and low shelves. Ensure the fuzzy leaves are visible.
- Exterior Scene:
- Position the Tiered Shelf next to the caravan.
- Place the Chinchilla standing near the shelf, holding its flower.
Congratulations! You have grown “The African Violet” Fuzzy House. This project is a sensory masterpiece, combining architectural structure with the softness of velvet.
