Welcome to the most purr-fectly relaxing destination in our miniature caravan series! “The Catnip” Herbal Bus is a mobile sanctuary designed specifically for our feline friends. This whimsical vehicle is dedicated to Nepeta cataria (Catnip), the herb famous for inducing euphoria in cats. The exterior is styled in a verdant, herbal green, textured with a serrated leaf pattern that hints at the botanical treasures inside.

Step through the open side to discover a herbalist’s drying room gone wild. The interior is packed with potted Catnip plants, featuring their signature heart-shaped, serrated leaves and tiny spikes of purple flowers. But this isn’t just a garden; it’s a playground. You will find hanging dried fish (a crunchy snack), a basket of cat toys including a fake mouse and wool balls, and a soft pillow stuffed with fresh herbs. Outside, the scene is stolen by a “high” Tabby Cat, lying blissfully on its back next to a plant, while a sturdy scratching post awaits its claws. This project is a fun, humorous, and detailed tribute to crazy cat ladies and their fur babies.

To ensure the caravan walls are rigid enough to support the hanging dried fish and the roof structure, we will strictly use the “3-Layer Sandwich Method” (Yarn – Plastic Canvas – Yarn). This technique is mandatory. It transforms soft crochet fabric into a sturdy, architectural model that holds its shape permanently. We will alternate between a standard hook for the main shell and a precision micro-hook for the tiny leaves, fish, and the expressive cat.

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).

  – Herbal Green: Main exterior walls, roof.

  – Light Green/Sage: Catnip leaves.

  – Purple/Lilac: Catnip flowers.

  – Beige/Jute: Scratching post, interior floor.

  – Tabby Colors: Ginger/Orange or Grey/Brown (for the cat), Cream (belly).

  – Silver/Grey: Fish, mouse toy.

  – Terracotta: Pots.

  – Black: Tires, eyes.

• Hooks:

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

  – 1.0mm – 1.25mm (Steel Hook): CRITICAL for the tiny leaves, dried fish, cat, and mouse.

• Structure: 7-8 sheets of Plastic Canvas (7-mesh stiffness).
• Other: Fiberfill stuffing, thin craft wire (essential for plant stems and hanging lines), fabric glue, tapestry needle, embroidery floss (whiskers).

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 2, sl st in first ch (creates the serrated leaf edge).

Part 1: The Herbal Structure (Sandwich Method)

Use Hook Size: 2.5mm.

1. The Woven Floor Base

Make 2 identical panels using Beige or Light Brown (to mimic a scratching mat or wood).

1. Row 1: Ch 30. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (29)
2. Row 2-45: 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 Leaf-Patterned Shell (U-Shaped)

This forms the Left Wall, Roof, and Right Wall.

Panel A: Exterior (Herbal Green)

• Row 1: Ch 95 (Length to cover Left + Roof + Right). Sc across.
• Rows 2-35: Sc across.

  The Serrated Pattern: To create the leaf pattern mentioned, we will use surface crochet after the panel is made.

  Texture technique: Use a slightly darker Green yarn. Surface slip stitch vein patterns running vertically up the walls. Add small “V” stitches branching off the veins to look like leaf structures.

• Window Cutouts: On the side wall (Left), cut a square window. The Right side is the open viewing stage.

Panel B: Interior (Pale Green or White)

• Use a very light green to keep the interior bright but thematic. Match dimensions and window gaps of Panel A.

📌Thank you for reading the article.

Assembly:

• Cut plastic canvas strip (with window holes).
• Sandwich canvas between Panel A and Panel B.
• Join: Sc around the perimeter using Herbal Green.
• Roof Detail: To emphasize the “Herbal” theme, crochet a scalloped edge along the front and back roofline: *Sc, Sk 1, 5 Dc in next, Sk 1* repeat. This mimics the edge of a leaf.
• Shape: Bend into a U-shape arch. Sew the bottom edges to the Floor Base.
• Back Wall: Make a solid sandwich panel (Green) to close the back.

Part 2: The Catnip Garden (Micro-Crochet)

IMPORTANT: Switch to 1.0mm Hook. Catnip has very specific leaves.

1. Catnip Leaves

The leaves are heart-shaped with toothed edges. Make 40+. Use Light Green.

• Center: Ch 4.

  Rnd 1: Work around the chain. Sc, Hdc, (Dc, Ch 1, Dc – tip), Hdc, Sc.

  Rnd 2 (Serrated Edge): *Sc in next st, Picot (Ch 2, sl st in base)* repeat around the entire leaf. This creates the jagged edge cats love to chew.

• Stems: Cut green floral wire. Glue leaves in pairs along the stem.

2. The Purple Flowers

• Flower Spike: Use Purple thread. Ch 6.

  Row 1: *Sl st in ch, Ch 3, Sl st in same ch* repeat down the chain. This creates a bumpy, spike-like cluster of tiny blooms.

  Assembly: Glue the flower spike to the top of the wire stems.

3. Potting

• Pots: Terracotta. MR 6 sc, Inc to 15. BLO Sc up 5 rounds.

  Planting: Fill with fiberfill. Insert 3-4 stems of leaves and flowers into each pot. Make 5 pots. Place them on the floor and shelves.

Part 3: Feline Accessories (Maximalism)

Use Hook Size: 1.0mm – 1.25mm.

1. Hanging Dried Fish

• Fish Body: Silver/Grey. Ch 5. Sc in 2nd ch, Hdc, Hdc, Sc. (Oval body).

  Tail: Ch 2, Sc back. Sew to one end.

  Head: Embroider a tiny black eye.

• Hanging Line: Tie a piece of white thread across the interior ceiling. Tie 4-5 dried fish to this line by their tails.

2. Cat Toys

• Fake Mouse: Grey. MR 4 sc, Inc to 8. Sc 3 rounds. Dec to 4.

  Ears: Tiny grey loops. Tail: Pink thread chain. Place on the floor.

• Wool Ball: Multi-color scrap. MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Sc 2 rounds. Dec to 6. Stuff.

  Loose Strand: Leave a long tail of yarn trailing from the ball.

3. Catnip Pillow

• Pillow: White/Green print. Ch 6. Sc 6 rows. Make 2 squares. Sew together and stuff.

  Detail: Embroider a green leaf on top.

4. The Scratching Post

• Base: Brown. MR 6 sc, Inc to 24. Flat circle. Sandwich with cardboard.
• Post: Beige (Jute color). Ch 10. Join to ring. Sc around to make a tall tube (approx 2 inches). Stuff firmly with a dowel/pencil inside.

  Top Platform: Brown. MR 6 sc, Inc to 18. Sew to top of post.

• Placement: Place this outside the caravan.

Part 4: The Cats

Use 1.0mm Hook.

1. The “High” Tabby Cat

This cat is the star. It is lying on its back, belly up.

• Body: Tabby Orange or Grey. MR 6 sc, Inc to 18. Sc 8 rounds. Dec to 6. (Chubby oval).

  Belly: White. Crochet a flat oval and sew it onto the stomach area.

• Head: Tabby Color. MR 6 sc, Inc to 12. Sc 3 rounds. Dec to 6. Sew to body at an angle.

  Ears: Ch 3 triangles.

  Face: Embroider eyes as horizontal lines (closed/squinting) and a happy smile.

• Limbs: Ch 5 tubes. Sew them splayed out—arms up, legs down—in a relaxed pose.
• Tail: Ch 10. Sc back. Striped.
• Stripes: Use a darker thread to surface stitch stripes on the back and head.

  Action: Glue a single Catnip leaf near its mouth or paw.

2. Exterior Details

• Wheels: Black tires with Green hubcaps (serrated edge). Use 2.5mm hook.
• Hitch: Green. Standard T-bar.

Final Assembly

1. Structural Check: Ensure the Green shell is sturdy. The 3-layer sandwich is vital. The leaf texture on the exterior should be subtle but visible.
2. Interior Staging:
   • Secure the hanging line of Dried Fish near the ceiling.
   • Arrange the Potted Catnip plants densely in the corners and back.
   • Scatter the Mouse and Wool Ball on the floor.
   • Place the Catnip Pillow in a cozy corner.
3. Exterior Scene:
   • Stand the Scratching Post near the door.
   • The Moment: Place the Tabby Cat lying on its back right in front of the caravan, looking completely blissed out.
   • Add an extra Potted Plant next to the cat.

Congratulations! You have created “The Catnip” Herbal Bus. This project is sure to bring a smile to anyone who knows the power of this potent herb!