Enter the mystical realm of potions and spells with “The Witchy Apothecary.” This enchanting caravan is a mobile magic shop, designed with a deep, moody palette of Black and Regal Purple. The exterior is dark and mysterious, flanked by glowing lanterns. The interior is a maximalist wizard’s lab, featuring floor-to-ceiling shelves stocked with colorful potion bottles (red, blue, purple, teal) corked with tiny stoppers. Bunches of dried herbs hang from the ceiling to cure.

The centerpiece of the room is a bubbling black cauldron filled with a lime green brew. Detailed accessories include crystal clusters, ancient spellbooks with gold embroidery, and a black cat familiar with piercing yellow eyes guarding the entrance. This project is perfect for Halloween lovers or fans of fantasy.

To support the weight of the potion shelves and ensure the caravan maintains its dark, eerie shape, we strictly use the “3-Layer Sandwich Method” (Yarn – Plastic Canvas – Yarn). This technique creates rigid walls that won’t collapse under the weight of the many glass bottles. We will use a standard hook for the main shell and a precision micro-hook for the tiny potions and books.

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 potions to shine).

  – Black: Main exterior walls, cauldron, cat, lantern frames.

  – Regal Purple: Interior lining, trim, rug.

  – Wood Brown: Shelves, table.

  – Potion Colors: Sapphire Blue, Ruby Red, Emerald Green, Amethyst Purple, Teal.

  – Lime Green: Cauldron bubbles, cat eyes.

  – Beige/Gold: Book pages, corks, dried herbs.

  – Translucent/Clear (Optional): For crystal effects.

• Hooks:

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

  – 1.5mm (Steel Hook): CRITICAL for the potion bottles, herbs, cat, and books.

• Structure: 6-7 sheets of Plastic Canvas (7-mesh stiffness).
• Other: Fiberfill stuffing, small LED lights (optional for lanterns), craft wire, 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 cauldron bubbles.

Part 1: The Apothecary Structure (Sandwich Method)

Use Hook Size: 2.5mm

1. The Dark Floor Base

Make 2 identical panels using Purple or Dark Wood yarn.

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 size. Sandwich between the two panels. Sc around the perimeter through both layers to seal.

2. The Black & Purple Shell (U-Shaped)

This forms the walls and roof. We want a dark exterior with a magical interior glow.

Panel A: Exterior (Black)

• Row 1: Ch 91 (Length to cover Left Wall + Roof + Right Wall). Sc across. (90)
• Row 2-35: Sc across.
• Window Cutouts: On the side wall sections, create window openings (Ch 10, Sk 10).
• Fasten off.

Panel B: Interior (Regal Purple)

• Use Purple yarn for the entire piece to create a mystical atmosphere. 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 Black yarn. Sc inside the window frames.
• Shape: Bend into a U-shape arch. Sew the bottom edges to the Floor Base.
• Trim: Surface slip stitch or crochet a border of Purple around the exterior edges for a magical highlight.

📌Thank you for reading the article.

Part 2: The Potions & Spells (Maximalism)

IMPORTANT: Switch to 1.5mm Hook. This requires patience!

1. Potion Bottles (Make 15-20)

Make various shapes: Round, Cylindrical, Square. Use bright jewel tones.

• Round Bottle: MR 6 sc, Inc to 12, Sc 2 rounds, Dec to 6 (Neck), Sc 1 round.

  Cork: Beige. Ch 2, Sc into first ch. Sew to top.

• Tall Bottle: MR 5 sc, BLO Sc around, Sc 5 rounds. Dec to 4. Cork.
• Square Bottle: Ch 4, Sc square base. Work rounds up.
• Liquid: You can embroider a “line” of liquid inside or switch colors halfway up.

2. The Potion Shelves

Use 2.5mm Hook and Wood Brown yarn.

• Backing: Ch 20. Sc 30 rows (Tall unit).
• Shelves: Ch 20. Sc 4 rows. Make 4-5 shelves. Sandwich with thin canvas strips.
• Assembly: Sew shelves to backing. Glue the unit to the back wall of the caravan.
• Stocking: Glue the potion bottles onto the shelves. Group them by color for a pleasing effect.

3. Bubbling Cauldron

• Pot: Black. MR 6 sc, Inc to 24. Sc 5 rounds. (Sc 2, Dec) around. Sc 1 round (Rim).

  Legs: Ch 3 bobbles at the base.

• Brew: Lime Green. MR 6 sc, Inc to 18.

  Bubbles: Work *Sc, Bobble Stitch* randomly on the green surface.

• Assembly: Stuff pot lightly. Sew the green brew into the top opening.

Part 3: Witchy Accessories

Use Hook Size: 1.5mm.

1. Dried Herbs

• Bundles: Use Sage Green, Brown, and Beige threads.

  Leaves: Ch 5, sl st back. Make clusters of chains.

  Flowers: Tiny French knots in lavender or yellow at the ends.

• Hanging: Tie bundles with brown thread. String a “clothesline” across the ceiling of the caravan and tie the herbs to it.

2. Spellbooks

• Cover: Blue, Burgundy, or Brown. Ch 6, Sc 4 rows.
• Pages: Beige. Ch 5, Sc 3 rows. Fold and glue inside.
• Decor: Embroider gold crosses or mystical symbols on the covers. Stack them on the floor or a small table.

3. Crystal Cluster

• Use Translucent or Light Blue/Purple yarn.

  Crystal: Ch 4. Sc, Hdc, Dc. (Triangle spike). Make 3-4 spikes of varying heights. Sew them together at the base.

Part 4: The Familiar & Exterior

1. The Black Cat

Use Hook Size: 1.5mm and Black yarn.

• Body: MR 6 sc, Inc to 12. Sc 4 rounds. Dec to 6.
• Head: MR 6 sc, Inc to 12. Sc 3 rounds. Dec to 6. Sew to body.
• Ears: Ch 2 triangles. Sew to head.
• Tail: Ch 8, sl st back. Sew to rear.
• Eyes: Bright Lime Green or Yellow embroidery/beads. Vertical pupil pupil detail.

2. Hanging Lanterns

• Frame: Black. MR 4 sc. Sc 1 round.

  Light: Yellow/White yarn (or insert a tiny LED). MR 4 sc ball.

  Cage: Ch 3 loops around the light ball.

• Hanging: Chain 10. Sew to the exterior corners of the caravan.

3. Wheels

Use 2.5mm Hook.

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

Final Assembly

1. Structural Check: Ensure the Black/Purple shell is sturdy. The dark colors hide gaps, but the shape must be square.
2. The Lab Setup:
   • Secure the Potion Shelf against the back wall.
   • Place the Cauldron in the center of the floor.
   • Hang the Dried Herbs from the ceiling (sew through the inner roof canvas).
   • Stack the Spellbooks and Crystals on a small side table or the floor.
3. The Guardian:
   • Place the Black Cat near the door or sitting on a book.
   • Attach the Lanterns to the outside.

Congratulations! You have brewed up a magical masterpiece. The “Witchy” Apothecary is a stunning, mysterious addition to your collection, perfect for casting spells of creativity.