G’day, crafters! Welcome to the most relaxing stop on our crochet caravan tour. The “Koala & Eucalyptus” Retreat is an Australian-inspired sanctuary designed for deep sleep and relaxation. The exterior is bathed in a sophisticated “Silver Green” (Sage) that perfectly mimics the dusty tones of the Australian bush. Delicate, dried branches are embroidered onto the side panels, giving it an organic, earthy feel.

Open the caravan to discover a spa-like interior dedicated to wellness. The air is practically thick with the scent of eucalyptus. You will find vases overflowing with two types of gum leaves—the round “Silver Dollar” and the classic long leaves—along with textured gumnuts. A tiny amber bottle of essential oil sits on the shelf. For comfort, there is a chunky grey wool blanket and a plush Koala-shaped pillow. Outside, a real Koala hugs a dried tree trunk, guarding the entrance next to a sign that strictly designates this area a “Sleepy Zone.”

To capture the clean lines of this modern retreat and ensure the walls can support the internal shelves, we will strictly use the “3-Layer Sandwich Method” (Yarn – Plastic Canvas – Yarn). This technique is essential for creating the crisp, flat walls and the sturdy tree trunk required for this scene. We will alternate between a standard hook for the main shell and a precision micro-hook for the delicate leaves and the tiny koala features.

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 leaf definition).

  – Sage Green / Silver Green: Main exterior walls, some leaves.

  – Dark Brown / Bark: Tree trunk, embroidered branches, gumnuts.

  – Koala Grey: The koala, pillow, blanket.

  – Cream / Off-White: Interior walls, floor rug.

  – Amber / Orange: Essential oil bottle.

  – Black: Koala nose, tires, sign lettering.

  – Wood / Beige: Sign post, interior shelves.

• Hooks:

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

  – 1.5mm (Steel Hook): CRITICAL for the eucalyptus leaves, gumnuts, koala, and essential oils.

• Structure: 7-8 sheets of Plastic Canvas (7-mesh stiffness).
• Other: Fiberfill stuffing, craft wire (essential for the tree trunk stability and leaf stems), fabric glue, tapestry needle, slicker brush (to fuzz up the koala ears).

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: (Optional) For Koala ears.

Part 1: The Retreat Structure (Sandwich Method)

Use Hook Size: 2.5mm

1. The Wooden Floor Base

Make 2 identical panels using Cream or Light 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 the exact size. Sandwich it between the two panels. Sc around the perimeter through both layers to seal.

2. The Silver-Green Shell (U-Shaped)

This forms the Left Wall, Roof, and Right Wall. The color is the star here.

Panel A: Exterior (Sage Green)

• Row 1: Ch 91 (Length to cover Left Side + Roof + Right Side). Sc across. (90)
• Row 2-35: Sc across.
• Window Cutouts: On the side wall sections, create rectangular window openings (Ch 10, Sk 10).
• The Embroidery: Before assembly, use Dark Brown yarn to embroider a skeletal branch pattern on the lower half of the exterior wall. Use simple backstitches to create a twiggy, organic look.
• Fasten off.

Panel B: Interior (Cream/White)

• Use Cream yarn for a clean, spa-like interior. 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 Sage Green.
• Shape: Bend into a U-shape arch. Sew the bottom edges to the Floor Base.
• Back Wall: Make a solid sandwich panel (Sage exterior, Cream interior) to close the back.

📌Thank you for reading the article.

Part 2: The Eucalyptus Interior (Maximalism)

IMPORTANT: Switch to 1.5mm Hook. The leaves must be delicate.

1. Eucalyptus Leaves & Gumnuts

• Round Leaves (Silver Dollar): Sage Green. Ch 3, join to ring. Ch 1, 8 hdc in ring. Join. Sew onto thin wire stems.
• Long Leaves (Gum): Sage Green. Ch 8. Sl st, Sc, Hdc, Dc, Hdc, Sc, Sl st along the chain. Make 15-20 of these.
• Gumnuts: Dark Brown. MR 4 sc. BLO Sc 1 round. Sc 1 round. (Tiny cup).
• Vases: Beige/White (2.5mm hook). MR 6 sc, Inc to 12. BLO Sc up for a cylinder. Fill with the wired leaf branches.

2. Koala Pillow

• Face: Grey. MR 6 sc, Inc to 18. Flatten.
• Ears: Grey. Ch 3 loops or tiny pom-poms sewn to the sides.
• Nose: Black oval embroidery in the center.
• Placement: Place on the bed/floor.

3. Essential Oil Bottle

• Bottle: Amber/Brown. MR 4 sc. BLO Sc 2 rounds. Dec to 3.
• Label: Tiny white square with a green dot.

4. Wool Blanket

Use 2.5mm Hook.

• Blanket: Grey. Ch 15. Sc 15 rows.

  Texture: Work in BLO to create a ribbed, knitted look. Fold and place in the corner.

Part 3: The Exterior Scene

1. The Dried Tree Trunk

Use 2.5mm Hook and Dark Brown yarn.

• Core: Cut 3 lengths of thick wire. Twist them together.
• Bark: Ch 10. Sc around the chain to make a tube, or simply wrap the yarn tightly around the wire structure, building up layers to make it thick and bumpy.
• Branch: Create a small side branch sticking out for the Koala to hold.
• Mounting: Sew the base of the trunk to the side of the caravan floor or a separate small base plate.

2. The Koala (Hugging the Tree)

Use 1.5mm Hook and Grey yarn.

• Head: MR 6 sc, Inc to 12, (1, Inc) to 18. Sc 4 rounds. Dec to close.

  Nose: Large Black oval (felt or embroidery).

  Ears: Ch 3, Sc 3 into first ch. Brush the yarn with a slicker brush to make them fluffy. Sew to head.

• Body: MR 6 sc, Inc to 12. Sc 5 rounds. Dec to close.
• Limbs: Ch 5, Sc back. Make 4. Sew them to the body in a “hugging” position.
• Assembly: Sew the head to the body. Sew the Koala’s paws around the Tree Trunk so it is climbing.

3. “Sleepy Zone” Sign

• Sign: Beige. Ch 8, Sc 5 rows. Sandwich with canvas.

  Text: Embroider “Sleepy Zone” in Black.

• Post: Brown wire wrapped in yarn. Glue sign to post. Stand it in the ground (a small green crochet mound).

4. Wheels

Use 2.5mm Hook.

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

Final Assembly

1. Structural Check: Ensure the Sage Green shell is clean and rigid. The embroidered branches should be visible on the side.
2. Interior Styling:
   • Arrange the Vases of Eucalyptus in the back corners.
   • Place the Wool Blanket and Koala Pillow on the floor to create a cozy nook.
   • Glue the tiny Essential Oil bottle to a shelf or the floor.
   • Scatter a few loose Gumnuts on the floor.
3. Exterior Scene:
   • Secure the Tree Trunk next to the caravan door.
   • Ensure the Koala is firmly attached to the tree.
   • Place the “Sleepy Zone” sign near the front.

Congratulations! You have created the “Koala & Eucalyptus” Retreat. This calming, aromatic-themed playset is a beautiful tribute to the Australian bush.