Welcome to the ultimate modern plant parent’s getaway! The “Fiddle Leaf Fig” Modern Van is a sleek, minimalist tribute to the most popular indoor tree of the decade. Unlike the rustic or floral caravans, this design features a clean Porcelain White exterior with large, panoramic windows, topped with a textured Dark Green roof that mimics the canopy of a forest. It brings the contemporary “Urban Jungle” aesthetic to the miniature world.

The interior is a masterclass in modern maximalism. The star of the show is a towering Singapore Fiddle Leaf Fig tree, reaching all the way to the ceiling with its signature violin-shaped leaves and prominent veins. It sits in a trendy woven rattan basket next to a cozy Mustard Yellow armchair—the perfect reading nook. Detailed accessories include a “Leaf Gloss” spray bottle to keep the plants shiny, a stack of interior design magazines, and a small coffee table. Outside, a mischievous Grey Tabby Cat is caught in the act, sharpening its claws on a rough tree trunk scratching post. This project is chic, stylish, and full of personality.

Because of the large windows and the clean, flat lines of the modern design, structural integrity is paramount. To ensure the white walls stay perfectly flat and do not warp, we will strictly use the “3-Layer Sandwich Method” (Yarn – Plastic Canvas – Yarn). This is non-negotiable for achieving the crisp, architectural look of this van. We will use a standard hook for the main shell and a precision micro-hook for the intricate leaf veins and the tiny accessories.

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 clean, modern look).

  – Porcelain White: Main exterior and interior walls.

  – Forest Dark Green: Roof, Fiddle Leaf Fig leaves.

  – Lime/Light Green: Leaf veins, embroidery.

  – Mustard Yellow: Armchair.

  – Tan/Beige: Rattan basket, floor, coffee table top.

  – Wood Brown: Tree trunk scratcher, table legs.

  – Grey: Tabby Cat, hubcaps.

  – Black: Tires, window frames (embroidery), cat stripes.

• Hooks:

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

  – 1.5mm (Steel Hook): CRITICAL for the fig leaves, spray bottle, magazines, and the cat.

• Structure: 6-7 sheets of Plastic Canvas (7-mesh stiffness).
• Other: Fiberfill stuffing, green floral wire (essential for the tall plant stem), 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
• Spike Stitch: Insert hook into the row below (used for rattan texture).

Part 1: The Modern Structure (Sandwich Method)

Use Hook Size: 2.5mm

1. The Woven Floor Base

Make 2 identical panels using Tan or Beige 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. Texture (Optional): Work in a “Moss Stitch” (Sc, Ch 1, Sk 1) on the top panel to mimic a jute rug texture.
4. 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 Porcelain Shell (U-Shaped)

This forms the Left Wall, Roof, and Right Wall. The lines must be very straight.

Panel A: Exterior (White & Green)

• Start with White.
• Row 1: Ch 91 (Length to cover Left Wall + Roof + Right Wall). Sc across. (90)
• Row 2-12: Sc across (White Side Wall).
• Change to Forest Green.
• Row 13-23: Sc across (The Roof). Note: This van has a flat, modern roof profile, not peaked.
• Change to White.
• Row 24-35: Sc across (Other Side Wall).
• Window Cutouts: This model features large, panoramic windows. On the side walls, Ch 15, Sk 15 to create wide rectangular openings.
• Fasten off.

Panel B: Interior (White)

• Use White yarn for the entire piece to verify the minimalist interior. Match dimensions and window gaps of Panel A.

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Assembly:

• Cut plastic canvas strip (with large window holes).
• Sandwich canvas between Panel A and Panel B.
• Join: Sc around the perimeter through both layers. Use White for the walls and Green for the roof edges.
• Window Frames: Surface slip stitch around the window openings using Black yarn to create a sharp, modern frame.
• Shape: Bend into a U-shape arch. Sew the bottom edges to the Floor Base.
• Back Wall: Make a solid sandwich panel (White) to close the back.

Part 2: The Fiddle Leaf Fig (The Masterpiece)

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

1. The Rattan Basket

Use Tan/Beige yarn and 2.5mm Hook.

• Base: MR 6 sc, Inc to 18.
• Walls: BLO Sc 1 round.

  Texture Pattern: *Sc, Spike Stitch (Sc into row below)* around. This creates a vertical woven look. Work for 6-8 rounds.

• Rim: Reverse Sc (Crab Stitch) around for a thick edge.

2. The Fig Leaves

Use Forest Green yarn and 1.5mm Hook. Make 10-12 leaves of varying sizes.

• Chain: Ch 8 (Small) or Ch 12 (Large).
• Violin Shape: Sc in 2nd ch, Hdc, Dc, Dc, Tr, Tr (widest point), Dc, Hdc, Sc, Sl st.

  Work up the other side to match.

  Waving: Add 2 Sc in the tip and the wide points to create the signature wavy edge of the Fiddle Leaf.

• Veins: Use Lime/Light Green embroidery floss. Stitch a central line and branching “V” veins prominent on the leaf surface.

3. Assembly

• Trunk: Cut a sturdy wire (approx 5 inches). Wrap tightly with Wood Brown yarn.
• Branching: Attach leaves to the trunk using floral tape or wrapping yarn, spacing them out. The largest leaves go at the top.
• Potting: Glue the tree into the Rattan Basket (use fiberfill or styrofoam inside the basket for stability).

Part 3: Modern Interior

Use Hook Size: 2.5mm for Furniture, 1.5mm for Accessories.

1. Mustard Armchair

• Seat Base: Mustard Yellow. Ch 8, Sc 8 rows. Cube shape (Sandwich).
• Backrest: Ch 8, Sc 8 rows. Sew to back.
• Arms: Ch 8, Sc 4 rows. Fold and sew to sides.
• Cushion: Make a separate small square and sew it onto the seat for extra fluffiness.

2. Minimalist Coffee Table

• Top: Tan/Beige. MR 6 sc, Inc to 18. Flat circle.
• Legs: Wood Brown. Ch 5 tight tubes (or use toothpicks wrapped in yarn). Make 3 legs. Glue to bottom.

3. Leaf Gloss Spray

• Bottle: White. MR 4 sc, BLO Sc 4 rounds.
• Label: Green embroidery square.
• Nozzle: Black thread loop on top.

4. Magazines

• Pages: White. Ch 4 rectangle.
• Cover: Colorful yarn scraps. Fold over pages. Glue onto the coffee table.

Part 4: Exterior Scene & The Cat

1. The Grey Tabby Cat

Use 1.5mm Hook and Grey yarn.

• Body: MR 6 sc, Inc to 12. Sc 6 rounds (Long body). Dec to 6.
• Head: MR 6 sc, Inc to 12. Sc 3 rounds. Dec to 6. Sew to top of body.
• Ears: Ch 2 tiny triangles.
• Limbs:

  Hind Legs: Ch 4, Sc back. Sew to bottom so cat stands.

  Front Paws: Ch 5. Sew reaching upwards (scratching pose).

• Tail: Ch 10, Sc back. Striped.
• Details: Embroider Black stripes on the back and head.

2. The Scratching Tree Trunk

Use 2.5mm Hook and Wood Brown yarn.

• Trunk: Ch 10. Join to ring. Sc around for 4 inches.

  Texture: Work in BLO or create random bobbles to mimic rough bark.

• Branch: Ch 5 tube sticking out the side.
• Pose: Insert a wire for stiffness. Glue the cat so its front paws are “scratching” the trunk.

3. Wheels

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

Final Assembly

1. Structural Check: Ensure the White shell is pristine and the windows are large and open. The 3-layer method prevents the roof from sagging.
2. Interior Decorating:
   • Glue the Fiddle Leaf Fig basket in the corner. Bend the leaves so they touch the ceiling.
   • Position the Mustard Armchair next to the plant.
   • Place the Coffee Table with Magazines and Leaf Gloss spray in front of the chair.
3. Exterior Styling:
   • Set up the Tree Trunk scratcher outside the van.
   • Secure the Grey Tabby Cat in the scratching pose against the tree.

Congratulations! You have built the “Fiddle Leaf Fig” Modern Van. It is a stylish, botanical haven perfect for the modern miniature traveler.