Welcome to the most charming garden on wheels! The “Petunia” Hanging Basket caravan is a vibrant tribute to the trailing beauty of summer porches. This design captures the essence of a blooming garden shed, featuring a striking exterior in Purple and White—the signature colors of the petunia flower. The roof features a unique extended awning structure specifically designed to support a series of miniature hanging baskets, creating a cascading floral display.
The interior is a gardener’s workspace, stocked with everything needed to keep these thirsty flowers alive. You will find a specialized long-spout watering can for reaching high baskets, a bag of slow-release fertilizer, a sturdy garden shovel, and a pair of bright pink rubber gloves waiting for work. The star of the show is the abundance of Petunia flowers—trumpet-shaped blooms in purple and pink with delicate white edges. Outside, a loyal Cocker Spaniel with ears as droopy as the flower petals sits wagging its tail, while a lattice fence covered in climbing vines frames the scene. This project is a colorful, floral delight.
Because the roof awning must extend outwards to hold the weight of the hanging baskets without drooping, we will strictly use the “3-Layer Sandwich Method” (Yarn – Plastic Canvas – Yarn). This technique is mandatory for the walls and especially the roof. It creates the architectural rigidity required to support the hanging elements and keeps the caravan boxy and professional. We will alternate between a standard hook for the shell and a precision micro-hook for the delicate petunia trumpets and tools.
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 flower structure).
– Purple (Petunia): Lower exterior walls, flower petals, roof trim.
– Pure White: Upper exterior walls, flower stripes/edges.
– Jute/Tan: Hanging baskets, floor.
– Spaniel Brown: The dog.
– Silver/Grey: Watering can, shovel blade.
– Bright Pink: Rubber gloves.
– Garden Green: Stems, leaves, fertilizer bag.
– Wood Brown: Lattice fence, shovel handle.
– Black: Tires, dog eyes.
- Hooks:
– 2.5mm (Size C/2): For the caravan shell, floor, and fence.
– 1.0mm – 1.25mm (Steel Hook): CRITICAL for the petunia flowers, dog paws, and tiny gardening tools.
- Structure: 8-9 sheets of Plastic Canvas (7-mesh stiffness).
- Other: Fiberfill stuffing, thin craft wire (essential for the watering can spout and fence stability), fabric glue, tapestry needle, embroidery floss.
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.
Part 1: The Garden Shed Structure (Sandwich Method)
Use Hook Size: 2.5mm.
1. The Workshop Floor
Make 2 identical panels using Wood Brown.
- 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 through both layers to seal.
2. The Striped Shell (U-Shaped with Awning)
This forms the Left Wall, Roof (Extended), and Right Wall.
Panel A: Exterior (Purple & White)
- Start with Purple.
- Row 1: Ch 95 (Length to cover Left + Roof + Right). Sc across.
- Rows 2-15 (Lower Body): Sc across in Purple.
- Change to White.
- Rows 16-35 (Upper Body & Roof): Sc across in White.
Design Note: The roof section needs to be sturdy.
Stripes: You can add thin horizontal purple stripes in the white section for the classic “Petunia” look.
- Window Cutouts: Cut windows on the side walls. The Right side is the open viewing stage.
Panel B: Interior (White)
- Use White to keep it bright. Match dimensions and window gaps of Panel A.
Assembly & The Awning:
- The Extended Roof: Unlike other caravans, the roof of this one must extend forward significantly (like a garage door opening upwards) or have a separate “Awning Panel” attached to the front. We will create a separate Awning Panel.
Awning Panel: Purple. Ch 30. Sc 15 rows. Sandwich with canvas. Sew this to the top front edge of the caravan roof so it overhangs the open side. Use wire inside the join to make it stand up/out against gravity.
- Main Body Assembly: Cut plastic canvas. Sandwich between Panel A and B. Sc around perimeter. Bend into U-shape and sew to Floor.
- Back Wall: Make a solid sandwich panel (Purple bottom, White top) to close the back.
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Part 2: The Hanging Gardens (Micro-Crochet)
IMPORTANT: Switch to 1.0mm Hook. Petunias are trumpet-shaped.
1. The Petunia Flower
Make 20-30 flowers in Purple, Pink, and White.
- Tube: Purple/Pink. MR 4 sc. Sc 2 rounds (Tiny tube).
- Flare: *Inc, Sc* around (6).
Petals: *Ch 3, Dc in same st, Dc in next, Ch 3, Sl st in same st* repeat 5 times.
Detail: For the bicolor look, do the final round of Ch/Sl st in White yarn to create the white edge.
2. Hanging Baskets
- Basket: Jute/Tan yarn. MR 6 sc, Inc to 18. BLO Sc 4 rounds.
Rim: Sc around.
- Hangers: Chain 3 ropes of 10 chains each. Attach to the basket rim and join at the top.
- Assembly: Fill basket with fiberfill. Glue 3-5 Petunias and some Green leaf chains (Ch 5, sl st back) into the basket.
Hanging: Suspend these baskets from the underside of the extended Awning/Roof.
Part 3: Gardening Equipment
Use Hook Size: 1.0mm – 1.25mm.
1. Long-Spout Watering Can
- Body: Silver/Grey. MR 6 sc, Inc to 12. BLO Sc 6 rounds (Tall cylinder).
- Spout: This defines the look. Ch 10. Sc back. Insert a wire to make it stick out long and straight, then curve up slightly at the tip. Sew to base.
- Handle: Large loop on the back.
2. Fertilizer Bag
- Bag: Green/Tan. Ch 8. Sc 10 rows. Fold in half. Sew sides. Stuff lightly.
Label: Embroider a tiny rectangle in white and stitch “FERT” or a flower icon on it.
3. Garden Shovel
- Blade: Silver. Ch 4. Sc 3 rows. Dec to point.
- Handle: Wood Brown. Ch 12. Sc back. Join to blade. Lean against the wall.
4. Pink Rubber Gloves
- Hand: Bright Pink. MR 4 sc. Sc 2 rounds.
Fingers: *Ch 2, sl st* x 4 times.
Cuff: Flare out the wrist. Make 2. Lay them on a shelf or the floor.
Part 4: Exterior & The Spaniel
1. The Cocker Spaniel
Use 1.25mm Hook and Brown yarn. The ears are key.
- Body: MR 6 sc, Inc to 12, Inc to 18. Sc 6 rounds. Dec to 12. Dec to 6. (Sitting pear shape).
- Head: MR 6 sc, Inc to 12. Sc 3 rounds. Dec to 6. Sew to body.
Snout: Smaller MR 5 sc bump on face.
- Ears (Droopy): Ch 8.
Row 1: Sc 1, Hdc 1, Dc 4, Hdc 1, Sc 1.
Row 2: Sc around to create a long, wavy, hairy texture. Make 2. Sew to the sides of the head so they hang down long like the petunia petals.
- Tail: Ch 5 stubby tail.
Pose: Sitting, looking happy.
2. Lattice Fence
Use 2.5mm Hook and Wood Brown.
- Lattice Mesh: Ch 30.
Row 1: *Ch 5, Sk 2, Sc* repeat across.
Row 2: *Ch 5, Sc in ch-loop* repeat.
Work 4-5 rows to create a diamond mesh. Stiffen with glue or wire frame.
- Vines: Weave a Green chain through the lattice. Sew tiny Purple knots (flowers) onto the vines. Stand this fence behind or beside the caravan.
3. 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.
Final Assembly
- Structural Check: Ensure the 3-layer sandwich walls are rigid. The Awning MUST be secure. If it sags, reinforce the join with extra wire or invisible fishing line tied to the top of the caravan.
- Interior Staging:
- Hang the Petunia Baskets from the awning/roof.
- Place the Watering Can and Fertilizer Bag on the floor.
- Lay the Pink Gloves on a small shelf or crate.
- Lean the Shovel against the wall.
- Exterior Scene:
- Set up the Lattice Fence to frame the background.
- Position the Cocker Spaniel sitting proudly in front.
Congratulations! You have grown the “Petunia” Hanging Basket caravan. This floral masterpiece is a celebration of gardening and puppy love.
