Crochet Fungi Furnishing
Made mostly in single crochet with a little shaping, this mushroom decor brings a bit of the forest to your space. Use your stash yarn or purchase any worsted medium-weight yarn in colors you love. Use plastic bags for the stuffing—now it’s an upcycled project! Please enjoy this free pattern. Copyright ©2024 Marilee Kay Poe Tangen, all rights reserved.
Inspiration –
Mushrooms are fascinating organisms. Fleshy and often delicate forms that live (most often) off of wood and recreate through spores. They like it damp and shady making them a fun discovery on a walk in the woods or even your backyard, as they seem to pop up overnight when conditions are just right. They are part of the fungi kingdom and can be delicious sautéed in butter—or they could kill you. Often associated with gnomes and fairies, they have a magical vibe we love. While they are always popular, it seems recently I see fungi fun everywhere—sweatshirts, pillows, stickers, art. I notice them because I love them.
I was looking at some beautiful photographs of fungi found in my home state (in the Minnesota Conversation Volunteer, September-October 2022 issue, “Fungus Among Us”) when the honey mushroom (Armillaria mellea) caught my eye. The idea was born to make one as decor for my home.
Design –
Having recently passed on a houseplant that wasn’t thriving under my care, I decided to make this furnishing about the size of small houseplant. The final product measures 9 inches across the widest part of the cap and stands 11 inches tall. Gauge is not super important to this project, if you have a skein of each color—you’re set. So, your measurements might not match this exactly, but should be close, so don’t sweat it.
The pattern has you join rounds as you work, no moving a stitch marker needed. Give those rounds an occasional count to make sure you’re on track for number of stitches as indicated at the end of the round. Of course, please work in the round (with a stitch marker) if that’s your preference.
The mushroom is worked holding two strands of yarn together to give added structure—and bonus—it works up fast. You will make two pieces, stuff them and join them with a single crochet round. Start by using both colors and working increase stitches to create the base. Then switch to cream color only for the stem and add some tapering. Continue working the underside of the cap at the top of the stem. Working the first round of the underside in back loops only gives some definition.
Work the cap using two strands of golden brown. Start this piece at the top center and work increase and regular rounds (follow the pattern closely) until the number of stitches matches the stem and underside piece. Then join the pieces with a single crochet final round.
If you want a smaller size mushroom, try using a single strand throughout–use a hook size that allows you to work tight stitches.
Dropping a bean bag in the bottom of the stem before stuffing is optional, but recommended. This will make the decoration more bottom heavy and help prevent it from tipping over. The directions have you make one with scrap fabric and dried pinto beans. You will need enough scrap fabric to make two circles, each with a diameter of four inches. I happen to have a round cookie cutter this size, measure your glassware or mugs on the search for something this size and easy to trace around. I used a disappearing ink fabric pen to trace my circles, but because they don’t show, this is not necessary—a pencil works great.
Yarn –
Stash yarn. Is there anything better than getting excited about a new pattern, running to your extra yarn supply and starting immediately? So satisfying.
You will need about the size of a typical skein in each color—217 yards of cream and 197 yards in golden brown. Or use whatever colors suit your fancy or room decor. If using stash yarn and you have plenty, skip checking your gauge, it’s not critical to the project. If you’re unsure, give the gauge a quick check to be sure you will have enough yarn. Of course, personal tension and technique can affect the amount of yarn needed. Best to have a little extra.
Another idea is to use a third color for the underside of the mushroom cap. A great alternative if using stash yarn and want to be sure you have adequate yardage. To do this, switch to your new color before round 31 and continue with the new color through round 41 when working the stem.
Use any medium-weight (#4) yarn. For the stem I used a yarn that has some structure, I would compare it to Lion Brand Wool Ease—a yarn I love. For the cap I used a yarn that has a bit more drape and sheen, I would compare it to Lion Brand Heartland—another yarn I love.
Selling points –
This pattern is considered easy, as it is worked almost entirely in single crochet with some simple shaping. If you’re new to crochet and have completed a few beginner projects and wanting to try working in the round and some basic shaping, this would be a good challenge to take your work to the next level.
I decided to try using plastic shopping bags for stuffing this project. It worked great! You can really pack them in to make a firm stuffing—perfect for my fungi friend. This allows me to label this pattern as upcycled—a huge bonus.
Alternatively, you may use polyester fiberfill or stuffing of your choice. When I was a kid my mom saved nylon stockings after they had a run in them for me to use to stuff my crochet projects. Get creative!
The first person to visit my home after I put out my crochet mushroom noticed it and commented on it—it’s so fun to say “I made it.” Display your fungi proudly wherever you desire some whimsy.
Pattern
CROCHET | SKILL LEVEL: Easy
SIZE
9 inches wide, 11 inches high
MATERIALS
Any worsted weight yarn (Weight: 4 Medium) –
217 yards CREAM and 197 yards GOLDEN BROWN (or colors of your choice)
Size J (6 mm) hook
Scissors
Stitch markers (or large safety pins)
18-28 clean plastic shopping bags for stuffing (or polyester fiberfill)
Optional – round bean bag for bottom:
Scrap fabric
Needle and thread
Dried pinto beans
ABBREVIATIONS
beg = begin(ning)(s)
BLO = back loop only
rep = repeat
rnd(s) = round(s)
sc = single crochet
sc2tog = single crochet 2 stitches together [decrease]
sl st = slip stitch
st(s) = stitch(es)
tog = together
yo = yarn over
2 sc in next st [increase]
Pattern uses U.S. crochet terms.
GAUGE
14 sc = 4 inches
14 rows = 4 inches
NOTES
Mushroom is worked in 2 pieces, the stem with underside (of cap) and the cap. Both pieces are worked in rounds, joining each round with a slip stitch. Pieces are stuffed and then attached with a single crochet join round.
Final stitch counts for rounds listed in ( ).
Instructions
Make the base and stem:
Using J hook and holding 2 strands tog—one each of CREAM and GOLDEN BROWN, make a magic loop. (Step-by-step photos on making a magic loop.)
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic loop, pull tail tightly to close (work over loose end in next rnd), join rnd with sl st in first sc. (6)
Rnd 2: ch 1, 2 sc in each st around, join rnd with sl st in first sc. (12)
Rnd 3: ch 1, (2 sc in next st, sc in next st) around, join rnd with sl st in first sc. (18)
Rnd 4: ch 1, (2 sc in next st, sc in next 2 sts) around, join rnd with sl st in first sc. (24)
Rnd 5: ch 1, (2 sc in next st, sc in next 3 sts) around, join rnd with sl st in first sc. (30)
Rnd 6: ch 1, (2 sc in next st, sc in next 4 sts) around, join rnd with sl st in first sc. (36)
Rnd 7: ch 1, (2 sc in next st, sc in next 5 sts) around, join rnd with sl st in first sc. (42)
Rnd 8: ch 1, (2 sc in next st, sc in next 6 sts) around, join rnd with sl st in first sc. (48)
Rnd 9: ch 1, sc in each st around, join rnd with sl st in first sc. (48)
Rnds 10-14: rep rnd 9. In last sc of rnd 14, drop GOLDEN BROWN and pick up another strand of CREAM (so you are working with 2 strands of CREAM). Work over loose ends in next rnd.
Rnd 15: ch 1, (sc2tog, sc in next 6 sts) around, join rnd with sl st in first sc. (42)
Rnd 16: ch 1, (sc2tog, sc in next 5 sts) around, join rnd with sl st in first sc. (36)
Rnd 17: ch 1, (sc2tog, sc in next 4 sts) around, join rnd with sl st in first sc. (30)
Rnd 18: ch 1, sc in each st around, join rnd with sl st in first sc. (30)
Rnds 19-26: rep rnd 18.
Rnd 27: ch 1, (sc2tog, sc in next 3 sts) around, join rnd with sl st in first sc. (24)
Rnd 28: ch 1, sc in each st around, join rnd with sl st in first sc. (24)
Rnds 29-30: rep rnd 28.
Continue on to make underside of cap:
Rnd 31: ch 1, work this rnd in BLO, (2 sc in next st, sc in next 2 sts) around, join rnd with sl st in first sc. (32)
Rnd 32: ch 1, (2 sc in next st, sc in next 3 sts) around, join rnd with sl st in first sc. (40)
Rnd 33: ch 1, (2 sc in next st, sc in next 4 sts) around, join rnd with sl st in first sc. (48)
Rnd 34: ch 1, (2 sc in next st, sc in next 5 sts) around, join rnd with sl st in first sc. (56)
Rnd 35: ch 1, sc in each st around, join rnd with sl st in first sc. (56)
Rnd 36: ch 1, (2 sc in next st, sc in next 6 sts) around, join rnd with sl st in first sc. (64)
Rnd 37: ch 1, sc in each st around, join rnd with sl st in first sc. (64)
Rnd 38: ch 1, (2 sc in next st, sc in next 7 sts) around, join rnd with sl st in first sc. (72)
Rnd 39: ch 1, sc in each st around, join rnd with sl st in first sc. (72)
Rnd 40: ch 1, (2 sc in next st, sc in next 8 sts) around, join rnd with sl st in first sc. (80)
Rnd 41: ch 1, (2 sc in next st, sc in next 19 sts) around, join rnd with sl st in first sc. (84)
Fasten off. Weave in ends.
Make bean bag (optional):
A bean bag is recommended to make your mushroom bottom-heavy and help it stay upright. Cut 2 circles with diameter of 4 inches from cotton (or cotton blend) scrap fabric. Sew sides together about 1/8 inch from outer edge with a simple straight stitch (by hand or sewing machine), leaving about an inch opening. Fill with dried pinto beans and stitch opening closed. Place bean bag at bottom of stem.
Stuff base and stem:
You will need 18 to 28 plastic shopping bags. Make sure the bags are clean. Start by placing one plastic bag in stem (on top of bean bag if using) with opening and handles at top. Stuff this initial bag with layers of crumpled plastic bags, filling tightly so the stem is firm. Use a 12-inch ruler, wooden spoon handle or similar item to push the bags into place, filling in the base evenly and working your way up.
[PATTERN NOTE: For one stem I used 12 Target-type plastic shopping bags. For another stem I used 16 Walmart-type plastic shopping bags (thinner plastic)]
Alternatively, you may use polyester fiberfill or stuffing of your choice.
Make cap:
Using J hook and holding 2 strands tog of GOLDEN BROWN, make a magic loop.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic loop, pull tail tightly to close (work over loose end in next rnd), join rnd with sl st in first sc. (6)
Rnd 2: ch 1, 2 sc in each st around, join rnd with sl st in first sc. (12)
Rnd 3: ch 1, (2 sc in next st, sc in next st) around, join rnd with sl st in first sc. (18)
Rnd 4: ch 1, (2 sc in next st, sc in next 2 sts) around, join rnd with sl st in first sc. (24)
Rnd 5: ch 1, (2 sc in next st, sc in next 3 sts) around, join rnd with sl st in first sc. (30)
Rnd 6: ch 1, (2 sc in next st, sc in next 4 sts) around, join rnd with sl st in first sc. (36)
Rnd 7: ch 1, (2 sc in next st, sc in next 5 sts) around, join rnd with sl st in first sc. (42)
Rnd 8: ch 1, (2 sc in next st, sc in next 6 sts) around, join rnd with sl st in first sc. (48)
Rnd 9: ch 1, sc in each st around, join rnd with sl st in first sc. (48)
Rnd 10: ch 1, (2 sc in next st, sc in next 7 sts) around, join rnd with sl st in first sc. (54)
Rnd 11: ch 1, (2 sc in next st, sc in next 8 sts) around, join rnd with sl st in first sc. (60)
Rnd 12: ch 1, (2 sc in next st, sc in next 9 sts) around, join rnd with sl st in first sc. (66)
Rnd 13: ch 1, (2 sc in next st, sc in next 10 sts) around, join rnd with sl st in first sc. (72)
Rnd 14: ch 1, (2 sc in next st, sc in next 11 sts) around, join rnd with sl st in first sc. (78)
Rnd 15: ch 1, (2 sc in next st, sc in next 12 sts) around, join rnd with sl st in first sc. (84)
Rnd 16: ch 1, sc in each st around, join rnd with sl st in first sc. (84)
Rnds 17-18: rep rnd 16.
Do NOT fasten off.
Stuff cap:
Start by placing one plastic bag into wrong side of cap. Stuff this initial bag with layers of flattened plastic bags—crumpled to fit the cap, filling tightly.
[PATTERN NOTE: For one cap I used 6 Target-type plastic shopping bags. For another cap I used 8 Walmart-type plastic shopping bags (thinner plastic)]
Join stem and cap:
Place stem with stuffing on top of cap with stuffing, wrong sides together. Secure in place with stitch markers (or safety pins). Place one stitch marker through both pieces. Then count 21 stitches lining up pieces together as you go, place another stitch marker. Repeat 2 more times.
Rnd 19: ch 1, insert hook thru first st of last rnd of cap, yo and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook). insert hook into st below on stem, yo and pull thru all loops on hook—sc join st made. cont sc join st around. join rnd with sl st in first sc. (84)
[PATTERN NOTE: check underside occasionally as you work this round to be sure no stitches are missed or skipped on the stem piece.]
Fasten off, weave in end.
Finishing:
Shape as needed, and to your liking.
[PATTERN NOTE: I used my fingers to push up the underside of the mushroom cap in order to create a more round top. I also turned under the final row to help the dome shape.]
Display proudly wherever you desire some whimsy.
CARE
Spot clean as needed.
Copyright ©2024 Marilee Kay Poe Tangen, all rights reserved.
Crochet Fungi Furnishing is available for sale in my Etsy shop!
