Mid-Century Modern Mushroom Patch Crochet Free Pattern
Introduction
This little mushroom patch is the perfect project for anyone who loves mid-century modern style and wants a quick, satisfying make. It's designed for advanced beginners who are comfortable with single crochet, increases, and simple seaming, but it's gentle enough for a first appliqué. The dusty rose cap with a soft grey stem and three little spots has a clean, retro look that feels both playful and polished. Lightly stuffed for a gentle puff, it measures about 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) square and makes a charming patch for bags, hats, or garments.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: (4) Medium worsted weight yarn in small amounts: dusty rose (A) and grey (B). A few yards of each is plenty.
- Hook: 4 mm (G/6) crochet hook.
- Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, small amount of fiberfill stuffing, and a stitch marker (optional).
- Finished size: Approximately 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) wide and 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) tall.
Abbreviations
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- inc: increase (work 2 single crochet in the same stitch)
- sl st: slip stitch
- st(s): stitch(es)
- [ ] x: repeat the instructions inside the brackets the number of times shown
Gauge
4 sc and 4 rows = 1 inch (2.5 cm). Work a small swatch in single crochet and measure a 1-inch section to check that your stitches match this gauge.
Tips Before You Start
- Keep your tension even and slightly firm so the cap holds its half-circle shape rather than stretching.
- Leave generous yarn tails on every piece; you'll use them for sewing and they save you from starting a new thread.
- Stuff the cap only lightly. Overstuffing will round out the flat bottom edge and make the stem harder to attach.
- Pin the stem and spots in place before sewing so you can adjust the placement evenly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cap (Color A)
Row 1: Ch 2, 3 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Turn. (3 sts)
Row 2: Ch 1, inc in each st across. Turn. (6 sts)
Row 3: Ch 1, [sc, inc] x3. Turn. (9 sts)
Row 4: Ch 1, [sc, inc] x4, sc in last st. Turn. (13 sts)
Row 5: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (13 sts)
Row 6: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Do not turn. (13 sts)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Stem (Color B)
Row 1: Ch 6, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. Turn. (5 sts)
Rows 2-4: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (5 sts)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Spots (Color A) — make 3
Rnd 1: Ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Join with sl st to first sc. (6 sts)
Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.
Edging (optional, Color B)
With right side facing, join B with a sl st at any point on the cap edge. Work sc evenly around the entire outer edge of the mushroom, join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Assembly and Finishing
Lightly stuff the cap with fiberfill to your desired puffiness. Sew the stem to the bottom center of the cap using the long tails and matching stitches, so the stem extends downward from the flat edge of the cap. Sew the three spots onto the cap, spacing them evenly. Weave in all ends. If you worked the optional edging, block the patch lightly by misting it with water and pinning it flat to dry so the edges lie smooth.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the colors for a classic red-and-white toadstool, or use a cream stem for a softer look.
- Skip the stuffing and edging for a completely flat appliqué that's easier to sew onto curved garments.
- Make a cluster of mushrooms in different sizes and arrange them as a patch on a tote bag or denim jacket.
