Create a charming hollow log house playset complete with a tiny squirrel, swing and leafy details. This pattern guides you through building sturdy crochet panels with plastic canvas reinforcement so the house opens and closes like a real little lodge. You will enjoy clear, photo-supported instructions to make a durable, gift-ready playset.
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— Materials & Notes :
Info :
Yarn of your choice. The designer used a variety of aran weight yarns (equivalent to worsted weight). Finished log house measures approximately 18cm tall to the roof & 26cm tall to the tip of the leaves. Use the same weight yarn throughout the entire pattern.
Infos :
Plastic canvas used: Trimits 7 count sheets 26cm x 33cm. 7 count means 7 holes per inch. Use 7 count for a thinner, flexible canvas. You will need small buttons, tapestry needle, scissors and stitch markers.
— Stitches & Abbreviations :
Info :
This pattern uses American Crochet Terms. Ch = chain stitch. St = stitch / stitches. Sl st = slip stitch. Sc = single crochet. Hdc = half double crochet. Dc = double crochet. Tr = treble crochet. Inc = increase (2 sc into one st). Dec = decrease (2 sc combined into one st). Hdcinc = hdc increase (2 hdc into one st). BLO = back loop only. FLO = front loop only. [?] = total number of stitches in completed round. FO = finish off.
Info :
Special stitches: 3dcpop = 3 double crochet popcorn stitch: work 3 dc all into same stitch, remove loop, place hook through first of the 3 dc, put working loop back and pull through. 3dcbob = 3 dc bobble or cluster stitch - follow the cluster steps as described in pattern images. Work in continuous rounds or joined rounds as noted.
— Log House Back Wall :
Round 1 :
In dark brown, ch 32. Work back down the ch that you just made, starting in the 3rd st from the hook with: hdc 30, turn. (30)
Round 2 :
Ch 2, BLO hdc 30, turn. (30)
Round 3 :
Ch 2, FLO hdc 30, turn. (30)
Round 4 :
Ch 2, BLO hdc 30, turn. (30)
Round 5 :
Ch 2, FLO hdc 30, turn. (30)
Round 6 :
Ch 2, BLO hdc 30, turn. (30)
Round 7 :
Ch 2, FLO hdc 30, turn. (30)
Round 8 :
Ch 2, BLO hdc 30, turn. (30)
Round 9 :
Ch 2, FLO hdc 30, turn. (30)
Round 10 :
Ch 2, BLO hdc 30, turn. (30)
Round 11 :
Ch 2, FLO hdc 30, turn. (30)
Round 12 :
Ch 2, BLO hdc 30, turn. (30)
Round 13 :
Ch 2, FLO hdc 30, turn. (30)
Round 14 :
Ch 2, BLO hdc 30, turn. (30)
Round 15 :
Ch 2, FLO hdc 30, turn. (30)
Round 16 :
Ch 2, BLO hdc 30, turn. (30)
Round 17 :
Ch 2, FLO hdc 30, turn. (30)
Round 18 :
Ch 2, BLO hdc 30, turn. (30)
Round 19 :
Ch 2, FLO hdc 30, turn. (30)
Round 20 :
Ch 2, BLO hdc 30, turn. (30)
Round 21 :
Ch 2, FLO hdc 30, turn. (30)
Round 22 :
Ch 2, BLO hdc 30, turn. (30)
Round 23 :
Ch 2, FLO hdc 30, turn. (30)
Round 24 :
Ch 2, BLO hdc 30, turn. (30)
Round 25 :
Ch 2, FLO hdc 30, turn. (30)
Round 26 :
Ch 2, BLO hdc 30, turn. (30)
Round 27 :
Ch 2, FLO hdc 30, turn. (30)
Round 28 :
Ch 2, BLO hdc 30, turn. (30)
Round 29 :
Ch 2, FLO hdc 30, turn. (30)
Round 30 :
Ch 2, BLO hdc 30, turn. (30)
Round 31 :
Ch 2, FLO hdc 30, turn. (30)
Round 32 :
Ch 2, BLO hdc 30, turn. (30)
Round 33 :
Ch 2, FLO hdc 30. (30)
Info :
If you are making the 1st piece, FO and weave in the ends (see photo 1 on the next page). Then repeat the same process to make a 2nd piece. If you are making the 2nd piece, do not FO here. The instructions continue on the next page.
— Assembling the Back Wall :
Info :
At this point, cut a piece of plastic canvas so that it's slightly smaller than the piece that you have made (see photos 1 & 2). Put the 2 back wall pieces that you have made together, ensuring that the leftover front and back loops face outwards on both pieces. Switch to working in a joined round, working all of the way around the edge to join the two pieces together. Turn, ch 1, then inserting the hook through both layers, continue as follows.
Round Edge :
Work across the last row with: inc, sc 28, inc. (164)
Info :
Continue working in the same direction, working along the ends of the rows with: sc 50. (To get 50 stitches across this edge: into every 2 hdc rows you will need to make 3 stitches). At this stage, insert the piece of plastic canvas between the 2 crochet layers and then continue as follows: Work along the short edge with: inc, sc 28, inc. Work along the remaining side with: sc 50 (see photo 3), then sl st into the 1st sc to join the round. FO and weave in the end. Then set the back wall aside for later assembly (see photos 4 & 5).
— Log House Front Wall :
Round 1 :
In dark brown, ch 32. Work back down the ch that you just made, starting in the 3rd st from the hook with: hdc 30, turn. (30)
Round 2 :
Ch 2, BLO hdc 30, turn. (30)
Round 3 :
Ch 2, FLO hdc 30, turn. (30)
Round 4 :
Ch 2, BLO hdc 30, turn. Place a marker into the 10th st after making it. (30)
Round 5 :
Ch 2, FLO hdc 8, turn. Leave the rest of the stitches un-worked. (8)
Round 6 :
Ch 2, BLO hdc 8, turn. (8)
Round 7 :
Ch 2, FLO hdc 8, turn. (8)
Round 8 :
Ch 2, BLO hdc 8, turn. (8)
Round 9 :
Ch 2, FLO hdc 8, turn. (8)
Round 10 :
Ch 2, BLO hdc 8, turn. Place markers into both the 1st and 8th stitches after making them (see photo 1). FO and weave in the end.
Info :
Re-join your dark brown yarn in the marked stitch on row 4 (see photo 2). Then, starting in the same st that you just joined into, continue as follows.
Round Row 5B :
Ch 2, FLO hdc 10, turn. (10)
Round Row 6B :
Ch 2, BLO hdc 10, turn. (10)
Round Row 7B :
Ch 2, FLO hdc 10, turn. (10)
Round Row 8B :
Ch 2, BLO hdc 10, turn. (10)
Round Row 9B :
Ch 2, FLO hdc 10, turn. (10)
Round Row 10B :
Ch 2, BLO hdc 10, ch 12, sl st into the end of row 10 on the first side (you will be joining into the 1st marked stitch). (10 + ch section) FO and weave in the end (see photo 3).
Info :
The instructions continue on the next page. Re-join your dark brown yarn into the remaining marked stitch on the end of row 10 (see photo 1) then, starting in the same st that you just joined into, continue as follows.
Round Row 11 :
Ch 2, FLO hdc 8, work across the ch section with hdc 12, FLO hdc 10, turn. (30)
Round Row 12 :
Ch 2, BLO hdc 30, turn. (30)
Round Row 13 :
Ch 2, FLO hdc 30, turn. (30)
Round Row 14 :
Ch 2, BLO hdc 30, turn. (30)
Round Row 15 :
Ch 2, FLO hdc 13, turn. Leave the rest of the stitches un-worked. (13)
Round Row 16 :
Ch 2, BLO hdc 13, turn. (13)
Round Row 17 :
Ch 2, FLO hdc 13, turn. (13)
Round Row 18 :
Ch 2, BLO hdc 13, turn. (13)
Round Row 19 :
Ch 2, FLO hdc 13, ch 19, turn. (13 + ch section)
Round Row 20 :
Don't ch here. Starting in the 3rd ch from the hook: Hdc 17 along the ch section, then BLO hdc 13, turn. (30)
Round Row 21 :
Ch 2, FLO hdc 30, turn. (30)
Round Row 22 :
Ch 2, BLO hdc 30, turn. (30)
Round Row 23 :
Ch 2, FLO hdc 30, turn. Place a marker into the 8th st after making it. (30)
Round Row 24 :
Ch 2, BLO hdc 10, turn. Leave the rest of the stitches un-worked. (10)
Round Row 25 :
Ch 2, FLO hdc 10, turn. (10)
Round Row 26 :
Ch 2, BLO hdc 10, turn. (10)
Round Row 27 :
Ch 2, FLO hdc 10, turn. (10)
Round Row 28 :
Ch 2, BLO hdc 10, turn. (10)
Round Row 29 :
Ch 2, FLO hdc 10. Place markers into both the 1st and 10th stitches after making them. FO and weave in the end (see photo 2). The instructions continue on the next page.
Info :
Re-join your dark brown yarn in the marked stitch on row 23 (see photo 1). Then, starting in the same st that you just joined into, continue as follows.
Round Row 24B :
Ch 2, BLO hdc 8, turn. (8)
Round Row 25B :
Ch 2, FLO hdc 8, turn. (8)
Round Row 26B :
Ch 2, BLO hdc 8, turn. (8)
Round Row 27B :
Ch 2, FLO hdc 8, turn. (8)
Round Row 28B :
Ch 2, BLO hdc 8, turn. (8)
Round Row 29B :
Ch 2, FLO hdc 8, ch 12, sl st into the end of row 29 on the first side (you will be joining into the 1st marked stitch). (8 + ch section) FO and weave in the end.
Info :
Re-join your dark brown yarn into the remaining marked stitch on the end of row 29 (see photo 2). Then, starting in the same st that you just joined into, continue as follows.
Round Row 30 :
Ch 2, BLO hdc 10, work across the ch section with hdc 12, BLO hdc 8, turn. (30)
Round Row 31 :
Ch 2, FLO hdc 30, turn. (30)
Round Row 32 :
Ch 2, BLO hdc 30, turn. (30)
Round Row 33 :
Ch 2, FLO hdc 30. (30)
Info :
If you are making the 1st piece, FO and weave in the ends (see photo 3). Then repeat the same process to make a 2nd piece. If you are making the 2nd piece, do not FO here. The instructions continue on the next page.
— Assembling the Front Wall :
Info :
At this point, cut a piece of plastic canvas so that it's slightly smaller than the piece that you have made (see photos 1 & 2). Put the 2 front wall pieces that you have made together ensuring that the leftover front and back loops face outwards on both pieces. Switch to working in a joined round, working all the way around the edge to join the two pieces together. Ch 1, then inserting the hook through both layers, continue as follows:
Round Edge :
Work across the last row with: inc, sc 28, inc. (total will vary)
Info :
Continue working in the same direction, working along the ends of the rows with: sc 50 (To get 50 stitches across this edge: into every 2 hdc rows you will need to make 3 stitches). At this stage insert the plastic canvas between the 2 crochet layers and then continue as follows: Work along the short edge with: inc, sc 28, inc. Work along the remaining side with: sc 21 (see photo 3). This should take you up to the bottom corner of the doorway. FO leaving a long tail of yarn (this will be used shortly to sew the edges together around the doorway and windows (see photo 4)). Then re-join your yarn on the other side of the doorway (see photo 5) and working through both layers sc 21. FO leaving a long tail of yarn for later assembly (see photo 6).
— Log House - Roof Panels :
Round 1 :
In beige, ch 3. Working into the 3rd ch from the hook, make 4 hdc all into this stitch, turn. (4)
Round 2 :
Ch 2, hdcinc x4, turn. (8)
Round 3 :
Ch 2, (hdcinc, hdc) x4, turn. (12)
Round 4 :
Ch 2, (hdcinc, hdc 2) x4, turn. (16)
Round 5 :
Ch 2, (hdcinc, hdc 3) x4, turn. (20)
Round 6 :
Ch 2, (hdcinc, hdc 4) x4, turn. (24)
Round 7 :
Ch 2, (hdcinc, hdc 5) x4, turn. (28)
Round 8 :
Ch 2, (hdcinc, hdc 6) x4, turn. (32)
Round 9 :
Ch 2, (hdcinc, hdc 7) x4, turn. (36)
Round 10 :
Ch 2, (hdcinc, hdc 8) x4, turn. (40)
Round 11 :
Ch 2, (hdcinc, hdc 9) x4, turn. (44)
Round 12 :
Ch 2, (hdcinc, hdc 10) x4. (48)
Info :
If you are making the 1st piece, FO and weave in the ends (see photo 1). Then repeat the same process to make a 2nd piece. At this point, cut a piece of plastic canvas so that it's slightly smaller than the piece that you have made (see photo 2). If you are making the 2nd piece, do not FO here. Put the two pieces together - switch to working in a joined round, working all of the way around the edge to join the two pieces together. Insert the hook through both layers, continue as follows:
Round Edge :
Ch 1. Work along the curved edge with: inc, sc 46, inc. At this stage insert the plastic canvas between the 2 crochet layers and then continue as follows: Work across the straight edge with sc 30 and then sl st into the 1st sc to join the round. FO and weave in the end. Repeat the whole process to make a 2nd roof panel (see photo 3).
— Log House - Base Panels :
Round 1 :
In dark brown, ch 3. Working into the 3rd ch from the hook, make 4 hdc all into this stitch, turn. (4)
Round 2 :
Ch 2, hdcinc x4, turn. (8)
Round 3 :
Ch 2, (hdcinc, hdc) x4, turn. (12)
Round 4 :
Ch 2, (hdcinc, hdc 2) x4, turn. (16)
Round 5 :
Ch 2, (hdcinc, hdc 3) x4, turn. (20)
Round 6 :
Ch 2, (hdcinc, hdc 4) x4, turn. (24)
Round 7 :
Ch 2, (hdcinc, hdc 5) x4, turn. (28)
Round 8 :
Ch 2, (hdcinc, hdc 6) x4, turn. (32)
Round 9 :
Ch 2, (hdcinc, hdc 7) x4, turn. (36)
Round 10 :
Ch 2, (hdcinc, hdc 8) x4, turn. (40)
Round 11 :
Ch 2, (hdcinc, hdc 9) x4, turn. (44)
Round 12 :
Ch 2, (hdcinc, hdc 10) x4. (48)
Info :
If you are making the 1st piece, FO and weave in the ends (see photo 1). Then repeat to make a 2nd piece. Cut a piece of plastic canvas slightly smaller than the piece that you have made (see photo 2). If making the 2nd piece, do not FO here. Put the two pieces together and join with a joined round: Ch 1, work along the curved edge with: inc, sc 46, inc. Insert plastic canvas between layers and then work across the straight edge with sc 30 and sl st to join the round. FO leaving a long tail for later assembly. Repeat to make a 2nd base panel (see photo 3).
— Log House - Door :
Round 1 :
In beige, ch 21. Work back down the ch that you just made, starting in the 2nd st from the hook with: sc 20, turn. (20)
Round Rows 2-13 :
(12 rows) Ch 1, sc 20, turn. (20)
Info :
At this point, cut a piece of plastic canvas so that it's slightly smaller than the piece that you have made (see photo 1). Then continue as follows:
Round 14 :
Ch 1, FLO sc 20, turn. (20)
Round Rows 15-26 :
(12 rows) Ch 1, sc 20, turn. (20)
Info :
Fold the piece in half ensuring that the leftover back loops from row 14 face outwards and inserting the plastic between the 2 layers as you do so (see photo 2). Then continue as follows:
Round Edge / Hinge :
Ch 1, inserting your hook through both layers (see photo 3), sc 20. (This edge will be the hinge which will be attached to the house later on.) FO leaving a long tail of yarn. Use the tail to sew the open seams at the top and bottom of the door and then (holding the door with the hinge on the right) weave the remaining tail to the position shown to make the button loop (see photo 4). Insert your hook around a stitch and draw up a loop (see photo 5). Ch 14 and sl st back into the door. FO and weave in the end (see photo 6).
— Heart Decoration for the Door :
Round 1 :
In red, make a magic ring. Into the open ring work all of the following: Ch 3, cc 2, hdc, sc, ch 2, work back down the ch that you just made, working into the 2nd ch from the hook with a sl st. Continue working into the open magic ring with: sc, hdc, dc 2, ch 3, sl st back into the magic ring. Close the magic ring & FO leaving a tail of yarn. Use the tail of yarn to sew the heart onto the door (ensuring to hold the door with the hinge on the left as you do so) (see photos 7 & 8).
— Log House - Large Branch :
Round 1 :
In beige, ch 3, hdc 8 into 3rd chain from hook. You can use magic ring method if you prefer. Sl st into the 1st hdc to join the round. (8)
Round 2 :
Ch 2, (starting in the same st that you just joined into) BLO hdcinc x8, join. (16)
Round 3 :
Ch 1, (BLO sc, BLO inc) x8, join. (24)
Info :
At this point cut a piece of plastic canvas slightly smaller than the piece that you have made (see photo 1). Then continue as follows:
Round 4 :
Change to dark brown yarn as you ch 1, BLO sc 24, join. (24)
Rounds 5-9 :
(5 rounds) Ch 1, sc 24, join. (24)
Info :
At this point you will begin working in rows. Continue working in the same direction as follows:
Row 1 :
Ch 1, sc 20, turn (leave the rest of the stitches un-worked). (20)
Row 2 :
Ch 1, dec, sc 16, dec, turn. (18)
Row 3 :
Ch 1, dec, sc 14, dec, turn. (16)
Row 4 :
Ch 1, dec, sc 12, dec, turn. (14)
Row 5 :
Ch 1, dec, sc 10, dec, turn. (12)
Row 6 :
Ch 1, dec, sc 8, dec, turn. (10)
Row 7 :
Ch 1, dec, sc 6, dec, turn. (8)
Row 8 :
Ch 1, dec, sc 4, dec, turn. (6)
Info :
FO leaving a tail of yarn for later assembly. Insert the piece of plastic into the end of the branch and then add some stuffing as required (see photo 2).
— Log House - Twig :
Round 1 :
In dark brown, ch 2, sc 4 into 2nd chain from hook. You can use the magic ring method if you prefer. (4)
Rounds 2-5 :
(4 rounds) Sc 4. (4)
Rounds 7-8 :
(2 rounds) Sc 5. (5)
Info :
FO leaving a tail of yarn. Add some stuffing and set aside for later assembly (see photo 3).
— Light Green Leaf :
Round 1 :
In light green, ch 11. Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook, work back down the ch that you just made with: sc, hdc, dc 2, tr 2, dc 2, hdc, sc. Continue in the same direction working down the other side of the chain with: sc, hdc, dc 2, tr 2, dc 2, hdc, sc. Sl st into the 1st sc to join the round. (20)
Round 2 :
Ch 1, (starting in the same st that you just joined into): sc 3, inc, sc 2, inc, sc 3. Now ch 2. Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook, work back down the ch that you just made with: sl st. Continue working around the leaf with: sc 3, inc, sc 2, inc, sc 3, join. FO leaving a tail of yarn (see photo 2). Make a total of 4 leaves. Using one of the tails of yarn, sew a pair of leaves into a V-shape as shown (see photo 3) and then weave in this end. Keep the remaining tail of yarn (that's left on the 2nd leaf) for later assembly. Repeat on remaining leaves.
— Log House - Small Branch for the Swing :
Round 1 :
In dark brown, ch 2, sc 6 into 2nd chain from hook. You can use the magic ring method if you prefer. (6)
Rounds 2-8 :
(7 rounds) Sc 6. (6)
Info :
At this point, cut a length of plastic canvas that can be folded in half and inserted into the crochet tube that you have made. The designer cut a length of canvas 6 squares wide and folded it in half lengthways (see photos 1 & 2). Insert the plastic into your branch and then, leaving it in position and working around it, continue as follows:
Rounds 9-16 :
(8 rounds) Sc 6. (6)
Round 17 :
FLO inc x6. (12)
Round 18 :
(Inc, sc) x 6. (18)
Round 19 :
(Sc, inc, sc) x6. (24)
Round 20 :
(Inc, sc 3) x6. (30)
Info :
FO leaving a tail for later assembly. Trim the plastic so that it's slightly longer than the crochet section (see photo 4). Cut the end of the plastic into 3 strips and then fold them back against the crochet section as shown (see photo 5). These 3 strips will point downwards when you attach this branch to the log house (see photo 6) to help support the weight of the swing. Add a small amount of stuffing inside branch if required and then set aside for later assembly.
— Log House - Swing :
Round 1 :
In beige, ch 11. Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook, work back down the ch that you just made with: sc 10, turn. (10)
Rounds 2-6 :
(5 rows) Ch 1, sc 10, turn. (10)
Info :
At this point, cut a piece of plastic canvas so that it's slightly smaller than the piece that you have made (see photo 1). Then continue as follows:
Round 7 :
Ch 1, BLO sc 10, turn. (10)
Rounds 8-12 :
(5 rows) Ch 1, sc 10, turn. (10) FO leaving a tail of yarn.
Info :
Fold the piece in half ensuring that the leftover front loops from row 7 face outwards and inserting the plastic between the 2 layers as you do so (see photo 2). Sew around the 3 open edges and then weave in the end (see photo 3). To add the chains with which to hang your swing seat, re-join your beige yarn by inserting your hook around a stitch in the position indicated (see photo 4). Ch 51 and then join back into the seat near the opposite corner (see photo 5). FO and weave in the ends. Repeat this process on the other side (see photo 6).
— Log House - Adding the Details Before Assembly :
Info :
Using one of the tails of dark brown yarn that you left on the front wall panel, sew around the edge of the door frame and both windows as shown. Then weave in this end. To mark the rings on the roof of your log house, take a roof panel and find the ring shapes on it (caused by the hdc stitches). These are marked in red in the photo. Take a long piece of dark brown yarn and using a tapestry needle, weave the yarn through these stitches as shown. Repeat on each ring and on both roof panels and then weave in the ends. Use the same process to add small rings to the end of the branch section too.
— Log House Assembly :
Info :
Take the back wall panel and one base panel and lay them out as shown. Place a stitch marker through the bottom corner of the back wall panel and then through the corner of the base panel. Repeat on the opposite corner as shown below. Add markers to hold the pieces together. Using the tail of dark brown yarn left on the base panel, sew the two pieces together and weave in the end.
Info :
Repeat the same process to attach the roof panel on the other end (ensuring the rings on the roof panel face upwards as you do so). Use a length of dark brown yarn and then weave in the end. Then take the front wall panel and the remaining base panel and lay them out, place stitch markers through the bottom corners and sew together using the tail of yarn left on the base panel. Weave in the end.
Info :
Using a length of dark brown yarn, join the two house sections together and then weave in the end. Your house should now be able to open and close. Find the leftover loops just to the left of the doorway (these stitches are marked in red in the photo). Lay the door with the hinge against these leftover loops, ensuring the bottom of the door is in line with the bottom of the house. Sew the edge of the door to the leftover loops and then weave in the end. The chain loop that you made on the door will allow it to be fastened closed with a button sewn inside the house as shown.
This hollow log house pattern brings woodland charm to life with a sturdy, opening log design and tiny handmade details. It is perfect for gifting or imaginative play and invites personalization. Make a little forest world of your own with yarn, a few pieces of plastic canvas, and a lot of love! 🪵🧶
