Crochet Mushroom: Free Pattern for a Spotted Toadstool

The pattern

Cap (in red)

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in a MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: (Sc 1, inc) 6 times. (18)
4. Rnd 4: (Sc 2, inc) 6 times. (24)
5. Rnd 5: (Sc 3, inc) 6 times. (30)
6. Rnd 6: (Sc 4, inc) 6 times. (36)
7. Rnds 7–10: Sc in each st around. (36)
8. Rnd 11 (BLO): Working in back loops only, sc in each st around. (36)

That back-loop round creates the crisp rim under the cap. Now shape the underside:

9. Rnd 12: (Sc 4, dec) 6 times. (30)
10. Rnd 13: (Sc 3, dec) 6 times. (24)
11. Rnd 14: (Sc 2, dec) 6 times. (18)

Stuff the cap firmly, keeping the dome shape.

12. Rnd 15: (Sc 1, dec) 6 times. (12)

Fasten off, leaving the 12-stitch opening — the stalk joins here. Don't close it.

Stalk (in cream)

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in a MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: (Sc 1, inc) 6 times. (18)
4. Rnd 4 (BLO): Sc in each st around. (18)
5. Rnds 5–11: Sc in each st around. (18)
6. Rnd 12: (Sc 1, dec) 6 times. (12)

Stuff the stalk firmly — a floppy stalk won't hold the cap up. Fasten off leaving a long tail.

Joining

1. Step 1: Line the stalk's 12-stitch opening up with the cap's 12-stitch opening.
2. Step 2: Using the stalk's tail and a tapestry needle, whip stitch the two openings together, going through both loops of each stitch all the way around.
3. Step 3: Add a little more stuffing through the last gap before you close it, then weave the tail inside.

Spots — three ways

• Surface circles (neatest): with white yarn and a needle, work three or four small satin-stitch circles on the cap.
• French knots (quickest): five or six scattered knots.
• Crocheted dots: 6 sc in a magic ring, sl st to join, fasten off, and sew each dot flat to the cap.

Make it your own

• Mushroom family: make a second one stopping the cap at Rnd 4 for a baby toadstool.
• Autumn palette: rust, mustard or soft brown caps for a woodland shelf.
• Pincushion: stuff the cap extra firmly and it works as a real pincushion.
• Sit one beside the sitting frog — they belong together.

Common questions

Why does my cap not overhang the stalk?

The back-loop-only round (Rnd 11) was worked through both loops. That single round is what creates the sharp edge the cap folds under.

My mushroom tips over — what do I do?

Stuff the stalk harder, and add a small circle of card or a coin inside the base before closing.

Can I make it without sewing the two pieces?

You can work the whole thing top-down in one piece, but the joint comes out softer and the cap droops. The two-piece join gives a much better shape.

What size is the finished mushroom?

About 4 in (10 cm) tall and 3 in (7.5 cm) across the cap in worsted yarn with a 3.5 mm hook.

Build a whole little forest — and show us in the comments. 🍄