The Toadstool Tidy: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Forest-Floor Inspired Towel Topper

Bring a Touch of Whimsy to Your Kitchen: The Toadstool Tidy Towel Topper

Transform your kitchen into an enchanted woodland with the Toadstool Tidy—a delightfully textured towel topper that combines a plush mushroom cap with a charming gnome face. This quick, satisfying project adds a touch of cozy fantasy to your daily routine, making every dish-drying moment feel like a storybook adventure. Perfect for beginners and experienced crocheters alike, this free pattern uses simple stitches and easy-to-find materials to create a functional, whimsical home decor piece.

Materials Needed

To create your own Toadstool Tidy, gather the following supplies:

• Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) cotton or cotton-blend yarn in three colors:
  • Color A (Mushroom Cap): Rust/Red-Orange (approx. 50g)
  • Color B (Stem/Beard): Cream/Off-White (approx. 30g)
  • Color C (Gnome Face): Peach/Skin Tone (approx. 20g)
  Small amounts of black and white yarn for details (eyes and cap dots).
• Hook: Size G (4.0 mm) crochet hook
• Other: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, fiberfill stuffing (small amount for nose), scissors

Gauge: 4 sc and 4 rows = 1 inch (2.5 cm) in single crochet. Gauge is not critical for this project, but consistency is important for a neat finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Abbreviations (US Terms)

ch = chain, sc = single crochet, hdc = half double crochet, dc = double crochet, sl st = slip stitch, inc = increase (2 sc in same stitch), dec = decrease (sc2tog), BLO = back loop only, FLO = front loop only, MR = magic ring.

Part 1: Towel Topper Loop (Stem)

With Color B (Cream), ch 6.

• Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across (5 sc). Ch 1, turn.
• Rows 2-30: Sc in BLO of each stitch across (5 sc). Ch 1, turn.

At the end, fold the strip in half lengthwise and sl st the short ends together to form a loop. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Part 2: Mushroom Cap (Top Section)

With Color A (Rust), make a MR.

• Round 1: 6 sc in MR (6). Do not join, work in continuous rounds. Place marker.
• Round 2: Inc in each st around (12).
• Round 3: (Sc in next st, inc) repeat around (18).
• Round 4: (Sc in next 2 sts, inc) repeat around (24).
• Round 5: (Sc in next 3 sts, inc) repeat around (30).
• Round 6: (Sc in next 4 sts, inc) repeat around (36).
• Round 7: (Sc in next 5 sts, inc) repeat around (42).
• Round 8: (Sc in next 6 sts, inc) repeat around (48).
• Round 9: (Sc in next 7 sts, inc) repeat around (54).
• Round 10: Sc in each st around (54).
• Round 11: (Sc in next 8 sts, inc) repeat around (60).
• Round 12: Sc in each st around (60).
• Round 13: (Sc in next 9 sts, inc) repeat around (66).
• Round 14: Sc in each st around (66).
• Round 15: (Sc in next 10 sts, inc) repeat around (72).
• Round 16: Sc in each st around (72).
• Round 17: (Sc in next 11 sts, inc) repeat around (78).
• Round 18: Sc in each st around (78).
• Round 19: (Sc in next 12 sts, inc) repeat around (84).
• Round 20: Sc in each st around (84). Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Part 3: Gnome Face (Bottom Section)

With Color C (Peach), make a MR.

• Round 1: 6 sc in MR (6).
• Round 2: Inc in each st around (12).
• Round 3: (Sc in next st, inc) repeat around (18).
• Round 4: (Sc in next 2 sts, inc) repeat around (24).
• Round 5: (Sc in next 3 sts, inc) repeat around (30).
• Round 6: (Sc in next 4 sts, inc) repeat around (36).
• Round 7: (Sc in next 5 sts, inc) repeat around (42).
• Round 8: (Sc in next 6 sts, inc) repeat around (48).
• Round 9: (Sc in next 7 sts, inc) repeat around (54).
• Round 10: (Sc in next 8 sts, inc) repeat around (60). Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Part 4: Nose

With Color C (Peach), make a MR.

• Round 1: 6 sc in MR (6).
• Round 2: (Sc in next st, inc) repeat around (9).
• Round 3: Sc in each st around (9).
• Round 4: (Sc in next st, dec) repeat around (6). Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Stuff lightly with fiberfill.

Part 5: Beard

With Color B (Cream), ch 11.

• Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across (10 sc). Ch 1, turn.
• Row 2: Sc in each st across (10). Ch 1, turn.
• Row 3: Dec, sc in next 6 sts, dec (8). Ch 1, turn.
• Row 4: Dec, sc in next 4 sts, dec (6). Ch 1, turn.
• Row 5: Dec, sc in next 2 sts, dec (4). Ch 1, turn.
• Row 6: Dec twice (2). Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

Assembly

1. Attach Cap to Face: Sew the mushroom cap (top) to the gnome face (bottom) using the long tails, matching the edges. The cap should slightly overhang the face.
2. Add Nose: Sew the nose to the center of the face, just above the seam.
3. Attach Beard: Sew the beard to the bottom of the face, centered under the nose.
4. Embroider Eyes: Using black yarn, embroider two small eyes (French knots or satin stitches) above the nose.
5. Add Cap Dots: Using white yarn, embroider small dots on the mushroom cap for a classic toadstool look.
6. Attach Loop: Attach the towel topper loop (stem) to the back of the mushroom cap, centered. Sew securely.
7. Finish: Weave in all ends.

Your Toadstool Tidy is now ready to hang! Simply loop the stem over a cabinet handle or towel bar, and enjoy the whimsical, forest-floor charm it brings to your kitchen. Happy crocheting!