Free Crochet Dollhouse Pattern: Suitcase Style Playhouse

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This crochet dollhouse free pattern is inspired by the beautiful vintage suitcase-style crochet dollhouse. This cozy miniature bedroom inside a suitcase features a crochet-covered case, a bed with blankets, furniture, decorative details, and a crochet doll.

Vintage suitcase dollhouse

Inspired by this beautiful vintage suitcase dollhouse, I imagined what a crochet dollhouse in a box, container or even an old repurposed luggage bag look like! Learning how to make a crochet dollhouse is a fantastic way to craft a unique, handmade toy or display piece. Whether you’re making one for a child, as a collector’s item, or as a personalized gift, this guide will walk you through the process of creating a beautiful crochet dollhouse from scratch.

Why Make a Crochet Dollhouse?

Handmade and Customizable: A crochet dollhouse is completely customizable-you can choose the colors, patterns, and furniture to match your vision.
A Unique Gift or Heirloom: Handmade crochet projects make great gifts that can be treasured for years, passed down as a special keepsake.
A Fun and Relaxing Craft: Crocheting is known for being a stress-relieving hobby, and making a crochet dollhouse allows you to enjoy both creativity and relaxation.

free-pattern-crochet-mini-dollhouse-travel-box

Free Crochet Dollhouse Pattern

Materials:

Before you start, gather the following supplies:

Yarn (cotton or acrylic, various colors)
Crochet hooks: 2.5 mm or 3 mm (sizes depending on yarn thickness)
Stuffing (polyester fiberfill for furniture and soft walls)
Plastic canvas or cardboard (for structural support)
Tapestry needle (for weaving in ends)
Scissors
Fabric glue or stitch markers (optional)
Small wooden beads or buttons (for drawer knobs and accessories)
Air dry clay for forming decoration structures

Pattern Instructions: How to Make a Crochet Dollhouse?

1. Create the Base Structure

The foundation of your crochet dollhouse is the walls and floor. You can make this in two ways:

1: Soft Structure

Use single crochet (SC) stitches to create rectangular panels for the walls and floor.
Sew or slip stitch the panels together to form a house shape.
Use polyester stuffing inside to make it plush and soft.

2: Sturdy Structure

Crochet rectangular panels just like in Option 1.
Cut plastic canvas or cardboard to the same size as the panels or use an old box or suitcase.
Crochet around the edges of the panels, inserting the stiff support inside before closing the seams.

3: Old Suitcase

The suitcase structure is covered in tight crochet stitches to give it a woven, textured look.

Base and Lid:

Using beige yarn, chain the width of the suitcase.
Work in single crochet (SC) rows until you have a rectangular piece large enough to wrap around the suitcase.
Repeat for the inside lining.
Attach the two layers by sewing or gluing them onto the plastic or cardboard frame.

Suitcase Sides: Work SC stitches in the round to form the edges.

Handle: For the handle, crochet a short SC strap, fold it, and sew it onto the front.

Suitcase Closure and Detailing: You can use a real metal clasp or crochet a small button loop closure to keep it shut.

2. Crochet the Roof

Make a triangle or sloped rectangle using single or double crochet stitches.
Attach it to the top of your dollhouse with slip stitches or sewing.
For a removable roof, use buttons or Velcro to attach it.

3. Design the Interior

Now it’s time to decorate the inside of your crochet dollhouse!

1. Crochet the Walls and Flooring

Use different crochet stitch patterns to mimic brick walls, wallpaper, or wooden floors.
Striped or granny square patterns work great for rugs and carpets.
Crochet flat rectangular panels in beige for the walls.
The window frame is crocheted separately in white or blue and sewn onto the wall.

2. Add Crochet Furniture

Create mini crochet furniture such as:

Chairs and tables: Small cylinders or rectangles stitched together.
Beds and sofas: Crochet rectangles stuffed with fiberfill.
Curtains and rugs: Use lace or shell stitches for a decorative touch.
Nightstand: Crochet small cube panels and stitch them together to form drawers.
Lamp: Crochet cylinder with a cone-shaped top. You may use clay for structure and cover with crochet.
Wardrobe: Crochet a box-like wardrobe structure using Single Stitch (SC) panels.
Clothes: Crochet tiny hangers and mini clothes (like the dress hanging inside
Tiny baskets: Single Stitch (SC) in the round and can hold mini crochet flowers.

3. Windows and Doors

Crochet small rectangles for windows and stitch them onto the walls.
Use contrasting yarn colors to create a cute front door.
The lace curtains are made with a delicate chain stitch and picot pattern.

4. Bed and Mattress

Bed Frame:

Chain the desired width of the bed.
Work in SC to create two long panels for the headboard and footboard.
Crochet side rails and sew all parts together.
You can insert a small wire frame inside for sturdiness.

Mattress and Bedding:

Crochet a soft rectangle for the mattress in light blue or white.
Stuff it lightly and close the edges.
Crochet a lacy blanket using shell stitch for texture.

Pillows

Crochet a small square in SC, stuff with fiberfill, and sew shut.
You can add a scalloped edging or embroidery for extra charm.

4. Crochet the Doll

Head and Body: Start with a magic ring and work Single Stitch (SC) in the round for the head. Use peach yarn for skin tone. Continue working downward for the body, adding arms and legs separately.
Hair and Face: Attach strands of yarn for hair, styled as needed. Sew black bead eyes and embroider a smile.
Clothes: Make a tiny dress using Single Stitch (SC) and shell stitches.

5. Add Finishing Touches

Now that the structure is complete, add charming details:

Embroider flowers, vines, or bricks onto the walls.
Attach mini crochet plants, pillows, or dolls inside.
Add LED fairy lights inside for a magical glow.
Make intricate clay miniatures to decorate your dollhouse.

Free Pattern Crochet Dollhouse

Tips for Making a Crochet Dollhouse

Use a sturdy yarn: Cotton yarn holds its shape well for structured designs.
Stick to simple stitches: Single and double crochet stitches work best for firm panels.
Make it modular: If gifting the dollhouse, consider making removable pieces so the recipient can rearrange furniture and rooms.
Experiment with colors: Bright pastels or neutral shades can give your crochet dollhouse different aesthetics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does it take to make a crochet dollhouse?

It depends on the complexity, but a basic crochet dollhouse can take 10-20 hours to complete.

2. Can I wash a crochet dollhouse?

If it’s made entirely of yarn, you can spot-clean it with a damp cloth. If it has a plastic or cardboard base, avoid getting it wet.

3. What’s the best yarn for a crochet dollhouse?

Cotton yarn is ideal because it holds its shape and is durable. Acrylic yarn works well for soft dollhouses.

4. Can beginners make a crochet dollhouse?

Yes! If you know basic crochet stitches (single crochet, double crochet, slip stitch), you can follow this guide to create a simple dollhouse.

This crochet dollhouse with free pattern is a perfect handmade gift or keepsake that can be treasured for years. It’s a mix of crochet and crafting, giving a cozy and realistic miniature world inside a suitcase.

Written by: Hani Shabbir