The Hexed Hollow Hearth: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Haunted Cottage Doorstop

Introduction: Craft a Bewitchingly Cozy Halloween Doorstop

Welcome, fellow yarn enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into a delightfully spooky project that combines the charm of cottagecore with the whimsy of Halloween. Introducing The Hexed Hollow Hearth—a textured, haunted cottage doorstop that's as functional as it is adorable. This amigurumi pattern uses chunky worsted weight yarn and clever shaping to create a slightly crooked, enchanted cottage with a thatched roof and a tiny, glowing window. Perfect for keeping doors ajar while adding a touch of witchy home decor to your space, this project is ideal for intermediate beginners looking to expand their skills. Let's get hooking!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. All yarn is worsted weight (#4), and gauge is not critical, but consistent tension ensures a sturdy doorstop.

• Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) in three colors:
  • Color A: Deep Plum (for cottage walls) – approx. 150 yards
  • Color B: Warm Gold (for roof) – approx. 100 yards
  • Color C: Pumpkin Orange (for door and window frame) – approx. 30 yards
  • Small amounts of black and white yarn for details
• Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook
• Other: Polyester fiberfill stuffing, dried beans or rice (for weight), stitch marker, yarn needle, scissors
• Gauge: 14 sc x 16 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) – not critical but helpful for consistency

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in continuous rounds unless otherwise stated. Use a stitch marker to keep track of rounds. All pieces are made separately and then assembled.

Cottage Body (Make 2 identical pieces, then join)

With Color A (Deep Plum):

• Round 1: Magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6)
• Round 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12)
• Round 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (18)
• Round 4: *Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (24)
• Round 5: *Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (30)
• Round 6: *Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (36)
• Round 7: *Sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (42)
• Round 8: *Sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (48)
• Round 9: *Sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (54)
• Round 10: *Sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (60)
• Rounds 11-20: Sc in each st around. (60)
• Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Make a second piece.

Roof (Make 1)

With Color B (Warm Gold):

• Round 1: Magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6)
• Round 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12)
• Round 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (18)
• Round 4: *Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (24)
• Round 5: *Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (30)
• Round 6: *Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (36)
• Round 7: *Sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (42)
• Round 8: *Sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (48)
• Round 9: *Sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (54)
• Round 10: *Sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (60)
• Rounds 11-15: Sc in each st around. (60)
• Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Door (Make 1)

With Color C (Pumpkin Orange):

• Chain 8.
• Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (7)
• Rows 2-10: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (7)
• Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.

Window (Make 1)

With Color C (Pumpkin Orange):

• Chain 6.
• Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (5)
• Rows 2-6: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (5)
• Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.

Assembly

1. Join Body Pieces: Place the two body pieces together with wrong sides facing. Using the long tail from one piece, sew them together along three sides (bottom and two sides), leaving the top open. Stuff firmly with polyester fiberfill and add a small bag of dried beans or rice at the bottom for weight. Sew the top closed.
2. Attach Roof: Position the roof on top of the body, slightly overlapping the edges. Sew in place using the long tail from the roof, making sure it is centered and secure.
3. Attach Door: Sew the door onto the front of the cottage, centered and about 1 inch from the bottom edge.
4. Attach Window: Sew the window above the door, slightly to the left or right.
5. Embellish: Using black yarn, embroider a small doorknob on the door. With white yarn, add a tiny cross stitch to the window to look like a glowing light. Optionally, add a small chimney made from a tube of crochet (ch 10, join, sc around for 5 rounds) and sew to the roof.
6. Finishing: Weave in all ends securely.

Your Hexed Hollow Hearth is now complete! Place it by a door to keep it ajar, or display it as a whimsical Halloween decoration. Happy crocheting!