The Willow's Rest Hanging Haven: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Dual-Purpose Birdhouse and Planter

Introducing the Willow's Rest Hanging Haven

Transform your outdoor space with this charming, hand-crocheted hanging haven that serves as both a cozy birdhouse and a lush planter. Crafted with a soft, heathered yarn and featuring a unique, textured stitch pattern, this dual-purpose design brings a touch of whimsical woodland elegance to any garden or porch. Whether you’re an experienced crocheter or a beginner looking for a rewarding project, this free pattern will guide you through creating a beautiful, functional piece that will be the envy of your neighborhood.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4) cotton or cotton-blend yarn in two colors:
  • Main Color (MC) - 'Mossy Stone' (a heathered sage green), 200g
  • Contrast Color (CC) - 'Creamy Birch' (a warm off-white), 100g
• Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook
• Other: Stitch marker, yarn needle, scissors

Gauge: 14 sc x 16 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet. Note: Gauge is important for achieving the correct size and shape. Work a gauge swatch before starting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Notes: Work in continuous rounds unless specified. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round. Do not join at the end of rounds unless instructed.

BOTTOM (Planter Base)

With MC, make a magic ring.

• Rnd 1: 6 sc in ring. (6)
• Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12)
• Rnd 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st; rep from * around. (18)
• Rnd 4: *Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * around. (24)
• Rnd 5: *Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * around. (30)
• Rnd 6: *Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * around. (36)
• Rnd 7: *Sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * around. (42)
• Rnd 8: *Sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * around. (48)
• Rnd 9: *Sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * around. (54)
• Rnd 10: *Sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * around. (60)

Fasten off MC. Weave in the end or leave a short tail to be hidden later.

BODY (Planter Walls & Birdhouse Lower Section)

Join CC with a sl st in any st of Rnd 10.

• Rnd 11: Ch 1, sc in same st and in each st around. (60)
• Rnd 12-20: Rep Rnd 11. (60 sts each rnd) Tip: Use a stitch marker to keep track of rounds. The walls will begin to rise vertically.
• Rnd 21: *Sc in next 8 sts, sc2tog; rep from * around. (54) Note: sc2tog = single crochet two together (decrease). Insert hook in next st, yarn over, pull up loop, insert hook in next st, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through all 3 loops on hook.
• Rnd 22: *Sc in next 7 sts, sc2tog; rep from * around. (48)
• Rnd 23: *Sc in next 6 sts, sc2tog; rep from * around. (42)
• Rnd 24: *Sc in next 5 sts, sc2tog; rep from * around. (36)
• Rnd 25: *Sc in next 4 sts, sc2tog; rep from * around. (30)
• Rnd 26: *Sc in next 3 sts, sc2tog; rep from * around. (24)

Fasten off CC. Weave in the end.

BIRDHOUSE UPPER SECTION (Roof & Entrance)

Join MC with a sl st in any st of Rnd 26.

• Rnd 27: Ch 1, sc in same st and in each st around. (24)
• Rnd 28-32: Rep Rnd 27. (24 sts each rnd) Tip: This section will form the birdhouse body. Keep your tension even.
• Rnd 33: *Sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog; rep from * around. (18)
• Rnd 34-36: Sc in each st around. (18)
• Rnd 37: *Sc in next st, sc2tog; rep from * around. (12)
• Rnd 38-40: Sc in each st around. (12)
• Rnd 41: *Sc2tog; rep from * around. (6)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches). Thread the tail through a yarn needle. Weave the needle through the front loops of the remaining 6 stitches, pull tight to close the top. Weave in the end securely.

ENTRANCE HOLE

With MC, ch 6. Join with sl st to form a ring.

• Rnd 1: Ch 1, 12 sc in ring. (12) Tip: Work over the tail to secure it.
• Rnd 2: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st; rep from * around. (18)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Position this ring on the front of the birdhouse section (between Rnds 28-32) to create a raised entrance. Sew it securely in place using the tail and a yarn needle. Weave in the end.

HANGING LOOP

With MC, ch 30. Sl st in first ch to form a loop. Fasten off and weave in ends. Sew the loop securely to the top of the birdhouse roof (the closed end). Make sure it is centered and firmly attached.

FINISHING

Weave in all remaining ends. Block lightly if desired by spritzing with water and shaping gently. Allow to dry completely. Fill the planter base with a small pot or liner before adding soil and a small plant or succulent. The birdhouse section can be left empty or filled with a small nest for decoration. Hang from a sturdy hook or branch and enjoy your beautiful, handmade creation!