An Introduction from Patricia to Your Bog Apothecary Frog
Hello, my dear friend! I’m Patricia Poltera, and I am just so excited to guide you through this truly enchanting project. The moment I heard the concept for the Bog Apothecary, a wise little frog keeper of forest secrets, my imagination was completely captured. There's a special kind of magic in the "goblincore" and "cottagecore" aesthetics—a love for the small, the natural, the story-rich details. Crafting his textural skin, his knowing eyes, and of course, his absolutely darling removable hat and functional satchel is a joy I can't wait to share.
I'm truly delighted to share this Bog Apothecary Frog pattern with you for free. Your enthusiasm and support, perhaps by sharing this page with a fellow crafter, are what keep my hooks clicking and allow me to create these magical patterns for our community. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
Materials You'll Need for Your Bog Apothecary Frog
I've selected materials that will give our little apothecary that perfect, organic, straight-from-the-forest-floor feel. The matte cotton is key for a non-shiny, natural finish.
Yarn
- Worsted Weight Cotton Yarn (4-ply):
- Moss Green (MC): Approx. 80 yards
- Forest Green (AC1): Approx. 10 yards
- Fawn Brown (AC2): Approx. 15 yards
- Toadstool Red: Approx. 10 yards
- Ivory White: Approx. 5 yards
- Embroidery Floss:
- Dark Chocolate: One strand for the mouth.
- Various Greens/Purples: Single strands for the satchel herbs (e.g., lavender, mint).
Hooks & Notions
- Absolute Essentials:
- 2.75mm (C) Crochet Hook: This smaller hook will create a tight, dense fabric so no stuffing shows through.
- 15mm Black Safety Eyes: These give a deep, soulful look to our frog.
- Polyester Fiberfil Stuffing: For a firm, huggable body.
- Yarn Needle: Essential for seamless assembly and embroidery.
- Stitch Marker: To keep track of your rounds without a single doubt.
- Scissors: A sharp pair makes all the difference.
- My 'Game Changer' Recommendations:
- A Bobble-Headed Pin: When it comes time to embroider the herbs on that tiny satchel, a pin can help hold it steady on a piece of foam.
- Thread Conditioner or Beeswax: Running your embroidery floss through this first will prevent tangles and make your tiny herb stitches look incredibly smooth.
Skills Required & Techniques Demystified for Your Bog Apothecary Frog
This pattern is perfect for an intermediate crocheter or a confident beginner ready to learn some delightful new tricks! The joy is in the details.
Crochet Abbreviations (US Terms)
- MR: Magic Ring
- sc: Single Crochet
- inc: Increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
- dec: Invisible Decrease (crochet 2 stitches together through the front loops only)
- sl st: Slip Stitch
- ch: Chain
- BLO: Back Loops Only
- st(s): Stitch(es)
- Bobble: 4 Double Crochet Bobble Stitch - [Yarn over, insert hook in st, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops] 4 times in the same st. Yarn over and pull through all 5 loops on hook.
Techniques Demystified
- Working in a Continuous Spiral: We use this for all amigurumi parts to avoid a seam. Simply place your stitch marker in the first stitch of each round and move it up as you go.
- The Bobble Stitch: This is our secret weapon for creating the frog's wonderful, textural "warts." When you push the bobble to the right side of the fabric, it creates a perfect little bump, adding so much character!
- Invisible Decrease: This technique is a must for smooth, professional-looking shaping, especially on the frog's pear-shaped body. It prevents the little gaps that can sometimes appear with standard decreases.
A Note on Photos & Your Unique Bog Apothecary Frog
Remember, my dear, every handmade creation is a little piece of the artist's heart. Your frog might have a slightly different tilt to his head or a unique cluster of warts, and that is what makes him yours. Embrace the charm of your own two hands!
Onwards, creative spirit, let's bring our Bog Apothecary Frog to life! The full pattern is right below.
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The Bog Apothecary Frog Amigurumi Pattern
Work in continuous rounds unless specified otherwise. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round.
Main Body/Head (in Moss Green, MC)
The warts are made with Bobble stitches using Forest Green (AC1). For the 5 specified Bobbles, complete the stitch before the Bobble in MC, create the Bobble in AC1 (carrying the MC yarn along), then complete the next stitch in MC, dropping the AC1 yarn to the inside of the work. We'll place 5 warts randomly between rounds 15 and 25. An example placement is given.
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: [sc in next st, inc] 6 times. (18)
Rnd 4: [sc in next 2 sts, inc] 6 times. (24)
Rnd 5: [sc in next 3 sts, inc] 6 times. (30)
Rnd 6: [sc in next 4 sts, inc] 6 times.
Rnd 7: [sc in next 5 sts, inc] 6 times. (42)
Rnd 8: [sc in next 6 sts, inc] 6 times. (48)
Rnd 9-14: sc in each st around. (48) --- (6 rounds)
Rnd 15: sc in next 20 sts, Bobble in next st (AC1), sc in next 27 sts. (48)
Rnd 16: sc in each st around. (48)
Rnd 17: sc in next 35 sts, Bobble in next st (AC1), sc in next 12 sts. (48)
Rnd 18: sc in each st around. (48)
Rnd 19: sc in next 8 sts, Bobble in next st (AC1), sc in next 39 sts. (48)
Rnd 20-21: sc in each st around. (48)
Rnd 22: sc in next 40 sts, Bobble in next st (AC1), sc in next 7 sts. (48)
Rnd 23: sc in each st around. (48)
Rnd 24: sc in next 15 sts, Bobble in next st (AC1), sc in next 32 sts. (48)
Rnd 25-28: sc in each st around. (48) --- (4 rounds) This forms the head. Now we begin decreasing for the neck and increasing again for the body.
Rnd 29: [sc in next 6 sts, dec] 6 times. (42)
Rnd 30: [sc in next 5 sts, dec] 6 times. (36)
Rnd 31: sc in each st around. (36)
Rnd 32: [sc in next 5 sts, inc] 6 times. (42)
Rnd 33: [sc in next 6 sts, inc] 6 times. (48)
Rnd 34: [sc in next 7 sts, inc] 6 times. (54)
Rnd 35-45: sc in each st around. (54) --- (11 rounds) Start stuffing the head and neck area firmly.
Rnd 46: In BLO, [sc in next 7 sts, dec] 6 times. (48)
Rnd 47: [sc in next 6 sts, dec] 6 times. (42)
Rnd 48: [sc in next 5 sts, dec] 6 times. (36) Continue stuffing the body firmly.
Rnd 49: [sc in next 4 sts, dec] 6 times. (30)
Rnd 50: [sc in next 3 sts, dec] 6 times. (24)
Rnd 51: [sc in next 2 sts, dec] 6 times. (18)
Rnd 52: [sc in next st, dec] 6 times. (12) Finish stuffing.
Rnd 53: dec 6 times. (6)
Fasten off, leaving a tail. Weave the tail through the front loops of the final 6 stitches and pull tight to close. Weave in the end.
Eyes (Make 2 in Moss Green, MC)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: [sc in next st, inc] 6 times. (18)
Rnd 4: [sc in next 2 sts, inc]
Rnd 5: [sc in next 3 sts, inc] 6 times. (30)
Rnd 6-8: sc in each st around. (30) --- (3 rounds) Insert 15mm safety eye in the center of the MR. Do not stuff the eye.
Rnd 9: [sc in next 3 sts, dec] 6 times. (24)
Rnd 10: [sc in next 2 sts, dec] 6 times. (18)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Arms (Make 2 in Moss Green, MC)
Do not stuff.
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: [sc in next 2 sts, inc] 2 times. (8)
Rnd 3-12: sc in each st around. (8) --- (10 rounds) Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Legs (Make 2 in Moss Green, MC)
Stuff lightly.
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: [sc in next 3 sts, inc] 3 times. (15)
Rnd 4-6: sc in each st around. (15) --- (3 rounds)
Rnd 7: [sc in next 3 sts, dec] 3 times. (12)
Rnd 8: sc in each st around. (12) Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Mushroom Hat (Start with Toadstool Red)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: [sc in next st, inc] 6 times. (18)
Rnd 4: [sc in next 2 sts, inc] 6 times. (24)
Rnd 5: [sc in next 3 sts, inc]
Rnd 6: [sc in next 4 sts, inc] 6 times. (36)
Rnd 7-8: sc in each st around. (36) --- (2 rounds) Switch to Fawn Brown for the stem.
Rnd 9: In BLO, sl st in each st around. (36)
Rnd 10: Working in the unworked front loops from Rnd 8, sc in next 9 sts, ch 1, turn. (9)
Rnd 11-12: sc in each of the 9 sts, ch 1, turn. (9)
Fasten off, leaving a tail to sew the stem closed into a short tube. Use Ivory White yarn to add 5-7 duplicate stitches or French knots as spots on the red cap.
Forager's Satchel (in Fawn Brown, AC2)
Row 1: Ch 7. Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 6 sts. Ch 1, turn. (6) Row 2-12: sc in next 6 sts. Ch 1, turn. (6) --- (11 rows) You now have a small rectangle. Do not fasten off. Fold the piece in half so Row 1 meets Row 7. We will now crochet the sides together and create the flap. Rnd 13: Ch 1. sc down the side, placing 6 sc evenly to close the first side of the pouch. Now working along the top edge of the remaining rows (which will be our flap), sc in the 6 sts. Now sc down the other side, placing 6 sc evenly to close the second side of the pouch. Do not fasten off. We will make the strap. Strap: Ch 75. Sl st to the other top corner of the satchel to attach. Fasten off and weave in all ends securely.
Assembly Instructions for Your Bog Apothecary Frog
Patience and pinning are your best friends here, my dear! This is where your frog’s personality truly comes to life.
- Eyes: Position the two eye pieces on top of the head. They should be wide-set, with the bottoms sitting around Rnd 15 (counting from the top MR of the head). Pin them in place to ensure you love the placement before sewing. Use the long tails to sew them securely to the head.
- Legs: The pear-shaped body provides a wonderfully stable base. Flatten the opening of each leg and sew them to the base (around the outside of the BLO round, Rnd 46) so they bend forward, creating that permanent sitting pose.
- Arms: Flatten the opening of each arm and sew them to the sides of the body, around Rnd 28-29. They should point slightly forward, ready to hold a tiny treasure.
- Mouth: Using a single strand of Dark Chocolate embroidery floss, stitch a simple, wide, straight line for the mouth. It should span about 8 stitches, positioned about 5 rounds below the eye-line.
- Satchel Embroidery: Before gifting him his satchel, use single strands of colored floss to embroider 3 tiny, distinct plant sprigs peeking out of the top. A few straight stitches for lavender, or tiny lazy-daisy stitches for chamomile leaves.
- Finishing Touches: Place the mushroom hat between his eyes and sling the satchel across his body. You've done it!
Tips & Tricks for Your Bog Apothecary Frog
Troubleshooting
- Wobbly Head? If his head seems a bit floppy, you may need more stuffing. Use the end of your crochet hook or a chopstick to gently push more fiberfil up into the neck area for support.
- Bobbles Look Flat? After making a bobble stitch, give it a firm poke from the inside of the work to ensure it "pops" out fully on the right side.
- Satchel Flap Curls? You can lightly block the flap by pinning it flat, misting it with a tiny bit of water, and letting it air dry completely.
Customization Corner
- Seasonal Apothecary: Why not make a tiny orange pumpkin hat for autumn, or add a little red scarf for winter?
- A Different Mushroom: Try a brown cap with ivory spots for a different species of fungi!
- Satchel Treasures: Instead of herbs, embroider tiny colorful crystals, or even crochet a minuscule scroll to tuck inside!
Gifting Your Bog Apothecary Frog
- This little frog makes a perfect "desk buddy" or shelf guardian.
- Package him in a small box with some natural moss or dried leaves for a truly magical presentation.
- Include a little hand-written tag with his name and a sentence about him being the "keeper of bog secrets" to share his story.
Frequently Asked Pattern & Finishing Questions for Your Bog Apothecary Frog
- Question: How do I get the herbs to look like they are 'peeking out' of the satchel?
- Patricia's Answer: My dear, the trick is to only embroider the top half of the sprig! Start your stitches from inside the bag, bringing your needle up about two rows down from the opening. When you stitch the lavender or chamomile, only the tops will show above the bag's edge, creating a perfect illusion!
- Question: My frog's sitting pose seems off-balance. What did I do wrong?
- Patricia's Answer: Not to worry! This is almost always a placement issue. The key is to sew the legs onto the wide, flat bottom of the base, not the sides. Pin them securely in place before you sew and check his balance on a flat surface. Adjusting the placement by even one round can make all the difference.
- Question: Can I use a different yarn weight?
- Patricia's Answer: You certainly can, but be aware that it will change the finished size of your frog and you will need to adjust your hook and safety eye size accordingly. For a chunky yarn, use a larger hook and eyes; for a finer yarn, go smaller for a truly miniature apothecary!
A Final Word & Caring for Your Adorable Bog Apothecary Frog
And there he is, your very own Bog Apothecary Frog, ready to share his quiet wisdom! I hope you felt the quiet magic of the forest floor as you brought him to life, stitch by stitch. Seeing your finished creations come to life is the greatest reward for me as a designer. Your engagement and willingness to share my work with others makes it possible for me to continue developing and sharing these detailed, free patterns with our wonderful crochet family.
For care, a gentle spot clean with a damp cloth is best to keep him looking pristine. He's more of a wise guardian than a toy for rough play. Happy stitching, my dear friend!