You know that feeling when you finish a complex crochet piece, toss it on the sofa, and it just sort of... slumps over? It looks cute, sure, but it doesn't command the room. It’s a toy. It belongs in a toy box.
But take that same piece, modify the neck structure, and mount it firmly on a piece of dark-stained walnut? Suddenly, it isn't a toy anymore. It is a conversation piece. It is "Faux Taxidermy."
I have spent years experimenting with how to get fiber art off the bedspread and onto the wall. It bridges the gap between the softness of yarn and the rigid, historical authority of wood. If you want to elevate your work from "craft fair impulse buy" to "high-end gallery install," this is the technique you need to master.
THE RISE OF FAUX TAXIDERMY IN MODERN GOTHIC DECOR
Let’s be clear about what we are doing here. We are taking the visual language of traditional taxidermy—mounting a trophy head on a plaque—and stripping away the morbidity. It is cruelty-free, but it retains that sophisticated, slightly eerie "hunter’s lodge" aesthetic that is absolutely exploding in interior design right now.
This style sits right at the intersection of "Cottagecore" and "Gothic." It appeals to people who want their homes to feel curated and storied, not just filled with mass-market plastic. By mounting your crochet, you are telling a buyer (or your houseguest): "This isn't a doll to be played with. This is sculpture."
If you are already experimenting with darker themes, perhaps looking into Beginner Gothic Crochet: Dark Aesthetic on a Budget, this mounting technique is the most affordable way to make inexpensive yarn look like expensive art.
ESSENTIAL MATERIALS: SOURCING BEYOND THE YARN AISLE
You cannot finish this project at a yarn store. To make a mount that is safe and durable, you need to raid the hardware aisle. I learned this the hard way after a heavy dragon head peeled off a plaque in the middle of the night—hot glue is not your friend here.
The Wooden Plaque
Don't overthink this. You can buy pre-routed plaques at craft stores like Michael’s or Joann, but I prefer upcycling. Old, thick cutting boards or scrap wood with interesting grain often look better. The wood needs to be at least 1/2 inch thick to accept screws or staples without splitting.
The Heavy-Duty Adhesives
Put the hot glue gun away. Hot glue is plastic; it becomes brittle and snaps when the weather changes. You need E6000 or a high-quality wood glue. These cure flexibly and bond fibers to porous wood surfaces permanently.
Hardware Essentials
You will need a heavy-duty staple gun (the kind used for upholstery, not paper), a drill with small bits, and sawtooth hangers. The hanger is crucial—if you don't install a sawtooth hanger on the back of the wood before you mount the head, you will have a nightmare trying to hammer it in later without crushing your crochet work.
| Material Category | Recommended Item | Why It Works | "Rookie Mistake" Alternative |
| Adhesive | E6000 or Titebond III | Flexible, permanent, waterproof bond. | Hot Glue (It snaps/peels). |
| Wood Base | Pine/Basswood Plaques | Soft enough to staple into; takes stain well. | MDF/Particle Board (Crumbles). |
| Internal Support | 1/4" Wooden Dowel | Prevents neck flop; anchors into the wood. | Pipe Cleaners (Too weak). |
| Fastener | 10mm Upholstery Staples | Grips the yarn loops deeply. | Thumb Tacks (They fall out). |
PATTERN HACKING: MODIFYING STANDARD AMIGURUMI HEADS FOR MOUNTING
If you follow a standard pattern for a bear or a deer, you will end up with a round ball for a head. If you try to glue a round ball to a flat board, you have a single, tiny point of contact. It will wobble, and it will look like a head floating in front of a board rather than emerging from it.
The "Half-Sphere" Technique
You need to modify the pattern to create a flat plane at the back of the head. Instead of decreasing your rounds all the way down to 6 stitches and closing the hole, stop decreasing when the opening is about 2/3 the diameter of the head. Crochet a flat circle separately that matches this opening size and sew it in (or just leave it open if you are using the staple method). This creates a flat surface that sits flush against the wood.
Neck Extension
Standard amigurumi usually have short, non-existent necks. For taxidermy, you need a neck that extends outward. Add 3-5 extra rows to the neck section of your pattern. This gives the illusion that the creature is reaching out from the wall. If you are looking for specific shapes to practice this on, check out my guide on How to Crochet Creepy-Cute Characters, as those patterns are often easier to modify than standard teddy bears.
BATTLING GRAVITY: STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT SECRETS
The number one issue with mounted crochet is "The Droop." Yarn is heavy. Stuffing is heavy. Over time, gravity will pull the nose of your creature downward.
The Internal Spine
You cannot rely on stuffing alone. You must insert a rigid spine. I use a wooden dowel rod (about 1/4 inch thick). I drill a hole into the center of the wooden plaque, glue the dowel into the wood so it sticks out perpendicularly, and then slide the crochet head onto the dowel. The dowel should reach at least halfway into the head.
Stuffing Density
The neck area needs to be rock hard. Use a stuffing tool (a chopstick works) to pack the polyfill incredibly tight around that dowel. If there is any air gap, the neck will crease and fold over time.
Patricia's Pro-Tip: "Never stuff the head fully before mounting. Stuff the nose and face, but leave the neck empty until you are actively mounting it. This lets you position the dowel perfectly before packing the neck tight to lock it in place."
THE WOODWORK PHASE: STAINING, DISTRESSING, AND SEALING
The wood is half the art. A raw pine plaque looks like a craft project. A dark, distressed walnut plaque looks like an antique.
The Gothic Aesthetic
I almost exclusively use "Dark Walnut" or "Ebony" wood stains. Apply the stain with a rag, let it sit for 5 minutes, and wipe it off. This highlights the grain.
The "Burn" Method
If you want real texture, try a light version of Shou Sugi Ban. Take a handheld butane torch (like for crème brûlée) and lightly scorch the edges of the wood plaque before staining. It adds a carbonized, ancient look that contrasts beautifully with brightly colored yarn.
Sealing is Mandatory
Always finish the wood with a matte clear coat spray before attaching the yarn. If you don't, the wood stain can bleed into your yarn over time, ruining the crochet work.
THE "INVISIBLE MOUNT" TECHNIQUE: 3 WAYS TO ATTACH YARN TO TIMBER
This is the moment of truth. How do you actually get the yarn to stay on the board? There are three main ways, depending on your skill level and tools.
Method 1: The Drill & Sew (Cleanest Look)
This involves drilling tiny 1/16" holes in a circle around the center of the plaque. You then use a tapestry needle to sew the yarn of the neck directly through these holes. It is tedious, but it is bombproof and completely invisible.
Method 2: The Upholstery Staple (Fastest)
If your wood is soft (like pine), you can use a staple gun. You crochet a "flange" or extra flap at the base of the neck, pull it flat against the wood, and staple through the yarn into the wood. You then have to glue a piece of trim or ribbon over the staples to hide them.
Method 3: The Dowel Anchor
As mentioned in the gravity section, this relies on the dowel providing the support, with a little E6000 glue around the rim of the neck where it touches the wood.
| Mounting Method | Difficulty Level | Durability | Best For... |
| Drill & Sew | High | Extreme (Heirloom Quality) | Heavy pieces or commissioned art. |
| Staple Gun | Low | High | Quick production runs; soft woods. |
| Glue Only | Very Low | Low (Risk of failure) | Very small, light pieces (mice, insects). |
STYLING THE TROPHY: ADDING BRASS PLATES AND ACCESSORIES
The difference between a $40 item and a $140 item is often a $2 piece of brass.
The Nameplate
You can buy small brass engraving plates online or at trophy shops. Even a handwritten tag on aged paper framed in a small brass holder adds immense narrative value. Giving the piece a scientific name or a date (e.g., "Jackalope, Specimen 4, 1922") creates a story.
The Collar
The connection point where the yarn meets the wood can sometimes look messy, especially if you used the staple method. I like to crochet a ruffled "Elizabethan" collar or a simple velvet ribbon choker for the creature. It hides the seam perfectly and adds to the Victorian vibe.
PRICING YOUR ART: WHY MOUNTED PIECES SELL FOR HIGHER PREMIUMS
When I started mounting my work, I was shocked at the price jump. A crochet deer head sitting on a table might sell for $45. That same head mounted on a $5 piece of wood sells for $125+.
Psychological Repositioning
You are changing the category of the item. It is no longer a soft good; it is hard furniture/decor. People pay more for things that go on walls because they perceive them as permanent fixtures in their home.
Shipping Logistics
Be warned: Wood is heavy. You must calculate your shipping costs accurately. Wrap the wooden plaque in bubble wrap first, then wrap the head. If the wood bangs against the crochet eyes during transit, it can scratch them. Box it tight—movement is the enemy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crochet Taxidermy
Can I wash the amigurumi after it is mounted?
No. Once it is mounted on wood, it is spot-clean only. You cannot submerge wood or glue in water. Use a lint roller or compressed air to dust it.
What is the best wood for beginners?
Pine or Basswood. They are softwoods, making them very easy to drill into or staple. Hardwoods like Oak are beautiful but require power tools and patience.
How do I hang it on the wall?
Always install a "sawtooth hanger" or a "D-ring" on the back of the wood before you attach the crochet.
Does the glue ruin the yarn?
E6000 is safe for yarn, but it is permanent. You won't be able to detach the head without cutting the fibers.
There is something deeply satisfying about seeing a soft, yarn creature claiming space on a wall. It commands attention. It honors the time you spent making it. So, go find an old cutting board, get some dark stain, and turn your next project into a trophy.
