How to Crochet a Cactus

Co-authored by Lois Wade

Last Updated: April 2, 2020

Can you crochet, but can't remember to water your houseplants?

Here's a fun crochet project to fill an afternoon with... your own cute plant that does not need watering! So go ahead! Make your own hydrophobic collection of houseplants!

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:
Getting Ready

1
Obtain yarn in green, brown and white colors. The pictures below used regular weight yarn, but using a thinner "string" type yarn would result in a cleaner, less "fuzzy" product.
2
Obtain a crochet hook of appropriate size for your yarn. This project was made with acrylic yarn and a G size hook.

Method 2

Method 2 of 5:
Main Trunk

1
Chain stitch 25.
2
Single Crochet 25 on your return.
3
Crochet into only the far side of loop for each successive row. This will create a ridged effect.
4
Crochet 20 rows in this manner.
5
Slip stitch the long edge together.
6
Gather one of the ridged edges together with yarn and tie snugly.
7
Stuff "spike" with some batting.

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:
Branch

1
Chain 10 or 15 (depending on how long you want the "arm" to be).
2
Single crochet in the same manner as above for ten rows (makes five ridges) so that the "branch" is much smaller than the trunk.
3
Gather one end and tie.
4
Slip stitch the long edges together.
5
Stuff the "branch" with a bit of batting.

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:
Dirt

1
Crochet a circle the circumference of your pot with brown yarn. Generally speaking, crocheting two into each loop from the previous row is sufficient to make a circle. See the Crochet in the Round article for some excellent instructions if you've not done this before.

Method 5

Method 5 of 5:
Assembly

1
Sew the branch to the side of the trunk using matching green yarn or thread. You can stitch its end closed and angle its base somewhat to make it sit at something other than a right angle to the trunk. 45 degrees is a good angle to aim for, but since mother nature has endless variations of angles available, there is no need to obsess over the exact angle.
2
Sew the trunk to the dirt using whichever yarn color will be least noticeable.
3
Stuff your clay pot with a bit of batting.
4
Place the cactus (and its attached "dirt" into the pot.
5
Cut yarn "spikes" to length by wrapping it around something sturdy (three fingers work well) and cutting the resulting loops in half to create 1.5 to 2 inch (3.8 to 5 cm) lengths.
- Add "spikes". Tie the yarn lengths every other loop along the ridges formed by your single crochet.
- Trim the yarn ends to a length that looks pleasing to you (one quarter inch to one half inch, or .6 to 1.2 cm works well).
- Glue the finished cactus into the pot if desired. Hot glue or craft glue works well.

Warnings

Scissors are edged tools. Handle with appropriate caution.

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Things You'll Need

Yarn in various shades of green, brown, and creamy white. (may vary depending on the type of cactus you are trying to emulate)
Appropriately sized crochet hook.
Scissors (to cut yarn.)