You will need:
Worsted weight (4) yarn, or slightly smaller in green. I used Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Yarn, as I prefer to use this yarn for amigurumi projects as it is more durable and I like the texture
A 3.25mm crochet hook, or a 4mm will work too.
A 1 1/2 inch terracotta pot for the smaller Cactus, and 2 inch for the larger one - I found mine at Michaels Craft Store, but they can also be found in Dollar Stores, home decor stores, Plant Nurseries, and general department stores.
Polyfil stuffing
Safety eyes (optional)
Pompoms (optional)
Glue - you will only need this if you decide to attach pompoms as 'flowers' You can use craft glue, or a hot glue gun - BE CAREFUL ! It is astonishingly easy to burn yourself with this tool! Don't say I didn't warn you!
In this pattern we will be making front-post double crochet AND back-post double crochet stitches. Their abbreviations are:
Front post double crochet: fpdc
Back post double crochet: bpdc
For a tutorial on how to make these stitches, click on the link below:
Let's get crocheting!
SMALL CACTUS
Chain 4.
Row 1: In the fourth chain from hook, 12dc. Slip stitch to join to the first dc (12dc)
Row 2: Chain 3, (does NOT count as a dc) 2dc in the same stitch. 2dc in each stitch around, slip stitch to join to the first dc. (24dc)
This is where we will begin to make our front-post and back-post double crochet stitches. This is what gives the cactus it's "ribbed" texture.
Row 3 - 12: Chain 2, *1fpdc, 1bpdc* repeat ** slip stitch to the first front post double crochet to join.
NOTE: The amount of rows I have written in this pattern are just a guide, you can add more or less if you like. If you'd like your cactus to be taller, add more rows, if you'd prefer it to be short (and stout), then you can close it up sooner. It's entirely up to you! And I encourage you to get creative!
Row 3 - making the front post double crochet.
Stuff with polyfil
Row 13: dc2tog around, slipstitch to join. (12dc)
Row 14: dc2tog around, slipstitch to join, fasten off, weave in ends.
LARGE CACTUS:
The pattern is very similar to the smaller one, the only difference is we add an extra row in the beginning, i.e. in row 3, instead of starting the front-post and back-post double crochet stitches, we will be increasing the row to make the cactus larger. If this sounds confusing at all, don't worry, the entire pattern is below:
Chain 4 Row 1: 4th chain from hook, 12dc, slip stitch to join (12dc) Row 2: Chain 3 (does not count as dc) 2dc in each stitch, slip stitch to the first dc join (24) Row 3: Chain 3, 2dc in same stitch, 1dc in the next stitch, repeat around, slip stitch to the first dc to join (36dc) Row 4: Chain 3, 1fpdc, 1bpdc, repeat around, slip stitch to the first fpdc to join. (36dc) Row 5 -16: 1fpdc, 1bpdc, repeat around, slip stitch to join. (36dc)
BEFORE WE CLOSE THE CACTUS:
Now would be the best time to attach your safety eyes. The best position for them is nestled in between the front-post double crochet stitches at (approximately) rows 7 or 8. Slide your eyes through the stitches from the outside in. Position both eyes on the cactus, and adjust their placement as needed. You may need to change their position a few times before you are happy with them. REMEMBER: Once the washer is snapped into place, the eyes won't come off.
Slide the washer onto the rod and press down firmly until it snaps into place, and repeat with the second.
Now that the eyes are in place, you can start stuffing your cactus!
Row 17: dc2tog, 1dc (24dc)
STUFF FIRMLY
Row 18: dc2tog, repeat around (12dc)
Row 19: dc2tog, repeat around, fasten off, weave in ends.
Aaaaaaand you're done! :) A cute, no-maintenance, cactus for yourself, or a gift for a friend! These will be a hoot at a house-warming party!
Optional: If you'd like to add some extra colour and pop to your cacti, you can glue some small pompoms to the top, in groups of three or five, or however you please. Get creative!
Thank you so much for visiting my site and trying out this pattern. I hope you enjoyed making it as much as I enjoyed designing it!
If anyone has any suggestions or critiques, I'd greatly appreciate your (constructive) feedback. You can either leave a comment below, send me a message through this website, or email me at: slipstitchhollow@gmail.com
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Happy Crocheting!
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