Cactus Appliqué

Is it just me, or are cacti somewhat trendy at the moment? There are lots of different crocheted cacti out there and it's easy to see why. They're so cute! So when I decided that I wanted to use a little cactus for my next crochet project, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to join the "Crochet Cactus Cool Kid Club" and design one of my own.  It took a bit of trial and error, but I love how this adorable little appliqué turned out!

This pattern is worked all in one piece, so there's no need to worry about attaching pieces or weaving in extra ends (I'm all about being a lazy crocheter over here). Gauge isn't crucial and you can easily change the size of the cactus by using different yarns or hooks. Mine turned out to be about 2-1/2" tall and 2-1/2" wide, as written. But I tend to crochet tighter than average.

Materials: 

• Worsted weight yarn (you only need a small amount)
• Size G (4.0 mm) crochet hook
• Optional: tapestry needle for stitching on decorations

Stitch Glossary:
st(s) = stitch(es)
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
hdc = half double crochet
hdc3tog = hdc 3 together (decrease across 3 hdc)
​blo = back loop only

Cactus:
Ch 11
Row 1: sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in the next 8 sts, work 3 sc in the last st
Now you're going to continue crocheting, but in the backside of the sts (the first one is marked with the arrow below)

Row 1 (continued): sc in the next 9 sts, turn
Row 2: ch 1, sc in the next 4 sts, ch 8 

Row 2 (continued): working in blo, hdc in the 3rd ch from the hook and in the next st, hdc3tog, hdc, switch back to working in both loops and sc in the next 6 sts, work 3 sc in the next st

Row 2 (continued):​ sc in the next 4 sts, ch 7

Row 2 (continued): working in blo, hdc in the 3rd ch from the hook and in the next st, work 3 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next 2 sts, switch back to working in both loops and sc in the next 6 sts.
Fasten off. Either weave in ends or leave a yarn tail for sewing, depending on what you'd like to do with the appliqué. 

And there you have you very own adorable cactus appliqué! You can either leave it like it is or you can decorate it! I stitched some spines and a teeny little flower onto this one to make it extra festive looking. 

I hope you enjoy this simple pattern! I tried to make it as clear as I could, but if you have any questions about it, feel free to contact me. You can reach me on social media or in the comments section below. And be sure to check back soon to see what I ended up doing with my cactus appliqué! Happy hooking!

***You're welcome to do whatever you'd like to with finished products made from this pattern but if you do sell them, I ask that you link back to my page. You may not copy this pattern, repost it anywhere (either altered or in its original form), or claim it as your own. You may not use any photos on this site for your own use. ***

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