Oct
11

Creepy Cactus

Creepy Cactus

Creepy Crochet Cactus

by Vickie Howell for JOANN

MATERIALS

1 ball, chunky-weight yarn, in color: Black (Shown in: Bernat Softee Chunky)

 Scraps of worsted-weight yarn, in color: Orange

Size U.S. L crochet hook

Size U.S. G crochet hook

Gold studs (Found in the T-shirt Decorating Aisle)

Tapestry needle

Craft paint in colors: Grey & Black

Sponge brushes

Poly-fil Stuffing

Hot glue & gun

3” terra cotta pot

OPTIONAL: Novelty spider web, moss, and plastic succulent leaf.

FINISHED SIZE

Stands approx 8”/20 cm tall, “planted” in pot.

Note: This pattern is written in U.S. crochet terms.

ABBREVIATIONS

BPhdc = Back post half double crochet

ch = chain

FPhdc = Front post half double crochet

hdc = half-double crochet

rep = repeat

rnd(s) = round(s)

sc = single crochet

sc2tog = single crochet two stitches together

sl st = slip stitch

st(s) = stitch(es)

 

Creepy Cactus: 5 Tips for Making it!


 

DIRECTIONS

MAKE CACTUS:

Rnd 1: With Black yarn and larger hook, and using Magic Circle method, sc 6 into center ring. Join rnd.–6 sts

Rnd 2: Ch1(does not count as sc), 2 sc in every stitch around. –12 sts.

Rnd 3: Ch2 (does not count as hdc), hdc in next stitch and every stitch around. Join rnd with a sl st.

Rnd 4: Ch 2, *FPhdc, BPhdc; rep from * around. Join rnd with a sl st.

Repeat Rnd 4 until piece is 5”/12.5 cm tall.

Fasten off.

Attach studs to recessed rib (created by BPhdcs) portions of the cactus. (You can either fold the prongs with your fingers, or just hot glue them to the piece.)

Stuff firmly with scraps of Black yarn.

MAKE PUMPKIN:

Rnd 1: With Orange yarn and smaller hook, and using Magic Circle method, sc 6 into center ring. Join rnd with a sl st.–6 sts

Rnd 2: Ch1(does not count as sc), 2 sc in every stitch around. Join rnd with a sl st. –12 sts.

Rnd 3: Ch1(does not count as sc), *2 sc in next st, sc in next st; rep from * around. Join rnd with a sl st. –18 sts.

Rnds 5-7: Ch1, sc in next st and every st around. Join rnd with a sl st.

Rnd 8: Ch1, *sc2tog, sc; rep from * around. Join rnd with a sl st. — 12 sts.

Rnd 9: Ch 1, *sc2tog; rep from * around. Join rnd with a sl st. — 6 sts.

Fasten off leaving long tail for seaming.

Stuff yarn scraps to fill pumpkin. With tapestry needle and tail, seam shut. Sew long strands around sections of pumpkin for detailing.

Use hot glue to attach a faux succulent leaf, small piece of toothpick, or craft felt stem to  top.

Sew or glue pumpkin to top of cactus — jauntily askew, of course!

FINISHING

Prep pot:

Paint evenly with Grey craft paint; let dry.

Paint quick swipes with Black craft paint; let dry.

Assemble:

Create a nest of Poly-fil stuffing in pot.

Use your hand to dig an indentation (about a 1”/2.5 cm in depth) in the stuffing, the same diameter as your cactus. Apply hot glue to the inside perimeter; place cactus inside.

Note: Be careful not to burn yourself! I highly recommend using Plaid Hot Glue Gun Helpers to protect your fingers.

Add an optional layer of faux web and moss around the base of the cactus.

Bask in the glow of your spooky succulent!