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!
