How to crochet a saguaro cactus

Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix

I learned how to crochet specifically because I wanted to make cacti. What, is that not why most people learn to crochet? But crochet cacti are adorable. Even my male coworkers agree. Well, they didn’t use the word “adorable” but they did find them to be “awesome”.

Today I’m going to give you a tutorial on how I made a saguaro cactus.

I used a 3.5mm hook (size E) with Impeccable Worsted yarn in Fern (from Michaels). You’ll also need a tiny flower pot (I found those at Michaels as well)

For the main cactus body:

1. Start with 4 single crochets in the round. I use the technique described here to start my round.
2. For the next round, crochet two single crochets into each of the previous round’s stitches. You should now have 8 stitches in your round
3. Crochet one single crochet into each stitch. Stuff bits of polyfil into the cactus as you go to create a solid body. Repeat this step until your cactus is about 3.5″ tall
4. Finish stuffing the cactus, and tie off your cactus bottom

For the arm:

1. Start with 4 single crochets in the round, same as above.
2. For the next round, crochet two single crochets into each of the previous round’s stitches. You should now have 8 stitches in your round
3. Crochet one single crochet into each stitch. Stuff bits of polyfil into the cactus as you go to create a solid body. Repeat for 6 rounds
4. For the next two rounds:
   1. single crochet
   2. double crochet
   3. double crochet
   4. single crochet
   5. slipstitch 4 times
5. for the next two rounds, single crochet into each stitch, stuffing as you go
6. Tie off the end, and use a yarn needle to attach the arm to the cactus

To finish, place cactus in a small flower pot and stuff around the base with scraps of brown fabric (I used bits of an old t-shirt), or small stones. Admire your cactus!