Crocheted Cactus with Arms - Unique and Fun DIY Craft
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Materials Needed
- Making the Large Cactus
- Selecting the Thread and Crochet Hooks
- Creating the Base
- Forming the First Stitch
- Working on the Chain
- Knitting the Single Crochet Stitches
- Turning the Work and Raising a Chain Stitch
- Knitting Rows of Single Crochets
- Working on the Back Part of the Row
- Finishing the Rows and Turning the Work
- Knitting a Slip Stitch Row
- Securing and Cutting the Thread
- Closing the Stitch and Filling the Piece
- Creating the Arms
- Making the Larger Arms
- Forming the First Stitch and Knitting Chain Stitches
- Knitting Single Crochet Stitches
- Turning the Work and Raising a Chain Stitch
- Knitting Rows of Single Crochets
- Making Decreases and Finishing Rows
- Increasing and Knitting Two Rows
- Folding the Piece and Knitting Slip Stitches
- Closing the Stitch and Filling the Piece
- Making the Smaller Arms
- Knitting Chain Stitches and Single Crochet Stitches
- Turning the Work and Knitting Rows without Increasing
- Increasing and Knitting Two Rows
- Folding the Piece and Knitting Slip Stitches
- Sewing the Arms and Attaching to the Base
- Conclusion
How to Make a Crochet Cactus
Crochet cacti are a fun and creative way to add a touch of nature to your home decor. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making a large crochet cactus with accompanying arms. First, we will outline the materials needed for the project. Then, we will provide step-by-step instructions for making the large cactus, including selecting the thread and crochet hooks, creating the base, and forming the stitches. Next, we will explain how to create the arms, both larger and smaller versions. Finally, we will discuss sewing the arms onto the cactus and attaching it to a base. By following these instructions, you will be able to create your own adorable crochet cactus that will brighten up any space.
Materials Needed
Before starting the crochet cactus project, it is important to gather all the necessary materials. You will need the following:
- Threads of the appropriate thickness for crochet work
- A 5mm crochet hook and a 4.5mm crochet hook
- Synthetic padding
- Four pieces of wire (0.7mm)
- A needle for sewing
Make sure to choose threads and hooks that suit your desired cactus size and style. The wire will be used to provide stability to the cactus, while synthetic padding will give it a plush and realistic appearance. Once you have gathered these materials, you are ready to begin crafting your crochet cactus.
Making the Large Cactus
Selecting the Thread and Crochet Hooks
To make the large crochet cactus, start by selecting the thread of the appropriate thickness for your desired cactus size. You will also need a 5mm crochet hook and a 4.5mm crochet hook for this project.
Creating the Base
To make it easier to place the cactus inside a pot, you will need to create a base. The base should have a diameter that matches the size of the pot. You can find instructions for making crochet bases on our channel or in the video description.
Forming the First Stitch
Begin by forming the first stitch, leaving the end of the thread long enough for sewing later. Make a slip knot and create 35 chain stitches to start the largest piece of the cactus.
Working on the Chain
In the first row, knit 34 single crochet stitches, starting from the second stitch. Mark the stitch you just knitted by only working on the front part of the stitch. Continue knitting a single stitch in each chain stitch, totaling 34 single crochets.
Knitting the Single Crochet Stitches
Turn the work and raise a chain stitch. For the next 14 rows, work only on the back part of the previous row, knitting 34 single crochets in each row. Mark the front part of the stitch you just knitted and continue this pattern for all 15 rows.
Finishing the Rows and Turning the Work
On the last row, finish on the same side where the cleaning thread is. Double the work and knit a slip stitch row to join the two sides. Raise a chain stitch, work on the back of the round, and take the first chain to make a slip stitch. Repeat this process for a total of 34 slip stitches, ending at the stitch with the marker. Secure the stitch with a chain stitch, cut the thread a little long, and leave about 20 centimeters of thread for sewing.
Closing the Stitch and Filling the Piece
Close the stitch and thread a needle. Sew the upper part of the cactus closed and fill it with synthetic padding. This will give the cactus its shape and volume.
Now that the large cactus is complete, it is time to move on to creating the arms. Please continue reading in the provided paragraphs for detailed instructions on making the arms, sewing them onto the cactus, and attaching the cactus to the base.
Creating the Arms
The arms of the crochet cactus add charm and character to the overall design. There are two sizes of arms to make, larger and smaller versions. Follow the instructions below to create both variations.
Making the Larger Arms
To create the larger arms, leave the end of the thread long and form the first stitch. Make 17 chain stitches.
Forming the First Stitch and Knitting Chain Stitches
Working on the chain stitch, start from the second stitch and knit 16 single crochet stitches. Mark the stitch you just knitted by marking half of the stitch.
Knitting Single Crochet Stitches
Turn the work and raise a chain stitch. Continue knitting 16 single crochet stitches in the back of the round. Mark the front part of the stitch you just knitted and continue this pattern for all rows.
Turning the Work and Raising a Chain Stitch
Raise a chain stitch and knit 7 single crochets in the third row. Mark the front part of each stitch you make.
Knitting Rows of Single Crochets
Continue knitting 7 single crochets, working on the back of the row for a total of three rows. After the first stitch, mark the front part of the stitch. At the end of each row, you should have 13 single crochets.
Making Decreases and Finishing Rows
In the next row, make three consecutive decreases by taking half of the back part of the previous stitch and half of the next stitch. This will create a single crochet decrease. At the end of the row, you should have three stitches. Knit three single crochets to finish the row, resulting in a total of 13 single crochets.
Turning the Work and Knitting Rows without Increasing
Turn the work and knit three rows, maintaining 13 single crochets in each row. Avoid increasing or decreasing stitches during this process. These three rows are numbered 4, 5, and 6.
Increasing and Knitting Two Rows
Raise a chain stitch on the seventh row. Make three increases by knitting two single crochet stitches in one point. You should end the row with 16 single crochets. Knit two rows of 16 single crochets without increasing.
Folding the Piece and Knitting Slip Stitches
Fold the piece in half and raise a chain stitch. Knit 16 slip stitches, joining the two ends. Make a chain stitch, cut the thread slightly long, and close the stitch. Thread a needle and close the upper part of the arm. Fill the piece with synthetic padding.
Making the Smaller Arms
To create smaller arms for the crochet cactus, repeat the same steps as for the larger arms but with two chain stitches less. Follow the instructions provided earlier for forming the stitches, knitting chain stitches, and creating single crochet stitches. Remember to mark the stitch and continue knitting as directed. Sew the smaller arms onto the cactus at the desired height.
Sewing the Arms and Attaching to the Base
After creating the arms, it's time to sew them onto the cactus. Sew the larger arms at the bottom and the smaller arms at the top. You can choose to sew the arms at the same height or at different heights, depending on your preference. Hide any wire ends inside the main piece for a clean finish. Once the arms are securely attached, sew the cactus to the base. This will make it easier to place the cactus inside a pot and provide stability.
Conclusion
Congratulations on completing your crochet cactus project! You have learned how to make a large crochet cactus with accompanying arms, from selecting the materials and forming the stitches to sewing the arms and attaching it to a base. By following the step-by-step instructions provided in this article, you can create your own adorable crochet cactus that adds a touch of nature to your home decor. Enjoy the process of creating unique and charming crocheted pieces that will brighten up any space.