Cactus Christmas Ornament

July 25, 2018

Merry Christmas in July!

In my family, the Christmas season is a favorite time of year. Whether it’s because of all the decorations and festivities, the fact that my dad was a Christmas baby (and my mom a Christmas Eve baby), or simply the miracles of long ago remembered on this day, we celebrate this cherished holiday from Black Friday through the New Year!

Since this day is such a big deal in my family, we naturally have several Christmas traditions that we enjoy honoring each year. I started a new tradition in my family a while ago in which I gift a new Christmas tree ornament on Black Friday to my parents and siblings. Over the last several years, it morphed into me gifting an ornament I personally created. And what fun that has been! This past Christmas, I designed my own ornament…

…a mini-cactus for my brother’s annual ornament. And I’m here to share it with you today!

You can add this pattern to your Ravelry queue here or Pin It for later here.

Finished size: approximately 3” x 4”

My Materials:

  • worsted weight yarn, brown (Color A) and green (Color B) – Red Heart Super Saver used in sample
  • accent colored worsted weight yarn (scrap red yarn was used in the sample)
  • fiber fill
  • Hook F (3.75 mm)
  • tapestry needle
  • pipe cleaner (optional)

Abbreviations:

  • BLO – back loop only
  • ch – chain
  • sl st – slip stitch
  • sc – single crochet
  • hdc – half double crochet
  • dec – (decrease) single crochet the next 2 stitches together
  • inc – (increase) work 2 single crochets into the next stitch
  • * – work directions between the 2 * on repeat, as stated for that round

Notes:

  • This project is worked in continuous rounds.
  • When stuffing and attaching the cactus’ arms, a small length of pipe cleaner was used for added shaping and durability.

The Pattern

Pot:

Round 1: Using Color A, in a magic circle, sc 6 (6 sc)

Round 2: Inc around (12 sc)

Round 3: Sc, inc around (18 sc)

Round 4: In BLO, sc around (18 sc)

Round 5: Sc around (18 sc)

Round 6: *Sc in next 5 stitches, inc* around (21 sc)

Round 7: *Sc in next 6 stitches, inc* around (24 sc)

Round 8: Sc around (24 sc)

Round 9: Sc around (24 sc)

Round 10: In BLO, *sc, dec* around (16 sc)

Round 11: Dec around (8 sc)

Finish off, close stitches, and sew in the end.

Cactus:

Main Stalk:

Round 1: Using Color B, in a magic circle, sc 8 (8 sc)

Round 2: *Inc, sc in the next 3 stitches* twice (10 sc)

Rounds 3-12: Sc around (10 sc)

Fasten off with a long tail for attaching. Stuff and sew to the center of the top of the pot.

Bottom Arm:

Round 1: Using Color B, in a magic circle, sc 5 (5 sc)

Rounds 2-7: Sc around (5 sc)

Round 8: 1 hdc, 4 sc

Round 9: 2 hdc (partial round)

Sl st in the next stitch and fasten off with a long tail for attaching.

Insert pipe cleaner piece and connect to rounds 8-10 of main stalk.

Top Arm:

Round 1: Using Color B, in a magic circle, sc 5 (5 sc)

Rounds 2-4: Sc around (5 sc)

Round 5: 4 sc, inc (6 sc)

Round 6: 4  sc, 2 hdc

Sl st in the next stitch and fasten off with a long tail for attaching.

Insert pipe cleaner piece and connect to rounds 6-8 of main stalk.

Accessorize:

Using a length of scrap red yarn, I wrapped the pot and tied a bow in the front. Using a scrap length of glittery gold yarn, I attached a hanger.

Feel free to accessorize as you feel inspired. This ornament would look cute with a star affixed to the top of the cactus, or perhaps adding plastic mini Christmas lights to the stalk, or whatever strikes your fancy!

 

Yarnfully Yours,