Did you know that for many people, including in some Native American cultures, the cactus symbolizes protection, strength, and maternal love?
These plants may be prickly, but their hardiness and their ability to survive in harsh conditions make them representative of endurance and strength.
When you look at it that way, a cactus is a great gift to give and a fantastic item to have in your home!
If your thumb isn’t quite as green as you’d like, don’t worry about taking care of a live cactus. We’ve rounded up tons of free and paid crochet cacti so you can fill your home with this beautiful plant without ever worrying about caring for it.
Here you can find a free pattern for a hairy cactus in a pot. It’s a fun project for working with different types of yarn and fibers!
If you’re just starting out, try the easy free cactus pillow pattern from Bernat here.
And if you’re ready to tackle a cute amigurumi cactus for a gift or your own decor, you can find a free pattern here.
Once you get the crocheted cactus bug, you may find that you can’t stop!
Don’t worry – we’ve collected patterns for every cactus project imaginable. Read on for everything from cactus coasters to cactus hats, with something for crocheters at every skill level.
Crochet Cactus Patterns
If you can't get enough cacti, you're in the right place. Once you've explored the free patterns above, check out these patterns from Etsy for more great cactus crochet designs.
This collection features amigurumi, home decor, toys, and more. Whether you want to bring a little southwestern charm to your own home or are hoping to make a cactus-themed gift, you'll find what you need here.
This adorable amigurumi cactus is too cute to be prickly! Adorned with one blossom, this sweet flowering cactus would make a wonderful gift for a friend or coworker. It's sure to bring a smile to anyone's face- a perfect pick-me-up present!
With this pattern bundle, you can make a whole set of cacti in different shapes that look great in a real terra cotta pot. They're even easier to care for than a real cactus, so don't worry if you don't have a green thumb! Just set one on your desk, windowsill, or shelf for a cute pop of greenery.
You may not have ever wished you could hug a cactus, but you will once you see this cute stuffed toy pattern! Nothing could be softer and less prickly than this cactus made of fluffy chenille yarn. It's an easy-to-intermediate pattern that works up quickly, so make them for a unique gift or to snuggle yourself!
These realistic-looking cacti are attractive enough to use in place of real houseplants! The use of many different types of fibers adds texture and visual interest. Create just one or a whole cactus garden for yourself or a loved one.
These fun cactus coasters with a crocheted jute holder are a fabulous way to add a little Southwestern charm to your decor while protecting your tables from drinks! These would be a super housewarming gift or a fun white elephant gift or a stocking stuffer, too.
Looking for a cute and creative gift for Valentine's Day or any time you want to show your love? Try this heart cactus pattern! It's perfect for displaying on a desk, in a locker, on the counter, or anywhere at all! Best of all, a beginner can tackle this pattern, so get started today!
Calling all plant super-fans! If you know someone who loves cacti- and I mean really, really loves them, you'll need to check out this scarf pattern. This unique and whimsical scarf is made up of a chain of beautiful potted cacti, and it makes an eye-catching garment or an equally interesting decor piece.
This cute plush cactus keyring is a quick and fun project that you'll love making for yourself or others. They make a good gift, stocking stuffer, or craft fair item and are an easy way to give your keys, lanyard, or backpack a little desert flair.
Gnome decor is having a huge moment right now, and this is one of the most unique and creative gnomes I've seen! The jaunty cactus hat makes this gnome perfect for desert-themed home or patio decor. Make him as a gift- any plant lover, gnome collector, or Southwesterner will be unable to resist his charm.
This seriously cute cactus is perfect for everyone! Kids will love sliding the cactus doll in and out of her pot, and adults and teens won't be able to resist this adorable piece of decor. This cactus amigurumi toy makes a great birthday gift or a memorable white elephant gift, or use it as part of a fun and unique photo shoot.
Bring a touch of the Southwest to your home with this adorable cactus crochet pattern. This intermediate-level DIY pattern is easy to follow and will provide step-by-step instructions on how to create a trendy cactus that will brighten up any room. Whether you make one for yourself or give it as a gift, this pattern is the perfect way to get creative and add a pop of color to your decor.
Bring the desert vibes to your home with this fun and unique crochet cactus pattern. This wall hanging will look great in your living room, bedroom, or office and provides the perfect pop of color and greenery. It makes a nice gift for a housewarming, wedding shower, or Mother's Day, as well.
This large cactus wall hanging is perfect for displaying your Southwestern pride. Hang it in your home or give it as a gift for a housewarming or for a student heading off to college to personalize their dorm room. This boho-style wall hanging will look great in any color combination and is easy enough for an advanced beginner to tackle.
Check out this excellent Rosie the Riveter-inspired cactus! This little cactus is just the gift you need for any strong woman. Make it for Mother's Day, a birthday, high school or college graduation, to celebrate a new job or another accomplishment, the possibilities are endless! Any recipient will love displaying this "We Can Do It" cactus, and you'll want to make one for yourself, too!
These cute little potted cacti spell out "love," and that's exactly what you're going to be feeling when you make them! This set would make a fabulous gift for Valentine's Day, an anniversary, a bridal shower, and more. You could also make your own set to display in your home with photos of your loved ones. Or use them as part of a beautiful and unique Southwestern nursery theme!
You've spent so much time designing a beautiful nursery or playroom, and now you need gorgeous toys to match! Enter the bohemian cactus rattle. This soft rattle and its muted colors will be the perfect complement to a modern nursery, and the baby will just enjoy the squishy crochet and the rattling sounds. What a great baby shower gift or fun item to whip up for your own little one.
Here is a winter hat that will have you thinking warm thoughts! This cozy beanie has a subtle cactus design that can be worn with any outfit. The pattern is available in sizes toddler through adult and is easy enough for even a beginner, so you can make a whole stack to outfit your family or give out as unique and beautiful gifts.
Bring a touch of southwestern charm to your home with this versatile and stylish crochet pillow cover pattern. Whether you're an experienced crocheter or just starting out, this pattern is easy to follow and will provide step-by-step instructions on how to create a boho pillow cover that features a playful cactus design. Perfect for anyone who loves cozy and modern home decor, this pattern will add a pop of color and texture to your decor. Whether you're looking for a new accent for your bed or couch, this crochet pillow cover is sure to become a favorite in any room.
Here is a cute and quirky cactus friend that's perfect for playtime or decorating your home. Whether you're looking for a unique gift idea or just want to add some fun to your home decor, this crochet cactus doll pattern is sure to be a hit! This adorable pattern is suited for intermediate crocheters- a great reason to get practicing!
This creative set of interlocking pieces will be so much fun for kids (or adults!) Build your cactus, take it apart, and build it again. This set makes a wonderful toy for children to express their creativity and hone their fine motor skills. Use it as decor, and you can constantly tweak your design and keep things fresh.
What a great collection of crochet cacti!