Crochet Cactus Granny Square

Discover the enchanting world of the Crochet Cactus Granny Square, a delightful and unique pattern that will add a touch of whimsy to your crochet projects. This charming design combines the timeless beauty of the granny square with the adorable appeal of a cactus motif. Imagine creating a cozy blanket or a vibrant cushion adorned with these delightful crochet cacti, bringing a touch of nature into your home. With its clever combination of crochet techniques, this pattern allows you to experiment with different yarns and textures, giving each cactus its own personality. Whether you choose to make a single cactus square or create an entire garden of these charming motifs, the Crochet Cactus Granny Square is sure to become a beloved addition to your crochet repertoire. So grab your crochet hook and let your creativity bloom with this delightful pattern!

MATERIALS

• 4.0 mm (G/6 US, 8 UK) Crochet Hook
• 3.5 mm (E/4 US, 9 UK) Crochet Hook
• DK (3, Light) Yarn
• Tapestry Needle

YARN & YARDAGE

For the cactus granny square I made for my Valentine’s Day granny squares, I used Durable Comfy (291 yds / 266 m per 100 g) in the following colors:

• Black – Black (325)
• Brown – Caramel (2210)
• Pink – Light Pink (203)
• White – Ivory (326)
• Yellow – Sunflower (2178)

Feel free to use any yarn with the appropriate hook.

SIZE

5.1″ (13 cm)

GAUGE

With your 4.0 mm crochet hook, make a MC.

Round 1. Ch 1 (does not count as a st here and throughout), hdc 11 in MC, sl st in first st to join. (11 sts)

Round 2. Ch 1, hdc inc 11, sl st to join. (22 sts)

Round 3. Ch 1, (hdc inc 1, hdc 1) 11 times, sl st to join. (33 sts)

The three rounds should measure 2″ (5 cm).

ABBREVIATIONS (US TERMS)

• Ch – Chain
• Dec – Decrease
• Hdc – Half Double Crochet
• MC – Magic Circle
• Sc – Single Crochet
• St – Stitch

SPECIAL STITCHES

Decrease (Dec)
One decrease consists of two sts worked together.

Magic Circle (MC)

PATTERN NOTES

• If the pattern says “dc 2”, you have to crochet 1 dc in each of the next 2 sts.
• (…) – Repeat instructions within parentheses for the indicated number of times.

HOW TO CROCHET A CACTUS GRANNY SQUARE

GRANNY SQUARE

With your 4.0-mm hook, crochet a simple circle granny square with the following color scheme:

Rounds 1-4. Use green yarn.

Round 5-8. Use white yarn.

VASE APPLIQUE

With your 3.5-mm crochet hook and brown, ch 13.

Row 1. Sc 1 in the second ch from hook and in each ch across. (12 sts)

Row 2. Ch 1 (does not count as a st here and throughout), turn. Sc across (12 sts)

Row 3. Ch 1, turn. Sl st 2. Ch 1, sc in same st as last sl st. Sc 9. (10 sc)

Row 4. Ch 1, turn. Sc dec 1, sc 8. (9 sts)

Row 5. Ch 1, turn. Sc across. (9 sts)

Row 6. Ch 1, turn. Sc dec 1, sc 7. (8 sts)

Row 7. Ch 1, turn. Sc dec 1, sc 6. (7 sts)

Row 8. Ch 1, turn. Sc across. (7 sts)

Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.

CHEEK APPLIQUES

(Make 2)

With your 3.5-mm hook and pink, make a MC.

Round 1. Sc 6 in MC. (6 sts)

Fasten off leaving a long tail and close the round with an invisible join.

FLOWER APPLIQUES

(Make 2)

With your 3.5-mm hook and yellow, make a MC.

Round 1. (Ch 4, sl st 1 in MC) 5 times. (5 petals)

Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.

HEARTS

With your 3.5-mm hook and green, crochet one large and one medium heart as described HERE.

ASSEMBLY

Sew the vase applique so that row 1 of the vase is over round 4 of the granny square.

Attach the cheeks, the hearts, and the flower appliques.

With a length of black, embroider the eyes and the mouth.

Optional: For the spines, attach a few short fringes made with white yarn.

Weave in all your ends.