Tiny Lilac Cactus in Pot Ornament Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
This Tiny Lilac Cactus in Pot Ornament is a sweet little amigurumi project that brings a touch of the desert to your tree, shelf, or gift wrap. It is written for crocheters who are comfortable with a magic ring and basic increases and decreases, and it makes a lovely quick make for anyone who loves Western-inspired decor. The cactus is a plump lilac sphere with simple surface-stitch spine lines, tucked into a slightly smaller deep lilac pot. At about 2.5 inches tall including the hanging loop, it feels soft, squishy, and wonderfully pocket-sized.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: DK weight (3) yarn, 100% cotton. Color A (lilac): 10 yd. Color B (deep lilac): 15 yd.
- Hooks: 2.75 mm (US C/2) for the cactus, 2.25 mm (US B/1) for the pot.
- Notions: Stitch marker, yarn needle, small amount of polyester fiberfill, scissors.
- Finished size: Approx. 2.5 inches tall including the hanging loop.
Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- inc – increase: work 2 sc into the same stitch
- dec – decrease: work 2 sc together into one stitch
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- rnd – round
- MR – magic ring
- sl st – slip stitch
- FO – fasten off
Gauge
With the 2.75 mm hook: 24 sts x 24 rnds = 4 inches in sc. Work a small swatch in the round and measure it flat to check your stitch count and round height before starting.
Tips Before You Start
- Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round so you never lose your place in the continuous spiral.
- Stuff both pieces lightly and evenly; overstuffing will stretch the stitches and hide the spine lines.
- Keep your tension firm on the pot so it stays slightly smaller than the cactus and reads as a separate piece.
- Embroider the spine lines before assembly so you can turn the cactus easily in your hand.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cactus (Color A, 2.75 mm hook)
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc (6 sts).
Rnd 2: inc x6 (12 sts).
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x6 (18 sts).
Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] x6 (24 sts).
Rnds 5-10: sc in each st around (24 sts).
Rnd 11: [2 sc, dec] x6 (18 sts).
Rnd 12: [sc, dec] x6 (12 sts).
Rnd 13: dec x6 (6 sts). FO, leaving a long tail. Weave the tail through the remaining 6 sts and pull tight to close. Stuff lightly before the opening gets too small.
Pot (Color B, 2.25 mm hook)
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc (6 sts).
Rnd 2: inc x6 (12 sts).
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x6 (18 sts).
Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] x6 (24 sts).
Rnds 5-8: sc in each st around (24 sts).
Rnd 9: [2 sc, dec] x6 (18 sts).
Rnd 10: [sc, dec] x6 (12 sts).
Rnd 11: dec x6 (6 sts). FO, leaving a long tail. Weave the tail through the remaining 6 sts and pull tight to close. Stuff lightly.
Spine Lines (Color A)
Thread a yarn needle with Color A. Working from the top center of the cactus down to the bottom edge, embroider 6 straight stitches spaced evenly around the cactus. Keep each line straight and snug so it sits on the surface without pulling the stuffing through.
Hanging Loop (Color B)
Loop: With Color B, ch 10, join with sl st to form a loop. FO, leaving a short tail for attaching.
Assembly and Finishing
Stuff the pot lightly so it holds its shape. Insert the cactus into the pot, aligning the bottom of the cactus with the top of the pot. Sew the two pieces together around the join using Color B, catching both edges evenly all the way around. Attach the hanging loop to the top of the cactus with a few secure stitches. Weave in all ends, then gently shape both spheres with your fingers. Lightly steam or mist and air-dry to smooth the surface; do not press the spine lines flat.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap Color A for sage green and Color B for terracotta for a classic cactus look.
- Add a second row of shorter spine stitches between the long lines for extra texture.
- Make the hanging loop longer (ch 14-16) if you want to slip it over a larger branch or hook.
