Plants That Don't Die

Everyone needs house plants... But they are so high maintance!

Simple solution.... Make your own! Yes, these are knitted cactuses.

Step 1: What You Need

You need the following:

For the knitted cactus:
Green DK yarn
Stuffing
4 x 4mm double pointed needles
Darning needle

For the rest:
Stones
7mm terracotta pot
Hot glue
Hot glue gun

Step 2: Knitting the Ball Cactus

Cast on 30 stitches, 10 on each one of 3 needles.

All odd rows: knit
All even rows: purl

Follow the pattern about for 24 rows.
This should now be a knit row. Knit 2 together over the whole row.

Purl the following row.
Knit 2 together over the next row.
Purl the following row.

Cut the yarn, thread through the remaining stitches and pull tight.
Use the needle to sew the top up neatly.

Stuff with stuffing.

Step 3: Assemble With Glue

Fill the pot with stones. This keeps it bottom heavy and more stable.

Glue the top row of stones onto the pot using hot glue. Be careful of your fingers here.

Run a row of hot glue around the cactus, and glue to the stones.

Step 4: Display the Cactus

This is the easiest step. Stick the cactus someplace cool.

You can use other sized pots and other stitch patterns to make a range of cacti.

Comments

[KookyKreations]

I especially like the guy in the center back - I think he is waving at me! How did you get the stripes on the two in the left front - are those knitted in or added? They could just be your rib stitch, but I am checking since I plan on making some cacti for friends. Very cute and clever!

[Juanamac]

Excellent! All the patterns are knitted in. There are a few fishermans rib, as well as a p3, k1, rib repeated. The ones with the arms are just extra bits knitted on (I may add the pattern for these on my blog). The white bits are just an angora yarn knitted into those knit stitches on the fishermans rib... I hope that helps.

[KookyKreations]

It does help! I'll post pics after they come to life. Thanks.

[Triclaw]

they look great, if you do water them they will die or rot

[Juanamac]

Tragically if you water them, they get wet.... then slowly drip water out onto whatever they sit on...........

[Triclaw]

oh ya that could be fun, but who waters cacti anyhow

[GeekCrafterGirlz432]

Great idea!!!!

[Reichenstein7]

Awesome, made my evening. =)

[gadget-man]

I want really want one.

[ZeroTNitrous]

Something cool would maybe some tooth picks in the sides.

[British Badger]

These would be perfect in a office

[Juanamac]

Yes indeed. I know people who like to use them as pin cushions as well.

[British Badger]

I think there amazing

It I could knite they would be the first thing id make

but im more of a technical type

[DachsieMommie]

I have tons of patterns for crocheted plants (from Annie's Attic) but I've never seen knit patterns until now. Of course, I'll have to try them.

[Juanamac]

That is awesome. I have very limited crochet skills.... so I tend to knit things. Though now I am off to google Annie's Attic and see what exists in the crochet world.... :D

[DachsieMommie]

I don't even know if they're still around. I bought those patterns over 30 years ago. They had lots of really fun things like food: banana split, triple dip cone, hamburger, bacon 'n eggs, sausage 'n pancakes and a plate full of beautifully decorated cupcakes. I also have a collection of cacti to crochet as well as many different houseplants. And I'm sure you have seen some of their baby booties like the cowboy boots, high top tennies, and, of course the little brown work boots. My grandsons wore a lot of those little booties. They make great covers for pots (plants) too.

[Danger is my middle name]

These are adorable! You should enter these in the newest featured author contest! https://www.instructables.com/contest/deandrascraft...

[Juanamac]

Thank you. I already have an entry there, the one for Knit a Tulip for ME.

[Danger is my middle name]

You can enter as many projects as you want, but you can only win once :)

[Crafted298]

Ha! That is cool!