How to knit a cactus

Published on September 8, 2026 by Merion

Houseplants are famous for their health-giving benefits, helping us breathe by removing toxins from the air, and their gentle presence and colours make us feel calm - but what do you do if you can't keep a houseplant alive? Knit a cactus instead. Knitted plants are great fun to make and kooky gifts to give!

To make Emma Friedlander-Collins' sweet knitted cactus, you will need 4mm knitting needles, a tapestry needle for sewing up, a small amount of stuffing and a little pot. Emma has used Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK in Grass Green and topped her cactus with a little crocheted flower in some cotton from her stash - but if you haven't got a flower, you could always sew on a little pink button, or glue on some flower petals cut out of felt.

Steps to knitting a cactus

Begin by casting on 18 stitches using your favourite cast-on method. You don't need to worry about tension for this project.

Row 1 - Begin the textured rib: *K2, P1*, repeat to end.

Row 2 - *P2, K1*, repeat to end.

Row 3 - 16 Repeat rows 1 & 2 to create the body of the cactus

Row 17 - Begin the decrease to create the shape of the cactus: k2tog, p1 to end.

Row 18 - Work a final decrease row: p2tog to end.

Leaving a long tail, thread a yarn needle and thread through the stitches on the needle. Cinch together, and then stitch along the seam, stuffing the cactus evenly as you go.

Top with a little crocheted flower, or a pink button for a flower, and pop into a tiny terracotta pot.

Explore more knitted cactus knitting patterns to download

Knitted Cactus Garden

Cactus Egg Cosy

Senor Hector

Flower pot hanging basket

Happy Little Taco

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