Cactus Cross Stitch Patterns

It’s the time of year when I can feel summer coming on even though we’re still firmly in springtime. It makes me want to start crafting projects with more of a summery feel to them, which is probably why I was recently drawn to look up some cactus cross stitch patterns.

Witch Stitch has an adorable little cactus in a pot pattern that wouldn’t be too hard for a beginner. It uses seven colors and has a little backstitch for the spikes.

This set of little cacti from Ugly Duckling House are cute all together on a hoop, but they’d also be cute stitched individually on different projects. Napkins for summer picnics, anyone? The full project is about 7.1 by 6.4 inches (18.8 by 16.3 cm) and 14 count fabric, and it uses 25 colors. There’s a little back stitching to make the spikes on a couple of the cacti, but you can leave them off if you don’t want to do it. Note: this pattern is no longer free but can be accessed on their membership site.

Another little sampler of mini cactus patterns is available from Nikki Pattern on Etsy. This design has four little cactus patterns in pots with geometrical designs on them. The set measures 71 by 108 stitches, which is 5.07 by 7.71 inches or 12.88 by 19.59 cm on 14 count fabric, and uses 14 colors.

Looking for something a little more realistic? Check out this set of four cactus in pots from Goffin Design (which I just profiled the other day). This one uses 20 colors and measures 207 by 108 stitches, which comes out to 4.79 by 7.71 inches or 37.56 by 19.59 cm on 14 count fabric.

Or if you really want a challenge, try this cactus collection from Patrones a Puntadas. This stunning realistic cactus cross stitch pattern uses a whopping 82 colors in 217 by 276 stitches. This would be a true labor of love for a dedicated stitcher who loves cacti, but how pretty it would be on your wall!

Christmas Cactus

Cute Little Cacti to Cross Stitch

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15 Ugly Christmas Holiday Sweaters To Cross Stitch

I’ve long had a soft spot for puffins, so of course when I found an Etsy shop called Murder Puffin I had to share it.

And I’m so glad I found it because they’ve got some weird stuff that I hope you’re going to like as much as I do.

There are cryptids and true crime, nautical themed designs, holiday wanted posters and an entire section called memento mori. So if that sounds like something you’d be into, read on.

The biggest section on the site, though, is Altoid tin cross stitch patterns. If you can’t quite imagine what an Altoid tin cross stitch pattern would be like, this mummy cross stitch tin is a pretty representative example.

Most of them have a character (in this case, the mummy, but it could be anything from an alien to a racoon to a gnome) or more than one, who is made into a tiny stuffed doll. There’s a design for the top and bottom inside of the tin; here it’s a pyramid and an anhk design. There’s also a small design for the top of the box. And finally, a kind of blanket and a pillow so you can tuck your little character into the box.

Each one is a cute little set that would be so fun to display (and play with!) on your desk or bookshelf. And there’s a great range of options to choose from.

In addition to those, you’ll find a lot of other fun stuff for the strange and unusual on your gift list. There are some delightfully creepy (and mostly cryptid-inspired) tarot cards. A whole set of dark samplers called Gothic murder family. And a section called potted cross stitch, with little designs like mushrooms, plants and pumpkins you can stitch up and “plant” in tiny pots.

There’s so much fun stuff you really just need to stop reading this and go visit Murder Puffin on Etsy. I hope you find it as delightful as I do!

[Photo: Murder Puffin]

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