Cactuar Cactus Knitting Pattern

I’m going to admit at the top here that I had no idea what a cactuar was when I first picked this pattern to write about. I just thought it was cute and would fit well into my continuing series of whimsical knitting patterns.

If you know what it is you can skip this paragraph. This little guy is an anthropomorphic cactus in a running pose that has been featured in the Final Fantasy video games and is considered a mascot of the game. It has been both an enemy and a summon and is known for being elusive and for its dangerous 1000 Needles attack (thanks, wiki fandom!).

This design from Fibrously uses worsted weight yarn in green and a little bit of black for the features. It’s worked in the round in pieces, with the body worked in one piece and the legs, eyes and mouth are worked separately and sewn on after stuffing.

Of course you could work it in a different weight of yarn if you want to make a bigger or smaller cactuar. You can check out the different versions that have been made over the years on the pattern’s Ravelry page. They look like they are of various sizes, and one person noted working with yarn held double to make a bigger version. You could also try working it with blanket yarn to make a really huge version that’s super huggable despite being a cactus creature.

You can find the pattern at Fibously.

If you want to check out some more whimsy-filled knitting patterns, you can knit a hot air balloon, some nesting cats, a super cute pigeon, some silly goose socks, or a family of hats that look like mushrooms. If you’ve knit something fun like these patterns I’d love to hear about it and have you share a pattern if there is one!

[Photo: Fibously]

This free knitting pattern falls in the category of cute but maybe not essential, as well as a nice way to use some yarn left over from another project.

The Briggs St. Fruit Hammock from Mycah Knits is beginner friendly because it’s a big rectangle worked in stockinette stitch on larger needles than the yarn would usually call for (size 11 US/8 mm for DK weight/weight 3 yarn) to provide more air flow around the fruit.

The idea behind a fruit hammock like this is both that it saves you counter space since it’s meant to be mounted under a cabinet and that air flow around the fruit helps prevent moisture from getting trapped below the fruit, which should keep it fresh longer. They’re also just cute and keep your fruits or veg accessible so hopefully you will eat more of them.

This pattern also includes I-cord handles, which is how you hang the hammock, and you’ll need to be able to pick up stitches for them, but that’s the only beyond beginner skill required in this project.

It only uses about 25 grams of yarn, so this is a perfect project for using a little something left over from another project. It would also be cute with stripes, so you can use odd balls from several projects. Or make the I-cord with a contrasting color to add a bit more fun if you like.

The designer does recommend using acrylic yarn for this project because it shouldn’t stretch out of shape with use and is easy to wash should your aspirations for eating fruit outstrip your reality. But they also provide tips for testing the stretch in a yarn you want to use and adjusting the pattern to account for that.

I don’t have a space in my place for this but it is super cute and a fun way to add knitting to the home, which I’m always a fan of.

You can grab the free pattern on Ravelry.

[Photo: Mycah Knits]

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