Five free cactus cross stitch pattern
Discover five cute and prickly cactus cross stitch patterns to stitch for free. You'll find four lovely cactus cross stitch patterns to download from the talented Cheryl McKinnon. These are bright and vibrant and look lovely as pincushions (we'll show you how to do that below, too).
Next up, you'll find a quirky cactus cross stitch designed by Susan Bates. This cute little guy works well as a present tag, a card or framed. Once you're finished, give them away as gifts or keep them for yourself. We know one thing for sure: any lucky recipient won't be feeling prickly after this!
Mini cactus cross stitch cushions by Cheryl McKinnon
From the desert to the desktop, these cacti have arrived just in time for your next project. We’ve turned them into colourful little cushions, ready for you to add your own prickles using pins and needles from your stitching stash.
The zingy, green plants contrast brilliantly with brightly patterned pots and look great against white Aida. Work each design using whole stitches and backstitch, and complement the colours with pretty pom-pom edgings.
Cactus cross stitch fact box:
- Stitching Time - Approx 8 hours each
- Type of Stitches - Cross stitch, backstitch
- Ease of Stitching - Beginner
What you’ll need for the cactus cross stitch:
- Threads - Stranded cotton as listed in the key
- Needle - Size 24 tapestry needle
- Fabric: Zweigart 14-count white Aida measuring 15x15cm (6x7¾in) for each design
- Extras - Medium Pom-Pom Trim in Turquoise, Cerise, Orange and Yellow.
- Backing fabric of your choice and wadding

Are you new to cross stitch?
Find out how to cross stitch or learn more about cross stitch needle sizes. These two guides contain all you need to know about cross stitch.
Cactus cross stitch pattern download
Click the link to download the four free cactus cross stitch patterns. The download is an A4 PDF and an accompanying key.


Discover the best cross stitch kits
These lovely modern cross stitch kits and the printed cross stitch kits contain everything you need to complete your whole project.
How to make a cactus pin cushion
Step 1
Cut your aida to 12x10cm (4½x4in), keeping the stitching central, then draw an outline 1cm (½in) in from the edge to mark off the seam allowance. Back the reverse of your stitching with iron-on interfacing.

Step 2
Pin and tack your pom-pom trim to the right side of your stitching, on the outside of the seam allowance line, with pom-poms facing inwards.

Step 3
Cut a piece of backing fabric slightly larger than your stitching. Machine-stitch together with right sides facing along the marked line, leaving a 4cm (1½in) gap for turning.

Step 4
Turn through to the right side and stuff with wadding. Neatly slipstitch the gap closed to finish.


Are you looking for a gift for someone who loves stitching?
Check out these cute needle minders.
Cactus cross stitch pattern by Susan Bates
Capture the succulent trend in your cross stitch designs with this super-cute potted cactus pattern! Designed by Susan Bates, this pattern is perfect for your green-fingered friends! Stitch the pot in their favourite colour, then attach it to a gift bag, card, or even get it framed for a gift they'll love.
Cactus cross stitch fact box:
- Stitching Time - Approx 8 hours
- Type of Stitches - Cross stitch, backstitch
- Ease of Stitching - Beginner
What you'll need:
- Stitch count: 35 high x 26 wide
- Design area: 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 6.5x4.5cm (2.x1.in)
- This design was stitched using DMC stranded cotton
Cactus cross stitch pattern download
Download the Free cactus cross stitch pattern PDF here.

Gift your designs to your green-fingered friends
These five cactus cross stitch patterns are the perfect project to make this weekend. They celebrate all things prickly and will give you endless entertainment since you can turn your finished design into all sorts of things!
Now stitch your cactus-loving friend a card
If you enjoyed creating the cactus cross stitch design and have found yourself with the stitching bug, then try these amazing cross stitch card patterns.




