I grew up in Arizona and when we moved away, I was very happy not to see a cactus on every corner. But lately I’ve been loving them – and these little embroidered cactus plants with their sweet little smiles were so fun to stitch up! Embroidery is a great project for taking on the go, too – you can stitch away on road trips or take along camping!
This cute embroidery is made up with basic stitches so anyone can do it! I had to add a little silliness, too – so I’m channeling my inner MC Hammer with the “Can’t Touch This”.
Can’t Touch This – Cactus Embroidery Hoop Art Tutorial
Materials:
- 8″ embroidery hoop
- 10″ x 10″ white linen or other light colored fabric
- DMC Floss: Colors 413, 704
- DMC Pearl Cotton: Colors – 310, 550, 336, 701, 3801, 742, 703, 906
- Disappearing Ink Marking Pen
- Hot Glue
- Can’t Touch This Cactus Embroidery Pattern
Using the disappearing ink pen, trace the embroidery pattern onto the white fabric. You can do this by taping the pattern in a window, then taping the fabric over it. This will allow the light to show through the pattern so you can trace the design.
Stitch the pattern using a back stitch for all the cactus designs. If you need instructions for the stitches, check out my Embroidery Tips page.
For the eyes and mouths of the cacti, use 2 strands of gray embroidery floss. Stitch french knots for the eyes and backstitch the mouth. The flowers on top of the little cactus on the left side are made with lazy daisy stitches.
Stitch the lettering with back stitch as well.
Once your embroidery is all finished, remove any marking pen lines that show with a damp paper towel. Trim the fabric to 1/2″ around the hoop on the back side.
Glue the edges to the inside of the hoop on the back side. You can also finish the hoop by gluing a circle of felt to the back side of the hoop.
That’s it! You have a cute new embroidery hoop to show off – or to give as a gift!
I’d love to see it if you make one up!
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Like it!
Super cute! As an Arizonan, I love this. It’s got to be a rite of [Arizona] passage to be picked by a cactus, regardless of how well you try to avoid it. Where in Arizona did you grow up? I’m in Tucson. Visiting from Share It Link Party.
Ha ha, that is brilliant. I think maybe my brother would like this … start thinking Christmas presents maybe…..
This is darling, Bev. It makes me smile every time I see it! Thank you for sharing on Family Joy Blog Link-Up Party this week.
I’ve had MC Hammer in my head since I saw this. Very cute project!
Love it, so cute. Like the Hammer reference too :) Saw your link at the September 17th: Saturday Sharefest.
Ha Ha!!! I love this!
Tania
I would give a lot to be back in the land of cactus on every corner! =) Thanks for the stitchery I can at least hang on my Tennessee wall!
Hi! I was just wondering how you stitched all the way to the edge of the hoop? I always have a bare edge around my designs because of where the inner hoop is, but I can see here the blue stitching goes all the way to the edge of the fabric, how did you do that?
Thanks so much :)
Hi! How many strands do you use for everything? (Except the eyes and mouth which you specified). I’m new to embroidery so I’m not sure! Can’t wait to stitch this!
Hi Crystal!
It should be three strands of floss unless noted. Thank you!
Bev
Hi there! I’m a newbie and would love to try this design! Is there a way to make the pattern 5 inches instead of 8???