Materials
15m DK weight yarn. Sample shown in Debbie Bliss Cotton DK yarn, shade 13020 and used 10g.
Needles & Notions
Size 3mm Double Pointed needles or needles for favourite method of knitting small diameters in the round. Blunt-ended knitters needle or large tapestry needle for sewing up. Small(7cm) terracotta/tin pot or similar container to stand cactus in. Glue gun or clear strong glue. Polyfill to stuff.
Abbreviations
kbf = knit into the back and then front of the next st (one stitch increased). p = purl.
k1tbl = knit 1 through back loop. s2kp = slip 2 sts together as if to knit, knit on, pass both slipped stitches over and off needled (two stitches decreased). PM = place marker.
CactuS Pin Cushion
This cute little cactus is an extremely quick knit and makes a perfect pin cushion with the pins acting as the cactus spines. This makes a perfect quick gift for sewing and knitting friends. Gauge: Not important, but try to knit to a tight tension to avoid your stuffing showing between the knitted stitches.. Finished size: 10cm/4" without pot - adjustable. Pattern instructions: Leaving a 30cm tail of yarn, C/0 12 sts and join to knit in the round, being careful not to twist. PM to mark beginning of round Rounds 1 - 6: (k1tbl, p1) 6 times. Rnd 7: (kbf, p1) 6 times (you now have 18sts). Rnds 8 - 13: (k1tbl, p2) 6 times. Rnd 14: (kbf, p2) 6 times (you now have 24sts). Rnd 15: (k1tbl, p3) 6 times. Repeat Rnd 15 until your knitting measures 9cm from cast on edge (or knit until your cactus reaches your desired height) Decreases: Set up: Remove marker. K1tbl, p2. Replace marker to mark new beginning of round and continue as follows: Rnd 1: (s2kp, p1) 6 times (12 sts decreased, 12 sts remaining). Rnds 2 & 3: (k1tbl, p1) 6 times. Rnd 4: (k1tbl, s2kp) 3 times (6 sts decreased, 6 sts remaining).
Finishing:
Break yarn leaving a 20cm tail. Using a large, blunt-ended knitter's needle, pass the tail of yarn through the remaining 6 sts and pull tight to close. Weave end in on wrong side of work. Fill cactus with polyester toy filling and stuff until firm. Using the initial cast on tail, sew up bottom end of cactus (this does not need to be neat as it will be sitting in the pot). Shape cactus and then glue into place. If there is any space around your cactus this can be filled with either decorative gravel (which will also help to weigh down your cactus) or scraps of yarn or fabric.
Pattern Information
This pattern and its contents are @ Mimi Codd for Eskimimi Makes, 2014. Not to be copied or distributed in any way without permission. Join the Eskimimi Makes group on Ravelry for added pattern advice and support. urther pattern support available at http://www.eskimimimakes.com
