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]
