# Hanging Christmas Cactus Free Crochet Pattern
I am completely obsessed with this one, friends. Take a plain living room wall, hang this crocheted Christmas cactus in a little handwoven basket, and suddenly you have a focal point. The trailing green segments spill over the basket edge so naturally, and the tiny flowers — oh, the tiny flowers are what make it truly special. Mine hangs by our front window and every guest asks if it is real. (It is not. It will also never drop a single leaf on my floor, which is the real win.)
This is a relaxing project with lots of satisfying repetition — perfect for those long December evenings.
What You’ll Need
- Worsted weight yarn in leaf green (about 300 yards), plus small amounts of white, pink, and yellow for the flowers
- Size G (4.0 mm) crochet hook
- A small handwoven or wicker basket (about 5 inches across)
- Tapestry needle
- Polyester fiberfill (a small handful)
Finished size:
- The trailing strands hang approximately 14 inches below the basket
- The full piece is about 20 inches long including the hanger
The Pattern
Cactus Segments
Each segment is a small flat oval. Make LOTS — you will need about 60.
Chain 8. SC in the 2nd chain from the hook, SC in the next 5 chains, 3 SC in the last chain. Now working down the other side of the foundation chain: SC in the next 5 chains, 2 SC in the last chain, join with a slip stitch. (16 SC)
Round 2:
- Chain 1, SC in the next 6 stitches, 2 SC in each of the next 3 stitches, SC in the next 5 stitches, 2 SC in each of the next 2 stitches, join. (22 SC)
Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch tail for joining.
Trailing Strands (Make 7)
Join segments end to end with the tapestry needle, sewing through the short ends so each strand looks like a natural chain of Christmas cactus leaves:
- 2 strands of 8 segments (the longest, for the front)
- 3 strands of 6 segments
- 2 strands of 4 segments (the shortest, for the back)
Tiny Flowers (Make 12)
With white or pink yarn, make a magic ring.
Round 1: *Chain 2, 2 DC, chain 2, slip stitch into the ring*, repeat from * to * 5 times. Pull the ring closed. (5 petals)
With yellow, chain 4, slip stitch in the 2nd chain from the hook and the next 2 chains, and sew this little stamen cluster into the flower center. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.
Basket Hanger
Cut 3 lengths of green yarn, each 30 inches long. Knot them together at one end, braid the full length, and knot the other end. Sew the knotted ends evenly around the basket rim.
Assembly
1. Stuff a small ball of fiberfill into the basket and cover it with a green crocheted circle (magic ring, work 24 DC, fasten off) to hide the stuffing — this is your “soil.”
2. Sew the top segment of each strand to the soil circle, arranging the longest strands at the front and shortest at the back.
3. Sew the tiny flowers to the ends of the strands and a few along the sides — cluster them for the most natural look.
4. Hang by the braided hanger and step back to admire your handiwork!
Sophie’s Tips
- Vary your strand lengths more than you think you should — real trailing plants are gloriously uneven.
- Sew the flowers on last, after hanging, so you can see exactly where the bare spots are.
- A tiny dab of hot glue on each knot keeps the strands from shifting over time — my crafter’s secret.
Zero watering, zero fuss, all charm — happy hanging, friend!
