Featured image for a desert cactus crochet pattern with a turquoise C2C cactus square on a white background, colorful Lovable Loops branding, and callouts for free pattern, advanced beginner, and 13 x 13 inches.

C2C crochet cactus pattern

ByMelissa Hassler

Bring a touch of the desert into your crochet projects with my C2C Desert Cactus Crochet Square Pattern! This pattern captures the beauty of a classic cactus, making it perfect for adding a bit of southwestern flair to your creations.

C2C crochet cactus pattern details

Here’s a quick overview of the materials, sizing, gauge, and pattern notes before you begin.

Skill level

Advanced beginners. This crochet square is made using the corner to corner C2C crochet method. It involves color changes.  

Materials needed

  • Crochet Hook Size: G-6 4 mm
  • Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in tan and green. I used Lion Brand Yarns 24/7 Cotton in ecru and jade. My square weighs 124 grams/4.4 ounces.
  • Yarn needle: Use this to weave in your ends.
  • Scissors: Use scissors to fasten off your yarn.
  • Stitch marker(s): Optional. Use these to help keep track of your stitches. 

Finished size

My C2C square measures just over 13 inches by 13 inches.

Gauge

8 squares (ch 3 + 3 dc) = 4 inches (10 cm)

Crochet abbreviations

  • dc = double crochet
  • sc = single crochet
  • ch/chs = chain/chains
  • st/sts = stitch/stitches
  • sl st = slip stitch

C2C crochet technique

  • The pattern is made using the c2c technique of making “squares” in diagonal rows starting in the bottom right corner and ending in the top left corner.
  • Each square is made of a chain 3 + 3 double crochet.
  • Chain 6 to start a new row and chain 3 to start a new square.
  • You can follow the picture graph or the written pattern.
  • The written pattern tells you how many squares to make of each color and in what order.

Pattern notes

  • The pattern is written in US terms. 
  • ↙ You are working on the “right side”.
  • ↗ You are working on the “wrong side”. 
Square graphic for a desert cactus crochet pattern with a turquoise C2C cactus panel, large black and aqua text, and callouts for free pattern, advanced beginner, and 13 x 13 inches.

C2C crochet cactus pattern instructions

Download the cactus graph.

↙ Row 1: tan x 1 (1 square) 
↗ Row 2: tan x 2 (2 squares) 
↙ Row 3: tan x 3 (3 squares) 
↗ Row 4: tan x 4 (4 squares) 
↙ Row 5: tan x 5 (5 squares) 
↗ Row 6: tan x 6 (6 squares) 
↙ Row 7: tan x 7 (7 squares) 
↗ Row 8: tan x 8 (8 squares) 
↙ Row 9: tan x 9 (9 squares) 
↗ Row 10: tan x 10 (10 squares) 
↙ Row 11: tan x 10, green x 1 (11 squares) 
↗ Row 12: green x 2, tan x 10 (12 squares) 
↙ Row 13: tan x 10, green x 3 (13 squares) 
↗ Row 14: green x 4, tan x 10 (14 squares) 
↙ Row 15: tan x 10, green x 5 (15 squares) 
↗ Row 16: tan x 1, green x 5, tan x 2, green x 2, tan x 6 (16 squares) 
↙ Row 17: tan x 6, green x 3, tan x 1, green x 5, tan x 2 (17 squares) 
↗ Row 18: tan x 3, green x 9, tan x 6 (18 squares) 
↙ Row 19: tan x 6, green x 9, tan x 4 (19 squares) 
↗ Row 20: tan x 5, green x 9, tan x 6 (20 squares) 
↙ Row 21: tan x 6, green x 3, tan x 1, green x 5, tan x 6 (21 squares) 
↗ Row 22: tan x 7, green x 5, tan x 1, green x 3, tan x 6 (22 squares) 
↙ Row 23: tan x 6, green x 3, tan x 1, green x 5, tan x 8 (23 squares) 
↗ Row 24: tan x 9, green x 5, tan x 1, green x 3, tan x 6 (24 squares) 
↙ Row 25: tan x 7, green x 2, tan x 1, green x 6, tan x 9 (25 squares) 
Corner: Start decreasing on both ends 
↗ Row 26: tan x 8, green x 7, tan x 1, green x 2, tan x 6 (24 squares) 
↙ Row 27: tan x 8, green x 8, tan x 7 (23 squares) 
↗ Row 28: tan x 7, green x 2, tan x 1, green x 5, tan x 7 (22 squares) 
↙ Row 29: tan x 6, green x 5, tan x 1, green x 3, tan x 6 (21 squares) 
↗ Row 30: tan x 6, green x 3, tan x 1, green x 5, tan x 5 (20 squares) 
↙ Row 31: tan x 4, green x 5, tan x 1, green x 3, tan x 6 (19 squares) 
↗ Row 32: tan x 6, green x 3, tan x 1, green x 5, tan x 3 (18 squares) 
↙ Row 33: tan x 2, green x 5, tan x 1, green x 3, tan x 6 (17 squares) 
↗ Row 34: tan x 6, green x 3, tan x 1, green x 4, tan x 2 (16 squares) 
↙ Row 35: tan x 1, green x 4, tan x 1, green x 3, tan x 6 (15 squares) 
↗ Row 36: tan x 6, green x 3, tan x 1, green x 3, tan x 1 (14 squares) 
↙ Row 37: tan x 1, green x 2, tan x 1, green x 3, tan x 6 (13 squares) 
↗ Row 38: tan x 6, green x 2, tan x 4 (12 squares) 
↙ Row 39: tan x 3, green x 2, tan x 6 (11 squares) 
↗ Row 40: tan x 10 (10 squares) 
↙ Row 41: tan x 9 (9 squares) 
↗ Row 42: tan x 8 (8 squares) 
↙ Row 43: tan x 7 (7 squares) 
↗ Row 44: tan x 6 (6 squares) 
↙ Row 45: tan x 5 (5 squares) 
↗ Row 46: tan x 4 (4 squares) 
↙ Row 47: tan x 3 (3 squares) 
↗ Row 48: tan x 2 (2 squares) 
↙ Row 49: tan x 1 (1 square) 

Adding the border

Make 2 sc in each square along the sides and in each corner square make (2 sc, ch 2, 2 sc).

Finishing

Fasten off and then weave in all of your ends. Block if desired.

C2C video tutorial

Need C2C help? I have a step by step C2C tutorial for my mini heart square on my YouTube channel.

Youtube video

Printable version

View this crochet pattern in my Etsy Shop: crochet cactus pattern

More free C2C crochet patterns

For more corner-to-corner designs, browse my collection of free C2C crochet patterns, including mini panels, larger squares, letters, numbers, and blankets. You can also visit my guide on how to read a crochet pattern if you want extra help following written instructions.

Let’s connect!

I’d love to see what you’re making! Share your finished project and follow along for more free crochet patterns and tutorials.

📌 Don’t forget to pin this pattern for later!
Happy crocheting! 🧶
— Melissa

Pinterest pin for a cute C2C cactus crochet pattern featuring a turquoise cactus panel, bright pink and aqua text, and callouts for free pattern, advanced beginner, and perfect for pillows and wall art.