I’m excited to share a book review along with your chance to win my review copy of the book. The free excerpted succulent crochet pattern for the Moulded Wax Agave was available through September 30, 2025.
This post contains affiliate links. I may receive compensation (at no added cost to you) if you make a purchase using these links. GMC Publications Ltd provided me with a free review copy of Crocheted Succulents: Cacti & Other Succulent Plants to Make (available through independent booksellers or here on Amazon) by Emma Varnam. Although I accept free products for review, I do not accept additional compensation, nor do I guarantee a positive review. My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions.
Book Review: Crocheted Succulents
Crocheted Succulents: Cacti & Other Succulent Plants to Make (available through independent booksellers or here on Amazon) by Emma Varnam is a crochet pattern book that includes 25 succulent crochet patterns, ready to be pot and add to your home décor. I’ve previously reviewed three other books by Vanessa (Cute Crocheted Animals, Granny Squares Home, and Granny Squares Weekend) and she has a style that adds a touch of cozy to the home.
In the Introduction, Emma shares her love of succulents and her enthusiasm for these projects, and also reminds us that (unlike their living counterparts) succulent crochet patterns “are immune to the perils of overwatering or drought.” The book then includes a photo gallery with photos of the succulents, often in groups, shown in planters throughout the home. The next section is the patterns, which includes 25 different types of succulents. Each pattern includes a short introduction, the finished size, a list of materials (called “you will need”), and tension (gauge). The patterns are then provided in sections using UK pattern abbreviations, ending with the Making Up section to explain how to join pieces. Most patterns are made with #3/light/DK weight yarns, but you will also find six patterns using #1/super fine/fingering weight yarns, two patterns using #0/lace weight yarns, and one pattern using #4/medium/aran weight yarn. The measurements of the finished succulents vary with some measured in height (with a range of 2.5″/6.5 cm to 4.5″/11.5 cm tall), others measured in diameter (with a range of 1.75″/4.5 cm to 4.5″/11.5 cm in diameter), and a few measured by leave length (with a range of 3.25″/8.5 cm to 10″/25.5 cm long leaves). Each pattern includes a full page image of the succulent in a styled, home background as well as multiple images of the succulent from different angles against a white background.
Twenty-six pages of back sections following the patterns. Getting Started includes information about yarn, hooks, tapestry needles, stuffing (fiber fill), and tools for adding the succulent crochet patterns to pots including cocktail sticks, floristry wire (floral wire), and floral foam. This section also includes a guide to crochet hook sizes and UK pattern abbreviations. Crochet Techniques provides written and illustrated instructions for holding the yarn and hook, forming a slip knot, basic crochet stitches in UK terms (slip stitch, chain, double crochet, treble crochet, half treble, double treble), crocheting in rows and in the round, crocheting in spirals, the magic ring, increasing, decreasing with the dc2tog (US sc2tog), bobbles, popcorns, and crocheting through the back loop. This section also explains the differences in UK and US crochet terms. Finishing Touches provides written and illustrated instructions for three types of seams (slip stitch, double crochet, and whip stitch), as well as how to weave in ends, sew on beads, and make a pom pom using a fork. Displaying Your Succulents shares four different approaches to displaying your crocheted succulents in pots: crocheting soil with the succulent, crocheting a soil insert, using floral foam, and using felt. (Each pattern includes the recommended approach, but this section provides more details.) Crocheted Soil provides written pattern instructions for crocheting two sizes of round pots, while Crocheted Pots provides written pattern instructions for crocheting three different pot variations. Resources includes a list of UK and US yarn suppliers along with inspirational books and websites. The book closes with acknowledgements and an index.
Although it’s a paperback book, there are front and back flaps to help you keep your place while stitching. The cactus patterns vary from extremely life like to slightly whimsical. The brightly lit photos are inspiring. The patterns use simple stitches and techniques, but they vary in complexity in terms of the different numbers of pieces, assembly, and so on. Most patterns in this book require only advanced beginner crocheters stitching skills and basic pattern reading skills. If you changed the yarn weight, which Emma suggests experimenting with, you could make much larger or smaller succulents. If you don’t have a “green thumb,” or you just love crocheting for the home, you will enjoy Crocheted Succulents: Cacti & Other Succulent Plants to Make (available through independent booksellers or here on Amazon) by Emma Varnam.
Giveaway
After reading my review of Crocheted Succulents: Cacti & Other Succulent Plants to Make by Emma Varnam, you are probably ready to get your hands on this book! You can buy it now through independent booksellers or here on Amazon), or enter the giveaway below by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on Monday, May 30, 2022 for your chance to win my review copy. While my copy of the book was provided by GMC Publications Ltd, the giveaway is organized by Underground Crafter. Enter using any of the options on the Rafflecopter widget below. One winner will be chosen from the entries at random to win my review copy of the book. Winner will be contacted approximately 1 week after the entries close. Winner will have 3 days to claim the prize. If winner does not respond within 3 days, prize will be awarded to an alternate. By entering this giveaway, you are agreeing to share your contact information with Rafflecopter and/or Underground Crafter. You can read the Rafflecopter Privacy Policy and the Underground Crafter Privacy Policy here to understand how this information is used. This giveaway is open worldwide, except where prohibited by law. Good luck!