If you've never lived in the desert, then you might not realize just how colorful it gets during the springtime. Many cacti have beautiful flowers in bright red, yellow, and white colors. The prickly pear has a flower that brings a fruit which can be used to make jam. It's both beautiful and tasty.

This free crochet cactus pattern represents that type of cactus. The prickly pear fruit is bright red; the flowers are yellow; and the thorns on the pad of the cactus are represented by cute white embroidery-style stitches. If you're looking for a colorful cactus to decorate your home, then this is the pattern you're seeking.

The next three crochet cactus patterns in this round up might look a little familiar. After all, these are the same three cacti that we saw above-an armless young saguaro, a prickly pear, and a barrel cactus. However, the crochet patterns are completely different.

These crochet patterns are tiny. These are particularly great if you want to:

• Quickly complete an instant gratification project or last minute gift
• Use up small bundles of yarn, especially if you have green in your stash
• Want to make a cactus keychain or magnet

Although they are small, these crochet cactus patterns pack a big punch. In addition to single crochet, you'll get the opportunity to use double crochet. Plus you'll get to use both sc and dc post stitches. Not to mention, the added flower on top of each little crochet cactus is the perfect pop of color.

This link will take you to the first three crochet cactus patterns in this roundup. It's a great place for you to start because the three cacti are each very different but there are many similarities in their construction. Therefore, you'll get the chance to really practice what it is like to build out different styles of cacti.

These are really classic crochet designs. There is a saguaro-style cactus, one that looks like a prickly pear, and another shaped like a barrel cactus. If you're from Southwestern Arizona or a similar desert area then you'll definitely recognize each of these three plants.

The designs are simple but very effective. They are worked amigurumi-style using single crochet stitches. The written instructions are accompanied by symbol charts. Each cactus is worked in green cotton yarn, planted in brown cotton "soil," and then placed in a small pot.

Although this last ponytail hat is a knitting pattern, the cat ears make it too adorable to skip. For those who both crochet and knit, grab your needles and cast on this cutie! But even if you don't knit, you might just be inspired to work up some triangle ears to attach to your favorite crochet ponytail hat!

Erin from The Cookie Snob designed her version of the messy bun beanie in the style of her series of 3 mL beanies. They hold more than 3 milliliters, but the backstory for the name includes some fun geekery. And to create the rows of horizontal chains, she works into the third loop of the half double crochet stitches. It's a fun way to make a hat with a popular look!

You can crochet this beehive-style hat in a flash because it's made with super bulky yarn. The pattern includes five sizes, as well as options for adding the stripes and the bow. With just this one pattern, you can make hats for all your friends and family!

This ponytail hat from Crochet by Jennifer has a bonnet styling with braided ties. Perfect for intermediate crocheters, the main body of the hat features a basket weave stitch pattern. It also comes in a few sizes, like all the hats in Jennifer's shop. Be sure to look through her extensive collection!

No need to pull this beanie on over your hair-just wrap it around your head and button it in place! Crochet this extra-wide headband-style hat with single crochet and chain stitches to form the faux cables. Not only does the button closure make this easy to put on over your perfectly styled bun, but it also adds a fun detail.

What's better than one ponytail? Two pigtails! Bethany from Haute Kippy designed her version of the ponytail hat for a young friend who wanted to show off her pigtails. It's toddler, but if you want to try this fun style, you could add more stitches for a larger version.