Two of our favorite trends right now are cacti and cork fabric. So, we thought, why not mix them together, right?! When we stood back and admired our latest creation we thought that this project was just too fun not to share! So, here's how you too can make your very own DIY Cork Cactus (minus all the prickles that come with the real thing ;))
Follow our project instructions and material list below. We created our instructions to be simple and easy to adjust if you decide to make your cactus a different size. Just keep in mind that the cactus size will determine fabric amount, filler, and time to stuff. Our cactus grew to be 48” tall.
Materials Needed:
5 yards of EverSewn Cork Fabric; Item# VLCN5 Cork Fabric 5yd - Natural
Foam or Filler; Item# 1087 Fairfield PF12A Poly-Fil Fiberfill
Bucket Container (for bottom base)
Step 1 - Cutting Fabric
Cut 6 strips 48 x 10 inches and round off corners on one short side (Diagram A. Main Trunk )
Cut 4 strips 20 x 12 inches (Diagram B: Lower Arm)
Cut 2 strips 18 x 10 inches (Diagram C: Upper Arm)
Step 2 – Sew and Assemble - use a 5/8 seam allowance
You will start with the trunk of the cactus. Take two (2) of the long strips, wrong sides together, and sew the three sides, leaving the short straight side open. Repeat twice with the long strips remaining. Place all three sewn long strips of fabric evenly on top of each other and secure with clips. Sew a seam down the middle connecting them all. Stuff the long pockets that were formed by the middle seam with filler. I used a long stick to push up the filler to make full. Sew together the lower arm the same way. Take two (2) of the strips cut for the lower arm, wrong sides together, and sew the three sides, leaving the short straight side open. Repeat with the strips remaining. Place the two sewn arm strips of fabric evenly on top of each other and secure with clips. Sew a seam down the middle connecting the two. Use again a long stick to push up the filler in to the pocket to make firm. You can repeat the previous steps to complete the Upper Arm. Sew both ends of the arms closed after you are finished stuffing. Allow the truck to pinch the arms in place.
Voila! Your very own DIY Cork Cactus is now complete. No green thumb, no sunlight, no water required — enjoy!
