DIY Cactus Shirt + Free SVG File

As you may know, I’m a big fan of succulents, but don’t seem to have the skills to keep them alive. So to make up for it, I like to surround myself with as many non-living (and non-killable) succulents as possible, including enjoying them in quilted form on my wall, and even wearing them! Today I’m sharing the former, with a DIY cactus shirt and free SVG file I made using my favorite women’s dolman top pattern, our Seafarer Top Pattern, and some of my favorite Cricut supplies so you can make your own!

First, a bit about the pattern I used. The Seafarer Top is an easy to wear, even easier to sew woman’s dolman top pattern that works well with almost any of your favorite knits. I wanted an extra slouchy top, so for this version, I cut out a M in the top and graded out to an XL in the bottom.

I used a modal cotton jersey knit (in ivy green) from Raspberry Creek Fabrics, which has beautiful drape and was perfect for the grading out at the hip for this top. It gave it the perfect amount of roominess I was going for, without being too baggy. It was also great to sew with, and I’m thinking it would be fun to make some soft DIY scrunchies with it next!

For another fun cactus project, check out this cactus costume I made for one of my boys – it’s one of my favs!

How to Make a DIY Cactus Shirt + Free Cactus SVG File

Supplies: (affiliate links below)
dolman top pattern + fabric sewn up (I used our Seafarer Top and graded it out at the hip as described above)
Cricut Maker or Explore Air II
standard grip cutting mat
fine-point blade
Iron-on
EasyPress II and mat

Download FREE Cactus SVG File HERE. Complete the “checkout” process (no payment info will be asked for) and once that is completed, the file download link will be emailed to you. If you don’t see it in your inbox, be sure to check your junk folder! You can also download the file after checkout by logging into your account under the “shop” tab of our site.

Open a new project in Cricut Design Space (or whatever software your cutting machine uses) and upload the SVG file above to the project. Select the entire image and click weld to ensure the image elements stay together.

Click “make it” in the top right corner and be sure to click “mirror” as that is always necessary when cutting iron-on!

Place iron-on shiny side down on cutting mat and after clicking “continue” in Design Space, be sure to select iron-on and fine-point blade (and be sure your fine-point blade is loaded in your machine!).

Let the machine do it’s work, and once it’s done, weed the negative vinyl.

Center the Can’t Touch This design, sticky side down, on shirt (place shirt on EasyPress mat), and heat EasyPress 2 to recommended temperature for your fabric and iron-on.

Place EasyPress 2 on design and set the timer for the recommended time. While the design is still warm, peel the plastic away, and voila!

There you have it! A totally unique and fun “Can’t Touch This” DIY cactus shirt that is perfect for yourself or a gift for your favorite succulent lover!