Perimenopausal & Prickly Hand Embroidery Pattern (PDF Download)

Feeling a little… prickly these days? Same. This beginner-friendly embroidery pattern features a grumpy cactus in a hoodie holding up a tiny but mighty mood. It is the perfect project for anyone navigating midlife with humor, sarcasm, and a good cup of coffee.

This Hooplethreads design stitches up beautifully in a 6-inch hoop and works well with simple embroidery stitches, making it a relaxing project for beginners and experienced stitchers alike.

What You’ll Get

• Instant digital download (PDF)
• Full embroidery pattern sized for a 6-inch hoop
• Step-by-step instructions
• Stitch suggestions and thread guidance
• Printing and transfer instructions
• Tips for finishing and displaying your hoop

The pattern includes guidance for stitches with recommendations for using two strands of floss for outlines and one strand for smaller details.

Supplies You’ll Need

• 6-inch embroidery hoop
• Embroidery needle
• Embroidery floss or thread
• Fabric (about 9" x 9")
• Scissors
• Transfer pen or pencil

Cotton quilting fabric, cotton twill, or linen with a tight weave work especially well for this design.

Skill Level

Beginner friendly

Finished Size

Designed to fit a 6-inch embroidery hoop, but the pattern can be resized when printing if you prefer a larger or smaller hoop.

Good to Know

• Digital download only, no physical item will be mailed
• Pattern is for personal use
• You may sell small quantities of finished hand-stitched pieces, but the pattern itself cannot be shared or resold

Perfect for:

• A funny craft night project
• A gift for your favorite Gen X friend
• A little wall art that captures the mood

Because sometimes the only reasonable response to hormones is to be a little prickly.