Fall is in the air, and that means it’s time break out the cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice lattes, and of course, Fall crochet projects! Nothing says autumn quite like a plump, easy crochet pumpkin, and today, we’re diving into a fun and beginner-friendly crochet pumpkin pattern that’s perfect for adding a touch of handmade charm your home décor.
Specifically, we’ll be exploring a delightful crochet pumpkin tutorial inspired by the talented creator @MakeItYourselfByPapari. Her video provides a fantastic step-by-step visual guide, and we’ll be expanding upon it with detailed written instructions, tips, and creative ideas for customizing your own crocheted pumpkin decorations.
Whether you’re a seasoned crocheter or just starting out, this easy crocheted pumpkin pattern for beginners is a great way embrace the spirit of fall. Initially, the finished Amigurumi pumpkin can be used as a standalone decoration or incorporated into larger projects like garlands or wreaths. Undoubtedly, it makes an adorable addition shelves, mantels, or even as a festive centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table. Equally important, these little pumpkins also make fantastic handmade gifts for friends and family. As a result, let’s gather our materials and get ready crochet some pumpkin cuteness!
Crochet a Pumpkin: Getting Started
Introducing the first steps in our crochet pumpkin journey! To begin with, we’ll cover the essential materials and provide a brief overview of the pattern. In this tutorial, you’ll find everything you need begin crocheting your very own adorable pumpkins.
Materials for Your Crochet Pumpkin
First of all, you’ll need some yarn in autumnal colors. Here’s a breakdown of what we’ll be using:
- Orange Yarn: This will be the main color for your pumpkin. Medium weight (worsted) yarn is recommended. Approximately 50 yards should be enough for a medium-sized pumpkin. Acrylic yarn is a popular choice for its affordability and ease of care, but feel free experiment with other fibers like cotton or wool for different textures and looks.
- Brown Yarn: A small amount of brown yarn is needed for the pumpkin stem. Again, medium weight yarn works well.
- Green Yarn: You’ll need just a touch of green yarn create a cute curly vine.
- Crochet Hook: The hook size you’ll need depends on the yarn you choose. Check your yarn label for recommendations. I used a 5mm hook with my worsted weight yarn.
- Yarn Needle: This is essential for seaming the pumpkin together and attaching the stem and vine.
- Stuffing: You’ll need some stuffing give your pumpkin its plump shape. Polyester fiberfill is a common choice.
- Stitch Marker (optional): Stitch markers can be helpful for keeping track of rounds, especially when working on the stem.
Understanding the Crochet Pumpkin Pattern
Secondly, let’s take a quick look at how the crochet pumpkin pattern works. In other words, we’ll be crocheting a flat piece that’s shaped like a pumpkin slice. After that, we’ll seam the sides together create a three-dimensional pumpkin shape. Lastly, we’ll stuff it, add a stem and vine, and admire our handiwork!
Moving on, the pattern uses a combination of basic crochet stitches, including single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc), and double crochet (dc). Don’t worry if you’re new these stitches – we’ll provide explanations along the way. In this section, we’ll explain how each stitch is made, so even if you’re a beginner, you can follow along easily.
To begin, the ribbed texture of the pumpkin is achieved by working in the back loop only (BLO) for all rows of the body. Essentially, this means you’ll be inserting your hook only into the back loop of each stitch instead of both loops.
Most importantly, the stem is crocheted in spiral rounds, which means you’ll be working continuously without joining or turning at the end of each round. This creates a seamless cylinder shape.
To sum up, this easy crochet pumpkin pattern is a great way practice basic crochet stitches while creating a charming fall decoration. Now that you know the basics, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions!
Easy Crochet Pumpkin Pattern for Beginners
Let’s get started with the fun part – crocheting the pumpkin! In this section, we’ll provide detailed instructions for each row, along with helpful tips ensure you achieve a beautifully shaped pumpkin.
Step-by-Step Crochet Pumpkin Instructions
To begin, grab your orange yarn and crochet hook. We’ll start by making a foundation chain:
Row 1 (Orange):
- Make a slip knot.
- Chain (ch) 21.
- Single crochet (sc) in the 2nd ch from the hook.
- Sc in each of the next 2 ch (3 sc total).
- Half double crochet (hdc) in each of the next 3 ch (3 hdc total).
- Double crochet (dc) in each of the next 8 ch (8 dc total).
- Hdc in each of the next 3 ch (3 hdc total).
- Sc in each of the remaining 3 ch (3 sc total).
Rows 2-25 (Orange):
- Ch 1, turn.
- Working in the back loop only (BLO), repeat the stitch pattern from Row 1: 3 sc, 3 hdc, 8 dc, 3 hdc, 3 sc.
That is to say, you’ll be repeating this row a total of 24 times. As you continue, you’ll notice the piece starts curve slightly – this is exactly what we want for our pumpkin shape!
Tips for Crocheting a Perfect Pumpkin
- Tension: Try maintain a consistent tension throughout your work. This will help ensure your pumpkin has a uniform shape and the stitches are even.
- Counting Stitches: It’s important count your stitches at the end of each row make sure you have the correct number. This will help prevent your pumpkin from becoming wonky or misshapen.
- Working in BLO: Remember work in the back loop only for all rows of the pumpkin body. This creates the characteristic ribbed texture.
- Don’t Be Afraid Frogging: If you make a mistake, don’t be afraid “frog” your work (rip it back) and try again. It’s better fix mistakes early on than have a wonky pumpkin at the end!
Once you’ve done that, you’ve successfully crocheted the body of your easy crochet pumpkin! Now, let’s move on the exciting part – seaming and shaping it into a three-dimensional pumpkin.
Customizing Your Crochet Pumpkins: Size & Color
Now that you know the basic crochet pumpkin pattern, let’s explore how you can customize it create pumpkins of different sizes and colors. In this section, we’ll discuss techniques for increasing and decreasing the size, as well as tips for choosing yarn colors that complement your fall décor.
Making a Larger or Smaller Crocheted Pumpkin
To start, the size of your crocheted pumpkin can be easily adjusted by changing the number of chains in the foundation row (Row 1).
To make a larger pumpkin:
- Increase the number of chains in Row 1 in multiples of 2. For example, if you want a significantly larger pumpkin, you could start with 27 chains instead of 21.
- Additionally, add one stitch each the sc and hdc sections at the beginning and end of each row maintain the shape. As you can see, this will make the pumpkin wider as well as longer.
- You may also need add more rows if you want a taller pumpkin.
A smaller pumpkin:
- Reduce the number of chains in Row 1 in multiples of 2. For instance, you could start with 17 chains for a smaller pumpkin.
- Decrease one stitch each from the sc and hdc sections at the beginning and end of each row.
- Likewise, you can also use fewer rows if you want a shorter, flatter pumpkin.
To illustrate, by experimenting with the starting chain and the number of rows, you can create a wide variety of pumpkin sizes fit your needs and preferences.
Exploring Different Crochet Pumpkin Color Combinations
Certainly, while traditional orange is a classic choice for pumpkins, don’t be afraid get creative with your yarn colors! In fact, you can use any colors that inspire you and match your fall décor.
Here are a few ideas get you started:
- White or cream: Create elegant and understated pumpkins with white or cream yarn. These look beautiful when paired with natural elements like twigs and pinecones.
- Yellow or gold: Add a touch of sunshine your fall decorations with yellow or gold pumpkins.
- Red or burgundy: For a bolder look, try using red or burgundy yarn. These rich colors create a dramatic contrast against the traditional orange.
- Variegated yarn: Variegated yarns can add a unique and interesting touch your pumpkins. Choose a yarn with colors that blend well together, such as shades of orange, brown, and green.
Furthermore, you can even mix and match colors within a single pumpkin! For example, you could crochet the bottom half of the pumpkin in orange and the top half in a contrasting color like cream or yellow. In other words, the possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting!
In conclusion, customizing your crocheted pumpkins is a great way make them truly unique and reflect your personal style. Moving on, we’ll explore how add embellishments like stems, vines, and even faces bring your pumpkins life!
Crochet Pumpkin Embellishments: Stems, Vines, and More
Let’s get started adding some personality our crocheted pumpkins! To begin, we’ll learn how crochet a realistic stem and a cute curly vine. After that, we’ll explore some fun ideas for adding faces and other embellishments.
Crocheting a Realistic Pumpkin Stem
Indeed, no pumpkin is complete without a stem! And fortunately, crocheting one is super easy.
Here’s how:
- Make a magic ring.
- Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch).
- 6 sc in the magic ring.
- Sl st the first sc mark the beginning of the round.
- Round 1: 1 sc in each st around (6 sc).
- Sl st the first sc mark the beginning of the round.
- Rounds 2-7: Repeat Round 1 (6 sc per round).
- Sl st the first sc. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
As you can see, the stem is worked in spiral rounds, which means you’ll be working continuously without joining or turning at the end of each round. This creates a seamless cylinder shape.
To wrap up, once you’ve finished crocheting the stem, use the long tail sew it securely the top of your pumpkin.
Adding a Curly Vine Your Crocheted Pumpkin
Specifically, curly vines add a whimsical touch crocheted pumpkins, and they’re surprisingly simple make.
Here’s how:
- Join the green yarn with a sl st anywhere on the base of the stem.
- Ch 15.
- Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook, 2 sc in each ch across (28 sc).
- 2 sc in the same st where you joined the green yarn.
- Round 8: 2 sc in each st around (12 sc).
- Sl st the first sc. Ch 1, fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
As you continue crocheting the vine, you’ll notice that it naturally starts curl up – that’s the magic of increasing stitches in a short chain!
Lastly, use the long tail sew the vine the base of the stem or anywhere else you like on the pumpkin.
Fun Crocheted Pumpkin Face Ideas
Undoubtedly, adding a face your crocheted pumpkin can give it even more personality! Here are a few ideas get you started:
- Embroidered Faces: Use embroidery floss create simple or intricate faces. Black floss is great for classic jack-o’-lantern faces, but feel free experiment with other colors as well.
- Felt Faces: Cut out shapes from felt and glue or sew them onto your pumpkin create eyes, a nose, and a mouth.
- Safety Eyes: If you’re making pumpkins for young children, consider using safety eyes, which are securely attached and won’t come off easily.
- Buttons: Buttons can be used as eyes or other facial features. Choose buttons in different sizes and colors add a unique touch.
In conclusion, let your creativity run wild when adding embellishments your crocheted pumpkins! Now that you know the basics, let’s explore some creative ideas for using your pumpkins in fall décor.
Creative Crocheted Pumpkin Ideas for Fall Decor
In this section, we’ll move beyond individual pumpkins and explore some fun ways incorporate them into larger decorative projects. To begin, we’ll look at how create a festive garland and some useful coasters. After that, we’ll explore some other gifting and decorating possibilities.
Crocheted Pumpkin Garland: A Festive Touch
Specifically, a crocheted pumpkin garland is a fantastic way add a touch of handmade charm your fall décor. To illustrate, it can be draped across a mantelpiece, hung on a wall, or even used as a festive table runner.
To create a garland:
- Crochet several pumpkins in various sizes and colors.
- Afterward, attach them together using yarn or twine. You can either string them together directly or use a crochet chain connect them.
- Consider adding other fall-themed elements your garland, such as crocheted leaves, acorns, or even small felt flowers.
Crocheted Pumpkin Coasters: Functional and Cute
Notwithstanding their decorative appeal, crocheted pumpkins can also be quite functional! For example, they make adorable coasters protect your furniture from hot drinks.
To make pumpkin coasters:
- Crochet a small pumpkin using the basic pattern.
- Instead of stuffing it fully, you can add a layer of felt the bottom provide extra insulation and prevent slipping.
- You can also embellish the coasters with embroidery or felt details.
Crocheted Pumpkin Gift Ideas
In addition being lovely decorations, crocheted pumpkins also make thoughtful handmade gifts. Here are a few ideas:
- Pumpkin-themed gift baskets: Fill a basket with a crocheted pumpkin, some fall-flavored treats, and other cozy items like candles or hand lotion.
- Pumpkin keychains: Crochet a tiny pumpkin and attach it a keyring create a unique and charming keychain.
- Pumpkin appliqués: Crochet small pumpkins and sew or glue them onto hats, scarves, or bags add a festive touch.
To sum up, the possibilities are endless when it comes using crocheted pumpkins in your fall décor and gift-giving! Ultimately, let your creativity guide you and have fun exploring different ideas.
Crochet Pumpkin Pattern: A Step-by-Step Guide
In this section, we’ll provide a complete written pattern for the crochet pumpkin so you can easily follow along and create your own.
Materials:
- Yarn:
- Orange: Medium weight (worsted) – approx. 50 yards for a medium pumpkin.
- Brown: Medium weight (worsted) – approx. 10 yards.
- Green: Medium weight (worsted) – approx. 5 yards.
- Crochet hook: Size that works well with your chosen yarn (check yarn label for suggestions). I used a 5mm hook with worsted weight yarn.
- Yarn needle: For seaming and attaching the stem.
- Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill or similar.
- Stitch marker (optional): For keeping track of rounds.
Abbreviations:
- ch: Chain
- sc: Single crochet
- hdc: Half double crochet
- dc: Double crochet
- sl st: Slip stitch
- st(s): Stitch(es)
- rnd(s): Round(s)
- inc: Increase (two stitches in one stitch)
Gauge: Not critical for this project, but if you want a specific size, you can make a small swatch and adjust hook size as needed.
Notes:
- This pattern uses US crochet terms.
- The pumpkin body is worked in rows, then seamed together create a 3D shape.
- The stem is worked in spiral rounds (no joining or turning).
- Work in the back loop only (BLO) for all rows of the pumpkin body create the ribbed texture.
Instructions:
Pumpkin Body:
Row 1 (Orange):
- Make a slip knot.
- Ch 21.
- Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook.
- Sc in each of the next 2 ch (3 sc total).
- Hdc in each of the next 3 ch (3 hdc total).
- Dc in each of the next 8 ch (8 dc total).
- Hdc in each of the next 3 ch (3 hdc total).
- Sc in each of the remaining 3 ch (3 sc total).
Rows 2-25 (Orange):
- Ch 1, turn.
- Working in BLO, repeat the stitch pattern from Row 1: 3 sc, 3 hdc, 8 dc, 3 hdc, 3 sc.
Seaming and Shaping:
- Ch 1, leave a long tail for seaming. Fasten off the orange yarn.
- With the yarn needle and long tail, seam the last row the first row, using the front loops of the last row and the single loops of the first row.
- Seam the top and bottom openings closed using a similar method, gathering the stitches tightly create a pumpkin shape. See the video tutorial for visual guidance on seaming.
- Stuff the pumpkin firmly with filling.
Stem (Brown):
- Make a magic ring.
- Ch 1 (does not count as a st).
- 6 sc in the magic ring.
- Sl st the first sc mark the beginning of the rnd.
- Rnd 1: 1 sc in each st around (6 sc).
- Sl st the first sc mark the beginning of the rnd.
- Rnds 2-7: Repeat Rnd 1 (6 sc per rnd).
- Sl st the first sc. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Curly Vine (Green):
- Join the green yarn with a sl st anywhere on the base of the stem.
- Ch 15.
- Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook, 2 sc in each ch across (28 sc).
- 2 sc in the same st where you joined the green yarn.
- Rnd 8: 2 sc in each st around (12 sc).
- Sl st the first sc. Ch 1, fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Finishing:
- Sew the stem the top of the pumpkin using the long tail from the stem.
- Weave in all loose ends.
Adjusting Size and Shape:
- Increase the pumpkin size: Add more chains at the beginning (Row 1) in multiples of 2. Add one stitch each the sc and hdc sections the beginning and end of each row maintain the shape. You may also need add more rows.
- Decrease the pumpkin size: Reduce the starting chain (Row 1) in multiples of 2. Decrease one stitch each from the sc and hdc sections the beginning and end of each row. You may also need fewer rows.
- Make a taller pumpkin: Add more rows.
- Make a flatter pumpkin: Use fewer rows.
Downloadable Pattern:
Certainly, you can download a free PDF version of this crochet pumpkin pattern here.
Watch the Video Tutorial!
For a visual demonstration of this crochet pumpkin pattern, be sure check out @MakeItYourselfByPapari’s YouTube video.
Share Your Crocheted Pumpkins!
We’d love see your crocheted pumpkin creations! Share your projects on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Tag us in your posts so we can admire your handiwork!
Most importantly, don’t hesitate ask questions or share tips in the comments below. We’re all here learn and support each other in our crochet journeys.
Other Crochet Projects You’ll Love
Now that you’ve mastered the crocheted pumpkin, why not try your hand at some other fun fall crochet projects? Here are a few ideas get you started:
- Crocheted Sunflower Pattern
- Easy Crochet Blanket Tutorial
- Crochet Flower Pattern
- Beginner-Friendly Crochet Hat Pattern
Conclusion In conclusion, crocheting pumpkins is a fun and rewarding way celebrate the fall season. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crocheter, this easy crochet pumpkin pattern is sure bring a smile your face and add a touch of handmade charm your home. So grab your yarn and hook, and get ready create some adorable crocheted pumpkin decorations!