Transform your fall decor with a DIY crochet pumpkin that adds a touch of handmade warmth and charm to your home.
As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves turn brilliant shades of orange and gold, it’s the perfect time to embrace the coziness of fall. Crocheting is a wonderful way to celebrate the season, and there’s nothing quite like adding a handmade touch to your home with adorable crochet pumpkins.
Whether you’re a seasoned crocheter or just picking up a hook for the first time, creating these charming pumpkins can be a delightful and heartwarming experience.
Crocheting your own pumpkins is more than just a craft—it’s an opportunity to weave a bit of warmth and creativity into your home. Each pumpkin you create can bring a smile and a sense of accomplishment, making it a wonderful project to share with family or simply enjoy on your own. So, let’s gather our materials, roll up our sleeves, and embark on this cozy journey together.
Materials You’ll Need
Before we dive into the pattern, let’s make sure you have everything you need:
Yarn: For this project I chose worsted-weight yarn (#4) in three beautiful shades. I used Red Heart Super Saver Pumpkin Yarn for the pumpkin, Red Heart Super Saver Yarn in Coffee for the stem, and Red Heart Super Saver Yarn in Spring Green for the leaves. Feel free to choose colors that bring you joy and reflect the season!
Crochet Hook: A size H 5.0 mm crochet hook is perfect for this project. If you don’t have one, this set of crochet hooks will work well.
Stuffing: Fiber fill polyester stuffing, such as poly-fil, will help give your pumpkin its plump and firm shape.
Tapestry Needle: This will be used to create the sections of your pumpkin and finish off the project with neat edges.
Scissors: A sharp pair of scissors will come in handy for cutting yarn and trimming ends neatly.
Pumpkin Size and Variations
This crochet pumpkin will be approximately 5 inches in diameter and 13 inches in circumference, standing about 5 inches tall including the stem.
If you choose different yarn weights or hook sizes, your pumpkin’s size will vary accordingly. A heavier yarn or a larger hook will result in a bigger pumpkin, while a thinner yarn or smaller hook will create a smaller one. Experiment and have fun with the sizing!
Crochet Stitches and Abbreviations in This Pattern
Here are a few key crochet terms and stitches that will be used in this pattern:
- Magic Ring: This is a technique to start a project in the round. To make a magic ring, create an X with the yarn over your fingers, insert the hook underneath the top yarn, and pull the bottom yarn through. You can find a simple tutorial online if you need more guidance.
- Single Crochet (sc): Insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over, pull through so you have two loops on the hook, yarn over again, and pull through both loops.
- Half Double Crochet (hdc): Yarn over, insert the hook into the stitch, pull through so you have three loops on the hook, yarn over again, and pull through all three loops.
- Half Double Crochet Two Together (hdc2tog): Yarn over, insert the hook into the stitch, pull through to have three loops on the hook. Yarn over again and insert into the next stitch, pull through to have five loops on the hook. Yarn over and pull through all five loops.
- Slip Stitch (sl st): Insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on the hook.
- Stitch(es) (st): This refers to the basic units of crochet work, created by making specific movements with the yarn and hook.
Easy Crochet Pumpkin Pattern
This pattern is designed to be beginner-friendly, using basic crochet stitches and working in rounds. Even if you’re new to crocheting, this project will guide you through each step with ease.
Let’s get started with creating your very own cozy crochet pumpkin!
Crochet the Pumpkin
Create a Magic Ring: Start by making a magic ring. This will form the base of your pumpkin.
Round 1: Work 14 single crochets (sc) into the magic ring. (14 stitches)
Round 2: Work 2 half double crochets (hdc) into each stitch around. (28 stitches)
Round 3: Work 2 hdc into the first stitch, then 1 hdc into the next stitch. Repeat this pattern around. (42 stitches)
Round 4: Work 2 hdc into the first stitch, then 1 hdc into each of the next two stitches. Repeat this pattern around. (56 stitches)
Rounds 5-8: Work 1 hdc into each stitch around for rounds 5 through 8. (56 stitches)
Round 9: Work half double crochet two together (hdc2tog) into the first stitch, then 1 hdc into the next two stitches. Repeat this pattern around. (42 stitches)
Round 10: Work hdc2tog into the first stitch, then 1 hdc into the next stitch. Repeat this pattern around. (28 stitches)
Begin Stuffing: Firmly stuff the pumpkin with fiberfill, ensuring it holds its shape but remains soft.
Round 11: Work hdc2tog 14 times, continuing to stuff as needed. (14 stitches)
Round 12: Work hdc2tog 4 times. (4 stitches) Fasten off, leaving a 48-inch tail for creating the pumpkin’s segments.
Create the Pumpkin Shape
Divide the Pumpkin: Using a tapestry needle, thread the yarn tail through the stitches all the way around the top of the pumpkin to create segments. Pull the yarn tight to form indents.
Segment the Pumpkin: Bring the yarn back up and divide the pumpkin into quarters, then divide each quarter in half, creating a total of 8 sections. Pull tight each time to define the segments. Tie off the yarn and cut the tail.
Crochet the Pumpkin Stem
Create a Magic Ring: Start with a magic ring for the stem.
Round 1: Work 6 single crochets (sc) into the magic ring. (6 stitches)
Rounds 2-4: Work 1 sc into each stitch around for rounds 2 through 4. (6 stitches)
Round 5: Work 1 sc into the first 5 stitches, then slip stitch (sl st) into the last stitch. (6 stitches) Fasten off, leaving a long tail.
To fasten to the pumpkin, thread the tail through the tapestry needle and whip stitch around the center of the top of the pumpkin. Tie off.
Attach the Stem
Secure the Stem: Thread the tail through a tapestry needle and whip stitch around the center of the top of the pumpkin to secure the stem in place. Tie off the yarn.
Crocheting the Pumpkin Leaf
Adding a leaf to your crochet pumpkin will enhance its autumn charm. Follow these steps to create a simple yet delightful leaf:
Create a Magic Ring: Begin with a magic ring for the leaf.
Round 1: Work 5 single crochets (sc) into the magic ring. (5 stitches)
Round 2: Work 2 sc into each stitch around. (10 stitches)
Round 3: Work 1 sc into the first stitch, then 2 sc into the next stitch. Repeat this pattern around. (15 stitches)
Round 4: Work 1 sc into each of the first 3 stitches, then 2 sc into the next stitch. Repeat this pattern around. (20 stitches)
Round 5: Work 1 sc into each of the first 4 stitches, then 2 sc into the next stitch. Repeat this pattern around. (25 stitches)
Round 6: Work 1 sc into each of the first 5 stitches, then 2 sc into the next stitch. Repeat this pattern around. (30 stitches)
Shape the Leaf: Work 1 sc into each stitch around for 3 more rounds.
Create the Leaf Points: For the last round, work 1 sc into the first 6 stitches, then 1 slip stitch (sl st) into the next stitch to create a leaf point. Repeat this pattern around the leaf to form the points.
Finish: Fasten off and weave in any loose ends.
Finishing Touches
Congratulations! You’ve created a delightful crochet pumpkin with a charming leaf that’s sure to add a cozy, autumnal touch to your home. As you enjoy your handcrafted creation, take a moment to appreciate the joy and love that went into making it. Each pumpkin and leaf is a testament to your creativity and dedication, and it’s a wonderful way to celebrate the season with a touch of handmade charm.
Feel free to make a whole pumpkin patch by experimenting with different colors and sizes. You might even consider making a few as gifts for friends and family—sharing a bit of crochet joy is always a heartwarming experience.
As you continue on your crafting journey, remember that each stitch and every project is a chance to embrace the beauty and comfort of the season. May your crochet pumpkins and leaves bring warmth, joy, and a touch of grace to your fall celebrations. Happy crocheting!
More DIY Crafts to Try:
- Farmhouse Inspired DIY Halloween Wreath
- Transferring an Image to Wood in 6 Simple Steps
- How to Make Beeswax Candles
If you make this easy free crochet pattern, I’d love to hear about it in the comment section below! Feel free to tag me on instagram @therusticelk with your creations!