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This is a must-have guide on how to crochet a pumpkin. I have compiled five different ways to crochet a pumpkin so everyone can make one no matter what skill level.
Pumpkin season is a go! Crochet pumpkin is such a popular make at this time of the year. Whether you are making one for Halloween or just as seasonal home decor, they are certainly fun to make.
You might be taken aback by the title and owner of how there can be five different ways to make a crochet pumpkin. I hear you! However, there are possibly way more than just five!
I am going to explain five different ways in which I made a crochet pumpkin. They all have the same result – a cute home fall decor. Each technique is suitable for a different skill level from a total beginner to a more advanced crocheter.
Table of contents
Crochet Pumpkin Tips and Tricks
Before we dive into the different ways you can make a crochet pumpkin, I have a few tips and things to keep in mind for you. You can read about it or you can watch the video. Enjoy
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Yarn Choice
You might think this is not that important and will reach for the first orange colored yarn ball. And that is okay. However, if you want your pumpkin to survive more than just one season, read on.
I suggest using acrylic yarn. Mainly for it’s durability and strength against the weather element if you are planning to keep the pumpkins outside or use as a front door decorations. Other yarns like cotton, wool or polyester might not make your pumpkin as weather resistant.
My favorite yarn choices for a pumpkin:
Crochet Pumpkin Ridges
These are not essential, however to give it the authentic look, they are necessary. You can create the pumpkin ridges by using the yarn of same color. Thread the yarn through a needle and sewing through the middle of the pumpkin, split it into six to eight equal segments.
Depending on how tightly you pull on the yarn, your crochet pumpkin will be taller or shorter in finished height.
Pumpkin Stuffing
The most common option for filling your crochet pumpkin would be polypill or toy stuffing. However, you could also use yarn scraps and yarn ends if you are saving those.
It is also a good idea to add something heavier inside the pumpkin if you are planning to decorate your porch with these. You can weigh them down with adding a balloon filled with rice, beans or a few stones.
Crochet Pumpkin Stem
You can compare the stem to a cherry on top of the cake. It is such a small detail, however one that finishes it off perfectly.
There are a few different options. A lot of makers use cinnamon sticks as the stem. These look gorgeous and add the perfect finishing touch. However, if you are sensitive to strong smells, this might not be the best option for you.
As an alternative, you can use a wooden stick or a cut down piece of tree branch. And why not leave it without a stem? You can add a Halloween themed face instead.
How to make a crochet pumpkin five different ways
We are going to look at five different ways you can crochet a pumpkin. These range from suitability from beginner to more advanced crocheter.
Crochet Pumpkin Made from a Rectangle
This is undoubtedly one of the easiest ways to make a crochet pumpkin. All you have to do is crochet a rectangle shape of any size, using a stitch of your choice. However, make sure it is not one with too many gaps.
The beauty of this technique is that you do not need special skills increasing or decreasing stitches. That is why this technique is completely beginner friendly. I used it in my HOW TO CROCHET A CUTE TUNISIAN CROCHET PUMPKIN EASILY tutorial.
You can also mix things up a little and instead of a rectangle create a parallelogram. After you sew the shorter sides together, the stitches will run diagonally. I used this technique and created a textured SPIRAL PUMPKIN – FREE CROCHET PATTERN.
To turn the rectangle into a crochet pumpkin, sew the two shorter ends together using mattress stitch. Sew along the one opening with basting stitch and pull tight to close. Place stuffing inside and using the basting stitch again, sew the bottom up too.
Crochet Pumpkin Made From Cylinder
Making a cylinder shape is convenient as it cuts out the need to sew the rectangle’s shorter sides together. However, you will need to be confident to work in rounds rather than rows.
After you have finished the cylinder shape, all you need to do is sew up the top, place stuffing inside and sew up the bottom.
To finish your crochet pumpkin off, create ridges and add a stem. Take a look at THIS PATTERN and see how you can take the crochet pumpkin further.
Starting Crochet Pumpkin From Top Down
This is a very similar technique to crocheting a beanie. You start with a simple circle shape which will become the bottom of the pumpkin. Increase the size of the circle into how big you want your pumpkin to be.
Once you reach the desired size, start working up the sides of the pumpkin. After that, you just need to stuff your beanie shaped crochet pumpkin and sew up the top.
STRIPED PUMPKIN – FREE CROCHET PATTERN uses this technique and shows you how you can add a touch of color by simply using variegated yarn.
HOW TO CROCHET LITTLE PUMPKIN EARRINGS – QUICK FREE PATTERN is quick and easy pattern that would make a lovely gift.
If you are feeling the pressures of the upcoming season, you can make CROCHET PUMPKIN STRESS BALL – FREE PATTERN.
You can also surprise your guests with this SECRET PUMPKIN TISSUE BOX COVER – FREE CROCHET PATTERN. They will be amazed on how versatile this make is!
Pumpkin Crochted From The Bottom Up
You can also make a pumpkin by starting at the bottom and working your way up. Start with a rectangle shape and work up the height. You can then either leave the top as it is and seam it together. Or you can also decrease at the top of the cylinder shape and create a pumpkin that way.
SPIDER PUMPKIN HAT – FREE CROCHET PATTERN FOR HALLOWEEN uses this simple technique.
Make A Flat Crochet Pumpkin
That is right. Crochet pumpkin does not always have to be 3D. You can totally make a flat pumpkin. This is a circle shape of any size you want your finished pumpkin to be.
On the very last round, replace a couple of stitches with a slip stitch at the top and bottom of the circle. These will create the ridges that are so typical for a pumpkin.
You can then use this as an appliqué, make earrings, seasonal dishcloths or wall hangings.
I have made MINI PUMPKIN EARRINGS – FREE CROCHET PATTERN which is a simple crochet pattern suitable for a beginner crocheter.
I hope you enjoy these fun techniques on how to crochet a pumpkin. You will for sure find a technique you fancy trying and make lots of cute pumpkins.
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