This small crochet pumpkin makes an easy autumn accent for a shelf, table, or tiered tray. Its rounded shape is created with simple increases, decreases, and a lightly stuffed finish.
You will crochet the pumpkin body, shape its segments, and add a stem. The finished piece is small enough to make in several fall colors.
You can also explore Fall Crochet.
Project at a Glance
| Skill level | Beginner-friendly |
|---|---|
| Crochet terms | US terms |
| Construction | step-by-step crochet construction |
| Yarn and hook | Use the weight and hook stated in the pattern directions |
| Main stitch | See the project instructions below |
| Gauge and finished size | Use the stated measurement checks before finishing |
| Finishing | Secure ends, reinforce seams, and add optional lining or reinforcement where useful |
Materials and Gauge
For a useful materials reference, visit Fall Crochet Patterns: Cozy Projects and Autumn Decorations.
Gather all yarn, hook, needle, scissors, and optional finishing supplies before you begin. Make a small gauge sample when the project needs a precise fit or a firm fabric. Measure after the sample has relaxed, then adjust hook size before committing to the full project.
Abbreviations and Notes
Ch = chain; sl st = slip stitch; sc = single crochet; hdc = half double crochet; dc = double crochet; inc = two stitches in one stitch; dec or sc2tog = decrease; st/sts = stitch/stitches. Unless a direction says otherwise, the turning chain does not count as a stitch. Keep a marker in the first stitch of each spiral round and write down completed rows.
Crochet the Main Project
Before continuing, you may also like Crochet by Season home.
This crochet pumpkin pattern makes a soft, ribbed fall decoration that looks lovely in a bowl, on a shelf, or as part of a table display. The shape comes from a simple rectangle worked in rows, so it is a comfortable choice if you are still learning how to keep straight edges and count stitches. You do not need advanced shaping or complicated sewing. With a little stuffing and a few wraps of yarn, the rectangle becomes a plump pumpkin with clear sections and a small stem.
What you will make
The finished pumpkin is about 4 inches wide and 3 inches tall when made with worsted-weight yarn and a 5 mm hook. Gauge is not critical for this project, but your finished size will change with yarn, hook size, and tension. Use a larger hook and thicker yarn for a larger pumpkin, or use DK yarn with a 4 mm hook for a smaller one. The important part is keeping your stitches even so the ribs look consistent.
Materials and supplies
- Worsted-weight yarn in pumpkin orange
- A small amount of brown yarn for the stem
- 5 mm crochet hook
- Polyester fiberfill
- Yarn needle, scissors, and a stitch marker if helpful
Smooth acrylic, cotton, or an acrylic-wool blend all work well. Choose a yarn that feels pleasant but not too slippery. A smaller hook makes a denser fabric that holds stuffing more neatly. If you see large gaps between stitches, change to a hook one size smaller before you continue.
How to read this pattern
This pumpkin is worked in rows, not rounds. A row goes from one side of the fabric to the other. At the end of every row, you make a turning chain and turn the work so you can crochet back across the row. A stitch is one completed crochet unit; each V-shaped loop along the top edge counts as one stitch. Do not count the loop currently on your hook. The turning chain does not count as a stitch in this pattern.
Crochet abbreviations
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- st = stitch
- BLO = back loop only
- FO = fasten off
Working in BLO means that instead of placing your hook under both top loops of the next stitch, you place it under the loop farthest away from you. This creates the stretchy ridges that become the pumpkin ribs.
Step-by-step pumpkin instructions
Foundation chain: Ch 26.
Row 1: Sc in the second ch from your hook and in each remaining ch across. Ch 1 and turn. (25 sts)
Rows 2–44: Working in BLO, sc in each st across. Ch 1 and turn after every row. This repeats Row 2 for a total of 43 additional rows. Keep 25 sts in every row.
After Row 44: Do not make another turning chain. Fold the rectangle in half so the short ends meet. Use slip stitches or a whip stitch with the yarn needle to join the short ends. You now have a ribbed tube. Leave a long yarn tail before fastening off.
Shape and stuff the pumpkin
Thread the long yarn tail onto a needle. Weave the needle in and out around one open edge of the tube, catching a small section of every rib. Pull the yarn firmly to gather that edge closed, then secure it with two tight knots. Turn the tube right side out so the seam is inside.
Add fiberfill a little at a time. The pumpkin should feel firm enough to hold its shape but not stretched. Before closing the top, smooth the stuffing into the center and keep the ribbed sides visible. Gather the second opening in the same way, pull it closed, and sew through the center a few times to secure it.
Create the pumpkin ribs and stem
Cut a long strand of orange yarn. Push it through the center from top to bottom, bring it around the outside, and return through the center. Pull gently so the yarn makes one indentation. Repeat this process six times, spacing the wraps around the pumpkin. Checkpoint: after six wraps, you should see six even sections. Tie the ends underneath and weave them in.
For the stem, ch 8 with brown yarn. Starting in the second ch from the hook, sc across. FO, roll the strip into a small stem, and sew it to the top center. You can also add a curly green chain beside the stem if you want a more whimsical finish.
Customization ideas and beginner tips
Make three pumpkins in different sizes for a more natural display. Cream, sage green, rust, and muted gold all look beautiful together. Add a short cinnamon stick instead of a crocheted stem if the pumpkin is decor only. If your first pumpkin seems narrow, add four more starting chains and work the same number of rows. If it seems too tall, use fewer rows before seaming.
Count every row while you are learning. A missing stitch will make one edge narrower and can twist the finished tube. If your rows feel uneven, place a marker in the first and last stitch of a row. Weave in ends securely and lightly steam the ribs only if needed; do not press an iron directly on acrylic yarn.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use blanket yarn?
Yes, but use a hook that gives a tight fabric and expect a much larger pumpkin. Reduce the starting chain and row count if you want to keep the finished size manageable.
Why does my pumpkin have a flat side?
Usually the stuffing is uneven or the rib wraps are pulled too tightly on one side. Redistribute the fiberfill before closing and adjust the wraps so each section has similar tension.
For more seasonal project ideas, explore the fall crochet pattern collection. This easy pumpkin is a useful building block for a cozy handmade autumn display.
Customize Your Project
For another seasonal idea, explore crochet FAQs.
Change colors, edging, or small details only after you have completed one version at the stated gauge. If you substitute yarn, make a new sample because a thicker fiber can change the finished dimensions, drape, and amount of yarn needed. For bags and items that carry weight, add a lining or reinforcement before regular use.
Troubleshooting
The shape or edge is uneven
Stop and recount the previous round or row. Most uneven edges come from a missed increase, an added turning-chain stitch, or inconsistent tension. Correct the last clearly wrong section rather than trying to hide it later.
The finished piece does not match the measurement
Compare your gauge sample with the stated check. A smaller hook makes a firmer, smaller fabric; a larger hook makes a looser, larger one. Keep the stitch counts unchanged unless the pattern specifically gives resizing instructions.
A seam or attachment feels loose
Use matching yarn and short back-and-forth stitches through the crochet fabric. Reinforce high-stress points with a second pass, then weave the tail in securely.
Quick Project Plan
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare yarn, hook, tools, and a gauge sample. |
| 2 | Follow the directions, count regularly, and check measurements. |
| 3 | Finish, reinforce, weave in ends, and review the project. |
Check Before You Finish
Test any hanging loop, strap, seam, or closure with a gentle pull. Lay flat items on a table to confirm they do not curl; lightly stuff three-dimensional pieces to an even shape. Adjust length, placement, or reinforcement before trimming the final yarn tail.
More Crochet Projects and Guides
Final Thoughts
The construction is approachable when you complete one section at a time and review your work. Whether you keep the finished crochet pumpkin pattern for your own home or make it as a gift, take a moment to check the size, seams, and woven-in ends before calling it complete. For more Fall Crochet inspiration and fresh project ideas, follow Crochet by Season on Pinterest and Facebook.
