How to Crochet a Pumpkin

Crocheted pumpkins are more fun to hug.

Finding crochet patterns and projects that are suitable for an experienced beginner can be tough. If you're ready to move beyond scarves and potholders; feel comfortable with single crochet, increasing and decreasing stitches; and want to try crocheting in the round, you can create an adorable stuffed pumpkin for the autumn holidays. Make several for a fun, reusable centerpiece, or, if you'd like, add button eyes and embroidered features to create an amigurumi-style toy.

Things You'll Need

• Skein worsted weight yarn, orange
• Size G-6 crochet hook
• Yarn needle
• Fiberfill stuffing
• Chopstick
• 10 inches of scrap green yarn

Instructions

1. Chain 2, then work 10 stitches in the first chain stitch and join through the second chain stitch to prepare for crocheting in the round.

2. Single crochet around first row. Do not turn work.

3. Work 2 single crochet in each stitch, increasing to 20 stitches. Do not turn work.

4. Work 2 single crochet in each stitch, increasing to 40 stitches. Do not turn work.

5. Single crochet in each stitch. Do not turn work.

6. Repeat Step 5 six more times.

7. Place some stuffing inside the pumpkin., then single crochet 2 together (Sc2Tog) across row, decreasing to 20 stitches. Do not turn work.

8. Single crochet 2 together (Sc2Tog) across row, decreasing to 10 stitches. Do not turn work.

9. Single crochet 2 together (Sc2Tog) across row, decreasing to 5 stitches. Do not turn work.

10. Knot last stitch and clip yarn end, leaving about 10 inches of tail.

11. Finish stuffing pumpkin body. Use a chopstick to help push stuffing inside the pumpkin.

12. Sew top closed using the 10 inches of yarn and the yarn needle. Knot, weave in end and clip off excess yarn.

13. Tie the length of green yarn around the top of the pumpkin to form the stem.

Tips & Warnings

• Exact gauge is not critical for this project. Make your tension tight enough so that the stuffing does not show through the stitches.

References

• Lion Brand Yarn: Pumpkin
• Talking Crochet; Basket of Pumpkins; Trudy Atteberry