Description
A soothing crochet project to create a soft pumpkin shape using half double crochet stitches, perfect for autumn decorations.
Ingredients
- Worsted weight yarn (weight 4, medium), about 90 yards (82 m)
- H-8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook
- Yarn needle
- Sharp scissors
- Stitch marker (optional)
- Tape measure
- Polyester fiberfill, about 1 to 1.5 ounces (28 to 43 g)
- A small twig, cork, or crocheted stem (optional)
- A small amount of brown yarn (optional)
Instructions
- Make a slip knot, then chain 16.
- Work Row 1 into the second chain from the hook: Yarn over, insert the hook, yarn over again, and pull up a loop. Yarn over once more and pull through all three loops to make one half double crochet. Repeat across, then chain 1 and turn. You have 14 hdc.
- For Row 2, work 1 hdc in each stitch across, placing the first stitch into the stitch directly below the turning chain. The turning chain does not count as a stitch. Chain 1 and turn at the end, keeping 14 hdc.
- Repeat Row 2 until you have 25 rows total.
- Fasten off, leaving a yarn tail about 18 inches (46 cm) long for sewing. Weave in the short starting tail now with the yarn needle.
- Fold the rectangle so the short edges meet, with the right side facing inward. Thread the long tail onto the yarn needle and sew the two short edges together with small whip stitches.
- Turn the tube right side out. Make running stitches around one open edge by passing the needle in and out every few stitches. Pull the yarn slowly to gather the edge, then secure it with several passes through the gathered stitches.
- Add a small amount of polyester fiberfill through the open end. Start with a few loose pieces around the sides, then add more toward the center.
- Gather the second open edge in the same way. Pull gradually from several directions so the fabric forms even pleats. Secure the yarn with firm stitches.
- For a simple stem, crochet a short chain of 6, then work 5 slip stitches back along the chain. Roll the strip gently, stitch the base together, and sew it to the top center of the pumpkin.
- Shape the pumpkin with your hands, pressing the sides inward until the ridges sit evenly. Weave in the remaining ends.
Notes
This project is beginner-friendly and encourages a calming crochet experience, allowing for mistakes to be part of the process.