Description
This pumpkin has a simple, rounded shape that grows from familiar stitches rather than complicated shaping. Great for a seasonal touch or as a handmade gift.
Ingredients
- Worsted weight yarn, weight 4, medium, in one pumpkin color: about 60 yards from a 170-yard, 100 g skein
- Worsted weight yarn, weight 4, medium, in a small amount of brown or green for the stem: about 10 yards, usually less than 20 g
- H-8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook
- Polyester fiberfill, about 2 ounces (57 g)
- Yarn needle with a blunt tip for weaving in ends
- Scissors
- Stitch marker, optional
- Tape measure
Instructions
- Make a magic ring with your pumpkin-colored yarn. Chain 1, then work 6 single crochet (sc) into the ring. Pull the yarn tail gently to close the center, then join with a slip stitch (sl st) in the first single crochet. (6 stitches)
- Chain 1. Work 2 single crochet in each stitch around, then join with a slip stitch in the first single crochet. (12 stitches)
- Chain 1. Repeat 1 single crochet in the next stitch, then 2 single crochet in the following stitch all the way around. Join with a slip stitch. (18 stitches)
- Chain 1. Repeat 1 single crochet in each of the next 2 stitches, then 2 single crochet in the next stitch around. Join with a slip stitch. (24 stitches)
- Chain 1. Repeat 1 single crochet in each of the next 3 stitches, then 2 single crochet in the next stitch around. Join with a slip stitch. (30 stitches)
- Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet in each stitch around, joining with a slip stitch at the end. Repeat this even round 5 times total. (Each completed round has 30 stitches)
- Begin shaping the top. Chain 1, then repeat 1 single crochet in each of the next 3 stitches and single crochet 2 together in the next 2 stitches. Join with a slip stitch. (24 stitches)
- Chain 1. Repeat 1 single crochet in each of the next 2 stitches, then make 1 single crochet decrease over the next 2 stitches around. Join with a slip stitch. (18 stitches)
- Pause to add the stuffing before the opening becomes too small. Tuck in small handfuls of polyester fiberfill, working it toward the sides.
- Chain 1. Repeat 1 single crochet in the next stitch, then make 1 single crochet decrease over the next 2 stitches around. Join with a slip stitch. (12 stitches)
- Chain 1. Make 6 single crochet decreases around, joining with a slip stitch at the end. Cut the yarn, leaving a 10-inch tail (25 cm). Thread the tail onto a yarn needle, weave it through the front loops of the remaining stitches, and pull gently to close the opening. (6 stitches)
- Shape the pumpkin with the yarn tail. Push the needle down through the center and out near the bottom, then wrap the yarn around the outside and return through the center several times.
- For the stem, join brown or green yarn to the bottom of the closed top. Chain 1, work 5 single crochet in a small circle or around the chain, and slip stitch to close.
- Cut the yarn, leaving a tail, then sew the stem firmly to the top. Weave in all remaining ends.
Notes
Ensure to use a smooth worsted weight yarn for better definition, and remember to shape and check for missed stitches before finishing.
- Cook Time: 120 minutes