I love fall. I absolutely adore it. While most of my friends are mourning the passing of summer, I feel like I come alive when the air starts to get crisp and the big tree in front of my house starts to turn fiery red. Apple cider? Love it. Cozy sweaters? Bring it on. Fireplace? LIGHT IT UP.
What better way to usher in my favorite season than with a cute little crocheted pumpkin?
I mean, really. That fall-colored yarn? Those curly thingys? So cute.
I posted a preview of these on Facebook and someone tried to tell me they were knitted. Which would be quite the miracle, considering the fact that I have no idea how to knit. I promise, they’re crocheted!
Even Simba agrees.
So if you’re ready to make one or two or twenty for yourself, read on!
VIDEO TUTORIAL
I’ve put together a step-by-step video tutorial for you visual learners! The instructions for the pattern are written right on the screen, so you can follow along visually while also developing your pattern-reading skills. It’s a feature I’ve gotten lots of compliments for on my videos, so it’s definitely worth the extra effort it takes to include it!
Prefer a PDF?
This pattern and the matching cowl are also available as ad-free, printable PDFs! And if you love PDFs, you might want to check out my All Access Pass. It’s an awesome deal! (Or, scroll down for the free version!)
LITTLE RUSTIC PUMPKIN
Difficulty: Easy
Finished Size: 3″ tall x 4.5″ wide
Hook: E (3.5mm)
Yarn: Approx. 80 yards of #3 dk weight yarn. For the samples, I used Yarn Bee Must Be Merino in “Rust” and “Gold”. (The off-white, slightly larger pumpkin in the photos was made with the same pattern, but using Must Be Merino Aran (#4 yarn) in “Khaki” and a 4.5mm hook.)
Gauge: 8 rows of 21 HDC worked in 3rd loops = 4″ square. Unless you are concerned about having enough yarn to complete your pumpkin, gauge is really not that important.
You’ll also need: Yarn needle, polyester fiber fill, hot glue gun, cinnamon stick, and covered wire.
Terms and Abbreviations:
MC (magic circle – view tutorial here)
ST/STS (stitch/stitches)
SL ST (slip stitch)
CH (chain)
SC (single crochet)
HDC (half double crochet)
3rd LOOP (work stitch into 3rd loop only – see “Special Stitch”)
Special Stitch:
3rd Loop Only
Half double crochet stitches have a 3rd loop that we utilize in this pattern. When working in turned rows, as in this pattern, the 3rd loop can be found just below the front loop on the side of the work that is facing you. When instructed to work in “3rd loop only”, insert your hook into this special loop. This creates a delicate braided look on the opposite side of the pattern.
Notes:
(1) This pattern is written in American Standard Terms.
(2) CH1s at the beginning of rows do not count as a stitch in the final stitch count.
(3) Yarn, hook size and gauge are only meant as a guide, and this pattern will work with any yarn you choose; just use a hook that is smaller than the yarn’s recommended size for a nice tight fabric, and keep in mind your yarn amounts and finished dimensions will be affected by any changes.
(4) Any time the pattern references the “top” of the pumpkin, it is referring to the end with the magic circle.
INSTRUCTIONS
To begin: Make a magic circle, CH1.
Round 1: 14 SC in MC, join with a SL ST to the top of the first SC. Do not pull MC hole closed; we want it to remain a bit open for the stem later. (14)
Round 2: CH1. 3 SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to the top of the first SC. (42)
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Next we’re going to make the body of the pumpkin, and we will be working in vertical rows, attaching to Round 2 with SL STS as we go.
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Row 1: CH27. SC in 2nd chain from hook, HDC in each of the next 24 STS, SC in final ST. SL ST into the first SC from Round 2, the stitch on which your CH27 was built. SL ST into the next SC from Round 2. (26, plus the two slip stitches along Round 2)
Row 2: CH1, turn. Skipping over the 2 SL STS you put in Round 2, SC in first ST, HDC in 3rd loop of each of the next 24 STS, SC in final ST. (26)
Row 3: CH1, turn. SC in 1st ST, HDC in 3rd loop of each of the next 24 STS, SC in final ST. SL ST into each of the next 2 STS of Round 2. (26, plus the 2 SL STS along Round 2)
Row 4: CH1, turn. Skipping over the 2 SL STS you put in Round 2, SC in first ST, HDC in 3rd loop of each of the next 24 STS, SC in final ST. (26)
Rows 5-42: Repeat Rows 3-4 all the way along Round 2.
Bottom Edge Round: CH1, do not turn. SC evenly along the bottom edge of the pumpkin, putting one SC at the end of each row; you should have 42 SC. (See photo for guidance). Join with a SL ST to the top of the first SC. (42)
Fasten off, leaving a yard-long tail (more if you’re using thicker than DK yarn).
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Shaping + Finishing
Follow these steps to shape and finish your pumpkin. Remember, the “top” of the pumpkin is where your magic circle is. Watch the video tutorial for additional help.
- Stem:
Cut a length of cinnamon stick to serve as the pumpkin stem. Insert into the hole created by the magic circle, then pull the starting tail so that it tightens up around the stem. Weave in starting tail; remove stem. (You’ll glue it in place at the end.)
- Seaming:
With finishing tail threaded into yarn needle, hold pumpkin so that the magic circle end is to the left, and the final row of HDC is above the initial chain row. (Depending on how you were holding your pumpkin as you crocheted it, you may need to turn it inside out to accomplish this.) Begin by running yarn needle up through first chain and first (SC) stitch (first image). Then, coming back the other way, insert needle down through the 3rd loop of the HDC, and down across through the corresponding chain (2nd image). Do the exact same thing on the next stitch; come down through the 3rd loop of the next HDC, and down across through the corresponding chain. Seam each HDC to its corresponding chain in this way (3rd image), and when you get to the final stitch (which is an SC), run needle through it and down to the final chain. Tie a knot to prevent pulling; do not fasten off.
- Cinching, Stuffing and Closing:
Turn pumpkin right-side out so that your finishing tail is inside. Still using the finishing tail and yarn needle, bring yarn down through the middle of the pumpkin and insert needle into one of the stitches along the bottom edge of the pumpkin. Pull excess yarn through the stitch, and without pulling it tight (leave it somewhat inside the pumpkin), tie another knot (first image). Use yarn needle to weave tail along the edge of the pumpkin, weaving every 3 stitches until you’re back where you started (2nd image). Set yarn needle down and stuff pumpkin, then pull yarn tail to cinch closed (3rd image). Weave yarn needle across the cinch in a couple different directions to reinforce closure; tie a knot, but do not fasten off.
- Shaping:
Take a look at the top of your pumpkin, and identify the circle of 14 holes created when you crocheted Round 2 (the small holes that were the result of putting three SCs into each stitch). Still threaded with finishing tail, push yarn needle up through the middle of the pumpkin and out one of those holes, then reinsert needle into the next hole to the right and back down through the middle of the pumpkin (first image), and out the bottom, being sure to catch a couple strands of yarn from the bottom cinched edge. Then repeat the process, going back up through the pumpkin and out through the next hole to the right, then back down through the hole after that and back down to the bottom. Each time you make a pass, pull the yarn a bit to shape the pumpkin (the centers should begin to pull inward; 2nd image). Do this all the way around the 14 holes until center is completely pulled inward (3rd image). Tie a couple knots at the bottom and fasten off yarn.
- Stem + Covered Wire:
Add a bit of fast-drying glue to the cinnamon stick where you want to attach your covered wire curls, then quickly wrap the middle of the covered wire around the glue a couple of times; hold to set (first image). Wrap each end of the wire around a pencil to shape into a curl (2nd image). Add more glue to the magic circle area of the pumpkin (image 3), then quickly insert cinnamon stick and push down; hold to set.
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Done! If you’re sharing on social media, be sure to hashtag #littlerusticpumpkin and tag me @yarnandchai.design. Hope you enjoyed it!
if i wanted to make a larger pumpkin is the only adjustment how long i make the sides? can i stay with the same size magic circle?
Really enjoyed making these lil pumpkins! Thank you for the great tutorial!
You are an awesome teacher and this pumpkin is adorable I made one using a thicker yarn which I regret doing now, but it did turn out cute. It was just hard to pull the threads through the cotton at the end with the thicker yarn. Anyways, you can see it on my Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/LeBleuBonnetBoutique. Thank you for the wonderful tutorial. Now to make one with smaller yarn 🙂 Blessings.
Cannot fine your yarn and nothing saying 3dk is there another way of saying for the weight
DK weight is more of the British/European term. In the US its most often called a 3 weight. She also talked about a worsted weight and that is a 4 weight. Hope this helps.
This pattern is great ! I was wondering if I wanted to make a smaller pumpkin with size 4 yarn, how would I adjust the magic circle stitches and length (chains) to adjust for a smaller sized pumpkin ? 🙂
This is my favor one. I seem I have done a few different pumpkins. This depend is my favor one . I will be doing this this for sure . Thanks for share this. Beautiful work .
Joyce Newton
I love your pumpkins thay are adorable you are a great teacher buy the way thank you sandie
Thank you so much for this pattern and tutorial. I don’t think I have ever followed a more clear and concise pattern. I had tried to do the 3rd loop HDC before and could not figure it out but you made it very simple! I have made one pumpkin so far but plan to make many more. Thanks again!
HI there,
if i want to make this bigger, do i increase the stitches?
Tara
You can use heavier yarn or double strand your yarn and just use the same pattern.
You can use same pattern with a heavier weight yarn but you will need to use a bigger hook. I think she said to use a hook that is 1.5 times larger than what the skein of yarn calls for.
I have never followed a more clear pattern in my crochet life. The video is very clear and you give the best directions and descriptions. I knew exactly what stitches to pick up and where to place my hook. I had such a fun time creating this and I’m going to start another one tonight. Thank you for all you do for the crochet community. <3
Hello!!! Love these pumpkins! If I wanted to make a larger pumpkin would you put more stitches in the magic circle or do a longer chain than the CH27 or both????
Hi Laura! More stitches in the magic circle will make it wider, and more chains will make it taller. Of course stuffing will play a part as well!
Thank you!
Love these. Were did you find the covered wire you curled?
Thanks!
Hobby Lobby, fall crafts section! 🙂
I love this pattern. I am having a hard time on the shaping part. I can’t seem to get my needle through the inside of the pumpkin to come out the top. Any tips or suggestions?
I just finished my first pumpkin and I’m officially obsessed! My question is: the pumpkins that are displayed in your photos, are they all crocheted with the same pattern or are there modifications made for different heights/widths? Or does it just come down to shaping the stuffing? I definitely plan on making more!
I absolutely love these!! If I want to use the same weight and hook size to make different sizes could you recommend an approximate stitch count for a smaller pumpkin?
Hi Melissa! It would just be a matter of playing around with it. 🙂 I might start with half the stitches and see what that produces.
Great pattern! Thanks for sharing… I’ve made 2 pumpkins so far. You came up with the best pattern. I love fall & anything to do with it. These are perfect ☺
Thank you so much for posting this! Did you buy the cinnamon sticks from the grocery store or are they available at craft stores as well?
I bought mine from Hobby Lobby, although they were in the “fall crafts” section which has been replaced by Christmas now so I’m not sure if they’ll still have them. It’s definitely less expensive to purchase them at a craft store (though they don’t smell nearly as strong).
Thank you so much for responding so quickly! I have my yarn and am so excited to start my pumpkins. My mom requested them for our Thanksgiving decor and your pattern is so lovely and easy to follow. Thank you so much! I would like to clarify, did you use the 4.5mm for all of your pumpkins or did you use the recommended 4mm for the gold and rust?
I used 3.5mm for the gold and rust, and 4.5mm for the tan.
I ordered and paid for the PDF. How do I receive it?
Hi Dottie! Check your junk folder; otherwise you can sign in to your Yarn + Chai account and retrieve it from your “downloads” tab. If you have any trouble you can email me at rebecca@yarnandchai.com 🙂
How long (inchrs) should the cinnamon stick be?
Hi Kate! It really is personal preference. Mine were a couple of inches tall. 🙂