Ingredients
- Worsted weight yarn (weight 4, medium), about 85 yards total, preferably acrylic, in orange or another pumpkin color (1 x 100 g skein)
- Small amount of worsted weight brown yarn for the stem, about 10 yards
- H-8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook
- Polyester fiberfill, about 2 ounces (57 g)
- Yarn needle for sewing, shaping, and weaving in the ends
- Scissors
- Stitch marker, optional
- Tape measure
Instructions
- Make a magic ring with the orange yarn. Chain 1, then work 6 single crochet into the ring. Pull the yarn tail to close the center.
- For Round 2, work 2 single crochet in each stitch around to have 12 stitches.
- For Round 3, repeat single crochet in the next stitch, then 2 single crochet in the next stitch around to have 18 stitches.
- For Round 4, repeat single crochet in the next 2 stitches, then 2 single crochet in the next stitch around to have 24 stitches.
- For Round 5, repeat single crochet in the next 3 stitches, then 2 single crochet in the next stitch around to have 30 stitches.
- For Rounds 6 through 12, work 1 single crochet in each stitch around, maintaining 30 stitches in every round.
- For Round 13, work single crochet in the next 3 stitches, then decrease over the next 2 stitches to have 24 stitches.
- For Round 14, repeat single crochet in the next 2 stitches, then decrease over the next 2 stitches to have 18 stitches.
- For Round 15, repeat single crochet in the next stitch, then decrease over the next 2 stitches to have 12 stitches.
- Pause and add the polyester fiberfill before the opening is too small, stuffing it to feel round but not hard.
- For Round 16, decrease over the next 2 stitches to have 6 stitches. Cut the orange yarn, leaving a tail about 12 inches long.
- Thread the tail onto the yarn needle, weave it through the front loops of the remaining 6 stitches, and pull gently to close the opening.
- To make the stem, use brown yarn and make a magic ring. Chain 1, then work 6 single crochet into the ring. Work 3 rounds of 6 single crochet. Slip stitch into the next stitch to finish, leaving a 10-inch tail.
- Center the stem over the top opening of the pumpkin and sew it down with the brown tail.
- For pumpkin sections, thread the orange tail onto the yarn needle and insert it from the top center through the bottom center, wrapping the yarn around the outside to create grooves.
- Weave in the remaining ends by passing the yarn needle through nearby stitches, changing direction once, and trimming the tail.
Notes
Keep the pumpkin away from open flames, heating elements, and very hot surfaces. For variations, try using different colors or yarn types.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
