Ingredients
- Worsted weight yarn, weight 4 medium, acrylic, about 180 yards total, or 1 skein of about 180 yards per 100 g skein (orange for the pumpkin, with a small amount of green or brown for the stem)
- H-8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook (a half size up or down is fine depending on your tension)
- Polyester fiberfill, about 2 ounces (57 g), for a softly firm shape
- Yarn needle with a rounded tip (for weaving in ends and shaping)
- Small scissors
- Stitch marker (optional, but helpful for marking the first stitch of each round)
- Tape measure
Instructions
- Make a magic ring, also called a magic circle. Chain 1, which does not count as a stitch, then work 6 single crochet into the ring. Pull the yarn tail gently to close the center. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of the round. 6 sc.
- Work 2 single crochet in each stitch around. This is an increase because you place two stitches into one stitch. Move the marker as each round begins. 12 sc.
- Repeat the pattern of 1 single crochet in the next stitch, then 2 single crochet in the following stitch, all the way around. You will have 6 increases. 18 sc.
- Repeat 1 single crochet in each of the next 2 stitches, then 2 single crochet in the next stitch, around. Keep the marker in the first stitch. 24 sc.
- Repeat 1 single crochet in each of the next 3 stitches, then 2 single crochet in the next stitch, around. The circle should begin to cup slightly. 30 sc.
- Repeat 1 single crochet in each of the next 4 stitches, then 2 single crochet in the next stitch, around. Your pumpkin base now has a broader, low dome. 36 sc.
- Repeat 1 single crochet in each of the next 5 stitches, then 2 single crochet in the next stitch, around. The fabric may curl at the edge for a little while, but it should settle as the sides rise. 42 sc.
- Repeat 1 single crochet in each of the next 6 stitches, then 2 single crochet in the next stitch, around. This completes the increase section. 48 sc.
- For rounds 9 through 18, work 1 single crochet in the back loop only of every stitch around. The back loop is the loop farthest from you at the top of each stitch. Keep the tension even and work 10 rounds total. 48 sc in each round.
- Begin decreasing. Work 1 single crochet in each of the next 6 stitches, then make 1 decrease over the next 2 stitches. To make the decrease, insert the hook into the next stitch, draw up a loop, insert the hook into the following stitch, draw up a loop, then yarn over and pull through all 3 loops. Repeat around. 42 sc.
- Work 1 single crochet in each of the next 5 stitches, then make 1 decrease over the next 2 stitches, repeating around. The opening will begin to narrow. 36 sc.
- Work 1 single crochet in each of the next 4 stitches, then make 1 decrease over the next 2 stitches, repeating around. Add small handfuls of polyester fiberfill as you go, placing it into the sides first so the center does not become lumpy. 30 sc.
- Work 1 single crochet in each of the next 3 stitches, then make 1 decrease over the next 2 stitches, repeating around. Stop and check the shape. Add a little more stuffing if the pumpkin feels hollow, but do not pack it so tightly that the stitches stretch open. 24 sc.
- Work 1 single crochet in each of the next 2 stitches, then make 1 decrease over the next 2 stitches, repeating around. Finish adding stuffing before the opening becomes too small. 18 sc.
- Work 1 single crochet in the next stitch, then make 1 decrease over the next 2 stitches, repeating around. 12 sc. Cut the yarn, leaving a 12-inch (30 cm) tail. Thread the tail onto a yarn needle and weave it through the front loops of the remaining stitches.
- Pull the opening closed, then insert the needle through the center and bring it out at the bottom. Wrap the yarn around the pumpkin from bottom to top several times, pulling gently to create sections. Do not pull so hard that the fabric caves in. Secure the tail and weave in the ends.
- For the stem, join green or brown yarn at the top center. Chain 5, then slip stitch, or sl st, in the second chain from the hook and in each remaining chain. Cut the yarn and pull it through, then sew the stem securely to the top.
Notes
This project is suitable for a confident beginner who can work in rounds and keep track of stitch counts. The final shaping deserves a quiet table and good light.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
