Ingredients
- Worsted weight yarn (weight 4, medium), about 180 yards in pumpkin color, 2 skeins (200 g total)
- Worsted weight yarn (weight 4, medium), about 30 yards in brown or green for the stem and optional leaf
- H-8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook
- Yarn needle with a large eye
- Scissors
- Stitch marker, optional
- Tape measure
- Polyester fiberfill, about 3 ounces (85 g)
- One small dry twig or wooden stem, about 1 to 2 inches long, optional
Instructions
- Chain 21 for the foundation chain, then add 1 turning chain for a total of 22 chains.
- Work 1 hdc into the second chain from the hook and into each chain across. You will have 21 stitches.
- Chain 1 for the turning chain, turn your work, and make 1 hdc in the back loop only (BLO) of each stitch across.
- Repeat Row 2 for 29 more rows, resulting in a total of 31 rows with 21 stitches in each.
- Check the strip before sewing; it should measure about 6 inches wide by 12 inches long.
- Join the short ends by folding the strip so the first row meets the last row and sew the edges together with a whip stitch or mattress stitch.
- Gather the bottom by weaving a long yarn tail around one open edge of the cylinder and pulling gently until the opening closes.
- Turn the piece right side out.
- Fill the pumpkin with polyester fiberfill in small handfuls, ensuring even distribution.
- Gather the top using another long yarn tail, pulling the yarn gradually while pressing the stuffing inward.
- Add the stem by pushing a small dry twig or crocheting a short stem and securing it to the gathered top.
- Make an optional leaf with green yarn by chaining 6 and working specific stitches before sewing it beside the stem.
- Weave in the ends with the yarn needle and trim the excess.
Notes
For a different look, you can try color blocking the strip or changing the scale by using different yarn weights.
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
