Ingredients
- 120 yards worsted weight yarn (weight 4, medium), preferably cotton or cotton-acrylic blend
- 1 H-8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook
- 2 ounces (57 g) polyester fiberfill
- 1 yarn needle with a blunt tip
- 1 sharp scissors
- 1 stitch marker (optional)
- 1 tape measure
- 1 small dry twig or wooden stem (about 1 to 2 inches long) (optional)
- small amount of brown yarn or embroidery thread for the stem (optional)
Instructions
- Make a slip knot, then chain 18, keeping the chain relaxed.
- Row 1: Make 1 single crochet in the second chain from the hook and in each chain across. You will have 17 single crochet stitches. Turn your work, then make 1 turning chain.
- Row 2: Work 1 single crochet in the back loop only of each stitch across. You will still have 17 stitches, and the fabric will begin to show a soft horizontal ridge.
- Rows 3 through 18: Repeat Row 2 for 16 more rows, keeping 17 single crochet stitches in every row.
- When you finish Row 18, fasten off with a tail about 18 inches long. Do not cut this tail too short because you will use it to sew the side seam and gather one end.
- Fold the rectangle so the first row meets the last row, with the ridges running from top to bottom. Use a slip stitch through both layers to join the short sides, or sew them together with the yarn needle.
- Turn the joined piece so the seam rests inside. Thread the remaining yarn tail around one open edge, passing the needle under the top loops of each row. Pull gently to gather the edge.
- Stuff the pumpkin with small handfuls of polyester fiberfill, turning the piece as you work.
- Gather the second open edge in the same way and check the shape before closing it completely.
- For the pumpkin grooves, bring a long strand of matching yarn from the bottom center to the top center and back down again.
- Make a small stem with brown yarn or insert a dry twig into the top opening. Secure it with a few stitches.
- Weave in the ends by passing the yarn needle through several nearby stitches in different directions, then trim the excess.
Notes
Be cautious of small parts and long loose strands around children and pets.
