Ingredients
- Worsted weight cotton yarn (about 145 yards total, or one 100 g skein)
- H-8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook
- Polyester fiberfill (about 2 to 3 ounces or enough to make a firm but squeezable shape)
- Yarn needle with a large eye
- Sharp scissors
- One stitch marker (optional)
- Tape measure (for checking gauge and finished size)
- One small cinnamon stick, twig, or crocheted stem for the top (optional)
Instructions
- Make a magic ring, also called a magic circle, by wrapping the yarn around two fingers, inserting the hook under the first loop, and pulling up a loop. Chain 1, then make 6 single crochet into the ring. Pull the yarn tail to close the center, but do not cut the tail yet.
- For Round 2, make an increase in every stitch. An increase means working 2 single crochet into the same stitch. Place your stitch marker in the first stitch of the round, then repeat the increase around for 12 stitches.
- For Round 3, work 1 single crochet in the first stitch, then make an increase in the next stitch. Repeat this sequence around the circle for 18 stitches.
- For Round 4, work 1 single crochet in each of the first 2 stitches, then make an increase in the next stitch. Repeat around for 24 stitches.
- For Round 5, work 1 single crochet in each of the first 3 stitches, then make an increase in the next stitch. Repeat around for 30 stitches.
- For Round 6, work 1 single crochet in each of the first 4 stitches, then make an increase in the next stitch, repeating around for 36 stitches.
- For Rounds 7 through 12, work 1 single crochet in every stitch around, keeping 36 stitches in each round. Move the stitch marker after each completed round.
- For Rounds 13 through 15, continue with 1 single crochet in every stitch around, keeping 36 stitches in each round.
- Begin the decreases. For Round 16, work 1 single crochet in each of the first 4 stitches, then make 1 decrease over the next 2 stitches. Repeat around for 30 stitches.
- For Round 17, work 1 single crochet in each of the first 3 stitches, then make 1 decrease over the next 2 stitches. Repeat around for 24 stitches.
- For Round 18, work 1 single crochet in each of the first 2 stitches, then make 1 decrease over the next 2 stitches. Repeat around for 18 stitches.
- For Round 19, work 1 single crochet in the first stitch, then make 1 decrease over the next 2 stitches. Repeat around for 12 stitches.
- For Round 20, make 1 decrease over the next 2 stitches around for 6 stitches. Cut the yarn, leaving an 18-inch tail. Thread the tail onto a yarn needle, weave it through the front loops of the remaining 6 stitches, and pull gently to close the opening.
- Push the needle through the center and out near the bottom, then bring it back up through the center several times to create gentle pumpkin sections.
- Add a cinnamon stick, twig, or crocheted stem at the top.
Notes
The finished pumpkin works well as a decorative piece for seasonal displays. Ensure that any parts that could pose choking hazards are kept away from children under three years of age.
