How to make your own crochet pumpkins

Whether you're looking to create some autumnal decorations that can be brought out every year or you want to try a new craft, making crochet pumpkins is a lot of fun and very rewarding. Once you have the granny square mastered, you'll be able to crochet any shape if you put your mind to it.

There are plenty of designs to have a go at, including plain, bobble and crochet pumpkins. It's all down to your skill level, design preferences and how much time you're able to spend to make them. Before you whip out your craft box, here's everything you need to know.

How to make a crochet pumpkin

Abbreviations

Before you begin, it's important to note that many words have been abbreviated to make the instructions more concise. Here are the key abbreviations for you to refer back to:

Ch- chain

Dc- double crochet

Htr- half treble crochet

St(s)- stitch(es)

Tr- treble crochet

MB- make bobble by working tr4tog in same stitch

Sl st- slip stitch

Rs- right side

Ws- wrong side

Note: Tension not critical for this project but may effect yarn quantities needed.

Equipment:

Crochet hook
Tapestry needles
Yarn (in different colours)
Polyester toy filling (can be recycled)

Plain crochet pumpkins

Before you have a go at adding different patterns, let's try with solid colours. For this pumpkin you will be using the half treble stitch and each stitch is worked in the back loops to create ribbing. Bear in mind that chain 1 doesn't count as a stitch throughout. When making the beginning slip knot and fastening off for sewing, you need to leave a long tail end of 30cm.

Make 1 of each using: first colour yarn with a 12mm hook, second colour yarn with a 10mm hook, third colour yarnon a with 8mm hook and fourth colour yarn with 5mm hook.

Row 1: Ch 21, htr in 2nd ch from hook, htr to end, turn. 20 sts.

Row 2: Ch1, htr in each st working in back loops only, turn.

Row 3-17: As Row 2, do not fasten off after row 17. Fold in half with WS facing. Line up stitches of Row 17 with the unworked loops of the foundation chain. Slip stitch in each stitch to join working in front loops only. Fasten off leaving long tail for sewing.

Sew a running stitch around row edges and pull tight to close, sew to secure and stuff. Repeat for other end, and close then sew through the centre of the pumpkin from top to bottom, make a few stitches and pull tight to make a dipped shape.

Make a stalk using contrasting colour in the same yarn: Ch6, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sl st to end, fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing. Sew through centre of each pumpkin to attach the stalk and weave in ends.

Bobble crochet pumpkins

Now you've tried and tested the plain pumpkin, it's time to let your creative juices flow with a bobble design! You will work in 2 colours using the tapestry crochet technique and will work over the contrasting yarn for each bobble row.

To change colour, complete the last yarn over and pull through with the next colour. Non-working yarn is carried over within the stitches. Chain 1 does not count as a stitch throughout.

The bobbles are made by working 4 treble crochet together in same stitch, changing to next colour when completing each bobble. Bobbles worked on WS rows. Don't forget to leave a long tail end (approx. 30cms long) when making the beginning slip knot and fastening off for sewing.

Make 1 of each using: yarn A and yarn B with 10mm hook, yarn A and yarn B with 8mm hook and finally yarn A and yarn B with 5mm hook.

Row 1: Ch22, htr in 2nd ch from hook, htr to end, turn. 21 sts.

Row 2: Ch1, htr to end, turn.

Row 3: As Row 2.

Row 4: (working over yarn B) Ch1, 4htr, *MB in yarn B, 2htr in yarn A; rep from * to last 2 sts, 2htr in yarn A, turn, fasten off yarn B.

Row 5-7: As Row 2.

Row 8: As Row 4. Rep as Rows 5-8 four times.

Row 25: Ch1, dc in each st to end Fold in half with WS facing. Line up stitches of Row 25 with the unworked loops of the foundation chain. Slip stitch in each stitch to join. Fasten off leaving long tail for sewing. Turn RS out then finish as plain pumpkin.

Houndstooth pumpkin

Made using alternating stitches and changing colours for each row to create a houndstooth effect pattern. Change colour by completing the last stitch of each row with the new colour.

Each colour will be used for alternate rows throughout. Starting ch1 does not count as a stitch. Ch3 counts as the first treble of row 2. Leave a long tail end (approx. 30cms long) when making the beginning slip knot and fastening off for sewing.

Make 1 of each using: Yarn A and Yarn B, Yarn A and Yarn B, yarn A and Yarn B with 8mm hook, yarn A and Yarn B with 5mm hook.

Using Yarn A, Row 1: Ch20, dc in 2nd ch from hook, [1tr, 1dc] to end, change to yarn B. 19 sts

Row 2: Ch3 (counts as 1st tr) [1dc, 1tr] to end, change to yarn A.

Row 3: Ch1, dc in same st, [1tr, 1dc] to end, change to yarn B. Rep Rows 2-3 eleven times.

Row 26: As Row 2.

Row 27: Ch1, dc in each st to end. Fasten off leaving long tail for sewing. Fold in half with WS facing. Line up stitches of Row 27 with the unworked loops of the foundation chain.

Slip stitch in each stitch to join. Fasten off leaving long tail for sewing. Turn RS out then finish as plain pumpkin. Optional- weave in ends before finishing or sew around leaving them loose inside the work.

Crocheting equipment you may need

Need to stock up on some equipment before you start crafting? No problem! Here are some of our favourite products which are perfect for making crochet pumpkins, along with other DIY Halloween decorations.

The best crochet pumpkins

Don't fancy making your own crochet pumpkin quite yet? There are plenty of super-cute pre-made options available to buy in all sorts of colours, shapes and sizes.

For the full details and where to find the rest of the equipment needed to make crochet pumpkins, check out Hobbycraft's How to Crochet a Collection of Pumpkins.

Arabella Horspool is a Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby and Yours at Bauer Media. She's a bookworm who enjoys cooking and spending time with her many pets.