There is something deeply satisfying about the rhythm of a cozy evening project. The quiet hum of the house, a small batch of soft yarn, and the repetitive click of the hook as you count stitches one by one. It is a ritual that slows down time. For this chunky crochet pumpkin, that rhythm is built into the very structure of the pattern. As you work through the alternating rows of single crochet and double crochet, you will feel the fabric ripple and puff, transforming a flat strip into a dimensional, three-dimensional shape. It is a meditative process that rewards patience with a beautiful, rustic home decor piece.
Small Details That Make It Better
What truly elevates this pumpkin from a simple craft to a cherished decor item is the specific choice of Bernat Cottage yarn. This #5 bulky weight acrylic yarn features a soft, marled texture with beautiful color transitions that highlight the raised ridges of the pumpkin. Because the colors shift throughout the skein, no two pumpkins will look exactly alike. You might choose a warm neutral like “Almond” for a subtle, country-home look, or opt for brighter oranges, pinks, and purples to create a vibrant fall collection. The chunky weight also means this project works up quickly, making it perfect for a weekend crafting session or a small batch gift for friends.
Project Overview
This amigurumi pumpkin is constructed flat in one long strip. The design uses alternating sections of back-loop single crochet and wider double crochet sections to create the signature raised pumpkin ridges. As you crochet, the piece will naturally begin to ripple and puff, which is the desired effect. Once the strip is complete, the ends are joined to form a tube, and the top and bottom are cinched closed to create the classic pumpkin shape. It is a surprisingly simple construction that results in a professional-looking finish.
Materials
- Bernat Cottage Yarn – 1 skein (Color Almond used in source, but other bright and colorful shades are available)
- Size I (5.5 mm) crochet hook
- Polyfil fiber stuffing
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
- Faux pumpkin stem
- Hot glue or E6000 adhesive
Gauge and Finished Size
Finished Size: Approximately 8 inches tall (not including stem) x 11 inches wide x 28 inches round.
Pattern Notes
This pumpkin is crocheted flat in one long strip. Alternating sections of back-loop single crochet and wider double crochet sections create the raised pumpkin ridges. Your piece will naturally begin to ripple and puff as you crochet and that’s exactly what you want! Once the ends are joined, the bottom and top are cinched closed to create the pumpkin shape.
Pattern Instructions
Base and Ridges
Chain 21, SC in second chain from hook and in each chain across. Chain 1, turn. (20 SC)
Rows 2-4: Working in back loops only, SC in each stitch across. Chain 1, turn. (20 SC)
At the end of Row 4, chain 2 and turn.
Row 5: Working in back loops only, *2 DC in first stitch, DC in next stitch; repeat from * across. Chain 2, turn. (30 DC)
Rows 6-8: Working in both loops, DC in each stitch across. Chain 2, turn. (30 DC)
At the end of Row 8, chain 1 and turn.
Row 9: Working in back loops only, *SC Decrease, SC in next stitch; repeat from * across. Chain 1, turn. (20 SC)
Rows 10-12: Working in back loops only, SC in each stitch across. Chain 1, turn. (20 SC)
At the end of Row 12, chain 2 and turn.
Repeat Rows 5-12 three more times for the Pumpkin Ridges.
Rows 37-40: Repeat Rows 5-8. (30 DC)
At the end of Row 40, chain 1 and turn.
Row 41: Repeat Row 9. (20 SC)
You now have five raised pumpkin sections.
Joining
Do not fasten off. Bring the two edges of the crocheted strip together. The final row has 20 stitches, matching the 20 stitches at the beginning of the piece. Slip stitch the final row to Row 1 to form a tube. Be sure you are joining to the stitches of Row 1 and not into the original foundation chain. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for finishing.
Assembly
Once you have slip stitched the two ends of your pumpkin strip together, fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. You will cinch both the bottom and top of the pumpkin closed, working one end at a time.
Start with the end closest to your yarn tail. This will become the bottom of the pumpkin. Thread the yarn tail onto a tapestry needle. I found it easiest to cinch the opening closed in two steps:
- First, sew through the recessed single crochet sections. Work your needle under about two stitches of one SC section, then reach behind the raised section and work under about two stitches of the next SC section. Continue around the entire opening. Pull the yarn firmly to begin drawing the center closed.
- Next, work around the opening again, this time catching the edges of the raised pumpkin sections. Pull firmly as you go until the opening is completely cinched closed.
Secure the yarn, but do not cut it yet.
Stuffing & Closing the Top
Stuff the pumpkin generously with poly-fil. Be sure to push stuffing out into each of the five raised pumpkin sections so they stay full and rounded.
Bring your long strand of yarn up through the center of the stuffed pumpkin and out through the top opening. If your remaining yarn tail isn’t long enough, simply attach a new long strand of yarn.
Repeat the same two-step cinching process on the top: first gather the recessed single crochet sections, then gather the raised sections.
Before pulling the top completely closed, add your faux pumpkin stem. Position the stem in the center and secure it with hot glue or E6000. Once the stem is in place, pull the remaining stitches tightly around it to close the opening. Secure your yarn and weave in the end.
Tips
Don’t be afraid to pull the yarn firmly while cinching! The tighter you gather the top and bottom, the more defined those five pumpkin sections will become.
FAQs
What type of yarn is best for this pumpkin?
Bernat Cottage yarn is recommended due to its soft, marled colors and bulky weight, which works up quickly. However, any #5 bulky weight yarn should work well for this pattern.
How do I get the ridges to look defined?
The ridges are created by the alternating stitch patterns (SC and DC). To make them pop, ensure you pull the yarn firmly when cinching the top and bottom openings closed during assembly.
Can I make this pumpkin smaller?
The finished size is approximately 8 inches tall by 11 inches wide. To change the size, you would need to adjust the number of chains in the foundation and the number of times you repeat the ridge rows, though this may alter the final stitch count matching.
What is the best way to attach the stem?
Use hot glue or E6000 adhesive to secure the faux stem in the center of the top opening before pulling the final stitches completely tight around it.
Is this pattern suitable for beginners?
Yes, the construction is simple flat strip work using basic stitches like SC and DC. The assembly requires some careful sewing to cinch the ends, but the instructions are straightforward.
For more seasonal inspiration, check out our adorable crochet Halloween pumpkin bouquet or explore other easy Halloween amigurumi ideas to complete your holiday decor.
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