Does your yarn occasionally feel like it has a mind of its own, or do you worry that bulky yarn will hide your stitches completely? You are not alone. Many crocheters hesitate to try super bulky yarns because they fear losing control of their tension or making mistakes that are impossible to fix. But this Cozy Crochet Pumpkin proves that thick yarn can actually be a beginner’s best friend. The generous size of the stitches makes them easy to see and work into, while the soft, plush texture of Bernat Blanket Matte & Shiny creates a forgiving canvas that feels incredibly satisfying to make.
Maker Notes
There is something undeniably magical about the “ber” months that calls for pumpkins and cozy decor. When I first started this project, I wanted to replicate the construction of my previous Bernat Cottage Pumpkin, but the unique texture of the Matte & Shiny yarn demanded a few tweaks. The contrast between the matte chenille and the lustrous fibers adds a subtle sparkle that catches the light beautifully without being overwhelming.
Because the yarn is slightly thicker and the texture can sometimes mask individual stitches, I made a few practical adjustments. I went up a hook size to ensure my rows remained even, skipped working in the back loops to maintain a smooth surface, and simplified the narrow single crochet sections between the ridges. I also chose to sew the ends of the pumpkin strip together rather than slip stitching them, which resulted in a flatter, less noticeable seam. The result is a pumpkin that is not just a decoration, but a plush, squishy accent piece that feels substantial enough to double as a fall pillow.
Project Overview
This amigurumi pumpkin is crafted from a single long strip that is cinched at the top and bottom to create its classic shape. The pattern uses a combination of double crochet increases and single crochet decreases to form five distinct, rounded ridges. It is designed to be soft, safe, and entirely plush, with no hard plastic parts, making it a delightful addition to any autumn display.
Materials
- Yarn: Bernat Blanket Matte & Shiny in Orange Leaf Luster (Approximately 223 g / 140 yards, or about ¾ of one 300 g ball). Small amount of Bernat Blanket Matte & Shiny in Smoky Green Luster for the stem and vine.
- Crochet Hook: Size K-10.5 (6.5 mm)
- Notions: Polyester fiberfill, Tapestry needle, Scissors
Gauge and Finished Size
Finished Size: Approximately 10 inches tall × 12 inches wide (Approximately 32 inches around). Please note that the finished size may vary depending on your tension and how firmly you stuff the pumpkin.
Abbreviations
- SC: Single Crochet
- DC: Double Crochet
- Ch: Chain
- St(s): Stitch(es)
- Rep: Repeat
- RS: Right Side
Pattern Notes
- Yarn Choice: This pattern utilizes Bernat Blanket Matte & Shiny, a #6 Super Bulky yarn made from 100% polyester. Each ball is 300 g / 10.5 oz and 173 meters / 189 yards. The blend of matte chenille and shiny fibers provides depth and texture.
- Stitch Visibility: Due to the texture of the Matte & Shiny yarn, stitches can be harder to see than in standard yarn. The pattern has been adjusted to use a larger hook and simplified narrow sections to help with visibility.
- Long Tail: When fastening off the main pumpkin body, leave a VERY long tail. This is essential for the assembly process, specifically for sewing the tube and cinching the top and bottom.
Pattern Instructions
Main Pumpkin Body
With Orange Leaf Luster:
Row 1: Chain 21, SC in second chain from hook and in each chain across. Ch 1, turn. (20 SC)
Row 2: SC in each stitch across. Ch 2, turn. (20 SC)
Row 3: *2 DC in next stitch, DC in next stitch; repeat from * across. Ch 2, turn. (30 DC)
Rows 4–6: DC in each stitch across. Ch 2, turn. (30 DC)
At the end of Row 6, ch 1 and turn.
Row 7: *SC Decrease over the next 2 stitches, SC in next stitch; repeat from * across. Ch 1, turn. (20 SC)
Row 8: SC in each stitch across. Ch 2, turn. (20 SC)
Continue Making Pumpkin Ridges: Repeat Rows 3–8 three more times. You will now have four raised pumpkin sections.
For the fifth and final pumpkin section:
Rows 27–30: Repeat Rows 3–6. (30 DC)
Row 31: Repeat Row 7. (20 SC)
Fasten off, leaving a VERY long tail for assembly.
Your finished strip should have five large raised sections, with narrower single crochet sections between them.
Crochet Pumpkin Stem
With Smoky Green Luster:
Make a magic ring. Ch 1 and work 6 SC into ring. Join to first SC, ch 1. (6 SC)
Note: You can also work continuously in rounds if you prefer.
Rounds 2–5: SC in each stitch around. Join, ch 1. (6 SC)
Round 6: *2 SC in next stitch, SC in each of next 2 stitches; repeat from * around. Join, ch 1. (8 SC)
Round 7: SC in each stitch around. (8 SC)
Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.
Lightly stuff the stem with fiberfill and stitch it securely to the center top of the pumpkin.
Crochet Curly Vine
With Smoky Green Luster:
Chain 13, Work 2 SC in second chain from hook and in each chain across. (24 SC)
The piece will naturally curl into a little coil as you crochet.
Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.
Stitch one end to the base of the pumpkin stem and position the curl so it falls over one of the recessed pumpkin sections.
Assembly
Forming the Tube: Instead of slip stitching the two short ends together, thread your VERY long yarn tail onto your tapestry needle and stitch the two short ends together to form a tube. I found that sewing the ends created a flatter, less noticeable join with the thick Matte & Shiny yarn. Do not cut your yarn; we are going to keep using that long strand!
Cinching the Bottom
It is easiest to close the opening in two passes:
- First, sew around the recessed single crochet sections, catching approximately two stitches from each section as you work around the opening. Pull firmly to begin bringing the center together.
- Go around once more, this time catching the edges of the five raised pumpkin sections. Pull tightly until the bottom opening is completely closed.
Secure your yarn, but keep that long strand attached.
Stuffing and Cinching the Top
Stuff the pumpkin generously with fiberfill, making sure to push stuffing into each of the five raised sections. Bring your long strand of yarn straight up through the center of the pumpkin and out through the top. Repeat the same two-step process described above to cinch the top closed securely.
Defining the Pumpkin Ridges
To make the five pumpkin ridges stand out, use the same long strand of yarn. Bring it from the center top of the pumpkin down over one of the recessed SC sections around the outside of the pumpkin. Bring the yarn back up through the center of the pumpkin and pull tightly. This pulls that indentation inward and gives the neighboring pumpkin sections even more definition.
Repeat around the pumpkin, running the yarn along each of the five SC indentations and pulling snugly each time. Once you are happy with the shape, secure your yarn and weave in the end.
Tips
Yarn Management: This is another reason that VERY long yarn tail comes in handy! If you run out at any point during the cinching process, you can simply attach another long strand in the same color.
FAQs
Can I use regular Bernat Blanket yarn instead of Matte & Shiny?
Yes, you can use standard Bernat Blanket yarn. However, the original pattern was adjusted for the Matte & Shiny texture. If you use standard yarn, you may want to return to working in the back loops for the narrow sections and consider using a slightly smaller hook to maintain the structure.
Why did the author choose to sew the ends together instead of slip stitching?
Sewing the ends with a tapestry needle creates a flatter and less noticeable seam when using thick, textured yarns like Bernat Blanket Matte & Shiny. Slip stitching can sometimes create a bulky ridge that disrupts the smooth curve of the pumpkin.
How do I make the pumpkin ridges more defined?
The pattern includes a specific technique for defining the ridges. After stuffing and cinching the top, use your long yarn tail to run through the recessed single crochet sections from the inside out. Pulling this yarn tight pulls the indentations inward, making the raised double crochet sections pop.
Is this pumpkin safe for children?
Yes, this version is designed to be entirely soft and squishy with no hard plastic parts like safety eyes or noses. It is a plush pumpkin that is safe for handling, making it a great option for younger children.
What if I don’t have the exact yarn colors?
You can substitute any orange super bulky yarn for the pumpkin body and any green super bulky yarn for the stem and vine. Just ensure you have enough yardage for the main body, which requires approximately 223 g / 140 yards of orange yarn.
If you enjoyed making this pumpkin, you might also like our Halloween Pumpkin Bouquet or this Easy Halloween Bat for more seasonal fun.
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