Pumpkin Knitting Patterns

Discover the cozy joy of knitting your very own pumpkin patch with these delightful patterns and tutorials! Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or just starting out, there’s something magical about crafting these plush velvet pumpkins that keeps you coming back for more. In this guide, we’ll walk through the construction process, from creating the basic tube shape to adding those charming cinnamon stick stems that give your pumpkins that extra touch of whimsy. So grab your needles and let’s dive into the wonderful world of pumpkin knitting!

Knitting a pumpkin can be a delightful and creative project, perfect for autumn decorations or as charming gifts. This tutorial will guide you through the process step-by-step, from gathering materials to finishing touches.

Source: knottinginthepark

Materials Needed:

1. Orange yarn (worsted weight or chunky)
2. Green yarn (for the stem)
3. Knitting needles appropriate for your yarn weight (size US 8 or 9 for worsted weight)
4. Stuffing material (polyester fiberfill or yarn scraps)
5. Yarn needle
6. Scissors
7. Optional: embroidery floss or yarn in brown for details

Instructions:

Step 1: Cast on

Start by casting on stitches to create the base of your pumpkin. You can choose any method you prefer for casting on. For a small pumpkin, you might cast on around 20 stitches.

Step 2: Knit the Body

1. Row 1: Knit across all stitches.
2. Row 2: Purl across all stitches.
3. Repeat rows 1 and 2 until your knitted piece is the desired height for your pumpkin. This will depend on how large you want your pumpkin to be. For a small pumpkin, you might knit for about 6 inches.

Step 3: Shaping

1. Decrease Rows: To shape the top of the pumpkin, start decreasing stitches. You can do this by knitting or purling two stitches together across the row. For example, knit 2 together, knit 2 together, and so on.
2. Continue decreasing until you have only a few stitches left on your needle.

Step 4: Finishing

1. Bind Off: Once you have only a few stitches remaining, bind off all stitches to secure your work.
2. Leave a long tail of yarn for sewing up the pumpkin.

Step 5: Assembly

1. Thread the yarn needle with the long tail of yarn and weave it through the remaining stitches on your needle.
2. Pull the yarn tight to gather the top of the pumpkin closed.
3. Secure the yarn by stitching it in place a few times.
4. Turn the pumpkin inside out so the gathered part is on the inside.
5. Stuff the pumpkin firmly with your chosen stuffing material.

Step 6: Stem

1. Cut a length of green yarn for the stem. The length will depend on how long you want your stem to be.
2. Use the yarn needle to sew the stem onto the top of the pumpkin. You can sew it directly into the center of the gathered area.
3. Once the stem is securely attached, weave in any loose ends of yarn.

Step 7: Optional Details

If you want to add some extra detail to your pumpkin, you can use brown embroidery floss or yarn to embroider lines on the pumpkin to mimic the ridges of a real pumpkin. Simply use a straight stitch to create lines from the top to the bottom of the pumpkin.

Step 8: Display

Your knitted pumpkin is now complete! Display it proudly as part of your autumn decor or give it as a thoughtful handmade gift to someone special.

Tips:

• Experiment with different yarn weights and needle sizes to create pumpkins of various sizes.
• Get creative with your pumpkin by adding embellishments like buttons or felt leaves.
• Don’t worry about perfection! Handmade items often have a charming uniqueness to them.

Knitting a pumpkin is a fun and satisfying project that’s perfect for autumn. Enjoy the process and let your creativity shine!

How to knit a small pumpkin:

To knit a small pumpkin, start by casting on 45 stitches using US size 10 double-pointed needles (DPNs). Distribute the stitches evenly across three of the needles, with 15 stitches on each needle. Ensure the stitches are not twisted before joining in the round. Alternatively, you can use the magic loop method for this step.

Next, knit in the round for a total of 7 inches. Once you’ve reached the desired length, bind off your stitches. Refer to the instructions below for finishing your pumpkin.

What You Need to Knit Pumpkins:

To embark on your pumpkin knitting adventure, you’ll need a few essentials. First and foremost, choose your yarn wisely—opt for a bulky or super bulky yarn for a plush, chunky finish. Pair it with a US size 10 (6.0mm) knitting needle to achieve the desired texture and size. Additionally, gather a tapestry or darning needle for finishing touches, along with butchers twine or sturdy thread to cinch the pumpkin together securely without risking yarn breakage.

For stuffing, traditional poly fill works wonders, though repurposed fabric scraps make for an eco-friendly alternative. Get creative with your choice of stuffing based on your pumpkin’s intended use and desired weight. And let’s not forget the pièce de résistance—the stem! Enhance the charm of your pumpkins with cinnamon sticks affixed using hot glue for an aromatic touch. Consider adding an i-cord vine for an extra dash of whimsy to your pumpkin patch masterpiece. So gather your materials and get ready to knit up a harvest of cozy delights!