Autumn is the season of cozy sweaters, falling leaves, and of course: pumpkins! If you love knitting and want to bring some of that autumn charm into your home, why not make your own pumpkin with this free knitting pattern? Whether you want to decorate your home or are getting ready for Halloween, pumpkins are a must-have this time of year. This fun and festive project is perfect for adding a handmade touch to your seasonal décor while celebrating the beauty of autumn.
Autumn is a season of transformation, when nature dresses itself in a beautiful palette of warm colors—deep reds, golden yellows, and burnt oranges—before the cold of winter arrives. The air becomes crisp and the scent of fallen leaves fills the atmosphere, bringing a feeling of nostalgia and coziness.
It is a time for chunky sweaters, warm drinks, and the comforting flavors of seasonal spices. Autumn also brings a sense of reflection and preparation, as the harvest is gathered and homes are decorated with symbols of the season, such as pumpkins and gourds.
Whether it is the sound of crunchy leaves beneath your feet or the sight of a harvest moon, autumn invites us to slow down, enjoy the little things, and embrace the changes happening around us.
Materials
To make this knitted pumpkin, you will need:
-
Chunky yarn: I used Katia Canada or a similar yarn
-
US size 15 / 11 mm knitting needles with a 20–25 cm (8–10 inch) cable
-
Scissors
-
Tapestry needle
-
Stuffing
-
Optional: a small wooden stick or leather label
Abbreviations
-
k = knit
-
p = purl
Free Knitting Pattern: Pumpkin
-
Cast on 36 stitches plus the extra loop from the slipknot. Join to work in the round.
-
Rounds 1–18: Knit 5, purl 1, repeat around. You will now have 6 sections, each consisting of 5 knit stitches separated by 1 purl stitch.
-
Bind off, leaving a very long yarn tail. Thread the yarn tail through all the stitches on your needle and cable.
-
Slide the stitches off the needle. Pull the yarn tail tightly to close the bottom of the pumpkin.
-
Now start filling the pumpkin little by little with stuffing.
-
Bring the yarn tail up through the inside of the pumpkin. Thread the yarn through the stitches around the top.
-
Add more stuffing to the pumpkin before pulling the top completely closed. Make sure it is nice and full and has a rounded shape.
-
Use the remaining yarn tail to create the sections of the pumpkin along the purl columns. At each purl column, bring the yarn from the top down through the center of the pumpkin. Pull it firmly to create an indentation, forming the characteristic ridges of the pumpkin.
-
Repeat this around the pumpkin, working through opposite purl columns as you go, until you have created a nice, even pumpkin shape.
And that’s it! Your knitted pumpkin is ready to add a cozy autumn touch to your home.
Share Your Pumpkin!
I’d love to see your finished pumpkin!
Share your creation on Instagram and tag me @dutchfiberistacom :)
Happy knitting!
