You’re going to love the Fall Harvest Crochet Pumpkins patterns! Whether using them to decorate your kitchen table, your mantel, your front door, or going all out and making them to share with friends and family, they’re sure to delight!
The pattern includes instructions for a Large, Medium, and Small Pumpkin, each of them incorporating the camel and/or bobble stitches in a variety of ways, so think texture!
Read on to learn more about my inspiration and yarn choice for the Fall Harvest Crochet Pumpkins or scroll down to the bottom to find the free patterns!
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The Inspiration
Pumpkins, pumpkins, ’tis the season for pumpkins! My overall design goal was to create a group of pumpkins with varying heights and shapes that could be combined together to use as a centerpiece, so I approached the pattern in three ways. This means that there are three different pattern options to enjoy!
The Large Fall Harvest Crochet Pumpkin is designed to be taller than it is round with consistent rows of Bobble and Camel Stitch cables. The Medium Fall Harvest Pumpkin is more round and squatty with ornamentation of neatly scattered Bobble stitches and lines of Camel Stitch cables. The Small Fall Harvest Crochet Pumpkin is just as cute as can be all short and round and composed completely of the Camel Stitch cables giving it more of a knit look.
Really you can’t go wrong with any of the Fall Harvest Crochet Pumpkin options! I’m betting that they become a favorite to make and to share!
The Yarn
I went to my yarn stash for this project and was immediately drawn to the colors and texture that I saw in the Lion Brands Wool-Ease Thick & Quick yarn as well as Hobby Lobby’s Yarn Bee Effortless Super Bulky yarn.
Both of these yarns are a Size 6 Super Bulky Yarn that come in a broad range of colors. For my Fall Harvest Crochet Pumpkins, I went with the neutrals Oatmeal, Fossil, Slate, and Sequoia in the Wool-Ease Thick & Quick yarn and Cordoba in the Effortless Super Bulky yarn. Then I threw in a touch of color to the mix, adding Tangerine and River Run, also in the Wool-Ease Thick & Quick.
There truly are so many color combinations that the possibilities are nearly endless to make the Fall Harvest Crochet Pumpkins fit the color scheme for any occasion. Happy decorating!
The stems for all sizes use Vanna’s Choice worsted weight yarn in Barley. I love the rustic fleck that this adds to the project. Making an entire pumpkin from this yarn is on my project list (see Substitutions below)!
Each of the Fall Harvest Crochet Pumpkins takes less than one skein of yarn to make so you’ll have leftovers for another project! Might I recommend making an additional pumpkin in a mix of the colors or perhaps the Simple Crochet Treat Basket? The Treat Basket is definitely one of my favorites for using up scraps. Add a small treat and you’re all set with the perfect quick gift! I also love using them around the house and in my craft room for organization!
Substitutions. There are many other Super Bulky Size 6 yarns on the market that will work beautifully with this project. It really is a versatile project and can accommodate many options.
Don’t have any bulky yarn available? Try holding two strands of a worsted weight yarn together and change the hook size to I/9 (5.5 mm), or for a miniature pumpkin use just one strand and hook size E/4 (3.5 mm).
The pattern really is interchangeable across a wide variety of yarn sizes. Simply adjust your hook size to your yarn size and give it a go! The thing to keep in mind is that the pumpkin will be stuffed so you don’t want stuffing showing through too much, so go down a hook size or two from what is recommended on the label and it should probably work out just fine. Pumpkin sizes will vary, but that’s one of the beautiful characteristics of the project!
When making modifications for the stem choose which will work best for your project, the large or the small pattern, and if needed, omit some of the rows to adjust for size or start with fewer stitches in the magic circle and adjust the pattern accordingly. I’m always a blog comment or email away if you need help!
The Pattern
Difficulty
Advanced Beginner to Intermediate – The Bobble and Camel stitches are not difficult but may not be familiar to a beginner crocheter.
Materials
- Crochet Hook, Size L/11 (8.0 mm) – for all sizes (pumpkin)
- Crochet Hook, Size E/4 (3.5 mm) – for all sizes (stem)
- Stitch Marker(s)
- Scissors
- Stuffing
- Tapestry needle
- Doll Sculpting Needle (optional)
- Upholstery Needle (optional)
- Needle Pullers (optional)
- Lion Brand Yarn Wool-Ease Thick & Quick (Size 6 – Super Bulky, 82% acrylic, 10% wool, 8% rayon, approx. 106 yds/97 m, 6 oz/170 g):
- Small Pumpkin: used Color (A) Oatmeal, approx. 32 yds/29 m
- Medium Pumpkin: used Color (A) Slate, approx. 70 yds/64 m
- Lion Brand Yarn Wool-Ease Thick & Quick (Size 6 – Super Bulky, 82% acrylic, 10% wool, 8% rayon, approx. 87 yds/80 m, 5 oz/140 g):
- Small Pumpkin: used Color (A) Tangerine OR Sequoia approx. 32 yds/29 m
- Medium Pumpkin: used Color (A) River Run, approx. 70 yds/64 m
- Large Pumpkin: used Color (A) Fossil, approx. 82 yds/75 m
- Yarn Bee Effortless Super Bulky (Size 6 – Super Bulky, 80% acrylic, 20% alpaca, approx. 111 yds/102 m, 6 oz/170 g:
- Large Pumpkin: used Color (A) Cordoba, approx. 82 yds/75 m
- Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice (worsted 4-Medium, 98% acrylic, 8% rayon, 145 yds/133 m, 3 oz/85 g):
- Large Stem: used Color (B) Barley, approx. 10 yds/9 m
- Small Stem: used Color (B) Barley, approx. 5 yds/4.5 m
Gauge
Using hook size L/11 (8.0 mm) and Wool-Ease Thick & Quick, 9sts and 8 Rows = 4 inches/10 cm unblocked in Half Double Crochet.
Using hook size E/4 (3.5 mm) and Vanna’s Choice the first 3 Rounds of the Large Stem measure approximately 1-1/8 inches/2.9 cm in diameter and the first 2 Round of the Small Stem measure approximately 7/8 inch/2.2 cm in diameter.
Finished Measurements
Using hook size L/11 (8.0 mm)
- The Small Pumpkin measures approximately 4 inches/10 cm tall including the stem and 2.5 inches/6.4 cm tall without the stem by 4.5 inches/11.5 cm wide, and 14.5 inches/37 cm in circumference.
- The Medium Pumpkin measures approximately 6.5 inches/16.5 cm tall including the stem and 4.5 inches/11.4 cm tall without the stem by 6.5 inches/16.5 cm wide, and 23 inches/58 cm in circumference.
- The Large Pumpkin measures approximately 8 inches/20 cm tall including the stem and 6.25 inches/16 cm tall without the stem by 6 inches/15 cm wide, and 20 inches/51 cm in circumference.
Design Notes
- The patterns are written using US crochet terminology.
- The Pumpkin body is written in rows and the Stem is written in rounds.
- When working in rounds, it will be helpful to place a stitch marker at the beginning stitch of the round and move it up at the start of each additional round.
- At the end of each row/round, the number of stitches for completion is noted in parentheses.
- Further design notes will be provided throughout the patterns to help aid in construction.
Abbreviations/Stitches Used
- back bar of the ch – horizontal bar on the backside of a ch
- BLO – back loop only
- bo – bobble (described below under special stitches)
- camel st – camel stitch technique (described below under special stitches)
- ch – chain
- FLO – front loop only
- hdc – half double crochet
- Rnd(s) – Round(s)
- Row(s) – Row(s)
- sc – single crochet
- sc2tog – single crochet 2 stitches together (invisible decrease)
- sl st – slip stitch
- st(s) – stitch(s)
- [ ] / ( ) – Work instructions between brackets as many times as directed
- magic circle/adjustable ring
Special Stitches
- Bobble (bo): A 3dcbo (three double crochet bobble) is used in this pattern. Essentially it’s 3 half-finished double crochets worked all in the same stitch that are joined at the end as one stitch, creating a puffy stitch.
To create a 3dcbo
With the working loop on the hook:
- Yarn over, insert hook into the next stitch,
- Yarn over and pull up a loop (three loops on the hook),
- Yarn over and pull through two loops (one leg made, two loops on the hook),
- Yarn over, insert hook into the same stitch,
- Yarn over and pull up a loop (four loops on the hook)
- Yarn over and pull through two loops (two legs made, three loops on the hook),
- Yarn over, insert hook into the same stitch,
- Yarn over and pull up a loop (five loops on the hook)
- Yarn over and pull through two loops (three legs made, four loops on the hook),
- Yarn over and pull through all four loops. (3dcbo completed)
- Camel Stitch
The Camel Stitch is a technique that pushes the Vs of the stitch to the front of the work creating a knit appearance. It is made by working a Half Double Crochet into the third loop of the previous Half Double Crochet row. The third loop is located below the V at the top of the work that is typically worked into. It can be identified by the angle that is created when working the Half Double Crochet Stitch (see image).
Let’s Make Our Fall Harvest Crochet Pumpkins!
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Fall Harvest Crochet Pumpkin Stems
Small Stem – For the Small Pumpkin
Using hook size E/4 (3.5 mm) and Color (B)
- Rnd 1: 8sc in an adjustable (magic) circle. (8sts)
- Rnd 1 alternative: If preferred, ch2 and then 8sc in 2nd chain from hook. (8sts)
- Rnd 2: [Sc in the next st, 2sc in next st] 4 times. (12sts)
- Rnd 3: In BLO: sc in each st around. (12sts)
- Rnds 4-7: Sc in each st around. (12sts for 4 Rnds)
>Design Option: As written Rnd 8 creates a slight bend in the stem. If a bend is not desired simply replace the instructions for Rnd 8 with sc in each st around (12sts) and the stem will remain straight. Then proceed with the pattern as written for Rnds 9-11.
- Rnd 8: Sc in the next 2sts, [sc2tog] 3 times, sc in the next st, [2sc in the next st] 3 times. (12sts)
- Rnds 9-10: Sc in each st around. (12sts for 2 Rnds)
- Rnd 11: [Sc in the next st, 2sc in the next st] 6 times. (18sts)
- Sl st to the first st and fasten off leaving a long tail for attaching the stem to the pumpkin.
- Stuff and shape the stem.
Large Stem – For the Medium and Large Pumpkins
Using hook size E/4 (3.5 mm) and Color (B)
- Rnd 1: 6sc in an adjustable (magic) circle. (6sts)
- Rnd 1 alternative: If preferred, ch2 and then 6sc in 2nd chain from hook. (6sts)
- Rnd 2: 2sc in each st around. (12sts)
- Rnd 3: [Sc in the next st, 2sc in next st] 6 times. (18sts)
- Rnd 4: In BLO: sc in each st around. (18sts)
- Rnds 5-9: Sc in each st around. (18sts for 5 Rnds)
- Rnd 10: Sc in the next 2sts, [sc2tog] 3 times, sc in the next 4sts, 2sc in the next 3sts, sc in the next 3sts. (18sts)
>Design Option: As written Rnd 10 creates a slight bend in the stem. If a bend is not desired simply replace the instructions for Rnd 10 with sc in each st around (18sts) and the stem will remain straight. Then proceed with the pattern as written for Rnds 11-14.
- Rnds 11-13: Sc in each st around. (18sts for 3 Rnds)
- Rnd 14: [Sc in the next st, 2sc in the next st] 9 times. (27sts)
- Sl st to the first st and fasten off leaving a long tail for attaching the stem to the pumpkin.
- Stuff and shape the stem.
Small Fall Harvest Crochet Pumpkin
Using Color (A) and Hook Size L/11 (8.0 mm)
Leave a long starting tail 15+ inches (38+ cm) long for later stitching.
Ch 1 and turn at the end of each Row (doesn’t count as a st).
- Ch 15
- Row 1: Working in the back bar of the ch: sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, sc in the next 2sts, hdc in the next 8sts, sc in the next 3sts. (14sts)
- Row 2: Sc in the next 3sts, camel st in the next 8sts, sc in the next 3sts. (14sts)
- Row 3: Sc in the next 3sts, in BLO: hdc in the next 8sts, in both loops: sc in the next 3sts. (14sts)
- Rows 4-21: Repeat Rows 2-3. (14sts for 18 Rows)
The rectangle at its widest points measures approximately 9 inches (23 cm) wide by 4.75 inches (12 cm) tall.
- See the Pumpkin Assembly for All Sizes portion of the pattern below for further instructions.
Medium Fall Harvest Crochet Pumpkin
Using Color (A) and Hook Size L/11 (8.0 mm)
Leave a long starting tail 20+ inches (51+ cm) long for later stitching.
Ch1 and turn at the end of each row (doesn’t count as a st).
- Ch 20
- Row 1: Working in the back bar of the ch: sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, sc in the next 2sts, hdc in the next 13sts, sc in the next 3sts. (19sts)
- Row 2: Sc in the next 3sts, hdc in the next st, [bo in the next st, hdc in the next 3sts] 3 times, sc in the next 3sts. (19sts)
- Row 3: Sc in the next 3sts, hdc in the next 13sts, sc in the next 3sts. (19sts)
- Row 4: Sc in the next 3sts, [hdc in the next 3sts, bo in the next st] 3 times, hdc in the next st, sc in the next 3sts. (19sts)
- Row 5: Repeat Row 3. (19sts)
- Row 6: Repeat Row 2. (19sts)
- Row 7: Repeat Row 3. (19sts)
- Row 8: Sc in the next 3sts, camel st in the next 13sts, sc in the next 3sts. (19sts)
- Row 9: Sc in the next 3sts, in BLO: hdc in the next 13sts, in both loops: sc in the next 3sts. (19sts)
- Row 10: Repeat Row 8. (19sts)
- Row 11: Repeat Row 9. (19sts)
- Rows 12-31 : [Repeat Rows 2-11] 2 times. (19sts for 20 Rows)
The rectangle at its widest points measures approximately 13.5 inches (34 cm) wide by 7 inches (18 cm) tall.
- See the Pumpkin Assembly for All Sizes portion of the pattern below for further instructions.
Large Fall Harvest Crochet Pumpkin
Using Color (A) and Hook Size L/11 (8.0 mm)
Leave a long starting tail 20+ inches (51+ cm) long for later stitching.
Ch1 and turn at the end of each row (doesn’t count as a st).
- Ch 25
- Row 1: Working in the back bar of the ch: sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, sc in the next 2sts, hdc in the next 18sts, sc in the next 3sts. (24sts)
- Row 2: Sc in the next 3sts, [hdc in the next st, bo in the next st] 9 times, sc in the next 3sts. (24sts)
- Row 3: Sc in the next 3sts, hdc in the next 18sts, sc in the next 3sts. (24sts)
- Row 4: Sc in the next 3sts, camel st in the next 18sts, sc in the next 3sts. (24sts)
- Row 5: Sc in the next 3sts, in BLO: hdc in the next 18sts, in both loops: sc in the next 3sts. (24sts)
- Rows 6-25: [Repeat Rows 2-5] 5 times. (24sts for 20 Rows)
The rectangle at its widest points measures approximately 12.75 inches (32.4 cm) wide by 9.75 inches (25 cm) tall.
- See the Pumpkin Assembly for All Sizes portion of the pattern below for further instructions.
Pumpkin Assembly for All Sizes
- Seaming the Fall Harvest Crochet Pumpkin Together. Ch 1, turn, with right sides of the work facing, line up the sts in the Chain Row and the Last Row (Small – Row 21, Medium – Row 31, Large – Row 25). For each stitch pair, pick up the FLO of the Last Row and the BLO of the Chain Row and sl st together across. (Small – 14sts, Medium – 19sts, Large – 24sts)
- >Design Note: The loops left unworked when seaming this way will form sort of a faux decorative stitch that will both hide the seam and pair nicely with the camel stitch on the right side of the work. Alternatively, the seam can be slip stitched together through both loops or whipstitched by hand with a tapestry needle, but with these options, the seam will be thicker and more noticeable.
- Leave a Long Tail for Later Stitching. Fasten off leaving a long tail, 25+ inches (63.5+ cm) for the Small Pumpkin, and 55+ inches (140 cm) for the Medium and Large Pumpkins for stitching and cinching the center of the pumpkin. If additional shaping to the outside of the pumpkin is desired (wrapping yarn around the outside of the pumpkin in several places to pull in the sides), add an additional 40-60+ inches (102-152+ cm) to the ending tail.
- >Design Note: Additional lengths of yarn can be cut and utilized for shaping so don’t worry if more yarn is needed to achieve the desired results. Simply secure and knot off the length of yarn in use, weave in the ends, and begin shaping with a new piece.
Let’s Talk Design Options for a Moment
There are many options for creating and decorating the pumpkin’s stem. The pattern provides a crocheted stem, but a regular tree branch, cinnamon stick, or other option could be used. If using another option when closing and securing the top of the pumpkin be sure to leave a small hole adequate in size to the stem that will be placed inside it.
- Closing Using the Starting Tail. With the right sides of the work still facing, using the starting tail and a tapestry needle, weave the tail in and out horizontally along the coordinating edge of the pumpkin until it is cinched closed. As needed, make extra stitches to ensure that the hole is closed and secure.
- Turn the pumpkin right side out, stuff and shape.
- >Design Note: Overstuffing may cause the stuffing to show through the stitches, so do not overstuff.
- Closing Using the Ending Tail. Using the ending tail and a tapestry needle, weave the tail in and out horizontally along the coordinating edge of the pumpkin until it is cinched closed. As needed, make extra stitches to ensure that the hole is closed and secure.
- If using, proceed to the instructions for Shaping and Sculpting the Pumpkin. If not, decide which will be the top and which will be the bottom of the pumpkin and attach the stem to the center top of the pumpkin using a tapestry needle.
Shaping and Sculpting the Fall Harvest Crochet Pumpkins
Shaping and sculpting the pumpkin is totally optionally, but adds extra definition to the project.
The needles used for shaping and sculpting are often referred to as Doll Needles, Doll Sculpting Needles, or just Sculpting Needles. They often come with several needle sizes to a pack. For even longer needles it may be necessary to use an Upholstery Needle which also typically comes in sets.
The size used will depend on the thickness of the project. For the Fall Harvest Crochet Pumpkins, a 3.75 inch (9.5 cm) doll needle was used to shape the Small Pumpkin and an 8 inch (20 cm) upholstery needle was used to shape the Medium and Large Pumpkins.
Cinching the Center of the Pumpkin
- With the ending tail of the yarn threaded through the eye of a sculpting needle, poke the needle through the center of the pumpkin all the way through to the other side and then pull the yarn tight.
- Move the needle over a tiny bit from where it came up and poke it back through the center again to the other side, pull the yarn again, cinching the pumpkin even more.
- Continue this process until the pumpkin looks adequately cinched in the middle.
- If further shaping the outside of the pumpkin continue with the directions below. If not, knot the yarn and weave in the end.
- Decide which will be the top and which will be the bottom of the pumpkin and attach the stem to the center top of the pumpkin using a tapestry needle.
Shaping the Outside of the Pumpkin
>Design Tip: When shaping the outside of the pumpkin it may be helpful to shape it in sections. Make the first wrap on any chosen side, the second on the direct opposite side, then on each of the other sides resulting in the pumpkin sectioned into quarters. Then continue, if desired, to split each of the quarters in half until the desired shaping is achieved.
- After cinching the middle wrap a length of yarn around the outside of the pumpkin, insert the sculpting needle up through the middle of the pumpkin, and pull the yarn tightly until a groove forms in the side of the pumpkin and the desired shaping is achieved.
- Repeat as many times as desired around the outside of the pumpkin, knot the yarn, and weave in the end.
- Decide which will be the top and which will be the bottom of the pumpkin and attach the stem to the center top of the pumpkin using a tapestry needle.
Looking for more great patterns?
These may be of interest! 1. Small Animal Collection Turkey 2. Crochet Puppy Dog 3. Ridged Crochet Feathers in Four Sizes
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Copyright and Use Policy
This pattern and its photos are copyright of Jennifer Hayes (Jen Hayes Creations) and are for personal, non-commercial use only. You may not copy, sell, republish, distribute, or translate my patterns, photos, or tutorials in part or whole. Share this pattern on social media by using the social sharing buttons or a link to the pattern. You are welcome to sell any finished items produced from this pattern. Please credit Jen Hayes Creations as the designer and include a link to the pattern listing if selling the finished piece online. Thank you!
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