Back in July, I decided to try my hand at making a crocheted pumpkin. I kind of laughed at how early it was to be making pumpkins (I mean, we were having a heat wave and it was over 100*F), but not even a week later I started seeing pumpkins on my Instagram feed. So apparently my timing was actually impeccable!
When I set out to create this pattern, I wanted something with a fun, subtle texture. The crumpled griddle stitch that I’ve used in my Driftwood patterns sounded like it would fit the bill, and I couldn’t love them more! If you’ve never made amigurumi, pumpkins are a great start because they are pretty simple. For this one you will start by making a rectangle panel. Then, you seam edges together to make a tube, cinch one end closed, stuff the pumpkin, cinch the other end closed, and then run the yarn through certain rows to create the ridging. Not too complicated, right?
While polyester fiber filling us often used to stuff pumpkins, you can also use something like cotton balls or use up scrap ends of yarn instead! No need to go out and buy something new if you don’t already have it. But if you do use polyester fiber fill, fluffier types tend to work better than stiffer types.
So if you are ready to make a pumpkin, keep reading because you can get the directions for the smallest pumpkin in the Driftwood patch below!
Want an add-free, printable PDF with 3 pumpkin sizes and step by step construction photos? Check out my Etsy Shop or Ravelry Shop to purchase the full pattern!
Pin for later here!
Small Driftwood Pumpkin Pattern
Pattern Difficulty: Advanced Beginner
Materials:
*Crochet Hook: 4.5mm hook, or what is required to match gauge
*Yarn: Approximately 60 yards of #4/worsted weight yarn
*Polyester fiber fill, cotton balls, yarn scraps, or other materials for stuffing pumpkins
*Scrap yarn, cinnamon sticks, or twigs to use as pumpkin stems
*Yarn needle
*Scissors
*Stitch markers (optional)
*Leaf tags, twine, ribbon, or other adornments (optional)
Stitches Used:
st(s): stitches
ch: chain
sc: single crochet
scflo: single crochet in the front loop only
fsc: foundation single crochet (optional)
dc: double crochet
dcflo: double crochet in the front loop only
Gauge: 15 sts x 12 rows of pattern repeat = 4”
NOTE: Gauge isn’t super important for this pattern, however, your pumpkin may turn out larger or smaller than what’s written if your gauge differs.
Notes:
* This pattern is written using US terminology.
* The turning chain at the beginning of the row does NOT count as a stitch, so the first stitch will go in the same stitch as the chain.
* This pattern uses the “crumpled griddle stitch”. Your single crochet stitches will stack on top of the single crochet stitches from the row before and the double crochet stitches will stack on top of the double crochet stitches.
* There is a right side and a wrong side to this pattern. It’s a subtle difference, but the right side has sc stitches with bars on either side them separating each “block”.
Pattern:
Row 1: To start, either fsc 23 OR ch 24 and then sc across starting in the second ch from your hook (23)
NOTE: Stitch count remains the same throughout the rest of the pattern.
Row 2: ch 1, turn, scflo in the first st, dcflo in the next st, continue alternating scflo and dcflo across, ending with a scflo
Helpful Hint: While not required, to prevent your stuffing from showing through at the end, place your sc sts under both the bar in the front just under your loops and the front loop for more stability.
Row 3: ch 1, turn, sc in the first st, dc in the next st, continue alternating sc and dc across, ending with a sc
Helpful Hint: Your sc will stack on top of the sc from the round before and your dc will stack on top of the dc.
Rows: 4-6: Repeat Row 3
Helpful Hint: You will have 5 rows total of the crumpled griddle stitch per repeat.
Row 7: ch 1, turn, sc across in the back loop only
Rows 8-30: Repeat Rows 2-7 four more times for a total of 5 “blocks”. On the last block, end on a Row 6 (stop before the sc back loop only row). Fasten off, leaving a tail of approximately 50-60 inches to close up your pumpkin.
To Close the Pumpkin:
1. With the right sides facing each other, bring the short ends of your panel together with the chain or fsc side closest to you. Whip stitch across, going under the front loop only of the ch/fsc edge (the loop closest to you on the edge closest to you) and under both loops on the crumpled griddle edge (the edge furthest away from you). Tie to secure, but do not cut your yarn. You should now have a tube.
2. Taking your yarn needle, weave in and out around the open edge. When you get back to where you started, pull your yarn to cinch the opening closed. If you can’t get the hole completely closed, sew across the opening a few times to help tighten it. This can happen with any size, but especially with the larger pumpkins. Tie to secure, but do not cut your yarn. Turn your pumpkin right side out.
3. Pull your yarn up through the center of your pumpkin. Stuff your pumpkin using your stuffing material of choice.
Helpful Hint: Hold your yarn in the middle and add your stuffing around the yarn.
4. Weave in and out around the open edge. When you get back to where you started, pull your yarn to cinch the opening closed. Again, if you can’t get the hole completely closed, sew across the opening a few times. Tie to secure, but do not cut your yarn.
5. To create the ridges, find your sc only rows. The front loop and back loop stitches act as a guide for these rows and make it easier to see where they are. Using your yarn needle, run through the sc rows from the top of the pumpkin to the bottom and pull tight. You will be running your needle through the legs of the sc sts. Then, pull your yarn back up through the center of the pumpkin and repeat through the other sc rows. Tie to secure and cut your yarn.
Helpful Hints: At the start and finish of the sc rows (right at the top and bottom of the pumpkin), it can be hard to see exactly where to run your needle through. It doesn’t need to be perfect, just do your best to find the approximate stitches.
To create a stem, ch 8, then sc across starting in the second ch from your hook. Tie on to the pumpkin to secure and weave in your ends. You can also use a twig or cinnamon stick instead. Add any additional adornments you wish (such as a ribbon or twine bow, leaf tag cutouts, etc.) and you are finished!
I want to see what you make! Be sure to share a photo of your finished pumpkins with me! When posting on social media be sure to tag @fromnicolescreations and use hashtags #driftwoodpumpkin and #fromnicolescreations so I can see them!
