Adorable crochet pumpkins that look like they are knitted? Yes, please!

Fall is just around the corner and since I can remember, pumpkins in all shapes and forms are the main theme in any fall decorations.

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With that in mind, I decided to add my little stone to this madness with my crochet pumpkins!

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If you would like to know how to crochet a pumpkin, you have come to the right place.

You will not only learn how to make these cute, small crochet pumpkins but also a cool technique for the pumpkin stem.

But not just any crochet pumpkins. They look like they are knitted but they are not! Yes, the pictures you see are actually crocheted pumpkins.

I find it very intriguing to try and replicate knit stitches in crochet and have done so in other patterns of mine.

I have actually written a blog post about 10 types of crochet ribbing, one of them you can see right here in this pattern, that you might want to check out.

Some of them look like knitting, some don’t.

These crochet pumpkins are small in size, approximately 3 inches wide and 2 inches high.

But they are easily customizable and you can make a bunch in no time to decorate your Halloween table or spread them around the house.

I am offering more instructions on the premium pdf that you can find in all my shops for you to make these crochet pumpkins with just about any yarn, even a nice, huge bulky!

Hint: If you would like to make a big, chunky crochet pumpkin, use chunky yarn and the appropriate hook. 😉

How to get this cute crochet pumpkins pattern:

• If you are interested in the free version, scroll down below.
• You can get the premium ad-free pdf with a print-friendly version in any of my shops below. Or…

• You can sign up for my exclusive Members Area where you can get the entire Malloo pattern library for one small yearly fee. Enjoy crocheting from the comfort of your couch and never have to worry about paying full price for every premium pdf pattern. Click the image below to be pleasantly surprised.

Gathering all the materials for your crochet pumpkins:

Aran weight yarn (I used Drops Nepal)
US H/5 mm crochet hook
sewing needle
scissors
fiberfill stuffing

Abbreviations

ch: chain
sl st: slip stitch
st: stitch
flo: front loop only
blo: back loop only

Here you can find two different patterns for pumpkins that look knitted but aren’t.

One is called the “knit pumpkin” because the stitches look like the knit stitch and the other one is called the “purl pumpkin” because the stitches look like a purl in knitting.

Very imaginative, huh? I know… I am that great at picking up names!

How to locate the front and back loops in crochet:

• The front loops are the ones that are closer to you when you are working any row. The back loops are the ones that they are further away from you in any given row. Try to remember that as you turn your work in every row.
• The back bumps of the initial chain are located on the back side of the chain. They look like a backbone.

Free fall crochet patterns you may like:

From left to right: Fall crochet leaves, fall crochet decor free pattern roundup, crochet pixie hat.

Notes:

• The pattern is very easy to follow but keep in mind to work those slip stitches, loosely. If you find that extremely hard, you can always go up a hook size.
• The pattern is written in Standard US terms.

Free crochet pumpkins pattern

The “knit” crochet pumpkin

Before you begin, leave a long tail of yarn, about 6 inches (15 cm). This will be used to sew your pumpkin after you finish it.

R1: ch 15, sl st in back bumps only, ch 1, turn (14)
R2: sl st in blo in each st across, ch 1, turn (14)
R3-35: repear row 2

Do not fasten off. See the instructions below for the assembly.

UPDATE 09/08/23: The sewing instructions below were used to apply for both pumpkins. I have recently found a way to make the seam for the knit pumpkin a little less obvious.

You can watch the full video tutorial for the “knit” pumpkin below, and the new sewing instructions are included there.

But, if you don’t really care what the seam looks like you can still follow the photo tutorial.

How to sew your crochet pumpkin

When you make the last row, chain 1 and fold the piece in half like in the photo below. This is the wrong side of your work, you will turn it inside out, eventually.

Turn your work so that the yarn tail you left, in the beginning, is in front of you. Insert the hook in the back loop of one side of the fabric and the front loop of the other side of the fabric.

Yarn over and pull through all loops on your hook.

Continue in the same manner all the way across. It will look like this.

When you reach the end of the row, leave a long tail of yarn for sewing and cut the rest. Turn your work inside out and thread the needle.

Begin sewing the bottom of the pumpkin. Down in one stitch…

…up in the other stitch. Continue all the way around.

Start pulling the yarn to close the hole.

Close the hole all the way through by pulling tight.

Insert the needle like so and keep pulling. I like to go one full round of this and then make a knot and hide the yarn again in the same manner.

Stuff the pumpkin and sew the upper side of the pumpkin in the same manner as the bottom side and start pulling tight.

Before you close the opening completely make sure you have put enough stuffing.

Close the opening in the same way as before and pull tight. Do not cut the yarn yet.

Insert the needle in the middle of the hole.

And push it all the way to the middle of the other side.

Pull the yarn tight so the upper center of the pumpkin will curve inwards. Insert the needle under the closing loops again and repeat the same process the other way around.

Start from the bottom up and keep repeating until you are satisfied with the result.

Your first pumpkin is ready!

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The “purl” crochet pumpkin

Before you begin, leave a long tail of yarn, about 6 inches (15 cm). This will be used to sew your pumpkin after you finish it.

R1: ch 15, sl st in back bumps only, ch 1, turn (14)
R2: sl in flo in each st across, ch 1, turn (14)
R3: sl st in blo in each st across, ch 1, turn (14)
R4-35: repeat rows 2 and 3

Do not fasten off. See the instructions above for the assembly. This one is finished in the same way.

Or, you can watch the full video tutorial for the “purl” crochet pumpkin.

More free crochet patterns that look knit!

From left to right: Crochet knot bag, Rustic Tea Towels, Aberdeen shawl.

How to crochet a pumpkin stem

An easy way to make a stem for your crocheted pumpkins is with the crochet icord technique.

With a 5 mm crochet hook make an icord of only 3-4 rows and fasten off. Attach on the top of your tiny pumpkin.

If you don’t know how to make an icord I have a photo tutorial for you below.

How to crochet an icord (photo tutorial)

1. Chain 3.

2. Insert the hook into the second chain from hook, yarn over, and pull up a loop.

3. Insert the hook into the next chain, yarn over, and pull up a loop. You now have 3 loops on your hook.

4. Remove the last 2 loops from your hook carefully and hold them with your left thumb and index finger. Yarn over and pull up a loop.

5. Slide one loop on your hook again, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Remember to hold the other one tight.

6. Slide the last loop on your hook, yarn over, and pull up a loop.

You have completed your first icord row. Repeat steps 4-6 for the desired length.

When you reach the desired length for the stem, you have 3 loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all three loops on your hook.

Cut the yarn and pull it so it won’t unravel. Thread the needle with the yarn that you just cut off and sew the stem on the pumpkin.

Crochet blanket patterns you will love!

From left to right: Finnegan baby blanket, Calm dreams baby blanket, Vintage granny square baby blanket.

FAQ

These cute crochet pumpkins have been an easy fall crochet project and a fan favorite for years, now.

As time went by, I have gathered some frequently asked questions about my easy crochet pumpkin pattern and I am posting them below for everyone to see from now on.

– Can I use a cinnamon stick or a small twig as a pumpkin stem?

Sure! Go ahead! If you want a more rustic feel for your crocheted pumpkins, it’s fine by me. You can totally skip the icord stem and hot glue a cinnamon stick on top of the pumpkin.

– Do I have to use worsted weight yarn?

Yes and no. If you want to follow the pattern and end up with small pumpkins like this pattern intended to do, then yes, you will have to use worsted weight yarn.

If on the other hand, you have a lighter yarn on your hands and want to try it out you could definitely do that. Just be aware of a couple of things:

1. Your pumpkins will end up smaller than the dimensions given.

2. You will also have to adjust your crochet hook size and you might end up with a more “fragile” fabric.

– How can I make larger pumpkins?

I hear you! You are in the “go big or go home” category. While you can make different sizes with your pumpkins I only offer sizing options in the paid pdf pattern.

You can find all the links for my shops below, or try my annual membership at an amazing price!

– How is this pumpkin shape achieved? Do I have to wrap yarn around my crocheted pumpkin?

Nope! It’s all about the stitches used and the sewing process involved. You are just going to thread your yarn needle to the long yarn tail you left in the beginning and the end of your crochet project.

Then, all you have to do is just follow the photo or video tutorial to close the small hole that will appear.

– Do I have to know how to make a magic ring?

No! These cute little pumpkins are made as a flat rectangle and then sewn together.

– Can I use a tapestry needle to sew my pumpkins?

Absolutely! I always try to avoid sewing as much as I can, but you might really love it. No judging here.

While in the photo and video tutorial, I only provide instructions to sew your project with the same crochet hook you used, it’s an easy fix.

You can use the same loops I used and whip stitch your project in no time!

– Can I use super bulky yarn to make a large pumpkin?

Yes, you totally can experiment with super bulky yarn. But, as I mentioned before I only offer the formula for sizing options in the paid pdf pattern.

– I only know the basic crochet stitches like double crochet and the single crochet stitch. Will I be able to make this pattern?

The slip stitches that are used in this written pattern are basic crochet stitches, only not used so often in this form.

You probably know them just as a connector between rounds. But, when used this way they create a stunning knit-look fabric.

Plus, now that I am offering a full video tutorial, you’ll have no problem making a bunch of those in a matter of a few afternoons.

– Are these amigurumi pumpkins?

Haha, well, technically speaking, no. Amigurumi usually are made with single crochet stitches, in a tight tension.

While these are some cute pumpkins, in most cases amigurumi have a face that will support their kawaii nature.

I hope you have enjoyed this free crochet pumpkin pattern and I always love to see your cute pumpkins pop up on my feed.

If you make any crochet mini pumpkins using my free pattern, tag me @mallooknitwear on Instagram and use #malloomakers so I can see your projects!

That’s it! What do you think of my easy pumpkin crochet tutorial? Let me know in the comments below, or buy me a cup of coffee and share your thoughts, there.

Get the ad-free pdf crochet pumpkin pattern here:

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