"All I know is that to me, you look like you're having fun..."
I certainly had fun making this pumpkin! It's a beginner pattern, for the beginner crochet artist and for me, a beginner pattern writer.
There's something satisfying about using even the smallest scraps of yarn to make something beautiful. There's also the feeling of using a lot of yarn that you want to get rid of. I brought that energy to this pattern, with 5 sizes and 3 different yarn weights. Do you have too much brown yarn that you don't want to make a bunch of small things with? Make a big pumpkin.
Have a million small balls of yarn? Make a million tiny pumpkins. Or tie them all together for a variegated look as unique as you. The limit does not exist. ✨
I have a much greater appreciation for pattern writers - there is so much thought, measuring and weighing, making sure pictures correlate to directions, and decisions. Paid patterns are definitely worth it, on the buying and the selling end.
The full pattern - all 5 sizes - is now available on the website! There are step by step photos, yarn recommendations, and directions on how to triple strand your yarn and make a Slip Stitch Magic Ring. If you have more fun shopping, there's a listing for the physical pumpkins, too!
However, free patterns are too - and that's why I'm sharing the Mini Size pumpkin pattern here on the blog! It's the orange and green top pumpkin on the middle stack. It measures 3” x 1.5”.
You'll need:
5.5mm hook, 12 grams 4wt yarn (I used Lion Brand Wool Ease), a cinnamon stick, and polyfill. You'll also need scissors, a yarn needle, and a hot glue gun.
Terms/Stitches to know:
Chain (ch), Chain 1 (ch 1), Stitch (st), Slip stitch (sl st), Yarn over (yo), Half Double Crochet (HDC), 2 HDC (Increase), Half Double Crochet Decrease (HDCDEC)
Start with a Slip Stitch Magic Ring (SSMR) or Ch2 or Magic Ring (MR)
Row 1: HDC 6 in MR. Tighten MR. Join with a sl st to ch 1, ch 1. (6)
Row 2: 2 HDC in each st. Join with a sl st to ch 1, ch 1. (12)
Row 3: *2 HDC, HDC in next st.* Repeat from * around. Join with a sl st to ch 1, ch 1. (18)
Row 4: *2 HDC, HDC in next 2 st.* Repeat from * around. Join with a sl st to ch 1, ch 1. (24)
Row 5-8: HDC around, join with sl st and ch 1. (36)
Row 9: *HDCDEC, HDC in next 2 st.* Repeat from * around. Join with a sl st to ch 1, ch 1. (18)
Row 10: HDCDEC around, join with sl st and ch 1. (12)
Row 11: HDCDEC around, join with sl st and tie off. Leave a long tail to cinch and tie. (6)
To Finish:
Stuff pumpkin - enough but not too much that you can see the stuffing through the stitch gaps.
Sew pumpkin shut. At this point you’ll either re-thread your tapestry needle or keep using the same bit of yarn to section, or rib, your pumpkin. The easiest way to do this is to wrap yarn around the pumpkin, and sew through the middle. Pull tight to create a pumpkin rib. I like to do 4-7 ribs, depending on the size of my pumpkin. Tie off tightly and sew in ends.
I then hot glue the stem onto the middle of the pumpkin.
And there you have it! My favorite way to use these mini pumpkins is for place markers at the table. I hope you enjoyed this! Follow me on Instagram to keep up with what's new!
-ST