Mini-Pumpkins: Perfect for all your Autumn decor!

As the crisp autumn breeze sweeps in, bringing with it the rich, golden tones of fall foliage and the unmistakable aroma of pumpkin spice, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than by embracing the cosy, whimsical spirit of it all. What better way to ring in autumn than by crafting your very own “Mini-Pumpkin”? These charming little mini-pumpkins capture the heart of the season in a way that’s both endearing and enchanting, bringing a handmade touch to your home that is sure to warm your heart.

Step into the world of hand-knit mini pumpkins, where each stitch weaves a bit of autumn magic into these pint-sized wonders. Imagine the joy of creating these delightful decorations, evoking all the warmth, nostalgia, and festive cheer that fall brings. From their soft, round shapes to their rustic texture, these mini pumpkins are more than just a seasonal craft – they are an expression of creativity, skill, and love for the autumn season.

Whether you’re a seasoned knitter with countless projects under your belt or a beginner eager to explore the joys of crafting, this mini-pumpkin pattern offers a wonderful opportunity to dive into a cosy, creative project. As you knit, purl, and shape your pumpkins, you’ll feel a sense of satisfaction and warmth, knowing you’re crafting something that adds personality and charm to your home. These hand-knit mini pumpkins are perfect for brightening up any corner, from your mantelpiece to your table, and they’ll quickly become a treasured part of your autumn decor.

This pattern includes three different sizes, so you can create a variety of mini pumpkins to suit your style. But the real magic lies in the flexibility of the design – it’s easy to customise! Whether you want a smaller, delicate pumpkin or a larger statement piece, you can adjust the size to suit your preferences. Dig into your stash of scrap yarn, and with the right needles and a bit of creativity, you’ll be well on your way to filling your home with a whimsical patch of hand-knit mini pumpkins. Let the fall crafting adventure begin!

Pattern Notes for the Mini-Pumpkin

This mini-pumpkin pattern is worked in the round to create a tube. Then, you’ll sew a running stitch around once end of the pumpkin, enabling you to cinch it together to create an enclosed bottom. Once the bottom has been closed up, we will stuff the pumpkin with polyfill or toy stuffing to make it since and plump. Once we’ve stuffed our pumpkin, we’ll again use a running stitch to cinch up the top and prevent our stuffing from coming out. Last, we will give our pumpkins their glorious shape by running strands of yarn along the purl columns and pulling them in.

Create a project page for your project here on Ravelry!

I can’t wait to see your Mini-Pumpkins come to life! Share your WIPs and FOs on social media using #rhyFlowerBlog and #MiniPumpkin—let’s celebrate your creativity together! 

Pattern Support for the Mini-Pumpkin

Please see our Pattern Support page regarding pattern support for our freebie patterns; https://rhyflowerknits.com/pattern-support/

Skill Level

Easy

Size Information

1 [2, 3]

Finished Measurements

7 [8.5, 10]” / 18 [21.5, 25.5] cm circumference, 4 [5, 6]” / 10 [13, 16] cm in height.

Materials for your Mini-Pumpkin

Yarn: 44 [66, 93] yd / 40 [60, 85] m fingering weight yarn (I used Turtlepurl Yarns Striped Turtle Toes for my sample pumpkin).

Needles: US1 (2.25 mm) circular needles, double-pointed needles, or mini-circulars (whichever is your preference for working small circumferences)

Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker

Additional materials: Twigs or cinnamon sticks for the pumpkin stalk, glue gun, toy stuffing or polyfill (to fill the pumpkin. If you don’t have any on hand, stuff that pumpkin with some scrap yarn!), ribbon or yarn (I made a simple 2-stitch i-cord for mine) for the pumpkin curls (optional)

Gauge

34 stitches by 40 rounds = 4″ / 10 cm in ribbing motif, after blocking.

Modifications

This pumpkin can be easily made in other yarn weights, should you choose. Be sure to cast on a multiple of 6. When adjusting your pumpkin size, the number of stitches you cast on will dictate the pumpkin circumference, while the length you work your rectangle to will dictate its height. Experiment with different pumpkin sizes and shapes – if you’ve been to a pumpkin patch before you know they come in an array 

Abbreviations used in our Mini-Pumpkins

”: Inch(es).

CM: Centimetre(s). 

K: Knit.

M: Metre(s).

Mm: Millimetre(s).

P: Purl.

Rep: Repeat.

Yd: Yard(s).

Directions for our Mini-Pumpkins

Step 1

Using a Cable Cast-on, cast on 60 [72, 84] stitches, leaving a 16″ / 40 cm tail. Place stitch marker and join to work in the round.

Round 1: *K4, p2; rep from * across round.

Repeat Round 1 until the piece measures 4 [5, 6]” / 10 [13, 16] cm. Cut yarn, leaving a 36″ / 91 cm tail. You’ll now have a tube to work with. If desired, wash and block your tube to even out your stitches before proceeding to the next step.

Step 2

Turn your tube inside out. Working with the shorter of the two tails, thread your tapestry needle and proceed to work a running stitch around the edge, gently cinching up the stitches as you go, until you’ve worked your way around the entire circumference of your tube. Once complete, gently cinch your little pumpkin butt closed (if you pull too hard, you’ll break your yarn!). We want it tightened up enough that none of the stuffing will fall out when we go to fill it. Bind tightly.

Step 3

Turn your pumpkin to the right-side out again and fill it with toy stuffing or polyfill. Be sure to stuff it as evenly as possible so that your pumpkin is going to sit as flatly as possible. Then perform another running stitch to cinch up the top and keep all your stuffing in and secure so that it no longer opens back up. DO NOT CUT YOUR TAIL – WE WILL BE USING IT IN THE NEXT STEP!

Step 4

Pull through the centre of the pumpkin and out the bottom. Then, lining the strand up with the purl columns, draw the yarn through the top of the pumpkin and pull it out from the bottom again, pulling gently to bring in the purl columns and give it a delicious pumpkin shape. Continue with this method until all the purl columns have been drawn in all your purl columns. Remember, this doesn’t have to be perfect! Pumpkins have many shapes and sizes, so make them unique to you! Once you’ve pulled the yarn through for the last time, secure your yarn on the bottom of the pumpkin, draw the yarn back into it, and cut it so your end is in the pumpkin and is no longer visible.

Step 5

With your glue gun, carefully secure your twig or cinnamon stick to the centre of the top of your pumpkin for the pumpkin stock and let it cool. If desired, attach twine, ribbon, or yarn to the stalk.

Enjoy the pumpkin season!