Easy Knit Pumpkin
Oh Fall, you are my favorite.
I was recently staring at my giant stack of pretty Malabrigo Rasta yarn when the Fall Feels hit me like a ton of bricks. One of my favorite things to make every year is seasonal decor. Plush pumpkins are at the top of my list. I paired my Rasta with my love of pumpkins and fell in love. I knew I had to share it with you all.
When coming up with this little gem, I know I wanted it to be gorgeous and quick! So chunky yarn it is! I am such a stiffler about my pumpkins or anything plush for that matter to not show the poly fil through it. So using bulky weight yarn was a must. I also wanted to be sure that it had nice plump and even divides. This pattern is so easy! It makes for a perfect first knitting project. There are no increases or decreases.
Below you will find both a simple written pattern and a video tutorial. If you choose to use the written pattern, I will also include time stamps for the video as a reference if you get stuck on my directions.
The yarn I used in this tutorial is Malabrigo Rasta in Coronilla.
Note: Since this pumpkin is a single layer plush finished item, it is very important to knit this pattern as tight as possible to avoid seeing the poly-fil in your finished pumpkin. I typically knit with stainless needles, but I do use my bamboo needles for this pattern, as I can knit tighter.
PATTERN
Using US 13/9MM circular knitting needles, cast on 48 stitches using the basic cast-on method. I add one extra stitch to close the round, so 49 stitches total. Do not use the long tail cast on method for this pattern.
Close your round, leaving 48 stitches on your needle.
Rows 1-25 | Knit 5, Purl 1 (repeat until the end of the row - you should always end on purl)
ASSEMBLY
Using very strong/plied acrylic worsted yarn, attach enough on a needle to weave through the stitches left on your knitting needles. The yarn you use must be very strong! If not, it will likely break. Once your worsted yarn has all stitches secure, remove your needles. Cinch the top closed. Lots of knots. Tie the worsted yarn that you just used to cinch to your chunky yarn tail. Pull down into the pumpkin.
Generously stuff your pumpkin with poly-fil. Be sure not to overstuff!
Again, thread some worsted yarn onto your needle again, and weave it through the very first row/cast on stitches in a circle. Cinch tight! Knot, knot, knot. Tie to your chunky yarn tail. Pull back into the pumpkin and out the side. Cut excess. The string will now be hidden in your pumpkin.
You should now have a knit ball.
Using a lot of worsted yarn (3-4 ft), thread onto a needle. Tie the bottom end of your yarn to the bottom cinched are of your pumpkin. Pull the yarn up through the center of your pumpkin through the poly-fil and out of the top center hole.
Now, you are going to simply pull your yarn back down the outside of your pumpkin through the purl grooves. Go back into the bottom center of the pumpkin and up through the center again. Pull really tight without breaking your yarn. Tightly squeezed divides are what make your pumpkins perfection! Repeat until you have divided your pumpkin in all 8 of the purl grooves. Finish off by tying and knotting your yarn to the bottom of your pumpkin.
You can finish off your pumpkin however you wish. Some people like to use cinnamon sticks or wood sticks. This is super cute! I do personally like to use our suede stems and leaves due to easy. They are a lot less fussy than the sticks. I know, I know… I am a little bias. If you want to see how to attach them, please watch the video. Links to both are in the above materials list.
*If you are left with a larger hole at the bottom of your pumpkin, you can simply sew it closed together. This doesn’t always happen. However, there is always that chance. The top hole can be slightly open to accommodate for your finishing/topping items.
VIDEO TUTORIAL COMING SOON!
Voila. You are finished. Be sure to tag us on IG and share with your maker friends!
xoxo, Britt
