How to Make Fabric Pumpkins

Now that Halloween and Thanksgiving are quickly coming our way I thought that I would put together this super simple tutorial on how to make fabric pumpkins.  The beauty of this project is that you can make them in any size and from any fabric you want.  I chose Halloween fabric for my pumpkins.  Remnants from my stash as usual but if you don’t have the fabrics that you need for this stash busting project I recommend that you head on over to Hobby Lobby or Fabric.com to get the perfect fabrics for your project.  This post contains affiliate links that if you click on them and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

What you will Need:

• Pattern
• Fabric depending on the size of pumpkin
• Contrasting fabric for the stem
• Yarn or twine
• Coordinating thread
• Polyester Fiberfill
• Hand sewing needle
• Yarn Darner or needle large enough to accommodate the yarn or twine.

Step 1: How to Make Fabric Pumpkins

Cut rectangles with the length twice the measurement of the width.  For example, if you are making a 30″ pumpkin your measurements should be 15″ x 30″.  Of course you can change the size of your pumpkins by changing the measurements of your rectangles.  If you want taller pumpkins you can cut the width wider in comparison to the length.

Cut the size stems to fit the size pumpkin you choose to make. I actually used the large stem for all three of my pumpkins.

Step 2: How to Make Fabric Pumpkins

Fold the fabric right sides together and sew the short edges using a 1/2″ seam allowance.  You will create a tube of fabric.

Step 3: How to Make Fabric Pumpkins

Baste one of the long edges using a long basting stitch about 1/2″ from the raw edge.  Leave a 4″ long tail.

Step 4: How to Make Fabric Pumpkins

Pull the threads from both ends to gather the fabric.  When the fabric is totally gathered,, tie off the thread.  This will be the bottom of your pumpkin.  Stitch through the gathers and knot the fabric to keep it taut and sturdy. Trim the thread ends

Step 5: How to Make Fabric Pumpkins

Fill the pumpkin with fiberfill.  You want to fill the pumpkin full because the fiberfill will be compacted in later steps.

Step 6: How to Make Fabric Pumpkins

Baste the top edge the same way you did the bottom of the pumpkin and pull the threads and secure them in the same way.  You should now have a fabric ball.

Step 7: How to Make Fabric Pumpkins

Thread the yarn darner or large needle with the yarn or twine.  Knot the yarn or twine and starting at the bottom center of the pumpkin pull the yarn through the pumpkin and up through the top center.  Wrap the yarn or twine around the outside of the pumpkin and back up through the bottom.  Repeat this so that you have seven evenly spaced pumpkin sections.  Tie off the yarn or twine at the bottom of the pumpkin.  Maneuver the fiberfill so that the pumpkin is nice and even all the way around.

Step 8: How to Make Fabric Pumpkins

Create your pumpkin stems.  Print the pattern for the stems. Sew the four pieces right sides together using a 1/4″ seam allowance.  Turn right sides out and stuff with fiberfill.

Step 9: How to Make Fabric Pumpkins

Hand stitch the stem to the top of the pumpkin.  Add fabric leaves if you like or green ribbon if you like.

Step 10: How to Make Fabric Pumpkins

You have now finished your fabric pumpkins.