Easy Crochet Pumpkin Pattern for Beginners (Free)

This easy crochet pumpkin pattern is a quick and cozy fall project that beginners can make with basic stitches. The pumpkin starts as a simple ribbed rectangle, so there is no complicated shaping and no need to work in continuous rounds. Once the rectangle is finished, you will seam, stuff, and shape it into a soft pumpkin that looks beautiful on a shelf, mantel, or autumn table.

This free pattern uses US crochet terms and includes instructions for a medium pumpkin, plus easy tips for changing the size.

Why You Will Love This Crochet Pumpkin

• It uses only chains and single crochet stitches.
• The ribbed texture creates natural-looking pumpkin sections.
• It is a fast project for using leftover yarn.
• You can easily make it larger or smaller.
• It makes a lovely handmade fall decoration or gift.

Materials You Will Need

• Approximately 80–100 yd (73–91 m) of worsted-weight yarn in orange
• A small amount of brown yarn for the stem
• A small amount of green yarn for the optional leaf
• 5 mm (H-8) crochet hook
• Polyester fiberfill
• Yarn needle
• Scissors
• Stitch marker, optional

Gauge: Exact gauge is not essential for this project. Work tightly enough that the stuffing does not show through the stitches.

Crochet Abbreviations

• ch – chain
• sc – single crochet
• hdc – half double crochet
• dc – double crochet
• sl st – slip stitch
• BLO – back loop only
• st(s) – stitch(es)

Easy Crochet Pumpkin Pattern

Use orange yarn and a 5 mm crochet hook.

Foundation: Ch 26.

Row 1: Sc in the second ch from the hook and in each ch across. You should have 25 sts. Ch 1 and turn.

Row 2: Working in the BLO, sc in each st across. Ch 1 and turn. (25 sts)

Rows 3–44: Repeat Row 2. Your rectangle should measure approximately 7 in (18 cm) tall and 12 in (30 cm) wide when relaxed. Add or remove rows if needed, but finish after an even number of rows.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail of about 30 in (75 cm) for seaming and shaping.

How to Assemble the Crochet Pumpkin

1. Seam the rectangle

Fold the rectangle in half so the first and last rows meet. Thread the long yarn tail onto a yarn needle. Whipstitch the two short edges together to form a tube. Turn the tube so the seam sits on the inside.

2. Close the bottom

With the yarn needle, weave the yarn in and out around one open edge of the tube. Pull firmly to gather the edge closed. Make a few secure stitches across the opening and knot the yarn.

3. Add the stuffing

Fill the pumpkin evenly with polyester fiberfill. Keep the pumpkin soft enough to shape; overstuffing can make it difficult to create the sections.

4. Close the top

Thread another long strand of orange yarn through the remaining open edge. Pull the stitches together, add a little more stuffing if needed, and close the opening securely.

5. Shape the pumpkin sections

Use a long strand of orange yarn and insert the needle through the center bottom and out through the center top. Bring the yarn down around the outside of the pumpkin and pass the needle through the center again. Pull gently to form a groove. Repeat this evenly around the pumpkin until you have six to eight sections. Secure and weave in the yarn end.

How to Crochet the Stem

Use brown yarn. Work in joined rounds or continuous rounds, whichever you prefer.

Round 1: Make a magic ring and work 6 sc into the ring. (6 sts)

Rounds 2–5: Sc in each st around. (6 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing. Lightly stuff the stem with a small yarn scrap, then sew it over the top center opening.

Optional Crochet Leaf

With green yarn, ch 8. Starting in the second ch from the hook, work: sl st, sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc, sl st. Fasten off and sew the leaf beside the stem.

How to Change the Pumpkin Size

The starting chain controls the pumpkin's height, while the number of rows controls its width.

• Small pumpkin: Ch 18 and work about 32 rows.
• Medium pumpkin: Ch 26 and work about 44 rows.
• Large pumpkin: Ch 34 and work about 56 rows.

These counts are flexible because different yarns and crochet tension can change the finished measurements. For a pleasantly rounded shape, make the rectangle's width about 1.5 to 1.7 times its height.

Helpful Tips for a Neat Finish

• Use a smaller hook if gaps appear between your stitches.
• Count the stitches in every few rows to keep the sides straight.
• Do not overstuff the pumpkin before adding the shaping strands.
• Match the shaping yarn to the pumpkin so it blends into the fabric.
• Make a set in several colors and sizes for an easy fall centerpiece.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this crochet pumpkin pattern suitable for beginners?

Yes. You only need to know how to make a chain and single crochet. Working in the back loop creates the ribbed texture without using advanced stitches.

Can I use a different yarn weight?

Yes. Use a hook that suits your yarn and produces a firm fabric. Thinner yarn creates a smaller pumpkin, while bulky yarn creates a larger, chunkier pumpkin.

Why does my pumpkin look too tall?

Your starting chain may be too long compared with the number of rows. Add more rows to widen the rectangle, or use fewer chains on your next pumpkin.

Can I use this pattern for a pumpkin garland?

Yes. Use lightweight yarn, make a shorter starting chain, and crochet fewer rows. Sew the finished mini pumpkins onto a crocheted chain or piece of twine.

Make Your Own Fall Pumpkin

This free easy crochet pumpkin pattern is simple enough for a first fall project and quick enough to make in several colors. Try classic orange, soft cream, muted green, or yarn scraps that match your home. If you make this pumpkin, save the pattern so you can return to it whenever autumn arrives.