Crochet Pumpkin Tutorial (Free Pattern)

If you want a soft, squishy pumpkin that is perfect for fall decor or kids toys, then this free crochet pattern is for you!

Our step by step guide for how to crochet a pumpkin will teach you all of the steps and stitches to use to make a cute three dimensional pumpkin.

Two different colored Crochet Pumpkins on green background

These are perfect for placing in a basket or displaying on a tiered tray. Our crochet maple leaves also look great on a table or shelves, too.

Be sure to see our crochet amigurumi ghost pattern, too!

Easy crocheted pumpkins are just one of the many free single crochet patterns we share!

Free Crochet Abbreviations Chart

Get a free printable chart of all the crochet abbreviations you need to know when working on patterns.

The free download is in our pattern library.

How to Crochet a Pumpkin

Materials

Crochet yarn, medium light weight (orange and green colors)
Crochet hook – 3.5 mm
Tapestry needle
Cotton or Poly-fil Stuffing
Scissors

Instructions

Step 1

Using an orange yarn for the pumpkin (or any other colored yarn of your choice), start with a slip stitch and then chain 12.

Step 2

Skip the chain next to the hook and insert the hook into the 2^nd stitch from hook.

Step 3

Work a SC (single crochet) into that chain stitch. Work single crochet into each stitch all the way to the other side.

You will have a total of 11 stitches.

Step 4

Flip the pattern to the other side and chain one.

Step 5

While working into the top chain stitches, keep in mind to insert your hook into the back/ further loop of the top chain stitches. Do not insert hook into both loops of a stitch.

Step 6

Work single crochet into the further loop of the first chain stitch.

Step 7

Work single crochet all the way to the other side, and then chain one.

Step 8

After the chain one, flip the crochet pattern to the other side.

Step 9

Continue to crochet until you have a total of 22 single crochet rows.

Step 10

Once you are done crocheting 22 rows, join both open ends of the crochet pattern together and align the stitches nicely and evenly.

Insert the hook in the 2 aligned foundation stitches of both open sides. Work a slip stitch to join them.

Step 11

Now, insert your hook into the next 2 aligned foundation chain stitch and join them with a slip stitch.

Step 12

Continue to join 2 aligned foundation chain stitches all the way to the other side. Keep 10-12 inches yarn and then cut off the rest.

Thread a tapestry needle into the remaining yarn.

Step 13

We are going to close the adjacent open end of the crochet-cylinder pattern. Insert the needle in and out (like running stitch) of the loops of that end.

Step 14

After several stitches, pull the yarn carefully to bring the loops closer.

Step 15

Once you’re done stitching the pattern all the way around, pull the yarn tightly to close that end.

Step 16

Stitch through the end to close it neatly.

Step 17

Once that end is closed neatly, insert the needle inside the pattern, tie tight knot and take the needle out of the yarn.

Step 18

This is what the other end (open) of the crochet pattern should look like now.

Step 19

Select a green yarn and make a slip knot with it. Insert the hook into the slip knot and then into any loop at the open end of the pumpkin base pattern.

Step 20

Pull yarn through that loop (note that counting loops or stitches isn’t necessary at this step).

Step 21

Now, insert the hook into any next (but not too far) loop.

Step 22

Pull the yarn through that loop.

Step 23

You should have 3 loops in hook (including the first slip knot). Now, pull yarn through all 3 loops on hook.

Step 24

To continue, insert hook through the next edge loop and pull yarn through and keep that loop on hook. Insert hook into the next loop and pull yarn through again. Check that you have 3 loops in hook.

Step 25

Pull yarn through all 3 loops on hook.

Step 26

Continue this process all the way around the open end.

Step 27

Stuff the pumpkin crochet base with cotton or Poly-fil. Keep the stuffing nice and fluffy; not too tight and not too light.

Step 28

Continue to crochet around the open end.

Step 29

Decrease your stitch count as you continue to crochet. This will eventually bring the stitch towards the center and close that end.

Step 30

Once you reach the center, continue the process without decreasing the stitch count. This time, keep the stitch count same to crochet the stem of the crochet pumpkin.