Fabric Pumpkin Tutorial

Here's what we're making...

...fabric pumpkins! 

Here's what you need:

• Fabric that makes you think of pumpkins--think all kinds of textures from fleece to velvet to brocade to cotton
• Pumpkin stems--this is important, you really need REAL pumpkin stems (save the ones from each year, dig in the bin at the grocery for those that have already broken off, but don't break off stems from their pumpkins, 'cause that's just mean--a good stem is what makes a pumpkin, if you ask me)
• Rice or beans
• Polyfill
• You'll also need a needle and thread, a sewing machine, and a glue gun

Here's what you do:

1. Cut your fabric into a rectangle and fold in half. It doesn't really matter what size. A bigger rectangle will make a bigger pumpkin. But I think short and wide words better than long and tall.

Sew two of the cut ends together to make a seam.

2. With a big running stitch (see #4) sew one open end shut, pulling the thread tight. (This works best by hand.) Secure and knot securely.

3. Turn right side out and add rice or beans to the bottom to give the pumpkin some weight. Top with polyfill. You don't need to fill it so it's stuffed too full; a squashy pumpkin is best, I think.

4. Using the same big running stitch, sew the top end and pull the thread tight.

Here's what it should look like:

5. Next, tuck the unfinished part inside the pumpkin and sew shut securely. It doesn't matter if you can see your stitches, as long as you know the stem you've chosen will cover them. 

I do like to pull the thread down to the bottom of the pumpkin and back up again (think cushion with tufted buttons) to make the center squash down some. If you make a huge pumpkin, that won't work because your needle won't be long enough to go all the way down your pumpkin. But it works great for smaller pumpkins.

6. Pick the best stem to suit your pumpkin's size and add to the top of your pumpkin with hot glue. 

That's it! One darling, fabric pumpkin.

Comments

[Holly @ Crownlaiddown]

Got my darlin' fabric pumpkin out that you made last year! I love it :) And I love the wonderful memory of it, especially.

Have a blessed Sabbath, friend!

[Kimberly]

Hmmm...I've got the stems from breaking them off all the squash I put in storage today--perfect timing. Now, all I need is fabric. I don't have much of a stash like you and Janna! I put all the stems aside after reading this. I'll have to come up with something cuz these are too cute!!

[Puva]

Really like those pumpkins!

[angela]

LOVE this project. We will give it a try.

[SierraMoon]

brilliant !!!!!!!!
I'll make this soon ! MERCI !

[Jules from The Roost]

I think I can....I think I can...I am awful at crafts but this cute pumpkin is very tempting to try ! How a-bout a give a-way??? Just a thought! HEE HEEE :)

[Amber]

These are so cute! Thanks for the link :-)