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 :-)

[Susan Klasen]

Great site - I have made many fabric pumpkins and enjoyed your presentation. The blessing was the books you have written....thank you....

[Someday Crafts]

Love these. featured at somedaycrafts.blogspot.com

[BulbinBlue]

Hi, this is an excellent Halloween craft!! i'm writing from bulbinblue.com, a non-profit site for creative ideas and crafts. We'd love to feature it on our upcoming Halloween section if you are interested!
Please e-mail us at the address given.
Sincerely,
The Blue Team

[Natalie]

I LOVE the furry pumpkin!!

[Cheap Coach Bags]

Priests of the Druid religion of ancient (to) Britain and France believed mistletoe had magical powers.

[records management]

From a guy's perspective i really don't understand what they're for, really. Could anyone please explain it to me ?

[Debbie]

MEN!

[Debbie]

LOVE LOVE LOVE THESE! THANKS FOR THE Whooty TOOT!

[Diane Westbrook]

Hi There!
I was looking at another blog today and she had some stuffed pumpkins that looked so much like yours...the fabric was velvet! So after finding out how much they cost...kind of overwhelming for my budget, I started a search on the internet...guess what?? I finally found your site and the pumpkin pattern was just perfect! One other pattern said to use a circle of fabric and wondering if you have ever tried that method? The other question I have is this....where do I find the stems?
I am sending a prayer for a very very swift recovery, as well!
Diane

[Ana Paula]

Hi! Your pumpkins are so pretty and easy!
I made one and posted on my blog linking to you.
You can see my post here:

http://passionfruitprincess.blogspot.com/2011/10/halloween-cross-stitch-and-fabric.html

Thanks for sharing such a great tutorial.
Ana Paula.

[Rene]

Hi, I posted your tutorial link on my site a few days ago. Thank you for sharing the adorable how to.
I pray the Lord continues to heal you from the top of your head to the tips of your toes.

Rene' xo

[Alice Happe]

would like to make some of your pumpkins,but have no stems. Do you sell stems?
i am interested.

[Kathleen Gilder]

Hi, I love your fabric pumpkins! I sell plastic pellets (www.craftpellets.com) and would love to include your pattern on my site. I'm encouraging people to use my pellets as the weight in the bottom. A big advantage of the pellets over rice or beans is that you never have to worry about mice going after them. Also, no problems with mold.

I'll be happy to include a link to your site if that is ok with you.

Thanks,
Kathleen Gilder
Craft Pellets

[Joanne Heim]

Yes, thats fine. And thank you!
Joanne.

Joanne Heim | Sent from my iPhone