Easy Crochet Pumpkin Pattern (Free) — For a Cosy Autumn Make
This easy crochet pumpkin pattern is a quick and fun make for autumn or fall. Whether you’re decorating your home for Halloween or Thanksgiving, or just want to add some cosy seasonal touches, these little pumpkins are perfect.
They’re ideal for using up small balls of yarn from your stash, and you can make them in lots of different colours and sizes, and they also make lovely handmade gifts or table decorations. I love making them as gifts and to decorate my home, because they work up so quickly. You'll soon hook up a whole pumpkin patch of your own.
🌼 Quick Look: Easy Crochet Pumpkin Pattern
- Skill Level: Beginner‑friendly.
- Construction: Worked flat in rows, then seamed and gathered.
- Stitches Used: Chains, working in back loop only, US sc / UK dc.
- Time to Make: 1-2 hours, depending on speed of crochet.
- Yarn: ~33g (50m) chunky yarn, any colour of choice.
- Extras: Toy filling, twig or cinnamon stick, ribbon, glue gun, removable stitch marker (to make the right side of work).
- Hook: 5.5mm (US I/9)
- Finished Size: ~12cm (4.75in) across
- Pattern Type: 3D textured pumpkin
- Perfect For: Autumn décor, Halloween, Thanksgiving, handmade gifts
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Why you’ll love this Easy Crochet Pumpkin Pattern
- It’s a quick project — great for a relaxing evening of crafting.
- A perfect stash-buster — use up those odd bits of yarn in your favourite shades.
- Adds a warm, handmade feel to your autumn decor.
- Easy to customise with different sizes, colours, and textures.
- Great for gift hampers, table displays or party favours.
Level of Difficulty
This is an easy, beginner-friendly pattern worked entirely in single crochet (US) / double crochet (UK), with no shaping or colour changes. The ridged texture comes from working into the back loop only, which is simple to learn and easy to keep track of — making this a great confidence-building project or a relaxing bit of stash-busting crochet.
How to Use Your Crochet Pumpkin
Once you’ve made your pumpkin, here are a few ideas for how to use it:
- Decorate a shelf or windowsill with a mix of pumpkins in different colours.
- Use them as part of your Halloween or Thanksgiving table decor.
- String several together to make an autumn-themed garland.
- Add a cinnamon stick or twig stem for a rustic finish.
- Gift a set of pumpkins to friends or family as a handmade seasonal gift.
How to get your Free Easy Crochet Pumpkin Pattern
- Follow the FREE version of the pattern below. You don't need to sign up or log in because it's free right here on the blog. The pattern is written in full using both US and UK crochet terms — US terms are given first, followed by UK terms.
Buy the premium pattern to download and keep
- Buy a pdf to download and save on your own device for the future. Save it in your pattern library and use it again and again.
- Buy on Ravelry here: Pattern on Ravelry
- Buy on Etsy here: Pattern on Etsy
Copyright
Please read the copyright terms, which apply globally, before using or downloading your pattern: The contents of this page, including the pattern instructions and images, are published under copyright to me ©Lynne Rowe 2025 under my brand Knit Crochet Create® and are for your own personal use only. Feel free to sell items made from this pattern for charity fundraising purposes, or to gift to family and friends, but selling small numbers for profit is only allowed with permission. Please email lynne@knitcrochetcreate.com for permission to sell in small numbers. By downloading or using this pattern, you therefore agree to these terms.
Materials Needed
- You can use any thickness of yarn with its recommended hook size (you will find this information on the yarn band).
- I used approximately 33g (50 metres) of chunky yarn with a 5.5mm (US I/9) hook, for each pumpkin.
- Yarn needle.
- Removable stitch marker to mark the right side of your crochet.
- Scissors.
- Small amount of toy filling.
- A small twig or a cinnamon stick for the stem.
- Short lengths of ribbon.
- Glue gun.
Tension or Gauge
Your tension or gauge will differ, depending on yarn and hook size used. Tension/gauge is not critical for this project.
Finished Size
Approximately 12cm (4.75in) across, using chunky weight yarn and 5.5mm (US I/9) hook. This measurement will vary if a different yarn or hook size is used.
Top Tips for the Best Results
- Mark your right side — pop a removable stitch marker on the right side of Row 1 so you never lose track as you work.
- Keep to the back loop only — this is what creates the pumpkin's signature ridged texture, so check every row.
- Stuff firmly — a well-filled pumpkin holds its shape much better than a lightly stuffed one.
- Pull your gathering yarn tight — really cinch both ends closed for a neat, rounded shape.
- Use a glue gun for the stem — it holds the twig and ribbon securely.
Crochet Abbreviations (US TERMS)
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- rep = repeat
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
Easy Crochet Pumpkin Pattern — US Crochet Terms
With your chosen yarn and recommended hook size, chain 19, then work back along the chain just made:
- Row 1 (right side): Skip first chain, 1 single crochet (1sc) in second chain from hook (image A below), 1sc in each chain to the end, then turn. [18 sc]
- Place a removable stitch marker on right side of work, to help identify the right side.
- Now you will only work into the back loop of each stitch (image B below).
- Row 2: Ch1 (does not count as a stitch), 1sc into the back loop only of each stitch to the end, then turn.
- Repeat Row 2 until you have worked 36 rows in total from the beginning. You will therefore end after working a wrong-side row.
- Fasten off.
- Note that each ridge is made up of 2 rows, so you will have 18 ridges. Your rectangle of crochet should be twice as long as it is wide (work a few rows more if needed).
Making Up
With wrong sides together and right sides outermost, slip stitch the side seam, through the starting chain edge, and the back loops of the last row (image C above).
Cut a long length of yarn and thread it through the bumps of each ridge at one end (image D above). Pull yarns ends tightly to close the hole then tie in a firm knot. Thread yarn through to inside. Stuff firmly with toy filling.
Cut a long length of yarn and thread it through ridges of top edge, as before. Pull yarns ends tightly and knot, leaving a small hole for the twig. Thread one end of yarn all the way from top, to base of pumpkin, and then back up again, and out at the top. Tie tightly to create an indent (image E below).
Finishing Touches
Insert twig into hole then push it carefully towards the base (image F below). Use a glue gun to secure twig. Tie two or three layers of ribbon around the twig then glue gun in place (images G and H below).
Crochet Abbreviations (UK TERMS)
- ch = chain
- dc = double crochet
- rep = repeat
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
Easy Crochet Pumpkin Pattern — UK Crochet Terms
With your chosen yarn and recommended hook size, chain 19, then work back along the chain just made:
- 1st Row (right side): Skip first chain, 1 double crochet (1dc) in second chain from hook (image A), 1dc in each chain to the end, then turn. [18 dc]
- Place a removable stitch marker on right side of work, to help identify the right side.
- Now you will only work into the back loop of each stitch (see image B).
- 2nd Row: Ch1 (does not count as a stitch), 1dc into the back loop only of each stitch to the end, then turn.
- Repeat Row 2 until you have worked 36 rows in total from the beginning. You will end after working a wrong-side row. Fasten off.
- Note that each ridge is made up of 2 rows, so you will have 18 ridges. Your rectangle of crochet should be twice as long as it is wide (work a few rows more if needed).
- Follow Making Up and Finishing instructions as given for US terms above.
Mix It Up: Variations & Creative Ideas To Try
- Ghost pumpkins — work the same pattern in white or cream yarn for a pretty, muted autumn look.
- Mini garden gourds — try green or mustard yarn for a rustic-textured gourd effect.
- Jack-o'-lantern face — stitch or felt on a simple face in black yarn for a Halloween twist.
- Glow Up — hold a strand of fine glitter or metallic yarn together with your main yarn for a festive sparkle.
- Pumpkin garland — make several in graduating sizes then thread onto twine for a garden garland.
Frequently Asked Questions: Free Crochet Pumpkin Pattern
Most makers finish a pumpkin in 1-2 hours, which therefore makes this a lovely quick project for a relaxing evening or a stash-busting session.
Yes — the pattern works with any yarn weight and its recommended hook size. Thicker chunky yarn gives a bold, textured pumpkin, while a lighter weight will make a smaller, daintier one.
No — this pattern only uses single crochet (US) / double crochet (UK) worked into the back loop only, so it's ideal for beginners.
Fabric scraps, old tights, or even scrunched-up plastic bags all work well if you don't have toy filling to hand.
Insert a small twig or cinnamon stick into the gathered top hole and secure it with a glue gun, then finish with a wrap of ribbon.
Older children who are confident with basic stitches can help with the crochet rows, though the glue gun step is best left to an adult.
What to Make Next?
If you enjoyed my free easy pumpkin crochet pattern, and are looking for more free patterns, try these:
- Crochet Pumpkin Applique Motif
- Crochet Strawberry Amigurumi
- Easy Crochet Scarf Pattern
- More Free Crochet Patterns
Share your creations
If you love this free crochet pattern and make lots of adorable pumpkins, I’d love to see your finished decorations! Tag me on Instagram [@knitcrochetcreate] so I can see them too. Happy Crocheting!
About Lynne from Knit Crochet Create
Lynne Rowe is a UK‑based knitting and crochet designer and best‑selling author, recognised for her clear, easy‑to‑follow patterns and also her dedication to making knitting and crochet accessible to everyone. She is the founder of Knit Crochet Create, with a strong focus on stash‑busting projects that promote sustainable, mindful making. Lynne’s work encourages the use of your yarn stash — therefore helping you transform small leftovers into joyful creations.
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