How to Make a Fabric Pumpkin

Fall is here! You can carve a pumpkin — or make one yourself. Here’s how to make a fabric pumpkin.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE A FABRIC PUMPKIN

• Craft glue
• Embroidery floss (available at craft stores)
• Fabric
• Sewing needle
• Ruler or measuring tape
• Poly-fil (available at craft stores)
• Scissors
• A stick or craft stick (to make the stem)
• Thread

WHAT YOU’LL DO TO MAKE A FABRIC PUMPKIN

STEP 1. Measure your fabric. Measurements will vary depending on the size of pumpkin you want (a small would be 6-by- 12 inches and a medium 8-by-16 inches). To get a taller pumpkin, increase the width. For a wider pumpkin, increase the length. Next, cut it out. The cut fabric should be rectangular.

STEP 2. Fold the fabric in half horizontally inside out. It should form a square. Next, double-thread a sewing needle with about an arm’s length of thread. Watch this video for instructions:

Tie a knot at the ends of the thread. Starting at one end of the open side, weave the needle through your fabric with small, even stitches. Continue this method until you’ve sewn two sides. Once you reach the end, cut and tie the thread.

STEP 3. Turn your fabric outside in, and stuff the inside to your liking. Once it’s stuffed, sew this side closed using the same method in step 2. Pull the thread tightly, and tie a knot to close the top. Trim the excess thread.

STEP 4. Using the embroidery floss, sew the pumpkin ridges. Double-thread your needle, and tie a knot on the end. Thread the needle through the bottom of the pumpkin and up through the top. Next, pull the thread over the side of the pumpkin, pulling it tight and back down to the bottom. Repeat this step to create four ridges. Alternate the sides each time.

STEP 5. Fluff your pumpkin and create your stem with a small stick or craft stick. Use the craft glue to glue your stem in place. Let dry for about 30 minutes.