Why crocheted pumpkins win October
Early October is the best possible moment to crochet pumpkins. They work for Halloween and Thanksgiving alike, and one afternoon of crocheting can decorate your whole house through November. A crocheted pumpkin never rots, never needs watering, and comes in exactly the colors your living room wants.
Below are 10 genuinely free crochet pumpkin patterns from independent designers. I checked each one — the full instructions are free on the designer’s page, with no paywall in front of the pattern itself. You will find quick minis, chunky statement pumpkins, textured stitches, a kid-friendly fox, coasters, and a garland.
How to choose the right pumpkin pattern
Pumpkin patterns split into a few clear types. Pick based on where the pumpkin will live:
| Type | Finished size | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Classic decor pumpkins | 4–8 inches | Mantels, shelves, centerpieces |
| Minis | 2–3 inches | Bowl fillers, tiered trays, garlands, keychains |
| Chunky pumpkins | 9+ inches | Statement pieces, porch decor, throw-pillow size |
| Textured pumpkins | Varies | When you want to learn a new stitch while you decorate |
| Useful pumpkins | 4–5 inches | Coasters, appliqués, gifts |
Most pumpkins use the same basic construction: a rectangle or circle, cinched and stuffed, with a stem on top. Once you have made one, you can make them all.
10 free crochet pumpkin patterns
1. Farm Fresh Pumpkin — The Turtle Trunk
This is the pattern to start with. The Farm Fresh Pumpkin uses only two basic stitches — slip stitch and half double crochet — worked in rows to make an even moss stitch texture, then seamed and cinched. Change the yarn weight and you change the pumpkin: medium weight makes a small one, bulky a medium, super bulky a large. A free video tutorial walks through the whole thing. Get the free Farm Fresh Pumpkin pattern.
2. Little Rustic Pumpkin — Yarn and Chai
If you want pumpkins that look almost knitted, this is the one. Rebecca Langford’s Little Rustic Pumpkin uses post stitches to build deep, defined ridges, and it is finished with a real cinnamon stick for the stem — which means your mantel smells like fall too. Rated intermediate, written for DROPS Karisma or similar DK yarn. Get the free Little Rustic Pumpkin pattern.
3. Easy Jumbo Pumpkin — Gina Michele
Sometimes you want one big pumpkin, not twelve small ones. Worked in #6 super bulky yarn with a size L hook, this jumbo pumpkin finishes at about 11 inches tall including the stem. The construction is dead simple — single crochet rows, seamed and cinched — and the whole thing works up in an evening. Get the free Easy Jumbo Pumpkin pattern.
4. Mini Ribbed Pumpkins — Simply Made by Erin
These are the minis for your tiered tray. Worked flat in rows of single crochet with super bulky yarn, then seamed into shape, each one takes very little time — perfect for batching a whole bowlful in fall colors. The designer rates it advanced beginner and the pattern is written so you can adjust the size easily. Get the free Mini Ribbed Pumpkins pattern.
5. Plaid Pumpkin — Megmade with Love
For something that looks nothing like a standard pumpkin: a buffalo-plaid pumpkin made with simple double crochet colorwork in black, white, and grey worsted yarn. It finishes about 7 inches wide and 3 inches tall, includes a leaf tutorial, and the whole pattern is on the page — no signup, no PDF purchase required for the written version. Get the free Plaid Pumpkin pattern.
6. Pumpkin Appliqués — Raffamusa Designs
Not every pumpkin needs to be stuffed. These flat appliqués come in two sizes: the small one is perfect for embellishing dishcloths, gift bags, and fall cards, and the large one doubles as a festive coaster when worked in worsted cotton. Any yarn works, and gauge does not matter. Get the free Pumpkin Appliqués pattern.
7. Fox Pumpkin — Winding Road Crochet
The crowd-pleaser for kids: a pumpkin with fox ears, a tail, and a white belly, worked in back-loop single crochet with simple tapestry color changes. Comes in two sizes — the large one is 13.5 inches tall — and the designer includes a video tutorial. A fun pick if you want one pattern that doubles as fall decor and a toy. Get the free Fox Pumpkin pattern.
8. Pumpkin Coasters — Loganberry Handmade
Practical and seasonal. These coasters are worked in absorbent cotton yarn and finish at about 4.5 inches across — big enough to actually protect your table through Thanksgiving dinner. The pattern uses basic stitches, works up fast, and a set of four to six makes a lovely handmade hostess gift. Get the free Pumpkin Coasters pattern.
9. Mini Pumpkin Amigurumi — StringyDingDing
Rated easy, this tiny amigurumi pumpkin is the kind of project that multiplies: make one, then suddenly you have twelve. Worked in the round with worsted yarn, it also scales up beautifully in blanket yarn. Add a keychain ring and you have Halloween party favors — or see my free crochet Halloween keychain patterns for more seasonal minis in the same spirit. Get the free Mini Pumpkin Amigurumi pattern.
10. Rustic Pumpkin Garland — The Knotted Nest
If you would rather decorate the wall than the shelf, this garland is the pattern. Each pumpkin is made from two small flat panels crocheted in the round, stuffed, and joined, with separate stems and vine spirals. String them on twine for a mantel or doorway — the finished garland measures about 68 inches as written. The free pattern is featured on the designer’s fall pumpkin collection page. Get the free Rustic Pumpkin Garland pattern.
6 ways to style your crochet pumpkins
The pattern is only half the project — styling is the other half. A few ideas that always work:
- Mantel trio — group three pumpkins in different sizes and colors; add a mini witch hat from my free crochet witch hat patterns for a Halloween twist.
- Bowl fillers — scatter minis in a wooden bowl with pinecones and acorns for a zero-effort centerpiece.
- Thanksgiving place settings — one mini pumpkin per plate, with a name tag tucked under it.
- Garland or bunting — string minis on jute twine for doorways, mantels, and party backdrops.
- Gift toppers — tie a mini onto a fall gift bag instead of a bow.
- Keychain pumpkins — add a split ring to an amigurumi mini for a seasonal bag charm. My easy crochet keychain patterns roundup covers the hardware side.
Materials and tips
Almost every pumpkin on this list asks for the same short supply list:
| Material | What to use |
|---|---|
| Yarn | Worsted (#4) for standard pumpkins; super bulky (#6) for chunky ones; cotton for coasters |
| Hook | One size smaller than the yarn label suggests — tight stitches keep the stuffing hidden |
| Stuffing | Polyester fiberfill; pack it firmly so the pumpkin holds its shape |
| Stems | Cinnamon sticks, small twigs, leather strips, or a crocheted stem |
| Extras | Twine, raffia, fake leaves, stitch markers, yarn needle |
Tip for realistic ridges: after cinching, wrap the long tail around the outside of the pumpkin and pull it through the center, repeating 4 to 6 times. Keep the yarn tight — the segments are what make it read as a pumpkin instead of an orange ball.
Tip for stems: cinnamon sticks smell like fall and photograph beautifully, but a small twig from the yard is free and looks just as good. A dab of hot glue keeps either one firmly in place.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest crochet pumpkin pattern for beginners?
Start with the Farm Fresh Pumpkin — it uses only slip stitch and half double crochet, worked flat, with a free video tutorial. The Easy Jumbo Pumpkin is another beginner-safe pick: all single crochet, and it works up fast in super bulky yarn.
What yarn is best for crochet pumpkins?
Worsted-weight acrylic or cotton for standard pumpkins; super bulky yarn when you want a chunky look. Use cotton for anything that will touch food or drink, like coasters. A hook one size smaller than the label recommends gives tight stitches that hide the stuffing.
How do I make the pumpkin segments?
After stuffing and cinching the top closed, leave a long tail, wrap it around the outside of the pumpkin, pull it through the center hole, and repeat 4 to 6 times, pulling tight each time. More segments make it look more realistic.
Can I sell crocheted pumpkins I make from these patterns?
Most of the designers on this list allow selling finished items with credit to the designer — but check each pattern page for its own policy before selling.
How long does it take to crochet a pumpkin?
A mini takes 20 to 45 minutes, a standard pumpkin takes 1 to 2 hours, and a jumbo one takes an evening in super bulky yarn. A garland of ten pumpkins is an afternoon project.
