Quick overview: This fast pumpkin appliqué is perfect for Halloween garlands, table decor, cozy fall projects, or adding a seasonal touch to clothing and toys. Works great with 4-ply cotton yarn and a 2.5 mm hook.
Materials
- 4-ply 100% cotton yarn — Orange (main) & Brown (stem)
- Crochet hook — 2.5 mm
- Tapestry needle for weaving ends
- Scissors, stitch marker (optional)
Finished size
Approximately 2–3 inches diameter when worked with 4-ply cotton and a 2.5 mm hook. Adjust hook or yarn size to make larger/smaller appliqués.
Abbreviations
MR = Magic ring · ch = chain · sl st = slip stitch · HDC = half double crochet · DC = double crochet · SC = single crochet
Written Pattern — Pumpkin Appliqué
Round 1 — Magic ring center
- Make a magic ring. Ch 1 (does not count).
- Work 8 HDC into the center of the MR, include the starting tail when inserting the hook so you can tighten the ring later.
- Pull the tail to close the ring tightly. Remove stitch marker if used.
- Join with a sl st to the top of the first HDC. (8 HDC total)
Round 2 — Increases
- Ch 1 (does not count).
- Make 2 HDC in each stitch around — working 2 HDC into every stitch from Round 1. (16 HDC total)
- Join with a sl st to the top of the first stitch.
Round 3 — Shape the pumpkin
The shaping creates the recognisable pumpkin lobes. Work the following sequence around and repeat as necessary to create two symmetrical halves (see video timestamps for live pacing):
- Ch 1. In first stitch: 1 HDC, then 1 DC (HDC + DC in same stitch).
- In the next 5 stitches: work DC increases (2 DC in each stitch) — repeat for 5 stitches.
- In the next stitch: 1 DC, 1 HDC in same stitch.
- Sl st into the next stitch to finish the section.
- Repeat the full sequence across the remaining stitches so the shape is balanced (mirror the first half).
- Fasten off leaving a 2–3" tail for weaving. Trim if needed once ends are hidden.
Stem
- Join brown yarn at the last sl st or top stitch.
- Ch 5 (or desired stem length).
- Skip the first chain from hook, SC in each of the next 4 chains (4 SC total).
- Sl st into the pumpkin top to secure. Ch 1 and fasten off leaving 2–3" tail.
Finishing
- Turn the appliqué to the back side and weave in all tails with a tapestry needle.
- Trim excess threads close to the work.
- Optional: lightly block or press (low heat, with cloth) to flatten for appliqué use.
How to use your pumpkin appliqué
- Sew multiple appliqués on a garland string for a quick Halloween banner.
- Stitch onto beanies, baby clothes, tote bags, or pillows for seasonal flair.
- Attach to gift tags or use as small craft props in wreaths and centerpieces.
Troubleshooting & Tips
- If your ring has a gap — pull the starting tail tighter before weaving ends.
- Want a fuller pumpkin? Use a thicker yarn or larger hook.
- To make tiny pumpkins, swap to DK or fingering yarn and a 2.0 mm hook.
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© DIYKraftZ / LittleThingsbySowjanya — Free pattern. Please credit and link back if you share.
