This pumpkin knitting pattern is great for beginners because unlike most pumpkin patterns, this one does NOT require increase or decrease stitches. It is knit in the round, which I feel is easier for a beginner because you don’t have to seam the two sides together at the end. I use circular knitting needles instead of double pointed, which again I feel is easier for a beginner to use.
Join us at our craft studio for a Knitting for Beginners Class.
Materials to knit your pumpkin
- Super Bulky 6 weight yarn, 81 yds.
- I used Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in Slate, for the grey pumpkin
- I used Lion Brand Hometown in Louisville Julep, for the aqua pumpkin
- Stuffing (Poly-fil or other brand)
- Cinnamon stick
Tools to knit your pumpkin
- 16″ Circular knitting needles, size US 13 (9mm)
- Bamboo needles are great for beginners. I love clover brand knitting needles, which are linked above.
- Tapestry (yarn) needle
- Scissors
- Stitch marker
Additional notes
- Knitted Pumpkin Finished Size: Approx. 22.5″ circumference, 7″ diameter, and 4.5″ high (not including the stem)
- Cast on more stitches (in multiples of 3) and increase rounds to create a larger pumpkin
- Total Knitting Time: ~6 hours
- Knit in 2 x 1 ribbing
- Exact gauge is not required for this project
Skills you need for this pumpkin knitting pattern
- Know how create a slip knit and cast on stitches
- Know how to knit in the round
- Know how to knit stitch
- Know how to purl stitch
- Know how to pass live stitches off knitting needles onto a tapestry needle
Join us at our craft studio in Scottsdale, for a Knitting for Beginners Class. Our instructor-led course will teach you the techniques you’ll need to knit your own pumpkin.
Free Pumpkin Knitting Pattern
Knitting Pattern Abbreviations
- CO Cast on
- K Knit
- P Purl
- St(s) Stitch(es)
- Rep Repeat
- PM Place marker
Pattern
- CO 39 sts, leaving a tail length of 12 inches. Join in the round, then PM at the start of the round.
- Round 1: K2, P1, rep to end of round.
- Rep round 1 for 25 rounds or until work is 8″.
To complete your pumpkin
- Do not bind-off. Cut a long tail, about 16″, and use a tapestry needle to pull it through the live stitches on your needle. This will be the TOP of your pumpkin.
- If you want to see how to do this, watch this video, starting at the 3:11 mark. Take note however that the pumpkin being knit in this video is done using only knit stitches, whereas my pumpkin knitting pattern uses a 2×1 Rib stitch. So you are only watching the video at the 3:11 mark to learn how to pass live stitches off your knitting needles.
- From the CO side, use a tapestry needle to thread your tail through the CO stitches. Cinch a little as you go, then after you have threaded all the way around the CO stitches, cinch all the way closed. The hole will still be about 1/2″ wide. That is as closed as you will be able to get it. Weave the tail through a couple stitches to secure it. This will be the BOTTOM of your pumpkin.
- Watch the same video at the 3:44 mark to see how to thread your tail through the CO stitches.
- From the top, stuff the pumpkin with Poly-fil. Don’t overstuff or the stitches will be pulled too tightly and your stuffing will show through (especially if you are using a dark colored yarn).
- Cinch the top, leaving a hole big enough for a cinnamon stick. Weave the tail, through several stitches to secure it.
- Using a tapestry needle, run the tail through the hole on the top, down through the center of the pumpkin and out through the hole in the bottom.
- Pull tightly and tie it to the CO tail at the bottom. I simply tied the 2 tails together like I would tie a shoe (with a bow). That way if I need to undo it for any reason, it would be easy to do so.
- This will cause the pumpkin to dip inwards on both the top and bottom, creating that pumpkin shape.
- Stuff the excess tails into the hole on the bottom.
- Place a cinnamon stick into the hole on the top.
- Enjoy your knitted pumpkin!
Join us at our craft studio in Scottsdale, for a Knitting for Beginners Class. Our instructor-led course will teach you the techniques you’ll need to knit your own pumpkin.
Author: Nicole Bolin
Stencil is located at 10855 N. 116th Street, Scottsdale AZ 85259