Harvest Ember Ribbed Pumpkin Free Pattern – Crocheted Autumn Heirloom

Bring the warmth of a rustic autumn harvest into your home with this richly textured, ribbed crochet pumpkin. Its deep ember and cream tones create a cozy, heirloom-quality accent perfect for mantels and tablescapes. This free pattern is designed with beginners in mind, using simple single crochet stitches and a clever front-loop-only technique to create those beautiful, pronounced vertical ribs. The result is a plump, heirloom-worthy pumpkin that will be a treasured part of your fall decor for years to come.

Whether you're a seasoned crocheter looking for a quick weekend project or a beginner eager to try something new, this pattern is approachable and rewarding. The finished pumpkin measures approximately 6 inches in diameter and 4 inches tall, making it the perfect size for a centerpiece, shelf accent, or gift. Let's gather our materials and get started!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. All items are readily available at craft stores or online.

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn in three colors:
  • Color A (Burnt Orange): For the pumpkin body – approximately 150 yards
  • Color B (Cream): For the optional leaf – approximately 20 yards
  • Color C (Cinnamon Brown): For the stem – approximately 15 yards
• Crochet Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook
• Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends and sewing pieces together
• Stitch Marker: To mark the beginning of rounds (optional but helpful)
• Polyester Fiberfill: For stuffing the pumpkin and stem

Gauge: 14 sc x 16 rows = 4 inches in single crochet. Gauge is not critical for this project, but maintaining consistent tension will give you the best shape and size.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pumpkin is worked in continuous spiral rounds from the bottom up, using front-loop-only (FLO) single crochet to create the distinctive vertical ribs. The stem is crocheted separately and sewn on. Follow along carefully, and you'll have a beautiful pumpkin in no time.

Pumpkin Body (Make 1)

Using Color A (burnt orange), begin with a magic ring. If you're not familiar with the magic ring technique, you can chain 2 and work into the first chain, but the magic ring gives a tighter, neater center.

• Round 1: Work 6 single crochet (sc) into the magic ring. Pull the ring tight to close. (6 stitches)
• Round 2: Work 2 sc in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
• Round 3: *Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in next stitch* repeat from * to * around. (18 stitches)
• Round 4: *Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch* repeat from * to * around. (24 stitches)
• Round 5: *Sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch* repeat from * to * around. (30 stitches)
• Round 6: *Sc in next 4 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch* repeat from * to * around. (36 stitches)
• Round 7: *Sc in next 5 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch* repeat from * to * around. (42 stitches)
• Round 8: *Sc in next 6 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch* repeat from * to * around. (48 stitches)
• Round 9: *Sc in next 7 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch* repeat from * to * around. (54 stitches)
• Round 10: *Sc in next 8 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch* repeat from * to * around. (60 stitches)

You should now have a flat circle with 60 stitches. This will be the bottom of your pumpkin.

• Rounds 11–24: Sc in each stitch around. (60 stitches) – This creates the body height. Work these 14 rounds without any increases. Place a stitch marker at the beginning of Round 11 to help you keep track.

Now we begin decreasing to shape the top of the pumpkin. Continue working in continuous rounds.

• Round 25: *Sc in next 8 stitches, sc2tog (single crochet 2 together)* repeat from * to * around. (54 stitches)
• Round 26: *Sc in next 7 stitches, sc2tog* repeat from * to * around. (48 stitches)
• Round 27: *Sc in next 6 stitches, sc2tog* repeat from * to * around. (42 stitches)
• Round 28: *Sc in next 5 stitches, sc2tog* repeat from * to * around. (36 stitches)
• Round 29: *Sc in next 4 stitches, sc2tog* repeat from * to * around. (30 stitches)

Begin stuffing firmly with polyester fiberfill, shaping the pumpkin into a plump sphere. Make sure to fill the bottom corners well.

• Round 30: *Sc in next 3 stitches, sc2tog* repeat from * to * around. (24 stitches)
• Round 31: *Sc in next 2 stitches, sc2tog* repeat from * to * around. (18 stitches)

Add more stuffing until the pumpkin is firm and rounded. The opening is getting small, so make sure you're happy with the stuffing level now.

• Round 32: *Sc in next stitch, sc2tog* repeat from * to * around. (12 stitches)
• Round 33: Sc2tog around. (6 stitches)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches). Thread the tail through a yarn needle and weave it through the front loops of the remaining 6 stitches. Pull tight to close the top opening completely, then secure with a knot and weave in the end.

Ribbing Detail (Optional but Recommended)

To emphasize the beautiful ribs, we'll add gentle indentations. This step transforms the pumpkin from a simple sphere into a realistic, textured heirloom piece.

1. Cut a long strand of Color A yarn (about 24 inches) and thread it onto a yarn needle.
2. Starting at the top center of the pumpkin (where you closed the opening), push the needle down through the pumpkin to the bottom center.
3. Pull gently to create a slight indentation, then bring the needle back up to the top, about 1/2 inch away from the first entry point.
4. Pull gently again to deepen the indentation. Secure the ends at the top and bottom with small knots.
5. Repeat this process around the pumpkin to create 6–8 evenly spaced vertical indentations. This will give your pumpkin its classic ribbed look.

Stem (Make 1)

Using Color C (cinnamon brown), create the stem.

• Round 1: Make a magic ring and work 6 sc into the ring. Pull tight. (6 stitches)
• Round 2: *Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in next stitch* repeat from * to * around. (9 stitches)
• Rounds 3–8: Sc in each stitch around. (9 stitches) – This creates a slightly tapered stem. Work 6 rounds total.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches). Stuff the stem lightly with a small amount of fiberfill. Use the tail to sew the stem to the top center of the pumpkin, securing it firmly with a few stitches. Weave in the end.

Leaf (Optional)

Using Color B (cream), create a charming leaf to accent your pumpkin.

1. Chain 10.
2. Row 1: Sc in 2nd chain from hook, hdc (half double crochet) in next chain, dc (double crochet) in next 3 chains, hdc in next chain, sc in next chain, 3 sc in last chain (to turn the corner).
3. Working along the other side of the chain: sc in next chain, hdc in next chain, dc in next 3 chains, hdc in next chain, sc in last chain.
4. Slip stitch to the first sc to join.

Fasten off, leaving a tail. Sew the leaf to the side of the stem, positioning it so it curves naturally. Weave in all ends.

Finishing

Weave in all remaining ends carefully. Gently shape the pumpkin by pressing the ribs outward with your fingers. Your Harvest Ember Ribbed Pumpkin is now ready to display! Place it on a mantel, in a bowl, or as part of a festive tablescape.

This pattern is perfect for creating a whole family of pumpkins in different sizes and colors. Try using different yarn weights or adding a cinnamon-scented sachet inside for an extra sensory touch. Happy crocheting, and enjoy your beautiful autumn heirloom!