Harvest Moon Pumpkins Free Crochet Pattern: A Trio of Cozy Fall Decor

As the leaves begin to turn and the air gets crisp, there's no better way to embrace the season than with a little handmade warmth. Today, I'm thrilled to share a pattern that has completely captured my heart: the Harvest Moon Pumpkins. This isn't just another pumpkin pattern; it features a unique Textured Path Stitch that creates a subtle, woven spiral across the surface, mimicking the look of winding autumn paths. The result is a trio of plump, richly colored pumpkins that look like they belong in a rustic farmhouse kitchen or on a cozy front porch.

Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or just starting your amigurumi journey, this free pattern is designed to be accessible, meditative, and deeply rewarding. With a palette of Rust Orange, Burnt Sienna, and Cream, you can create a set that adds an instant, handmade touch to your fall decor. Let's grab our hooks and get started on this delightful project!

Materials Needed

Before we dive into the stitches, let's gather our supplies. This project is wonderfully portable and requires very little to get started. Here is exactly what you'll need to create your own Harvest Moon Pumpkins:

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in three shades. I highly recommend Lion Brand Vanna's Choice for its smooth texture and vibrant colors. You will need:
  • Rust Orange (for the main body of one pumpkin)
  • Burnt Sienna (for the main body of another pumpkin)
  • Cream (for the main body of the third pumpkin)
  • Brown (for the stems)
  • Green (optional, for the curly vine)
  • Contrasting colors: You'll use these for the Textured Path Stitch. For example, use Cream on the Rust Orange pumpkin, Rust Orange on the Burnt Sienna pumpkin, and Burnt Sienna on the Cream pumpkin.
• Crochet Hook: Size H/8 (5 mm) crochet hook.
• Yarn Needle: A large-eye tapestry needle for weaving in ends and sewing the surface details.
• Polyester Fiberfill: For stuffing the pumpkins firmly.
• Stitch Marker (optional): Helpful for keeping track of your rounds.
• Scissors: For cutting your yarn.

Gauge: 2 rounds of dc circle = 2 inches in diameter. (Note: Gauge is not critical for this project, but maintaining a consistent tension will ensure your pumpkins are plump and even.)

Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Your Pumpkin Trio

This pattern is worked in continuous spirals (unless otherwise noted), which creates a seamless, smooth finish. We will make three pumpkins in different sizes: Small, Medium, and Large. Let's start with the foundation of each pumpkin—the body.

Pumpkin Body (Make 1 for each size)

Each pumpkin begins with a magic ring and increases in single crochet to create a flat circle before we work even to build the height. The instructions below are broken down by size.

Small Pumpkin Body

1. Round 1: Create a magic ring and work 6 single crochets (sc) into the ring. Pull the tail to close the ring tightly. (6 stitches)
2. Round 2: Work 2 sc in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
3. Round 3: *Sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (18 stitches)
4. Round 4: *Sc in the next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (24 stitches)
5. Round 5: *Sc in the next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (30 stitches)
6. Rounds 6-8: Sc in each stitch around. (30 stitches) This creates the straight sides of the pumpkin.
7. Round 9: *Sc in the next 3 stitches, sc2tog (single crochet two together)*; repeat from * to * around. (24 stitches) We are now decreasing to shape the top.
8. Round 10: *Sc in the next 2 stitches, sc2tog*; repeat from * to * around. (18 stitches)
9. Stuff firmly: Now is the time to stuff your pumpkin with fiberfill. Make sure it's nice and plump to hold its shape.
10. Round 11: *Sc in the next stitch, sc2tog*; repeat from * to * around. (12 stitches)
11. Round 12: Sc2tog around. (6 stitches)
12. Finish: Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through your yarn needle and weave it through the front loops of the remaining 6 stitches. Pull tight to close the hole and secure the yarn.

Medium Pumpkin Body

1. Rounds 1-5: Follow Rounds 1-5 of the Small Pumpkin instructions. (30 stitches)
2. Round 6: *Sc in the next 4 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (36 stitches)
3. Rounds 7-10: Sc in each stitch around. (36 stitches)
4. Round 11: *Sc in the next 4 stitches, sc2tog*; repeat from * to * around. (30 stitches)
5. Round 12: *Sc in the next 3 stitches, sc2tog*; repeat from * to * around. (24 stitches)
6. Round 13: *Sc in the next 2 stitches, sc2tog*; repeat from * to * around. (18 stitches)
7. Stuff firmly: Fill the pumpkin with fiberfill, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
8. Round 14: *Sc in the next stitch, sc2tog*; repeat from * to * around. (12 stitches)
9. Round 15: Sc2tog around. (6 stitches)
10. Finish: Fasten off, weave the tail through the front loops of the remaining stitches, pull tight, and secure.

Large Pumpkin Body

1. Rounds 1-6: Follow Rounds 1-6 of the Medium Pumpkin instructions. (36 stitches)
2. Round 7: *Sc in the next 5 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (42 stitches)
3. Rounds 8-12: Sc in each stitch around. (42 stitches)
4. Round 13: *Sc in the next 5 stitches, sc2tog*; repeat from * to * around. (36 stitches)
5. Round 14: *Sc in the next 4 stitches, sc2tog*; repeat from * to * around. (30 stitches)
6. Round 15: *Sc in the next 3 stitches, sc2tog*; repeat from * to * around. (24 stitches)
7. Round 16: *Sc in the next 2 stitches, sc2tog*; repeat from * to * around. (18 stitches)
8. Stuff firmly: Add the fiberfill, making sure the pumpkin is firm but not overly stretched.
9. Round 17: *Sc in the next stitch, sc2tog*; repeat from * to * around. (12 stitches)
10. Round 18: Sc2tog around. (6 stitches)
11. Finish: Fasten off, weave the tail through the front loops, pull tight, and secure.

Textured Path Stitch (The Signature Detail)

This is what sets the Harvest Moon Pumpkins apart! This surface stitching creates the beautiful, ribbed indentations that give the pumpkins their realistic, heirloom look. It's worked on the outside of the finished body.

1. Prepare your yarn: Thread a long piece of contrasting yarn (e.g., Cream on the Rust Orange pumpkin) onto your yarn needle.
2. Start at the top: Insert your needle from the top center of the pumpkin (where you closed the hole) down through to the bottom center, pulling the yarn through.
3. Create the spiral path: Now, working from the bottom, bring the needle up and over the side of the pumpkin in a diagonal line, weaving it in and out of the stitches. Think of it like creating a spiral that winds around the pumpkin's circumference.
4. Pull gently: Once you've made a full loop around, gently pull the yarn tight. This tension will cinch the pumpkin slightly, creating a beautiful, defined crease or "path."
5. Repeat: Continue this spiral motion, moving upward toward the top center. Repeat this process 3-4 times to create multiple distinct paths around the pumpkin, spacing them evenly. You should see the pumpkin naturally segment into beautiful, plump lobes.
6. Secure: When you're happy with the number of segments, bring the needle to the bottom center, tie a secure knot with the starting tail, and weave in all ends to hide them.

Stem (Make 1 for each pumpkin)

Every pumpkin needs a sturdy little stem to finish its look.

1. Foundation: Using your Brown yarn, chain (ch) 6.
2. Row 1: Sc in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across. (5 stitches)
3. Rows 2-3: Ch 1, turn, sc in each stitch across. (5 stitches)
4. Shape the stem: Fold the small rectangle in half lengthwise. Slip stitch (sl st) the edges together to form a small, sturdy tube. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
5. Attach: Sew the stem securely to the top center of the pumpkin, using the long tail. Make sure it's centered and firmly attached.

Vine (Optional, for a more decorative look)

For that extra touch of whimsy, add a curly vine to one or all of your pumpkins.

1. Foundation: Using your Green yarn, ch 15.
2. Row 1: Sc in the 2nd chain from the hook. Then, work 2 sc in each chain across. This increase will naturally cause the vine to curl.
3. Finish: Fasten off, leaving a tail. Curl the vine into a pleasing spiral and sew it securely next to the stem.

Bringing It All Together

Once you've completed all three pumpkins, arrange them together on a rustic wooden tray, a stack of books, or your mantelpiece. The combination of the rich, earthy colors and the unique textured stitching creates a stunning visual display that screams "cozy autumn."

I hope you enjoy making these Harvest Moon Pumpkins as much as I enjoyed designing them. They are a wonderful weekend project and make for a thoughtful, handmade gift. Happy crocheting, and may your home be filled with the warmth of the harvest season!