Harvest Moon Pumpkins Free Pattern – Cozy Crochet Fall Decor

Bring the warm glow of autumn into your home with these charming crochet pumpkins. Featuring a unique ribbed texture and a soft, squishy feel, they are perfect for mantel displays, table centerpieces, or heartfelt handmade gifts. This beginner-friendly pattern uses basic stitches and simple shaping to create a classic fall decoration you'll be proud to display year after year.

Materials Needed

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

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (approx. 100g per pumpkin) in your choice of colors: burnt orange, deep rust, and cream. You will also need a small amount of brown yarn for the stem.
• Crochet Hook: 5 mm (H/8) hook. For a tighter, more textured fabric, you may also want a 4.5 mm hook on hand.
• Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill stuffing for a plump, squishy pumpkin.
• Notions: Yarn needle for weaving in ends and sewing pieces together, and a stitch marker to keep track of your rounds.

Gauge: 4 sc x 4 rows = 1 inch. Gauge is not critical for this project, but consistent tension will help create an even, well-shaped pumpkin.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create your own Harvest Moon Pumpkin. The pattern is worked in continuous rounds, so do not join unless specifically stated. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round.

Abbreviations

• MR: Magic ring
• sc: Single crochet
• inc: Increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
• dec: Decrease (sc 2 stitches together)
• sl st: Slip stitch
• ch: Chain

Pumpkin Body (Make 2 per pumpkin)

You will make two identical halves and sew them together, or you can make one solid piece if you prefer a seamless look. For a classic pumpkin, make both halves in the same color. For a striped effect, make one half in one color and the other in a contrasting color.

Round 1: Make a magic ring, work 6 sc into the ring. (6 stitches)

Round 2: Work 2 sc (inc) in each stitch around. (12 stitches)

Round 3: *Sc in the next stitch, inc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (18 stitches)

Round 4: *Sc in the next 2 stitches, inc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (24 stitches)

Round 5: *Sc in the next 3 stitches, inc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (30 stitches)

Round 6: *Sc in the next 4 stitches, inc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (36 stitches)

Round 7: *Sc in the next 5 stitches, inc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (42 stitches)

Rounds 8-15: Sc in each stitch around for 8 even rounds. (42 stitches each round)

Round 16: *Sc in the next 5 stitches, dec (sc 2 together)*; repeat from * to * around. (36 stitches)

Round 17: *Sc in the next 4 stitches, dec*; repeat from * to * around. (30 stitches)

Round 18: *Sc in the next 3 stitches, dec*; repeat from * to * around. (24 stitches)

Round 19: *Sc in the next 2 stitches, dec*; repeat from * to * around. (18 stitches)

Stuff firmly: At this point, stuff the pumpkin half firmly with polyester fiberfill. Make sure to push stuffing into the corners to create a rounded shape.

Round 20: *Sc in the next stitch, dec*; repeat from * to * around. (12 stitches)

Round 21: Dec around. (6 stitches)

Fasten off: Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches). Thread the tail onto a yarn needle. Weave the needle through the front loops of the remaining 6 stitches, pull tight to close the hole, and secure the yarn. Hide the tail inside the pumpkin.

Repeat these steps to make the second half of the pumpkin. If you are making a two-tone pumpkin, use your second color for this half.

Joining the Halves

Place the two halves together with the right sides facing out. Using a yarn needle and a long piece of matching yarn, whip stitch the two halves together around the seam. Start at the top, work your way around the edge, and finish at the bottom. Weave in the ends securely.

Stem (Make 1 per pumpkin)

Using your brown yarn, create a small, sturdy stem.

Round 1: Make a magic ring, work 6 sc into the ring. (6 stitches)

Rounds 2-4: Sc in each stitch around for 3 rounds. (6 stitches each round)

Fasten off: Leave a long tail for sewing. Stuff the stem lightly with a tiny bit of fiberfill. Sew the stem to the top center of the pumpkin, where the two halves meet. Secure it firmly with a few stitches.

Ribbing Detail (Optional but Recommended)

This step creates the classic pumpkin ridges. Using a contrasting yarn (for example, cream on an orange pumpkin), thread a yarn needle with a long piece of yarn.

1. Starting from the bottom center of the pumpkin, push the needle up through the pumpkin to the top center.
2. Pull the yarn taut, then wrap it around the outside of the pumpkin to create a vertical line from top to bottom.
3. Push the needle back through the bottom center to secure.
4. Repeat this process 5-6 times, spacing the yarn lines evenly around the pumpkin to create distinct ridges.
5. Secure the ends by weaving them into the pumpkin body.

Finishing Touches

Weave in all remaining ends with your yarn needle. For an extra charming detail, you can add a curly vine to the top of the stem. Simply chain 20 stitches, then slip stitch back into each chain. Attach the vine to the base of the stem with a few stitches.

Tips for Perfect Pumpkins

• For a more textured look: Use a smaller hook (4.5 mm) to create tighter stitches and a denser fabric.
• Mix and match colors: Make one solid pumpkin, one striped (change colors every 2 rounds), and one cream pumpkin with orange ribbing for a beautiful, varied display.
• Size: These pumpkins measure about 4 inches tall and 5 inches wide, making them perfect for grouping together on a table or mantel.

These Harvest Moon Pumpkins are a joy to make and even more delightful to display. Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or a complete beginner, this pattern is designed to be simple, rewarding, and full of autumnal charm. Happy crocheting!