Harvest Moon Treasure Pumpkins Free Crochet Pattern
Harvest Moon Treasure Pumpkins: A Free Crochet Pattern for Cozy Fall Storage
There's something undeniably magical about the harvest season—the crisp air, the golden light, and the urge to make our homes feel warm and inviting. What better way to celebrate than with a handmade treasure that's both beautiful and functional? Introducing the Harvest Moon Treasure Pumpkins, a free crochet pattern that combines the charm of amigurumi with the practicality of a storage box. These stackable pumpkin boxes, available in two sizes, feature a unique textured stitch that mimics the natural ridges of a pumpkin, making them perfect for fall decor, gift-giving, or simply organizing your trinkets in style.
Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or a curious beginner, this pattern is designed to be approachable and rewarding. The worsted weight yarn works up quickly, and the continuous round construction means minimal seaming. Let's dive into the details and create these delightful pumpkins together!
Materials Needed
Before we begin, gather your supplies. This project is wonderfully portable and requires just a few essentials:
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in your choice of colors. The pattern suggests a rich burnt orange for the main body, a deep teal or cream for a modern twist, and a small amount of brown for the stems. Feel free to mix and match to suit your decor!
- Crochet Hook: Size H/8 (5.0 mm) hook, or whatever size is needed to achieve gauge.
- Stitch Markers: Essential for keeping track of your rounds, especially when working in continuous spirals.
- Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends and sewing the stem to the lid.
- Scissors: For cutting yarn.
- Optional: Green yarn for a decorative leaf or vine.
Gauge: 4 single crochet (sc) = 1 inch; 4 rows = 1 inch. Achieving the correct gauge ensures your pumpkin boxes are the perfect size and shape. If your stitches are tighter or looser, adjust your hook size accordingly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This pattern is worked in continuous rounds unless otherwise noted. This means you'll work in a spiral without joining at the end of each round. Always use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round and move it up as you go. Let's start with the smaller version.
Small Pumpkin Box (Approx. 4 inches tall, 5 inches wide)
Base
We'll begin with a magic ring, which creates a tight, seamless center.
- R1: Make a magic ring, work 6 single crochet (sc) into the ring. Pull the tail to close the ring tightly. (6 stitches)
- R2: Work 2 sc into each stitch around. (12 stitches)
- R3: *Sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (18 stitches)
- R4: *Sc in the next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat around. (24 stitches)
- R5: *Sc in the next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat around. (30 stitches)
- R6: *Sc in the next 4 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat around. (36 stitches)
- R7: *Sc in the next 5 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat around. (42 stitches)
- R8: *Sc in the next 6 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat around. (48 stitches)
- R9-12: Sc in each stitch around. (48 stitches)
Your base is now a flat circle. This will form the bottom of your pumpkin box.
Sides (Worked in Back Loops Only for Texture)
This is where the magic happens! Working in the back loop only (BLO) creates a beautiful, defined ridge that gives the pumpkin its characteristic ribbed look.
- R13: Working in the back loop only of each stitch, sc in each stitch around. (48 stitches) This turn creates a crisp edge for the base.
- R14-20: Sc in each stitch around, working through both loops this time. (48 stitches) Continue until the sides are about 2.5 inches tall.
Rim (For the Lid to Sit On)
Now we'll shape the top of the box so the lid fits snugly.
- R21: *Sc in the next 6 stitches, sc2tog (single crochet 2 together)*; repeat around. (42 stitches)
- R22: *Sc in the next 5 stitches, sc2tog*; repeat around. (36 stitches)
- R23: *Sc in the next 4 stitches, sc2tog*; repeat around. (30 stitches)
Fasten off and weave in the ends securely. The rim should now be slightly smaller than the base, creating a nice lip for the lid.
Lid
The lid is worked similarly to the base but is shaped into a dome.
- R1-12: Work exactly the same as the base through R12. (48 stitches)
- R13-15: Sc in each stitch around. (48 stitches)
- R16: *Sc in the next 6 stitches, sc2tog*; repeat around. (42 stitches)
- R17: *Sc in the next 5 stitches, sc2tog*; repeat around. (36 stitches)
- R18: *Sc in the next 4 stitches, sc2tog*; repeat around. (30 stitches)
- R19: *Sc in the next 3 stitches, sc2tog*; repeat around. (24 stitches)
- R20: *Sc in the next 2 stitches, sc2tog*; repeat around. (18 stitches)
- R21: *Sc in the next stitch, sc2tog*; repeat around. (12 stitches)
- R22: Sc2tog around. (6 stitches)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches). Thread the tail through a yarn needle, then weave it through the front loops of the remaining 6 stitches. Pull tight to close the hole, and secure with a knot. Weave in the end.
Stem
- R1: Magic ring, 5 sc in ring. (5 stitches)
- R2-4: Sc in each stitch around. (5 stitches)
Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing. Position the stem in the center of the lid and sew it securely in place. Weave in all ends.
Large Pumpkin Box (Approx. 6 inches tall, 7 inches wide)
Ready for a bigger treasure? The large version follows the same principles but with more rounds and stitches.
Base
- R1: Magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6 stitches)
- R2: 2 sc in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
- R3: *Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in next stitch*; repeat around. (18 stitches)
- R4: *Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch*; repeat around. (24 stitches)
- R5: *Sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch*; repeat around. (30 stitches)
- R6: *Sc in next 4 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch*; repeat around. (36 stitches)
- R7: *Sc in next 5 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch*; repeat around. (42 stitches)
- R8: *Sc in next 6 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch*; repeat around. (48 stitches)
- R9: *Sc in next 7 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch*; repeat around. (54 stitches)
- R10: *Sc in next 8 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch*; repeat around. (60 stitches)
- R11-14: Sc in each stitch around. (60 stitches)
Sides
- R15: Working in the back loop only, sc in each stitch around. (60 stitches)
- R16-26: Sc in each stitch around, working through both loops. (60 stitches) Continue until the sides are about 3.5 inches tall.
Rim
- R27: *Sc in next 8 stitches, sc2tog*; repeat around. (54 stitches)
- R28: *Sc in next 7 stitches, sc2tog*; repeat around. (48 stitches)
- R29: *Sc in next 6 stitches, sc2tog*; repeat around. (42 stitches)
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Lid
- R1-14: Work same as base through R14. (60 stitches)
- R15-17: Sc in each stitch around. (60 stitches)
- R18: *Sc in next 8 stitches, sc2tog*; repeat around. (54 stitches)
- R19: *Sc in next 7 stitches, sc2tog*; repeat around. (48 stitches)
- R20: *Sc in next 6 stitches, sc2tog*; repeat around. (42 stitches)
- R21: *Sc in next 5 stitches, sc2tog*; repeat around. (36 stitches)
- R22: *Sc in next 4 stitches, sc2tog*; repeat around. (30 stitches)
- R23: *Sc in next 3 stitches, sc2tog*; repeat around. (24 stitches)
- R24: *Sc in next 2 stitches, sc2tog*; repeat around. (18 stitches)
- R25: *Sc in next stitch, sc2tog*; repeat around. (12 stitches)
- R26: Sc2tog around. (6 stitches)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread through front loops of remaining stitches, pull tight, and secure.
Stem
- R1: Magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6 stitches)
- R2-6: Sc in each stitch around. (6 stitches)
Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing. Sew the stem to the center of the lid.
Finishing Touches
Weave in all remaining ends with your yarn needle. To add an extra touch of autumn charm, consider creating a simple leaf:
- Chain 8.
- Sc in the 2nd chain from the hook.
- Hdc (half double crochet) in the next chain.
- Dc (double crochet) in the next 3 chains.
- Hdc in the next chain.
- Sc in the last chain.
- Chain 1, then work back down the other side of the chain, mirroring the stitches.
- Fasten off, leaving a tail. Sew the leaf to the base of the stem.
And there you have it—your very own Harvest Moon Treasure Pumpkins! These charming boxes are perfect for holding small treasures, seasonal decor, or as a heartfelt handmade gift. The textured stitch and sturdy construction make them heirloom-quality pieces you'll be proud to display year after year. Happy crocheting!