DIY Felt Pumpkins

October.
Autumn.
Halloween.
Fall.

What is the one thing synonymous with them all?

Pumpkins of course!!

These little stuffed squishy pumpkins are super easy to make (and ever so slightly addictive!).

They can be made in different sizes and used for seasonal decorations, or smaller versions attached to jewellery such as necklets or earrings.

I once made a whole pumpkin patch-full as an extra special gift to include in a Halloween package I was sending to a dear swap friend.

Draw around your circle template onto your chosen fabric, and cut out.
I made this one by drawing around the rim of an upturned cereal bowl.

A circle of 14cm diameter will result in a pumpkin approx 7cm across.

Using a double thickness of thread, sew a running stitch around the edge of the circle.
Remember to securely knot your thread at the start!
Once you have sewn all the way around & reached the start point, start to GENTLY pull the thread. Ease the felt around the thread until the edge gathers tightly in the centre, creating a ‘cup’.

Tease out stuffing and evenly pack the pumpkin.
Close up the opening securely with multiple crisscrossing stitches.

Now it is time to make your ball more pumpkin-like, by giving it some shaping.

Start by bringing your needle through the centre from top to bottom (PIC.1) & looping it around the outside. Bring it back through again, pulling firmly but carefully – you don’t want your thread to snap! (PIC.2)
Repeat on the opposite side (PIC.3)
Then carry on in the same way to split between these lines (PICs4&5)
Continue until you have 8 equally spaced ‘grooves’ around the pumpkin. (PIC.6)

Now it is time to attach some leaves, and a hanging ribbon; if required.

Fold a small square in quarters & snip out a leaf shape.
Tie ribbon into a loop, and stitch to the centre of the opened out leaf.

Now it is time to attach the leaf to the top of your pumpkin (this also hides any untidyness where you have sewn the edges together).

FINISHED!!

• Making tiny pumpkins to adorn earrings or a necklace ? Omit the hanging ribbon & sew on the leaves, before securely attaching a jumpring.
• Fancy scented pumpkins? Add pumpkin spice or fragrance oil to your stuffing.
• Individual pumpkins can be hung from trees, hooks or branches; or strung along ribbon or twine to create bunting.

 

Any spherical object can be made utilising the same basic technique.

A brown base ball can be topped with a splodge of white felt icing, some green felt holly leaves and three tiny red holly berry balls; to create a delicious-looking Christmas pudding.

As usual, I’d love to see your makes, so if you try these out; please tag me in your social media pictures!

Hugs, Crafty xxx