A very detailed knitting pattern for four different types of pumpkin
Ever since the success of my basic pumpkin pattern with leaves and vines, I knew I had to come up with a follow-up. So many knitters have asked me for instructions for different types of pumpkins to decorate their homes with. This year, I finally found the time to come up with instructions for a warty pumpkin, a bottle gourd, a patty pan squash, and an accord squash.
The pdf comes with 12 pages full of very detailed step-by-step written instructions. There are tons of close-up pictures included and of course, it has been thoroughly tech-edited and test-knitted so you won’t run into any annoying typos or mistakes!
There are video tutorials linked for all techniques you need right in the pattern for your convenience. It’s a full standalone pattern with four separate instructions. You can knit them all or just the ones you like!
Kindly note that the instructions for the vines, the leaves, and the standard pumpkin are not included in this pattern.
Materials you need to knit these pumpkins
Note: I earn a small commission for purchases made through links in this article.
These pumpkins are the perfect scrap project. You only need a couple of grams (around 10) each! Here is what you need to finish:
- Scraps of sock/fingering weight yarn in the colors of your choice (I picked brown, yellow, orange, and a nice variegated green colorway)
- Double-pointed knitting needles 2.5 mm. I am a huge fan of the Knitter’s Pride Karbonz needles because they are the only ones that don’t end up crooked after 5 minutes.
- A tapestry needle and scissors.
- Toy stuffing
- Stitch markers
Please know that you are absolutely free to pick a heavier yarn weight and bigger needles – Except you want to knit these pumpkins in the exact same size, there is no reason to do so.
While I do recommend knitting them with double-pointed knitting needles, you can also finish them with circular needles and the magic loop technique – as long as you are comfortable with starting and ending the project with less than < 20 stitches on the needle (if that’s too fiddly, you could start with dpns and then transfer to circulars after a couple of rounds).
SIZE & GAUGE
The gauge for a 5×5 cm/2×2 in swatch in flat stockinette stitch is: 17 stitches x 23 rows.
The dimensions of the finished pumpkins are roughly as follows:
- Warty pumpkin: 8 x 6 cm (3.1 x 2.4 in)
- Patty pan squash: 9 x 5 cm (3.5 x 2 in)
- Acorn squash: 8 x 8.5 cm (3.1 x 3.4 in)
- Bottle gourd: 6 x 10 cm (2.4 x 4 in)
General information & tips
This pattern is intended for intermediate knitters who know how to knit in the round. All in all, it’s not a complicated pattern, you don’t have to read any charts but it can be a bit fiddly in the first rounds. You need to know the following skills:
- K = knit
- P = purl
- K2tog = knit two together
- SSK = slip, slip, knit
- KLL = Knit left loop
- KRL = Knit right loop
- (optional) = K1tog RL and K1tog LL
- And how to knit bobbles
It will take an experienced knitter between 2 and 6 hours to finish one pumpkin. So it’s quite easy to knit a full basket just in time for Halloween, if you bring a little bit of patience. No extensive seaming is required other than taking care of the cast-on and bind-off tail. These pumpkins are all knit in one piece.
It truly is a pattern where you bring in your own creativity. The yarn you pick and the way you stuff the finished projects can make a big difference and I recommend choosing it diligently.
All in all, it will be a lovely and fun challenge for people who want to start knitting toys and a great opportunity to decorate your home. You could start with the bottle gourd (the easiest pattern) and end with the warty pumpkin (the hardest due to the many bobbles).
Anyway, that’s my pumpkin pattern parade. Don’t hesitate to comment if you have any questions!
