Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Pumpkins to Knit for Fall

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Pumpkins are a great decor item for fall beyond Halloween, as long as they aren’t carved into Jack o’lanterns.

There’s something about knitted pumpkins that makes fall decorating feel instantly cozier. They have all the warm, homespun charm of traditional autumn decor, but unlike real pumpkins, you can bring them out year after year. Whether you prefer classic pumpkin orange, soft cream and white, rustic tweed yarns or something a little more colorful, these pumpkin knitting patterns are an easy way to add handmade texture to your home for fall.

I especially love knitted pumpkins because they work well beyond Halloween. A group of small pumpkins looks lovely tucked onto a mantel, bookshelf or dining table, while larger knitted pumpkins can become part of a Thanksgiving centerpiece or autumn porch display. You can even turn the tiniest versions into garlands, bowl fillers or little handmade gifts.

The patterns featured here include several different styles of knitted pumpkins, from simple projects that are perfect for using up leftover yarn to more textured designs featuring cables, interesting stitches and playful shaping. There are traditional orange pumpkins, pretty white pumpkins and designs that let you experiment with different yarn textures and fall color combinations.

If you’ve been looking for a quick seasonal knitting project, these fall pumpkin knitting patterns are a lovely place to start. Knit one, make an entire pumpkin patch, or mix several different patterns together to create your own collection of cozy handmade autumn decorations

I love these little white pumpkins from Leslie North, which she paired with little orange pompoms to make a super sweet garland.

If you’d like a little more of a challenge, don’t miss the cabled pumpkin from Kimberly Shutt or the Spicy Knit Pumpkin by Cassandra Bibler for Red Heart Yarns. Chevron pumpkins! Too cute!

Have you knit any pumpkins this season? Drop the pattern in the comments.

Looking for more Halloween Knitting patterns? Check these out on Etsy.

Specific to knitters, you can join our Knitting Patterns Only group to get, well, knitting patterns, ask questions and gain inspiration for what to knit next.

Looking for Yarn online? Check out Lionbrand our preferred source for purchasing yarn online.

Looking for Fall patterns to Knit? Check out these Fall knitting patterns we found on Etsy.

Have you read?

Free Knitted Crown Pattern for Kids and Adults: A Sweet Handmade Dress-Up Idea

There’s something wonderfully charming about a knitted crown. It’s playful, useful for the dress-up basket, and just the sort of small project that gives a leftover ball of yarn a proper purpose. Much better than letting it roll around the cupboard for another three years.

This free knitted crown pattern for kids and adults combines a simple garter-stitch band with shaped triangular points. The mustard-gold colour gives it that storybook crown look, although pink, purple or woodland green would be equally lovely.

A Manageable Next Step for Beginner Knitters

The construction is the appealing part of this design. Everything is knitted flat, so you won’t need double-pointed needles or experience joining stitches in the round.

You knit the band first, then work each crown point separately over a group of 12 stitches. Paired decreases gradually narrow each triangle, giving you a small, repeatable section to concentrate on.

I’d describe this as a confident beginner knitting project. You’ll need to know how to knit, work two types of decreases, hold unused stitches and sew a simple seam. There are several yarn tails to weave in, so a little patience with finishing will help.

Three Sizes With Room to Personalise

The pattern includes three sizes, with seven, eight or nine crown points. Choose by the wearer’s head measurement rather than age, and check your gauge carefully. Yarn stretch will make a noticeable difference to the fit.

For birthdays, an embroidered initial would be a sweet finishing touch. Contrasting yarn diamonds could suggest little jewels without adding hard embellishments.

What to Know Before Casting On

This is a soft knitted crown, so expect gentle points rather than a rigid costume accessory. A springy wool or wool-blend yarn should give the shaping more support than a very drapey yarn.

The stitch calculations have been checked, but the design has not yet been sample-knitted. The accompanying image is an illustrative mockup, so the finished texture and proportions may vary with your yarn and tension.

For a small handmade birthday accessory or a cheerful addition to the dress-up box, this is an appealing idea. And if an adult needs a matching crown for supervising the royal household, the larger size has that covered too.