How to Make Fabric Pumpkins

Pumpkins crafted from rustic burlap, glistening velvet, fuzzy felt and patterned fabric are cropping up all over at boutiques, art fairs and makers markets. Not only are they fun and easy to make, they can be customized to coordinate with any home décor.

Making fabric pumpkins is a great way to recycle. Use leftover fabric from other projects or visit thrift stores to find inspiration - think cable knit sweaters, wool blankets or a vintage plaid kilt.

Once you have your supplies, it’s time to create your own designer pumpkin patch. Happy decorating!

Supplies needed:
Fabric pieces
Pen and scissors
Needle and heavy-duty thread
Batting and dried beans
Assorted stems from pumpkins, dried
Hot glue gun/glue sticks

Lay out fabric. Using different size bowls as guides, trace circles onto fabric. The smallest bowl I used was 8” in diameter. Cut out circles.

With a needle and heavy-duty thread, sew a running stitch along the edges of a circle, gathering the fabric as you go. I added an extra stitch every few pleats, so I wouldn’t have as much to cinch at the end.

About 2/3rds of the way around the circle, add a handful of dried beans to give the pumpkin some weight. 

Next, add batting in small pieces  until the pumpkin reaches desired fullness.

Sew up the hole by making crisscross stitches from one side to the other.

Use a hot glue gun to attach stems over the stitches. Press stem down and hold for 30 seconds.