How Do You Make A Pumpkin Out Of Paper

You can make a pumpkin out of paper by cutting orange strips, folding them into loops, and joining those loops at a center point to create a round, ribbed shape.
 
It’s one of the easiest fall crafts you can try, even if you’ve never done a paper pumpkin before.
 
Whether you want a paper pumpkin for a classroom activity, a mantel display, or a Thanksgiving table, the process is simple and cheap.
 
In this post, we’ll cover how do you make a pumpkin out of paper, what supplies you need, and a few ways to make your paper pumpkin look even better.
 
Let’s get started.
 

How Do You Make a Pumpkin Out of Paper?

You make a pumpkin out of paper by turning flat strips into a three-dimensional shape, and the classic loop method works best.
 
The goal is to build the paper pumpkin from the inside out so it keeps a full, round look.
 
Here are the main steps for how do you make a pumpkin out of paper.
 

1. Gather Your Supplies

To make a paper pumpkin, you need orange paper, scissors, a stapler or glue, and something for the stem.
 
Cardstock works better than thin printer paper because it holds the curve of each loop.
 
You can also use a paper cutter to keep every strip the same width.
 
If you want a more polished paper pumpkin, grab a green pipe cleaner or a small piece of brown cardstock for the stem.
 

2. Cut the Orange Paper Into Strips

Cut the orange paper into strips of equal length and width, and this matters because uneven strips make a lopsided paper pumpkin.
 
For a medium paper pumpkin, strips around one inch wide and eight to ten inches long work well.
 
You can cut twelve to sixteen strips for a full, plump shape.
 
The more strips you cut, the denser your paper pumpkin will look when it’s finished.
 

3. Punch Holes at Both Ends

Punch a small hole near each end of every strip so the paper pumpkin can be held together with brads or string.
 
If you don’t have a hole punch, a sharp pencil or a skewer does the job.
 
Just keep the holes in the same spot on each strip, or your paper pumpkin will lean to one side.
 

4. Stack the Strips and Fasten One End

Stack all the strips and push a brad through the holes at one end, then spread the prongs to hold them in place.
 
This becomes the bottom of your paper pumpkin.
 
If you’re using glue instead, fan the strips out and glue them at the same point, then let them dry completely.
 

5. Bring the Other Ends Together

Gently bend each strip outward and gather the loose ends, then fasten them with a second brad or a dab of strong glue.
 
As you connect the ends, the paper pumpkin puffs up into a round shape, and that’s the magic moment.
 
Don’t force the strips, or they’ll crease and flatten the paper pumpkin.
 

6. Add the Stem and Finishing Touches

Add a small stem at the top so your paper pumpkin looks complete, and a green pipe cleaner or a rolled piece of brown paper works great.
 
You can also curl a thin strip of green paper into a vine for extra charm.
 
This is the step that turns a plain paper pumpkin into a decoration people notice.
 

Other Ways to Make a Pumpkin Out of Paper

Not every paper pumpkin needs the loop method, and some versions are even easier for kids or beginners.
 

1. The Paper Bag Pumpkin

Stuff a small paper bag with newspaper, twist the top, and paint it orange to make a paper pumpkin with a softer shape.
 
This version is great for young children because it needs almost no precision.
 

2. The Flat Paper Pumpkin Cutout

Cut two identical pumpkin shapes and glue them back to back around a string for a simple hanging paper pumpkin.
 
You can decorate both sides so the paper pumpkin looks good from any angle.
 

3. The Striped Paper Pumpkin

Use strips in different shades of orange to create a paper pumpkin with natural-looking ribs and highlights.
 
This small change makes a homemade paper pumpkin look store-bought.
 

Tips to Make Your Paper Pumpkin Look Better

A few small tricks can make your paper pumpkin look fuller, cleaner, and more realistic.
 

1. Roll the Ends of Each Strip

Curl the ends of the strips around a pencil before assembling so the paper pumpkin gets smooth, rounded sides.
 

2. Use Double-Sided Cardstock

Double-sided cardstock keeps the inside of the paper pumpkin colorful, which matters when people peek inside the loops.
 

3. Add a Little Shading

Brush a bit of dark orange or brown ink along the edges of each strip for depth, and your paper pumpkin will look far more realistic.
 

4. Keep the Strip Count Even

An even number of strips helps the paper pumpkin sit straight and balance well on a table or shelf.
 

So, How Do You Make a Pumpkin Out of Paper?

You make a pumpkin out of paper by cutting equal orange strips, punching holes in both ends, and fastening them together into a round, ribbed shape.
 
Once you add a stem and a few finishing touches, your paper pumpkin is ready to display.
 
It’s a cheap, flexible craft, and you can make a paper pumpkin in almost any size.
 
Now you know exactly how do you make a pumpkin out of paper.