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You can crochet a small pumpkin by making a simple sphere, stuffing it lightly, and adding ridges with yarn to create that classic pumpkin shape.
It’s one of the easiest amigurumi projects for fall, and you can finish a small pumpkin in under an hour once you get the hang of it.
Whether you’re brand new to crochet or just looking for a quick seasonal project, learning how to crochet a small pumpkin is a fun and forgiving way to use up leftover yarn.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to crochet a small pumpkin step by step, the supplies you need, and a few tips to make your pumpkin look plump and perfect.
Let’s get started.
Why Crocheting a Small Pumpkin Is a Great Beginner Project
Crocheting a small pumpkin is a great beginner project because it only uses basic stitches and simple shaping.
Here’s why so many crocheters love making small pumpkins.
1. It Uses Only Basic Stitches
To crochet a small pumpkin, you only need to know a few fundamental stitches.
Single crochet, slip stitch, and chain are pretty much all you need.
You’ll also use simple increases and decreases to shape the sphere.
That means you don’t need to master complex techniques before you can crochet a small pumpkin of your own.
2. It Works Up Fast
A small pumpkin is compact, so it doesn’t take long to crochet.
Most people can crochet a small pumpkin in about thirty to sixty minutes.
That makes it perfect for a last-minute gift or a quick craft session.
You can crochet a small pumpkin while watching TV or waiting for dinner to finish.
3. It’s a Great Way to Use Scrap Yarn
Small pumpkins don’t require much yarn at all.
You can crochet a small pumpkin from the leftovers of a bigger project.
Orange is the classic choice, but cream, white, and even green pumpkins look adorable too.
So if you’ve got odds and ends sitting in your stash, this is the perfect project to use them up.
Supplies You Need to Crochet a Small Pumpkin
Before you crochet a small pumpkin, gather a few basic supplies.
Here’s what you’ll need.
1. Worsted Weight Yarn
Worsted weight yarn is the easiest to work with when you crochet a small pumpkin.
Choose a bright orange for a classic look or any color you like for a more modern twist.
You’ll only need a small amount, so this is a fantastic stash-busting project.
2. A 4.0mm or 4.5mm Crochet Hook
A 4.0mm to 4.5mm hook pairs nicely with worsted weight yarn.
If you crochet tightly, go up a hook size so your pumpkin stays soft and squishy.
The right hook size helps your small pumpkin look round instead of stiff.
3. Fiberfill Stuffing
You’ll need a small amount of fiberfill to stuff your pumpkin.
Don’t overstuff it, or the shape will look more like a ball than a pumpkin.
A light, even fill gives your small pumpkin that cozy, plump look.
4. A Yarn Needle and Scissors
A yarn needle helps you weave in ends and add the ridges later.
Scissors are, of course, essential for trimming yarn as you go.
These two small tools make a big difference when you crochet a small pumpkin.
How to Crochet a Small Pumpkin Step by Step
Now let’s get into the fun part.
Here’s how to crochet a small pumpkin from start to finish.
1. Make a Magic Ring
Start by making a magic ring with your orange yarn.
Work six single crochet stitches into the ring.
Pull the tail tight to close the center.
This gives you a neat, closed center for your small pumpkin.
2. Increase Each Round
In the next round, work two single crochets into each stitch to make twelve stitches.
Then increase again to reach eighteen stitches.
Keep increasing until your circle is around thirty stitches wide.
This builds the round body of your small pumpkin.
3. Work Even Rounds
Once you reach the widest point, stop increasing.
Work single crochet in each stitch around for several rounds.
This creates the smooth middle section of your pumpkin.
The number of even rounds you work determines how tall your small pumpkin will be.
4. Decrease and Stuff
Now it’s time to decrease, which brings the pumpkin back in at the top.
Work single crochet decreases around until the opening gets small.
Before you close it completely, stuff the pumpkin with fiberfill.
Then finish your decreases and close the top with a slip stitch.
5. Add the Pumpkin Ridges
This is the step that really makes your small pumpkin look like a pumpkin.
Thread your yarn needle with a long piece of yarn.
Push the needle through the center of the pumpkin from top to bottom.
Wrap the yarn around the outside and pull it through again.
Repeat this around the pumpkin to create natural-looking ridges.
Pull gently so you don’t squash the shape.
6. Add a Stem
A small pumpkin isn’t complete without a stem.
You can crochet a tiny green stem and sew it on top.
Or use a small piece of brown yarn and a few stitches for a rustic look.
Either way, the stem makes your pumpkin instantly recognizable.
Tips to Make Your Small Pumpkin Look Better
A few small tweaks can make a big difference when you crochet a small pumpkin.
Keep your stitches even so the shape stays round.
Stuff lightly for a softer look and feel.
Choose a yarn color that matches your fall décor.
And don’t be afraid to crochet a small pumpkin in different sizes to create a cute little pumpkin patch.
So, How Do You Crochet a Small Pumpkin?
You crochet a small pumpkin by making a simple sphere, stuffing it lightly, and adding ridges and a stem to create the classic pumpkin shape.
It’s a beginner-friendly project that works up fast and uses only basic stitches.
With just a bit of yarn and a little patience, you can crochet a small pumpkin that looks adorable on a table, shelf, or gift basket.
Once you learn how to crochet a small pumpkin, you’ll want to make a whole patch of them.