There’s just something about knitted decor that screams fall, right? Let’s dive into a new fall decor project. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the charm of these little knitted pumpkins to bring that warm, homey vibe into your space. It’s like an instant invitation to grab a warm drink and snuggle up. These knitted pumpkins are actually easier to make than you’d think—and way cheaper than buying those high-end ones in stores. Imagine them nestled alongside autumn leaves, with a hot cup of spiced apple tea in hand, and a good book close by—doesn’t it sound like an autumn dream?
Knitted decor just gets me every time. And look, I’m not exactly a knitting pro, but I did find a sneaky way to make these pumpkins without hours of hand-stitching or a big knitting setup. Enter: the humble hand-crank knitting machine. I use a machine called the Addi Express, but really, any hand-crank circular knitting machine will do. It’s typically for hats (yep, I’m totally cheating here), but it works wonders for small decor projects like this. Don’t have one? You can repurpose an old sweater for this project in a similar way I did with a blouse last time!
What You’ll Need to Get Started
- A circular knitting machine (or if you’re feeling ambitious, you can totally knit by hand)
- Orange yarn – I recommend going for a natural tone, something close to ochre or burnt orange
- Polyester fiberfill – for stuffing the pumpkin
- A large needle
- A small stick or branch – makes the perfect little pumpkin stem
Got all that? Great. Now, let’s get knitting.
Knitting The Pumpkin
If you've never used one of these machines before, don’t worry—it’s almost therapeutic. Start by casting on the yarn manually. This first row is a bit tricky because you have to place the yarn under every other hook by hand, but after that, it’s all smooth sailing. Just feed the yarn through the machine's guide, start cranking the handle, and watch the magic happen!.
In no time, you'll have this tube of knitted fabric growing out of the machine (and yes, I was mesmerized the first time). Pro Tip: Make sure to crank at a steady pace. Going too fast can cause skipped stitches, and believe me, nothing is more frustrating than seeing a hole right in the middle of your pumpkin!.
Once your tube is long enough (mine was about the height o two large coffee mugs), it’s time to finish things up. Cut the yarn, leaving a good long tail, and thread it through a large needle.
Go around the last row, pulling each stitch off the machine carefully. It feels like I’m performing some sort of delicate surgery here, but it’s really just a matter of being gentle. Once you’ve got all stitches off, pull the yarn tight to close the opening—like pulling the drawstring on a little beanie.
Here’s the fun part: turning it inside out and stuffing it! Fill your pumpkin with fiberfill, but don’t overdo it. You want it to look plump, but still a bit squishy. If you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself fiddling around trying to get that perfect shape. Honestly, this part is kind of addicting. Stuff it just right, so it holds its pumpkin-y shape without looking like an overinflated balloon.
Alright, here’s where the magic happens. Use that yarn tail to section off your pumpkin. Close the top, pass the needle through the center to the bottom, and wrap it around the sides to create the classic pumpkin ridges.
Pull it just enough to make indentations but don’t go overboard. This part takes a little patience (and I definitely re-did mine a couple of times to get it right). Keep wrapping and pulling until it looks like a real pumpkin with those satisfying grooves.
Little Hack: If the yarn gets too tight or you’re struggling to pull it through, a pair of pliers can help give you that extra bit of leverage.
This is the detail that really makes it. Find a small branch or stick—something with character!—and push it into the top opening. Tie it off with a piece of twine or jute for that rustic, finished look. The twine just adds a little something extra, like a nod to farmhouse style, and it really ties (no pun intended) the whole look together.
They looks so cozy, right?.
Once you've got a few of these, they’re so fun to style. I like setting mine up with some dried leaves, candles, and maybe even a couple of pinecones for a full autumn spread. They look amazing on the dining table, or even just hanging out on the windowsill.
These pumpkins add a homemade touch to Thanksgiving decor too—friends and family always ask where I got them, and they can’t believe I made them! Use them for your Thanksgiving centrepieces and fall arrangements.
These little guys are now a staple in my fall decor, and I keep finding new ways to display them. Btw, if you wanna know how I preserved these awesome leaves for the centerpiece, I’ve used wax.