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How to Make Fabric Pumpkins
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Want to learn How to Make Fabric Pumpkins? You’re in luck, I’ve got a great tutorial to share that will show you how to make these cute and colorful fabric pumpkins!
DIY Fabric Pumpkins
My kitchen table has been in need of a little update for fall. I’d been seeing these Fabric Pumpkins around in the last year or so and wanted to try and make myself a few.
I finally did and am tickled pink on how they turned out. (Or should I say tickled orange and purple?)
These DIY Fabric Pumpkins make the cutest little centerpiece on my dining room table. I think I’ll make a couple for our teachers (just for fun.)
I don’t know about you, but I’ve got a pretty great collection of quilting cotton. I’m on a mission to curate a collection that has all the colors so I can make something seasonal or whatever trending, without having to rush off to the fabric store.
I had picked up this particular collection of fall-themed fabric from my local fabric store and have a ton of ideas on projects to use the fabric, starting with these easy fabric pumpkins.
Are you looking for more projects for your quilting cotton stash? Be sure to check out all these easy quilt patterns for beginners, this free Pillowcase Dress Pattern or maybe this adorable Pincushion Pattern!
How to Make Fabric Pumpkins
Would you like to make some fabric pumpkins too? It’s so easy and you don’t even need a sewing machine!
The best part of this fabric pumpkin pattern is that the pumpkins can be made with fabric scraps you already have on hand.
This easy tutorial includes cutting dimensions to make three different sizes. (Small, medium and large.)
There is a tiny bit of sewing (the side seam and the bottom) but if you don’t have a machine, don’t worry, it is a tiny bit that you can hand sew in minutes. (You could even use hot glue on the side seam to speed up the process.)
Materials needed:
- Fabric
- Pillow stuffing
- needle and thread
- hot glue
- scissors/ruler
- Something for the stem and leaves (I used sticks I found outside leaves from an old discarded fake plant, but you could use felt or fabric for the leaves (if you even want a leaf) and for the stump, you could stuff a small piece of felt or fabric or use a stick from the yard or maybe even a twisted brown paper sack.)
- Twine, string or yarn to wrap around the pumpkin.
- Twine, raffia, felt or extra fabric (in case you need to hide any exposed hot glue around the stem, I only needed it on 2 of my 3 pumpkins.)
Time needed: 25 minutes.
Instructions to make an Easy Fabric Pumpkin:
- Cut your fabric
Cut your fabric into a rectangle, different dimensions will give different shapes. Technically, a standard pumpkin shape would be width = 2 times the height.
I wanted various shapes that would complement each other, so for reference my cut pieces were:
orange fabric: 15.5 wide by 7.5 tall
purple fabric: 32 wide by 13 tall
stripe fabric: 21 wide by 16 tall - Sew the side seams of the pumpkin.
Fold your fabric in half, right sides together and hand sew, machine sew or even hot glue the side seam.
- Close the bottom of the fabric pumpkin.
Next, sew a wide basting stitch along the bottom of the tube. (I tried to use my machine for this basting stitch, but it works better hand sewn since you can get a much wider stitch.)
Gather the bottom up so it is tightly closed and sew a few stitches to secure the bottom. - Stuff your fabric pumpkin and close the top.
Flip the fabric right side out and stuff your pumpkin. (To conserve my stuffing, I made a hole in the middle of the stuffing and used plastic bags and fabric scraps, then put stuffing on top.)
Sew a basting stitch along the top and close it the same way as the bottom.
Pull the top closed and add a few stitches to secure it. - Add the twine and finishing touches to your fabric pumpkin.
Wrap the twine/string around the pumpkin 2 to 4 times (whatever looks best to you.) Wrap it tightly and tie it off on the bottom.
The tension gives the pumpkin the the puffiness.
If the knots at the bottom bother you, you could cut a circle of fabric/felt and hot glue it over the knots to cover them up.
Add a dollop of hot glue to the top of the pumpkin and attach your stem.
Add your leaves and twine with a little more hot glue and…
Voilà!
An adorable fabric pumpkin!
Cute isn’t it?
Now go make a few!
What fall sewing projects do you have lined up?
*photos updated 7/2017
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Laura C says
Your tutorial for the fabric pumpkins is clear and in my opinion the most doable one I have seen lately. In other words, I can see myself making some of these! Thanks for a great idea that is appealing and attractive, Crafty Mom!
Sue Rogers7 says
These are great and your instructions make them seem so easy! I am going to try this with my son and send some to his teacher. Thank you so much for your wonderful tutorial
redcrowgreencrow says
These are great! I tend to stuff things with fabric too.
I'm hosting the Fall Into the Holidays blog hop and would love to have you link up.
Jess from Coxs Corner says
These are the CUTEST fabric pumpkins I have ever seen! And I've seen a LOT of fabric pumpkins!
Schnulli says
Its an amazing idea, thanks for the tutorial 🙂
Greetings,
Schnulli
Jorun says
Just love it! I think I have to make a fabric pumpkin! Nice blog, you`ve got…
Sending you a greeting from Norway…
Angela says
You make it look so easy! Found you via the Trendy Treehouse and am a new follower on GFC.
I've also pinned this tutorial on Pinterest (with credit and a link of course), hope that's ok 🙂
Angela
http://www.atypicalenglishhome.com
Lisa Nelsen-Woods says
My husband doesn't like plastic pumpkins but the real ones may not last long with impish teenagers around. I think making these will be our happy medium.
NeeCee says
Very cute! Love the colors and patterns! I have my faux pumpkin items and fabric sitting on my crafting table, ready to go! Great minds think alike, you won the race! Haha…..NeeCee at pinecreekstyle.blogspot.com
Christine says
WOW!!! Great job!!! Thanks for the tutorial! I think I can make these! YAY!!
Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality!
Erin says
I love the purple one! Your pictures are just lovely too. Thanks for the great tutorial. Your idea about making them for teachers is a great one. I'll have to remember that sometime-they'd make such cute gifts!
Doublej2 says
i love the use of the twine! it makes them look so real!!
Jeanette says
I just love these! I've been wanting to make some but wasn't sure exactly how to! Thanks so much for sharing these. Hmmm… wonder if I could make these for Christmas gifts?
[email protected] Bitsy Paper says
These are ADORABLE!!! Love it. I hope you'll link them up to my Wickedly Creative Halloween Ideas Party if you haven't already
Amber *SaltTree* says
Those are great! I was looking for an easy tute to make some… thanks for the share! I'm off to rummage through my fabric!
~Damita's Pretty Wrap~ says
Those are cute, thanks for the tutorial! 🙂 Have a great day! hugs, Holly
K Coake says
What a cute idea! I love how simple they look to make.
Bobi Jensen says
It looks more simple than I expected. Thanks for sharing! I am your newest GFC follower!
Mandy says
These are so cute. Thank you for sharing your tutorial!
Britni @ Hubby Made Me says
Those are absolutely adorable!! Love the fabric! And love that you used sticks for the stumps too. Awesome idea! I would love if you shared this at my Throwback Thursday party. I hope to see you there! And thanks for sharing 🙂
Our Pinteresting Family says
Adorable! Love this tutorial..pinning it now. 🙂 Megan
Mrs Bishop says
Love these- esp. since my baby boy has been getting a hold of everything, I like the fact that these won't break!
Tuula @ The Thrifty Rebel says
These pumpkins are so cute. Love that you used real sticks for the stems. Thanks for the great tutorial. I'm visiting from Shabby Nest's linky party and I'm your newest GFC follower. Would love it if you had a chance to visit some time and follow back. Have a great weekend!
Tuula 🙂
Mo says
Cute! Also pinning it!
Sara @ My Merry Messy Life says
Very nice! I love the fabrics and how easy this project is to do. I'd love to have you at Hookin On Hump Day – it's a link party just for the fiber arts. I found you at A Night Owl's party! I also have a group crafting Pinterest board I can invite you to, if you're interested!
Eating Yourself Well says
This is a really clever idea–so cute. My end results turned out adorable because your instructions were very clear. Thank you so much for sharing. These will go on my table, as well, served with my very pumpkin cookies & candy corn cheesecake.
The Girls from Whimsically Homemade says
Yay! Fall is here! Your fabric pumpkins are just too cute. You make these look so easy! I might just what to give this a go. I'm following you through Facebook (via my personal page), Pintrest, GCF, and Twitter. I would love you stop by and link up at our Saturday Social blog hop at Whimsically Homemade! Hope to see you there!
Cindy says
Thank you. I have also seen these but your tutorial tells me I can do it! I especially like the purple one, and I don't like purple!
Sandy says
These are adorable!
Andrea @ Decorating Cents says
These are so cute. I have some leftover fabric I could use to make these.
Liz says
Super cute! Wish I was a better sewer!
LB
http://www.accordingtol.com
Jenni Horne says
these are adorable! I can totally see my Amy butler scraps being put to good use now.
Sarah says
I love the colors and patterns you selected and it's something you don't have to be a great seamstress for. If you get a chance come link up at our Pin Party.
http://sarahdawndesigns.blogspot.com/2012/09/pintastic-monday-link-party-10.html#.UGClu64-WnD
Cathy @ My 1929 Charmer says
Love, love it. I love fabric pumpkins and will be making a few for myself. Love the colors and pattern you choose. Adorable! Thanks for sharing your inspiration with Sunday’s Best – you helped make the party a success!
thepaintedapron.com says
Super cute! love the colors, stems, everything!
Rebecca @ My Girlish Whims says
Thank you so much for linking up to Your Whims Wednesday, I featured this on my blog today! Come stop by and grab a featured button: http://www.mygirlishwhims.com/2012/09/your-whims-wednesday-78-and-features.html
Mme PiNat says
I just love your pumpkins and orange is my favorite color, so I will try to do them….tomorrow ;-)) Thanks and your blog is a pleasure to visit !
Little Treasures says
I cannot tell you how much I love your fabric pumpkins!! They are gorgeous!
Jamie @ Love Bakes Good Cakes says
I'm hosting an It's Fall Y'all ~ Linky Party. I would love for you to share this, and any other Fall projects you have! Hope to see you there 🙂
Maria says
Ooohh these pumpkins are so adorable!!!! Love the fabrics, really cute!
freckled laundry says
They are adorable, Jamie. Great tutorial, too! Thanks for sharing your pretty laundry over at my place! xo Jami
Aimee - ItsOverflowing.com says
Super cute and gorgeous photography! Thanks for sharing at It's Overflowning's Party (every Saturday at 7am). I'm featuring you tomorrow. XO, Aimee
Polkadot-pretties says
Thank you for sharing @ craft, create and inspire last weekend 🙂
Your project is featured this week!
Hope you will join us again this week ?
Claire x
BlueSkyJenn says
Love this fun project. If you are worried about taller ones falling over you can stuff the middle (in a plastic bag like yours) with some beans or lentils.
Vanessa says
Very nice! I think I'll be making a few myself.
Jeanette says
These are just the cutest pumpkins ever and your tutorial is fabulous!
I'm featuring these on my Halloween Pinterest Picks –
Jo Ellen says
I love these pumpkins!! Great tutorial. In reading the comments and thinking about stuffing the pumpkins, how cool would it be to have a small pouch filled with pumpkin spice to put in the middle of the stuffing? Look great, smell great!
Nikki Jiles says
You could glue the stem in the top before closing the top making the stem much more sturdy. Before closing, twist a green or brown pipe cleaner around a pencil/dowel & glue in with the stem. If your leaves have a stem on them, glue them in also. Close the opening as you described on the bottom. A small piece of felt or the same fabric as pumpkin wrapped around the stem will cover the thread used to close the top. No big need to hide glue.
melsdaisypatch says
Thank you so much for sharing. Your post has been featured on Monday Funday at Mel's Daisy Patch. Come Grab a Brag button you deserve it!!
Wendy May says
Well, here I am a year later to say these are the nicest ones with great 'how-to' details, that I have seen. I've looked at a lot too. Thanks so much for sharing. Glad I found you.
Natashalh says
Cool idea! I live in Hawaii right now and it's beautiful, but I'm really missing fall! I think this is the only kind of pumpkin that wouldn't rot weeks before Halloween. Visiting from the From Dream to Reality hop =)
Barb says
So cute! I'd love for you to share this with my readers at my Motivation Monday party
Mandee Thomas says
These have got to be the cutest pumpkins I've seen yet! I would love for you to share this post at my Create & Share Link Party! Hope to see you there 🙂
Elizabeth Lund says
Darling and so easy!! I love this. I may be doing this on Saturday!! Have a great day!
Marcia Pilar says
Pretty and simple. Love the combination of fabrics you chose.
G'day!
J @ Bless Her Heart Y'all says
These pumpkins are so stinking cute! I love the look. I might have to try these out! Thanks for sharing. Stopping in from the link up today.
Bobbi @ 3GLOL says
These are so cute!! Love that you made them with fabric…very creative!!
Sharing 🙂
JBArts says
Love your pumpkins! I am hosting my first ever Tuesday Link Up Party. I hope you can come over and link up with me!! I love meeting new ladies and getting to see all the amazing content everyone has to offer! h
Laura Lane says
Easy to follow.
Thanks!
Christie Selken says
These are so cute and you make it took so easy to make! They look great!
Frannie says
Hello!
These are *so* cute! What a great addition to any fall décor! I'll definitely have to give these a try one day! 🙂
Ashley @ 3 Little Greenwoods says
Please please please share this fab tutorial at my Show Me Saturdays (party starts at 7:00 am EST). My readers would love this!
~ Ashley
Marilyn Clark says
Your pumpkins are so fun! Thanks for sharing them at The Project Stash last week….we featured them!
Kimberly Lewis says
I absolutely love this! Pinned. It is so fun to party with you. Thank you. I hope to see you at our party on Monday at 7 pm. Happy Saturday! Lou Lou Girls
Laura Mason says
Love these pumpkins, and wanted to let you know that I'm featuring them as part of Link It or Lump It today. Thanks for participating in our link party!
Trudy says
Cute, cute, cute! And so easy I could even whip out a few while watching tv with the hubs in the evening! Thanks! Appreciate the talents of those who can figure out how to make things and are willing to pass along the how-to’s to the rest of us.
Nikki Jiles says
Love the easy way these are made. I will be making these small (3″ to 6″) so I can use them on wreaths & fall crafts instead of using the plastic ones from the store. Thanks for sharing.
Cynthia Felice says
I love it sooo nice of you to share want to make with the girls in my Sunday school class at my house they will love it! Thanks for sharing Cindy in VA
Lisa M Vickery says
After much research for the best instructions to make fabric pumpkins, this by far is the best. Thank you for making it so simple.
Jamie Sanders says
Thanks!