Velvet Pumpkins

Almost every tutorial I have seen on making fabric pumpkins starts with a circle.  My method is different so I though I would share it with you today.  

You will need:

• Piece of velvet or fabric of you choice approximately 10" X 20".  You can vary the size depending on the size of the pumpkin you want. There is an element of trial and error here.
• A real pumpkin stem.  I save mine from my pumpkins (also winter squash) and let them dry out.
• Heavy sewing thread.  I recommend Coats & Clark craft and button thread.
• Sewing needles.  A long needle is needed to go through the pumpkin.
• Pliers
• Sewing Machine 
• Fabri-Tac or other fabric glue.

Here is my collection of fabrics and stems for potential pumpkins.

​First, fold your fabric right sides together lengthwise and sew a seam a long the short ends. You now have a tube.

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Next thread your needle with a double length of thread and start to gather around one edge of the tube.  Use very large stitches for the gather.

Next pull the gathers very tight to close the hole. To knot off, it is helpful to first do a back stitch before trying to make the knot.

Next turn the piece right side out.  You are now are now ready for stuffing.

There are a verity of options when it comes to stuffing.  Some people use rice or beans. There is, of course, always fiber fill.  I, however, use fabric scraps as I always have plenty left over from my sewing business.  

​Using scraps can sometimes make for a lumpy look, so I like to line the pumpkin with a bit of fiber fleece. I had some remnants from a quilt project.  The were long strips so I sewed them together on the machine using a zig zag stitch.

Sometimes, the scraps are a little big so I chop them up with a scissor. I stuffed the pumpkin with the scraps.  You need to pack them in pretty firmly but you need to leave room to be able to close the top.  Another trial and error moment.

Now you need to close up the top pretty much the same way you did the bottom.  Gather the edge with large stitches, pull the gathers tight and knot off.  It helps to fold the top edge above the stitches inside as you pull.
​Once again, pull the thread tight and back stitch before you knot off.

Now comes time to use you long needle! This step creates that indent on the top and bottom of the pumpkin.

You will need to put the needle through the pumpkin.  To make it a little easier, you can first use a large knitting needle to make a hole for where the needle will go through. Thread your long needle with a double length of thread and attach to the top of the pumpkin.  Next push the needle straight down. 

​ Turn the pumpkin over and push down until the needle tip comes out.  Be careful!  Pull up on the needle with the pliers until it comes through.

Pull tight on the thread and make a back stitch to secure.  Next put the needle back through the pumpkin to come out the top.  Pull up tightly on the thread and knot off.  

Now it's time to find the right stem for the pumpkin.

Once you have picked you stem, use Fabri-Tac to glue it to the center.

Enjoy your new pumpkin!

Have a fun day!
​Cynthia