DIY Felt Stacking Pumpkins

Downloadable PDF Pattern:

DIY Felt Stacking Pumpkins - Template

Instructions

1. For each pumpkin, a 2:1 measurement ratio is best, so you can make your pumpkins any size you want, but be sure to maintain that ratio. If you're doing stacking pumpkins, like me, you will want each pumpkin to be slightly smaller than the one below it. Start by using your fabric scissors or rotary cutter and ruler to measure out your pieces per the template guidelines. Make the appropriate cuts and set aside.

Note: you can find simple tutorials on YouTube for all of the stitches mentioned in this tutorial.

2. Starting with the largest piece - the orange pumpkin - fold the piece in half so that the short edges are aligned. Make a running stitch along the side where the two short edges meet and tie it off securely at the end.

3. Next, you will sew a gathering stitch along the entirety of one long edge without sewing both sides together, as shown. Be sure you do not go through both layers as we don't want them connected just yet. Make your stitches in a straight line about a quarter-inch from the edge.

4. Rather than tie off these stitches at the end, pull them to gather the fabric and close the opening. Tighten as much as possible without breaking the thread. Tie off securely to permanently close the opening. Add some extra stitches to make sure the opening is shut tight.

5. Turn the pumpkin over and begin stuffing with fiber fill. You will want to add lots of stuffing to make your pumpkin plump! Now it's time to repeat steps 3 and 4 on the opposite long edge of your pumpkin.

6. Once you have your pumpkin “base” completed, it's time to add some ridges to your pumpkin to make it look more realistic. Grab a sewing needle and some yarn or embroidery floss (in a color that closely matches the felt you are using). Push the threaded needle through the top of your pumpkin and straight down out the bottom. Wrap the yarn around the pumpkin and push through the top of the pumpkin again to create a segment. Form the pumpkin segments by repeating this process as many times as you like, moving your thread over an inch or two each time. Pull it tight to create the ridges. Set your first pumpkin aside.

7. Repeat steps 2 through 6 for the remaining pumpkin colors. For the top pumpkin (in my case, the white one), you will create a stem.

8. Grab your rust color wool blend felt piece and your hot glue gun. Using a small amount of glue along the long edge, begin rolling the short edge of the felt piece inward in a cylinder shape, as shown. Add a small amount of hot glue at the end to close it up. Attach your stem to the top and middle of the smallest pumpkin and stack your remaining pumpkins, one on top of the other, using hot glue to secure.