CROCHET PUMPKINS

Materials you’ll need:

• Worsted weight yarn in orange (or any color you prefer for your pumpkin)
• Green yarn for the stem
• Crochet hook appropriate for your yarn weight
• Fiberfill or stuffing material
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• Optional: stitch markers

Instructions:

1. Start with the magic ring technique. Leave a long tail of yarn before making the ring. Insert your hook into the ring, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Chain 1 to secure the loop. This will be the beginning of your first round.
2. Round 1: Work 6 single crochet (sc) stitches into the magic ring. Pull the tail of the yarn to tighten the ring. Join with a slip stitch (sl st) to the first sc to close the round. (6 stitches)
3. Round 2: Chain 1 to start the round. Work 2 sc stitches into each stitch around. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (12 stitches)
4. Round 3: Chain 1. Work 1 sc into the next stitch, then 2 sc into the following stitch. Repeat from * to * around. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (18 stitches)
5. Rounds 4-6: Chain 1. Work 1 sc into each stitch around. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (18 stitches)
6. Round 7: Chain 1. Work 1 sc into the next stitch, then decrease 1 stitch over the next 2 stitches. Repeat from * to * around. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (12 stitches)
7. Stuff the pumpkin lightly with fiberfill or stuffing material. Make sure to shape it as you go.
8. Round 8: Chain 1. Decrease 1 stitch over each pair of stitches around. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (6 stitches)
9. Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through a tapestry needle and weave it through the remaining stitches. Pull tight to close the opening. Secure the end by weaving it in.
10. Stem: Use green yarn to create a stem for your pumpkin. You can crochet a simple chain or use a technique like the “i-cord” to create a more realistic stem. Attach the stem to the top of the pumpkin using a tapestry needle and securing it with stitches.