Are you looking for a great beginner crochet project? A “just picked up a crochet hook for the very first time” project?
Being a brand new crocheter can be discouraging because you need to find something that you are excited to make. A scarf, washcloth, or a pot holder can be, quite frankly, boring. Don’t get me wrong, I love making scarves and washcloths, but I remember making my first scarf and thinking how lame it was.
THIS IS WHY I CAME UP WITH THIS SUPER SIMPLE BEGINNER CROCHET PUMPKIN!
These beginner pumpkins look complicated, but they truly aren’t! Promise. I taught 12 brand new crochet students how to make these, and they turned out great!
The pumpkins are made from simple single crochet in a 2” by 2.5” square.
When looking for a very first time project, you should look for a crochet pattern that is smaller in size as well as rectangular. The rectangular shape helps you see and recognize where rows begin and end. Don’t be discouraged if your first project does not have perfect straight edges! It is normal to accidentally add/drop a stitch, and this pattern is forgiving in that you cinch the edges together, so you’ll be able to hide the mistakes better. With practice, you’ll get better at keeping your edges straight.
SMALL + RECTANGULAR = PERFECT BEGINNER PROJECT
To make these pumpkins, you will need-
MATERIALS
26 yards of worsted weight 4 yarn
GAUGE
9 sc sts = 2”
20 rows = 2”
FINISHED SIZE
2” by 2.5”
TERMINOLOGY
US Crochet Terms Used
ch – Chain
st/sts – Stitch/Stitches
sc – Single Crochet
NOTES
There are 2 sizes included in the pattern. I recommend the smaller size for those that are just first beginning. The larger size is written in ( ) throughout the pattern.
The ch 1 does not count as a st.
Leave a long beginning tail (1’). We will be using that yarn to stitch up edges.
PATTERN
ch 11 (16)
Row 1: sc 1 in 2nd ch from hook, sc across, turn (10 (15) sts)
Rows 2-23(34): ch 1, sc across, turn (10 (15) sts)
Do not fasten off. Cut 1’ tail.
ASSEMBLY OF PUMPKIN
Step 1: Place the two shorter edges together
Step 2: Sew edges together with beginning tail and a tapestry needle
Step 3: Weave in end. Turn right-side out.
Step 4: Running st the top together using the 1’ tail and pull tight
Step 5: Sew opposite side of circle, pull tight, repeat until secure.
Step 6: Stuff with polyfil. Insert needle through pumpkin middle to the bottom of the pumpkin.
Step 7: Repeat Step 3 on bottom of pumpkin
Fasten off, weave in end.
LEATHER STEM
Step 1: Cut a small rectangle, about ½” (height of stem) by 1 ½”
Step 2: Roll the leather right side out into a tube
Step 3: Using a glue gun, glue tube edge closed
Step 4: Glue the stem onto the center of the pumpkin top
And voila! A cute, crochet pumpkin!
You can also cut a small slit in the top of the leather and use the pumpkins as name holders for Thanksgiving! I always love trying to find ways to work crochet into my normal holiday decor!
Make sure that when you post to social media or another platform, please refer back to me as the designer. If you are on Instagram, tag @CozyNooksDesigns for a chance to be featured!
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