Learn how to sew an easy stuffed fabric pumpkin using one simple rectangle of fabric. There is no specialist pattern to download: choose one of the three sizes below or draft a custom-sized pumpkin in minutes.
This fabric pumpkin can be sewn by machine or entirely by hand, making it a lovely beginner sewing project for autumn or Halloween. Once the fabric shape has been gathered and stuffed, embroidery thread creates the pumpkin’s rounded sections.
Watch the full process in our easy fabric pumpkin video tutorial.
Try the segmented fabric pumpkin pattern.
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Unlike a panelled pumpkin, this design is made from one rectangle of fabric. You only need to sew one side seam, gather the top and bottom, add stuffing and wrap the finished shape with embroidery thread.
Cutting the rectangle on the bias gives the fabric enough stretch to form a smooth, rounded pumpkin. You can use the measurements provided or create any size you like by making the rectangle twice as wide as it is high.
Draw your rectangle onto paper or lightweight card. This tutorial demonstrates the medium-sized pumpkin.
How to draft a different size
To make your own fabric pumpkin template, draw a rectangle with a width that is twice its height. For example, a rectangle measuring 8 inches high should measure 16 inches wide.
1. Mark the bias grainline
This pumpkin should be cut on the bias, the 45-degree grain of the fabric. The slight stretch along the bias helps the stuffed pumpkin form a smoother, rounder shape.
Draw a horizontal line through the centre of the template, followed by a vertical centre line. Use a set square or ruler to mark a 45-degree diagonal line through the point where the two centre lines cross. Extend this diagonal across the template and add arrows to identify it as the grainline.
2. Position and cut the fabric
Place the template on the right side of the fabric. Measure from the selvedge to the marked grainline at both ends of the template. The measurements should be equal so that the template sits correctly on the bias.
Trace around the template using fabric chalk or a removable fabric marker.
Cut out the marked rectangle.
3. Sew the side seam
Fold the fabric in half with right sides together, bringing the two short edges together.
Pin and sew the short edges with a 1/4 inch (5mm) seam allowance. Backstitch at the beginning and end to secure the seam.
If you do not have a sewing machine, sew the seam by hand with a small backstitch. My hand-sewn backstitch tutorial demonstrates the technique.
Press the seam allowances open.
4. Gather and close the bottom
Sew two rows of gathering stitches around the bottom raw edge of the fabric tube. If your fabric has a directional print, make sure you gather the end that will become the bottom of the pumpkin.
For sewing machine gathering:
To gather by hand, use running stitches approximately 1/4 inch (5mm) long. Secure the thread at the beginning, sew the first row 1/4 inch (5mm) from the edge and the second row 3/8 inch (1cm) from the edge. Offset the stitches in the second row rather than placing them directly beside those in the first; this helps create an even gather.
Pull the bobbin threads, or the two hand-sewing thread tails, gently and evenly. Work the fullness along the threads as the opening closes rather than pulling sharply, which could snap the stitches.
When machine gathering, you can gather from both ends. Secure the threads at the end you are not pulling by winding them around a pin in a figure eight.
Once the fabric is fully gathered, use a hand-sewing needle and thread to stitch through the gathered layers and close the remaining hole. The stitching will be hidden underneath the finished pumpkin, so concentrate on making it secure. Check from the right side that the opening is completely closed.
Turn the fabric right side out.
5. Stuff the pumpkin
Fill the pumpkin approximately three-quarters full with polyester toy stuffing. Distribute the filling evenly, but leave enough space to sew the gathering stitches around the top opening.
6. Gather and close the top
Repeat the gathering process around the top raw edge. Sew two rows at 1/4 inch (5mm) and 3/8 inch (1cm) from the edge, using a 4mm stitch length if sewing by machine. Do not backstitch and leave long thread tails.
For a small pumpkin, hand sewing may be easier because the opening might not fit around the sewing-machine presser foot. You can temporarily remove some stuffing if you need more room.
When gathering by hand, secure the thread firmly and sew the first row with 1/4 inch (5mm) running stitches, positioned 1/4 inch (5mm) from the raw edge.
Sew the second row 3/8 inch (1cm) from the raw edge, offsetting the stitches from the first row.
Gently pull the threads and work the fabric around them. Add more stuffing gradually while closing the opening so the pumpkin becomes firm and rounded.
Do not pull the threads suddenly or excessively, particularly if the gathering was sewn by hand. Manipulate the fabric along the thread gradually until the opening is fully closed.
Stitch through the gathered layers by hand to secure the opening.
7. Create the pumpkin sections
Thread a long, large-eyed needle with all six strands of embroidery thread. Cut a generous length, enough to wrap around the pumpkin several times.
Begin at the centre bottom. Secure the thread firmly, then push the needle through the middle of the stuffed pumpkin so it exits at the centre top.
It can be difficult to pull the needle through a firmly stuffed pumpkin, especially in the large size. Ask someone to compress the pumpkin while you pull, or carefully grip the needle with pliers.
Wrap the embroidery thread down the outside of the pumpkin, covering the side seam first. Pass the needle from the bottom centre to the top centre again and pull the thread firmly enough to create an indentation.
Continue wrapping at even intervals until you have created your preferred number of pumpkin sections. Secure the thread at the bottom when you are happy with the shape.
8. Make the felt stem
Felt works well for the pumpkin stem because it does not fray and needs no edge finishing.
Mark the stem on the felt and cut it out. Roll the felt along its width and secure the roll with fabric glue or a hot glue gun.
Apply a small amount of glue to the base of the stem.
Position the stem over the gathered opening at the centre top of the pumpkin and hold it until secure.
Your handmade fabric pumpkin is ready for an autumn or Halloween display. Try different fabrics and sizes, or vary the number of wrapped sections to create a collection of pumpkins with different shapes.
If you make this project, share your finished pumpkin with Made to Sew on Facebook or Instagram.
