Squishy Squashes

Squishy Squashes Knitting Pattern by Holly Woodward Designs

Project Overview

Squishy Squashes is an original knitting pattern design by Holly Woodward Designs that creates decorative, three-dimensional squash and pumpkin ornaments. This beginner-friendly pattern allows crafters to produce a collection of charming autumn decorations in multiple sizes, from extra small to extra large. The finished pieces feature a realistic rounded, bulbous shape that captures the natural form of seasonal gourds.

What You'll Create

This pattern produces a set of decorative squashes and pumpkins suitable for seasonal display, gift-giving, or craft projects. The design includes five size variations that can be made in coordinating or contrasting colors to build a complete harvest-themed decoration collection. Each finished piece has a soft, squishy texture that makes them tactile and appealing as handmade decorative items.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Squishy Squashes pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for beginners. The construction method involves working in stockinette stitch, which alternates knit rows and purl rows to create a smooth, classic fabric surface. The pattern uses a straightforward rectangular knitting approach: crafters work a flat rectangular piece, then seam the row edges together to form a cylinder shape. Once the cylinder is complete, the circular edges at the top and bottom are cinched and gathered to create the characteristic spherical, bulbous squash form.

Stitches and Construction

• Stockinette stitch – the primary stitch used throughout the pattern, created by alternating knit rows (on right-side rows) and purl rows (on wrong-side rows)
• Cast-on and cast-off – the pattern allows flexibility, permitting crafters to use any preferred cast-on and cast-off method
• Seaming – row edges are seamed together using a yarn needle to join the rectangle into a cylinder
• Cinching – circular edges are gathered and pulled tight to create the rounded, spherical shape characteristic of squashes

Yarn and Materials

The pattern was designed using Stylecraft Special DK yarn in a variety of colors including Bottle, Cream, Parchment, Claret, Copper, Lime, and Gold. The DK (double knitting) weight yarn is ideal for creating pieces with good stitch definition and drape. The designer notes that while the pattern was developed with DK weight yarn, crafters could experiment with a variety of yarn weights and still achieve attractive results, offering flexibility for stash-busting or yarn substitution.

Size Options and Color Coordination

The Squishy Squashes pattern provides five distinct size options, each worked using the same basic technique but with varying numbers of stitches and rows. The recommended color assignments by size are: XL in red, L in orange, M in yellow, S in pale green, and XS in dark green. This color scheme creates a natural, harvest-inspired gradient, though crafters are welcome to customize colors according to their preferences and available yarn stash.

Pattern Format and Difficulty Level

This is a free, downloadable PDF pattern from independent designer Holly Woodward Designs. The beginner difficulty level makes it accessible to knitters who are comfortable with basic stitches and simple shaping techniques. The straightforward construction and use of only fundamental knitting skills mean that even relatively new knitters can successfully complete these decorative pieces.

Design Credit and Usage

Squishy Squashes is an original design by Holly Woodward Designs. While the pattern itself cannot be shared or republished, finished garments and decorations made from this pattern may be sold commercially, provided that proper credit is given to the designer.