Baby Pumpkin

Baby Pumpkin Knitted Decoration by Terry Morris

What Is Being Made

The Baby Pumpkin is a small knitted decorative piece designed by Terry Liann Morris (SailingKnitter) that functions as both a festive autumn or Halloween decoration and an interactive toy. These charming pumpkins can be decorated with Jack-O-Lantern faces using black yarn for a spooky holiday look, or left plain to serve as elegant autumn décor. The finished pieces are also suitable as kick-sack toys, making them versatile handmade gifts for children or home decoration.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several fundamental and intermediate techniques to create the pumpkin's three-dimensional shape. The pattern begins with a small cast-on and uses increase stitches to expand the fabric, specifically knitting in the front and back of stitches to double the stitch count. The body is constructed using textured stitch patterns that create visual dimension and the characteristic ridged appearance of a pumpkin. The pattern incorporates strategic increases using the Make 1 technique to add stitches within rows, allowing the pumpkin to achieve its rounded form. Stuffing with uncooked rice, lentils, or small beans creates a weighted, three-dimensional toy that holds its shape.

Stitches Used

• Cast on: Foundation stitches to begin the project
• Knit stitch: Basic knit stitch used throughout the pattern
• Purl stitch: Creates texture and visual interest in alternating rows
• Increase stitches (Knit front and back): Doubles stitches to expand the pumpkin body from 7 to 14 to 28 stitches
• Make 1 increase: Creates additional stitches within rows for shaping

Materials and Yarn

This project uses US Size 8 needles and worsted weight yarn in multiple colors. The primary material is orange worsted yarn (approximately 12 yards) for the main pumpkin body. Green or brown worsted yarn (1 yard) creates the stem detail. Black worsted yarn (1 yard) is used for embroidering or knitting the Jack-O-Lantern face features. The pumpkin is filled with uncooked rice, lentils, or small beans to create weight and dimension, and nylon hosiery (women's pantyhose or knee-high stockings) serves as a stuffing casing to contain the filling materials securely.