Gourdgeous Knit Pumpkins

Fall decor has never been faster with the Gourdgeous (Gourds, get it?) Knit Pumpkins. Any beginner can make these in no time, using only a knit tube or rectangle sewn into a pumpkin shape. Each ball of recommended yarn makes 2 pumpkins. Customize the look by switching up colors, yarn thickness and needle size, or stem material.

Steps 1-12 are for knitting flat on straight or circular needles.

Steps 13-20 are for knitting in the round on circular needles, using the Magic Loop method.

Steps 21-24 are for knitting the i-cord stem on DPNs.

ABBREVIATIONS

• CO - Cast On
• st(s) - stitches
• Rnd(s) - Round(s)
• RS - Right Side
• WS - Wrong Side
• k - knit
• p - purl
• DPN(s) - double pointed needle(s)

No gauge; finished pumpkin size depends on amount of stuffing. Sample pumpkin is 6in wide and 3.5in tall.

Supplies

• Approximately 40 yds Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick (1 full ball makes 2 pumpkins), or equivalent super bulky yarn
• Approximately 5 yds contrasting color yarn
• Size US15/10mm straight or circular knitting needles
• Size US9/5.5mm DPNs
• Stitch Marker
• Polyester Fiberfill
• Tapestry needle
• Scissors

Step 1: Knit Flat

CO 37 sts.

Step 2: Knit Flat

Row 1 (RS): (k2, p1) across to last st, k1.

Step 3: Knit Flat

Row 2 (WS): p1, then (k1, p2) to end of row.

Step 4: Knit Flat

Repeat last two rows 11 more times, for a total of 24 rows.

Step 5: Knit Flat

Bind off and cut yarn, leaving a 30in long tail.

Step 6: Knit Flat

Fold in half so edges of work are touching, right sides out.

Step 7: Knit Flat

Make an Invisible Vertical Seam down the side using tapestry needle to create a tube.

Step 8: Knit Flat

Pull yarn through every other stitch at end of tube and cinch closed. Secure with a knot but do not cut yarn.

Step 9: Knit Flat

Fill open end with polyester fiberfill.

Step 10: Knit Flat

Push tapestry needle with tail yarn through center of closed end, through the fiberfill, and out the open end.

Step 11: Knit Flat

Weave tail yarn through every other end stitch and cinch tight, both closing the hole and pulling the pumpkin flatter.

Step 12: Knit Flat

Secure with knot, trim yarn, and weave in ends.

Step 13: Knit in the Round

CO 36 sts and join in the round. Place stitch marker at beginning of round.

Step 14: Knit in the Round

Rnds 1-24: (k2, p1) around.

Step 15: Knit in the Round

Cut yarn, leaving a 30” long tail.

Step 16: Knit in the Round

Using tapestry needle, pull yarn through every other end st and cinch closed. Secure with knot but do not cut yarn.

Step 17: Knit in the Round

Fill open end with polyester fiberfill.

Step 18: Knit in the Round

Push tapestry needle with tail yarn through center of closed end, through the fiberfill, and out the open end.

Step 19: Knit in the Round

Weave tail yarn through every other cast on st and cinch tight, both closing the hole and pulling the pumpkin flatter.

Step 20: Knit in the Round

Secure with knot, trim yarn, and weave in ends.

Step 21: Stem

To make i-cord: CO 4 sts on one DPN.

Step 22: Stem

Slide sts back to beginning of needle. Do not turn. Bring yarn behind the work to first st. k4.

Step 23: Stem

Repeat until your i-cord is 7 rnds tall. Cut yarn, leaving a 10in long tail. Thread yarn through top 4 loops using tapestry needle.

Step 24: Stem

Use remaining tail yarn to sew stem to pumpkin top. Alternatively, affix a twig or cinnamon stick using hot glue, or sew on a fabric stem.