Bring the warmth of autumn indoors with this incredibly easy rustic mini pumpkin. Instead of working in complicated continuous rounds, this beginner-friendly project starts as a simple flat rectangle and transforms into a plump, ribbed pumpkin using basic seaming techniques. Paired with a real cinnamon stick stem, it adds a cozy, lightly scented touch to your fall decor, tiered trays, or seasonal table settings.
Grab your favorite autumn yarn and let’s craft the perfect little pumpkin.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Medium weight worsted yarn in Deep Orange, Rust, or Mustard Yellow.
- Hook: Wooden crochet hook.
- Stem: A small, real cinnamon stick (about 1.5 inches long).
- Extras: A yarn needle and a generous handful of polyfill stuffing.
Step 1: Crocheting the Ribbed Rectangle
The secret to a perfect ribbed pumpkin is creating a textured flat panel. Chain 16 (or your desired height) and work flat rows of half double crochets. To get those deep, beautiful ridges, ensure you only work into the back loops of every stitch. Continue crocheting back and forth until your rectangle is about twice as long as it is tall.
Step 2: Seaming into a Tube
Once your ribbed rectangle is long enough, fold it in half so the two short ends meet. Using your yarn needle and a long tail of orange yarn, whip stitch the two short ends together. This turns your flat piece into a textured cylindrical tube. Keep your stitches neat, as this seam will blend right into the natural ridges of the pumpkin.
Step 3: Gathering and Stuffing
Thread your yarn needle and weave a simple running stitch along the entire bottom edge of your open tube. Pull the yarn tight to cinch the bottom completely closed, securely knotting it off. Next, stuff the inside of the pumpkin firmly with polyfill to give it a plump, round shape. Repeat the running stitch along the top edge, pulling it gently to close the pumpkin around the stuffing.
Step 4: Adding the Cinnamon Stem
Before you pull the top completely tight and tie it off, leave a tiny gap right in the center. Take your small cinnamon stick and push it firmly halfway down into the center hole, nestled securely into the stuffing. Tie off the remaining yarn tightly around the base of the stick to hold it in place. The cinnamon adds a realistic bark texture and a wonderful fall scent!
