Harvest Moon Pumpkin Amigurumi Free Pattern – Chunky Knit Fall Decor

Bring the cozy glow of autumn indoors with this oversized, textured pumpkin amigurumi, knitted in rich terracotta and cream stripes. This plush, squishy centerpiece adds handmade warmth to any shelf or table, and it's the perfect weekend project for knitters of all levels. With its soft, chunky texture and rustic harvest charm, this pumpkin will become a beloved seasonal decoration you'll want to display year after year.

Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just starting your knitting journey, this pattern is designed to be approachable and rewarding. The simple stockinette stitch combined with easy color changes creates a stunning visual effect that looks far more complex than it actually is. Let's dive in and create your very own Harvest Moon Pumpkin!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth and enjoyable knitting experience:

• Yarn: Super bulky weight yarn (approximately 150-200 yards total) in the following colors:
  • Terracotta (main color) – approximately 100-120 yards
  • Cream (stripe color) – approximately 50-70 yards
  • Dark brown (for stem) – small amount, approximately 5-10 yards
• Knitting Needles: US 11 (8.0 mm) knitting needles
• Tapestry Needle: For sewing seams and weaving in ends
• Polyester Fiberfill: For stuffing the pumpkin (approximately 12-16 ounces)
• Strong Thread or Yarn: For gathering the top and bottom edges (dental floss or strong nylon thread works well)
• Scissors
• Stitch Markers (optional): To help keep track of your rows

Gauge: 12 stitches and 16 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. While gauge is important for size, this pattern is forgiving – even if your gauge is slightly off, you'll still end up with a beautiful pumpkin!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Knitted Pumpkin Body (Make 1)

This section creates the main body of your pumpkin. The pattern uses a simple stockinette stitch (knit on the right side, purl on the wrong side) with color changes to create the beautiful striped effect. Take your time and enjoy the rhythm of the stitches!

Setup: Cast on 36 stitches with terracotta yarn. Leave a tail of approximately 8 inches for sewing later.

Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.

Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Rows 3-4: Repeat rows 1-2.

Row 5 (RS): Knit all stitches.

Row 6 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Row 7 (RS): Switch to cream yarn, knit all stitches. When changing colors, leave a tail of about 6 inches to weave in later.

Row 8 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Rows 9-10: Repeat rows 7-8.

Row 11 (RS): Switch back to terracotta yarn, knit all stitches.

Row 12 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Rows 13-14: Repeat rows 11-12.

Row 15 (RS): Switch to cream yarn, knit all stitches.

Row 16 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Rows 17-18: Repeat rows 15-16.

Row 19 (RS): Switch to terracotta yarn, knit all stitches.

Row 20 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Rows 21-22: Repeat rows 19-20.

Row 23 (RS): Switch to cream yarn, knit all stitches.

Row 24 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Rows 25-26: Repeat rows 23-24.

Row 27 (RS): Switch to terracotta yarn, knit all stitches.

Row 28 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Rows 29-30: Repeat rows 27-28.

Row 31 (RS): Switch to cream yarn, knit all stitches.

Row 32 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Rows 33-34: Repeat rows 31-32.

Row 35 (RS): Switch to terracotta yarn, knit all stitches.

Row 36 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Rows 37-38: Repeat rows 35-36.

Row 39 (RS): Switch to cream yarn, knit all stitches.

Row 40 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Rows 41-42: Repeat rows 39-40.

Row 43 (RS): Switch to terracotta yarn, knit all stitches.

Row 44 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Rows 45-46: Repeat rows 43-44.

Row 47 (RS): Switch to cream yarn, knit all stitches.

Row 48 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Rows 49-50: Repeat rows 47-48.

Row 51 (RS): Switch to terracotta yarn, knit all stitches.

Row 52 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Rows 53-54: Repeat rows 51-52.

Row 55 (RS): Switch to cream yarn, knit all stitches.

Row 56 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Rows 57-58: Repeat rows 55-56.

Row 59 (RS): Switch to terracotta yarn, knit all stitches.

Row 60 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Rows 61-62: Repeat rows 59-60.

Row 63 (RS): Switch to cream yarn, knit all stitches.

Row 64 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Rows 65-66: Repeat rows 63-64.

Row 67 (RS): Switch to terracotta yarn, knit all stitches.

Row 68 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Rows 69-70: Repeat rows 67-68.

Row 71 (RS): Switch to cream yarn, knit all stitches.

Row 72 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Rows 73-74: Repeat rows 71-72.

Row 75 (RS): Switch to terracotta yarn, knit all stitches.

Row 76 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Rows 77-78: Repeat rows 75-76.

Row 79 (RS): Switch to cream yarn, knit all stitches.

Row 80 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Rows 81-82: Repeat rows 79-80.

Row 83 (RS): Switch to terracotta yarn, knit all stitches.

Row 84 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Rows 85-86: Repeat rows 83-84.

Row 87 (RS): Switch to cream yarn, knit all stitches.

Row 88 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Rows 89-90: Repeat rows 87-88.

Row 91 (RS): Switch to terracotta yarn, knit all stitches.

Row 92 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Rows 93-94: Repeat rows 91-92.

Row 95 (RS): Switch to cream yarn, knit all stitches.

Row 96 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Rows 97-98: Repeat rows 95-96.

Row 99 (RS): Switch to terracotta yarn, knit all stitches.

Row 100 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Bind off loosely in knit on the right side. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail (at least 12 inches) for sewing. Weave in the color change tails as you go or leave them for the finishing stage.

Finishing the Pumpkin Body

Now that you've completed the knitted rectangle, it's time to transform it into a beautiful pumpkin shape. Follow these steps carefully for the best results:

Step 1: Fold and Seam
Fold the knitted rectangle in half lengthwise with right sides together. The wrong side should be facing out. Using your tapestry needle and the long tail from your bind-off, sew the side seam using mattress stitch or whip stitch. Make sure your stitches are secure but not too tight. When you reach the end, fasten off and weave in the end.

Step 2: Gather the Bottom Edge
Thread a strong thread or yarn through a tapestry needle. Starting at the bottom edge of your tube, run a running stitch through all the stitches, about 1/2 inch from the edge. Pull the thread tight to gather the bottom closed. Secure with a few extra stitches and knot firmly. Leave the thread attached for now – you'll use it later to close the bottom completely after stuffing.

Step 3: Stuff the Pumpkin
Turn the pumpkin right side out. Begin stuffing with polyester fiberfill. Push the filling firmly into the corners and along the sides to create a plump, rounded shape. Continue adding fiberfill until the pumpkin is firm but still slightly squishy – you want it to feel plush and huggable! Make sure the filling is evenly distributed and there are no lumps.

Step 4: Close the Bottom
Once you're happy with the stuffing, pull the gathering thread tight to close the bottom opening completely. Secure with a few extra stitches and knot firmly. Weave in the end.

Step 5: Gather the Top Edge
Thread a new piece of strong thread through the top edge stitches, just as you did for the bottom. Pull it tight to gather the top opening closed. Secure with a knot but leave the thread attached – you'll use this to attach the stem later.

Knitted Stem (Make 1)

The stem adds the perfect finishing touch to your pumpkin. This simple tube is quick to knit and gives your pumpkin a natural, rustic look.

Setup: Cast on 8 stitches with dark brown yarn. Leave a tail of approximately 6 inches.

Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.

Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Rows 3-10: Repeat rows 1-2 (for a total of 10 rows).

Bind off loosely. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail (at least 10 inches) for sewing.

Finishing the Stem:
Fold the stem in half lengthwise with right sides together. Using the tail from your bind-off, sew the side seam to create a tube. Turn right side out. The stem should be a small, twisted cylinder. Attach the stem to the top center of the pumpkin by sewing through the gathered opening. Use the gathering thread from the top of the pumpkin to help secure the stem in place. Sew around the base of the stem several times to ensure it's firmly attached.

Optional Detail: Wrap a piece of brown yarn around the base of the stem a few times and secure it to create a more natural, textured look where the stem meets the pumpkin body.

Shaping the Pumpkin Segments

This final step is what transforms your stuffed tube into a recognizable pumpkin with beautiful, defined segments. Take your time with this step – it makes all the difference!

Step 1: Thread a long piece of terracotta yarn (at least 36 inches) through a tapestry needle. Starting at the bottom center of the pumpkin, push the needle up through the center of the pumpkin and out through the top center (where the stem is attached).

Step 2: Pull the yarn tight to create a slight indentation from top to bottom. This will be your first segment line. Wrap the yarn around the outside of the pumpkin, from top to bottom, and pull it tight again to deepen the indentation.

Step 3: Repeat this process 5-6 more times around the pumpkin, spacing the indentations evenly to create 6-7 distinct segments. Each time you wrap the yarn, make sure it passes through the center of the pumpkin (top and bottom) to create a consistent, symmetrical look.

Step 4: Once you're satisfied with the segment definition, secure the yarn at the bottom of the pumpkin with a few small stitches. Weave in all remaining ends using your tapestry needle, hiding them within the stuffing.

Step 5: Gently fluff and shape your pumpkin with your hands, adjusting the segments as needed. The final result should be a beautifully rounded pumpkin with soft, plush segments and a charming, handcrafted appearance.

Tips for Success

• Color Changes: When switching colors, don't cut the yarn you're not using – simply carry it up the side of your work. This creates a cleaner edge and saves yarn. Just be sure to catch the carried yarn every few rows to avoid long floats.
• Stuffing: For a firmer pumpkin, use more fiberfill. For a softer, squishier pumpkin, use less. The choice is yours!
• Segment Shaping: If you want more pronounced segments, pull the shaping yarn tighter. For a subtler look, pull less tightly.
• Customization: Feel free to experiment with different color combinations – sage green and cream, mustard yellow and rust, or even a classic orange and white for a traditional fall look!

Your Harvest Moon Pumpkin is now complete! Display it on a mantel, shelf, or table to add a touch of handmade autumn warmth to your home. This pattern is perfect for gifts, seasonal decorating, or just treating yourself to a cozy crafting session. Happy knitting!

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