The Houndstooth Pumpkins: Free Crochet Pattern
Who’s ready for one last pumpkin pattern of the season?! If you’ve been following me on Instagram, you know that I’ve been updating some of my posts and patterns weekly. With the Houndstooth Slouch Hat update on the agenda this week, I decided that a perfect addition to the pumpkin collection would be a crochet houndstooth pumpkins!
The following is a free pattern available for use on my website, if you would like to purchase a detailed, ad-free PDF version of this pattern, please visit my Etsy or Ravelry shop. All rights reserved.
**This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. This is a great way to support my small business AND get the supplies you need for your project!**
About the Pumpkins
So let’s talk a bit about the Houndstooth Pumpkins. If you’ve checked out some of my other pumpkin patterns, like the Great Star Pumpkin or the Luxe Leopard Pumpkin, you might have noticed that I like make them in three sizes. I did the same with this pattern, and it did not disappoint. I always second-guess that decision about halfway through the big one, but that one is always the eye-catcher.
This pattern includes a small, medium, and large pumpkin. They’re all working flat and seamed at the end. And you’ll carry your yarn colors throughout, so no ends to deal with. Overall, it’s a pretty simple pattern that looks complex. And if you want to skip the color changes, you’ll still have a stunning textured pumpkin. So whether you’re wanting crochet houndstooth pumpkins or just fabulous textured ones, you’ll love this pattern.
About the Yarn
For this project, I opted to go with worsted weight yarn. I generally default to worsted weight because I always have so much of it on hand. Since I Love This Yarn from Hobby Lobby was already in my stash and scrap pile, I decided to use that. I think most worsted weight yarns will meet gauge, but one of my favorite subs for ILTY is Brava Worsted from We Crochet. Not only is the Brava budget-friendly, but it comes in a lot of colors.
If you opt to work with a bulkier yarn, your pumpkins will work up a bit faster. However, you may have to adjust the stitch count just a tad, or else you’ll end up with some slightly larger pumpkins. I’ll be sure to include the rectangle measurements that you’re aiming for just in case you’re feeling ambitious.
About the Stitch
The stitch combo to create these crochet houndstooth pumpkins is actually super simple. All you’ll need to know is single crochet and double crochet! This stitch goes by many names. Some call it griddle stitch or lemon peel or seed, but ultimately they’re all the same.
I like to work this stitch in multiples of two, but really you can crochet as many stitches as you’d like. You’ll simply begin by alternating single crochet and double crochet stitches. In the following rows, you will single crochet in double crochets from the previous row and double crochet in single crochets from the previous row. If you’re going for the houndstooth print, you’ll alternate colors each row. But if you’re just looking for some nice texture, you can work a solid color all the way through.
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Let’s Get Started…
Materials Needed
10,110, 260 yds of worsted weight yarn
-5, 60, 135 yds of Color A
-5, 50, 125 yds of Color B
Size H (5.0mm) crochet hook
Tapestry needle
Scissors
Polyfil
Stick or Cinnamon Stick
Stitches/Abbreviations Used
Ch – Chain
SC – Single Crochet
DC – Double Crochet
Mattress Stitch
CA – Color A
CB – Color B
Skill Level
Beginner
Finished Measurements
Small – 4”, Medium – 6”, Large – 10” (Diameter)
Gauge: With I (5.5mm) hook, work in Griddle Stitch.
15 st x 11 rows = 4”
Notes
- Chains at the beginning of the rows do not count as a stitch throughout this pattern.
- Sizes are as follows (Small, Medium, Large)
- To reduce the number of ends, carrying your unused yarn as you work. You can do this by holding the yarn along the back of the work and wrapping your stitches around it.
- The mattress stitch seam can be replaced with a whip stitch. You can whip stitch the pumpkin closed with right sides facing in, and then turn the pumpkin right side out before completing the rest of the steps.
Special Stitches
Griddle Stitch: Griddle stitch is a combination of single crochet and double crochet stitches. The body of this hat is worked in this stitch with alternating colors to give a houndstooth effect. When working griddle stitch, single crochets will be worked in the double crochet stitch from the previous row and double crochet stitches will be working in single crochet stitches from the previous row.
PATTERN
With H Hook and CA, Ch (41,65,95).
Row 1: Continuing with CA, Sc in 2nd ch from hook. Dc crochet in next st. *Sc 1, Dc 1*. Repeat from * to * across. Pull through last two loops of final Dc with CB. (Note: Carry your unused color along your row as you work)
Row 2: Using CB. Ch 1 and TURN. Sc in first Dc of the previous row. Dc in next sc from previous row. *Sc in next Dc, Dc in next Sc*. Repeat from * to * across. Pull through last two loops of final Dc with CA.
Row 3: Using CA. Ch 1 and TURN. Sc in first Dc of the previous row. Dc in next sc from previous row. *Sc in next Dc, Dc in next Sc*. Repeat from * to * across. Pull through last two loops of final Dc with CB.
Repeat Rows 2 – 3 for (11,19,27) rows total.
Approximate Finished Rectangle:
Small – 10”w x 4”h
Medium – 17”w x 7”h
Large – 26”w x 10”h
ASSEMBLY
- Tie off leaving a long end, approx 24”-36” depending on the size of pumpkin.
- Fold the work in half so that the short ends meet. Using a tapestry needle and the long tail, sew the two ends together using the mattress stitch. Leave yarn attached.
- Using the tail and tapestry needle, weave the yarn in and out around the top edge of the piece approximately every 1 1/2” – 2”.
- Cinch the top closed and go around the edge of the cinched circle again to secure it. When it is securely closed, push the tapestry needle down through the center of the hole and flip the piece over so that the closed top becomes the bottom and the yarn tail is pulled up through the center.
- Repeat Step 3 around the opposite edge of the pumpkin.
- Stuff the pumpkin.
- Repeat Step 4.
- Once both ends are securely closed, push the tapestry needle down through the center of the pumpkin and out the bottom. Pull the yarn around the outside edge and line it up with the ridge made by the seam. Push the tapestry needle down through the center and out the bottom again. Pull tightly to create a crease. Repeat 4-5 times to create desired number of pumpkin sections.
- Tie off and weave ends.
- Place a small stick (or cinnamon stick into the center of the pumpkin for a stem. You can secure it in place with a dab of hot glue (be careful though, as heat can melt acrylic yarn).
Final Thoughts
I hope you have fun with these crochet houndstooth pumpkins! They’re such a fun addition to your crochet pumpkin patch. And with this versatile pattern you can make some simple textured pumpkins with your solid color scrap yarn. Be sure to tag me on Instagram @craftingforweeks and use the hashtag #houndstoothpumpkin for a chance to be featured!
If you’re looking some other fun and free fall patterns, check out the Great Star Pumpkins, the Luxe Leopard Pumpkins, or the Houndstooth Slouch Hat!
Until next time, Happy Crafting!
Kelsie
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