How to Crochet a Granny Stripe Pumpkin (no holes!)
Whenever fall comes, so do the crochet pumpkins! Every year I think that I have enough and I’m not gonna make anymore, and every year I end up with another set. I’ve been playing with granny squares a lot lately, and decided to make a few pumpkins with granny square inspiration. The biggest problem with granny squares is that they often have lots of gaps or holes, which can be a problem for stuffed items like pumpkins. But with just a little bit of variation on a granny stripe stitch, you can make a granny stripe pumpkin with no gaps! Let’s get started!
Before you Begin…
You can find the ad-free PDF version of this pattern in my Ravelry shop or my Etsy shop. For the free version, keep scrolling!
Shop the recommended yarn, Charisma Loops & Threads (or keep scrolling for subs)!
You’re also going to need a 6.00mm crochet hook, some polyfil stuffing and a pumpkin stem of choice. Check out this crochet hook set, it’s my favorite!
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What is the Granny Stripe Stitch?
This pumpkin uses the granny stripe stitch. The granny stripe stitch is done by crochet three double crochets (cluster in one space followed by a chain stitch. Subsequent rows will work cluster into the chain space of the previous row. It uses the same series of double crochet clusters and chain stitches found in a traditional crochet granny square. Instead of working in rounds to make a square shape, this stitch is typically worked back and forth in rows and creates a flat piece of fabric.
For this particular pattern, we are going to be doing a slight variation of the granny stripe stitch by anchoring the clusters in the cluster two rows below instead of just working in the chain space. This will give up a tighter fabric while still keeping the same general appearance of a granny stripe.
About the Pattern
The Granny Stripe Gourds feature a variation of the granny stripe stitch and come in 4 different sizes and shapes. This pattern is written to include three granny stripe pumpkin sizes and one squash size (shaped similarly to an acorn squash). These crochet pumpkins use bulky weight yarn and can be make in solid colors or with color changes in each row.
Because of the color change option in this pattern, this is a perfect scrap buster project. You can use up bits of bulky weight or worsted weight yarn (see About the Yarn section) to reduce waste and save a little money this fall. This project was inspired by a scrap-busting series I did for the New Year. I made a fun bucket bag (sorry, no pattern currently) and a no-sew zipper pouch featuring this exact stitch (free pattern here!).
In addition to the yarn, you’re going to need some stuffing. I like to use Poly-fil for mine, but you can also use old yarn scraps or even buy a cheap pillow and reuse the filling. You’re also going to need a stem. If you’ve made one of my pumpkins before, you’ll know that I like to use sticks. I prefer the rustic look of them and the fact that they’re easy to find strewn about my yarn. But if you’d like more ideas on how to finish your granny stripe pumpkin, check out this blog post of unique pumpkin stems where I list ideas and share examples.
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About the Yarn
The Granny Stripe Gourds use bulky weight yarn. Bulky weight yarn has proven to be my favorite for crochet pumpkins, and this pattern was no exception. I used Charisma Loops & Threads from Michael’s for this project, and decided to just grab a bunch of fall neutrals with a few pops of bright colors. I bought 6 skeins and made the entire set with plenty of yarn leftover. My colors were Pumpkin, Mustard, Taupe, Off White, Rose Garden and Forest (Heather).
I always like to include subsitutions for yarn when I can. Some great bulky weight yarn subs are Lion Brand Hue + Me, WeCrochet Brava Bulky, and Hobby Lobby I Love This Bulky. I also mentioned that you can use worsted weight yarn for this project. There’s a simple technique to hold your worsted weight yarn triple and use it as a bulky yarn. I used this technique to make my ornamental gourds pattern. You can find a quick video tutorial here!
Video Tutorial
For this pattern, I decided to record a video tutorial to help you through the process. In this tutorial, I demonstrate making the granny stripe pumpkin in the small size and how to finish it once you’re done crocheting. I also walk you through making the squash variation.
Optional Links to Purchase
Don’t forget, you can find the ad-free, printable PDF version of the Granny Stripe Gourds pattern in my Ravelry shop or my Etsy shop. I love being able to offer my patterns for free, supported by ads. But if you’d rather avoid the ads, I also sell the PDF version of each pattern. You can click the buttons to purchase the PDF in either of my shops or enjoy the free pattern just below!
Let’s Get Started…
Materials Needed
44-240 yards of Charisma Loops & Threads (or similar bulky 5 yarn)
Size J (6.0mm) crochet hook
Tapestry needle
Scissors
Poly-fil stuffing
Stick or pumpkin stem of choice
Stitches Used
Ch – Chain
Dc – Double Crochet
Dc2Tog – Double Crochet Two Together
Sl St – Slip Stitch
Sk St- Skip Stitch
Skill Level
Experienced Beginner
Gauge
Gauge is not essential to this pattern, however, to make your gourds the same size as mine, use the following gauge:
2 clusters x 6 rows + 3” square
Finished Measurements
Small: 5”w x 3”h
Medium: 7”w x 4”h
Large: 10”w x 6”h
Squash: 5”w x 7”h
Notes
- This pattern is worked in the round and turned at the end of each round. The finished piece will be a tube that is stuffed and cinched to close at each end.
- The pumpkin/squash sizes of the base are written by round. The pumpkin sizes of the body are written as (Small, Medium, Large, Squash).
- This project can be worked in solid color or colors can be changed at the end of each row. To change color, slip stitch to join with the new color at the end of each row.
Special Stitches/Techniques
Dc Cluster: Work three double crochet stitches in the same stitch.
Dc2Tog: Yarn over and insert hook into stitch. Pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through two of the loops on your hook. Yarn over and insert hook into next stitch. Pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through two loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through remaining loops on your hook.
Changing Colors: if changing color in each row of this project, you will complete the joining slip stitch at the end of a round with a new color. Snip your ends leaving approximately 2” at the end of a round. When you’ve finished the body of the pumpkin/squash, pull all the ends to the inside of the piece and tie them to each other. Make sure that every end is tied to at least one other end. Once tied all loose ends can tucked inside as stuffing.
Pattern
BODY
Foundation Round
Using 6.0mm (J) hook. Start with a long tail for closing, approx 18-24”. Ch (24,36,54,24). Sl st to first ch to join.
Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc). Dc 2 in the same st as join. Ch 1, sk 2 st. *Dc 3 (cluster) in next stitch. Ch 1, sk 2 st.* Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to top of first ch 3 to join. [Note: If changing color in each row, complete the slip stitch with the new color.) (8, 12, 18, 8 Clusters)
Round 2: Ch 1 and turn. Working around the ch sp from previous round, dc 3 in the second skipped stitch from the foundation chain. Ch 1, sk next cluster from previous round. *Dc 3 in the second skipped stitch from the foundation chain. Ch 1, sk next cluster from previous round.* Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to top of first dc to join. (8, 12, 18, 8 Clusters)
Round 3: Ch 1 and turn. *Dc 3 in the second dc of the cluster two rows below. Ch 1, sk next cluster from previous round.* Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to top of first dc to join. (8, 12, 18, 8 Clusters)
Repeat Round 3 for a total of (9, 15, 23, 7) rounds. For pumpkins, skip to Last Round. For Squash move onto Decrease Round.
Decrease Round: Ch 1 and turn. *Work two clusters according to instructions from previous rounds. Ch 1. Dc 1 in the second dc of the cluster two rows below. Dc2tog beginning in same stitch and finishing in the second dc of the next cluster two rows below. Dc 1 in the same cluster. [Note: Dc 1, Dc2tog, Dc 1 = 1 cluster]* Repeat one time. Ch 1. Sl st to top of first dc to join. (-, -, -, 6 Clusters)
Round 9-19: Repeat Round 3. (-, -, -, 6 Clusters)
Last Round: Ch 1 and turn. *Dc 3 in the second dc of the cluster two rows below. Sl st in second dc of cluster from previous round.* Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to top of first dc to join. (8, 12, 18, 6 Clusters)
Fasten off leaving long tail for closing.
FINISHING
Color Changes
If you have worked color changes in this project, begin the finishing process by securing all the loose ends. For solid color pieces with no color changes, move onto to Closing Ends.
- Pull all the ends to the inside of the piece.
- Turn piece inside out so that ends are all exposed.
- Tie each loose end to the end next to it, ensuring that every strand is secured.
- Turn piece right side out tucking all the ends on the inside.
Closing Ends
In this step, you will use the long tails on each side to close the ends. You will need your stuffing and stem of choice for this step.
- Using a tapestry needle and the starting tail, weave in and out of each cluster on the bottom row around the piece.
- Cinch the yarn to close the bottom.
- Continue weaving around the opening and cinching tight until the piece stays closed without moving.
- Tie off starting tail and push to inside of pumpkin.
- Using a tapestry need and the finishing tail, weave in and out of each slip stitch in the last round.
- Stuff the pumpkin/squash to preference with polyester filling or filling of choice.
- Place stick for stem in the center of top opening.
- Cinch the yarn to close.
- Continue weaving around the opening and cinching tight until the piece stays closed without moving. (Optional: secure the stick in place with hot glue)
- Tie off starting tail and push to inside of pumpkin.
Final Thoughts
I’m really happy with how each granny stripe pumpkin turned out. Not only are they fun, but they color possibilities are endless! Be sure to tag me in your finished makes! I love to see what you all create from my patterns. You can tag me @craftingforweeks on Facebook or on Instagram. And use the hashtag #grannystripegourds for a chance to be featured!
Until next time, Happy Crafting!