How to Crochet a Star Stitch Pumpkin – Free Pattern

Today I wanted to share a fun (and free!) fall decor pattern with you all. If you followed along with at with my Ocean’s Breath Collection, you’ll know that I’ve been loving the star stitch lately. I decided to use it again in a star stitch pumpkin design that I’m calling: The Great Star Pumpkin.

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Before you Begin…

You can find ad-free PDF version of this pattern in my Etsy or Ravelry shop. For the free version, keep scrolling!

Shop either Lion Brand Basic Stitch Anti-Pilling or Lion Brand Hue + Me yarn! (see more options below)

You’re also going to need a 6.0mm crochet hook, a stem and filling. Check out this crochet hook set (they’re my favorites)!

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**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 Pattern

The Great Star Pumpkin is one of the first pumpkins I ever made! I love the star stitch. It has such a unique texture, so I began playing with that texture for a mini pumpkin. After seeing how great it looked, I decided to write the pattern for this star stitch pumpkin in three different sizes. This pattern is written for a small (4″), a medium (6″), and a large (8″) pumpkin.

In addition to featuring the star stitch, this pattern uses front and back loop only single crochets. Using this unique stitch combination makes it easy to shape your crochet pumpkin in the final steps. This pumpkin is designed to use a stick for a stem, however, you can substitute that for whatever you’d like! Check out this roundup post with tons of great ideas for diy pumpkin stems.

About the Yarn

The original Great Star Pumpkin was written with a double-stranded worsted weight yarn. Since updating the pattern (2024), I have changed this recommendation to bulky (5) yarn. I remade a sample using Lion Brand Hue + Me and it worked up beautifully! Another great bulky yarn I love using is Brava Bulky from WeCrochet. And of course, you can always check your local craft store a bulky (5) yarn.

If you’re looking for more color options or yarn choices, double or triple stranding your worsted weight yarn is still a great option for this pattern. (Hint: for an easy trick on triple-stranded yarn, check out this quick video tutorial!) You could also be adventurous and try these out in a 6 weight yarn for jumbo size! Just a heads up, the Super Bulky 6 might make slightly larger pumpkins, but the overall shape will be the same.

About the Star Stitch

First of all, in order to make a star stitch pumpkin, you’ll need to know how to do the star stitch. This stitch is worked in two-row repeats. The first row is a series of pulling up loops, while the second is worked in half double crochet. I’ve described it in detail in my pattern, but if you’re more of visual person, check out my step-by-step tutorial and video.

As an added note, this pattern uses the mattress stitch to make a seam. If you’ve never used this before, don’t worry! It’s an easy stitch to learn. And you can always seam with a whip stitch instead. But if you need a little help, check out this short video from Moogly.

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Optional Links to Purchase

Don’t forget, you can find the ad-free, printable PDF version of this 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

50 – 170 yds of Double Stranded worsted weight yarn or Bulky (5) or (6) yarn
Size J (6.0mm) crochet hook
Measuring Tape
Tapestry needle
Scissors
Hot Glue (optional)
Stick or Cinnamon Stick

Stitches Used

Ch – Chain
SC in BLO – Single Crochet in Back Loops Only
SC in FLO – Single Crochet in Front Loops Only
HDC – Half Double Crochet
Star Stitch

Notes

• 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. 
• Chains at the beginning of the rows do not count as a stitch throughout this pattern.
• Sizes are written in the pattern as follows (Small, Medium, Large).
• This pumpkin pattern is written with two small sections that will be repeated in pairs a total of 6 times.
• This pattern can be done with a variety of different weights of yarn. Your pumpkins will be larger or smaller than listed based on the yarn chosen. I recommend a hook size 1-2 sizes smaller than hook recommended on yarn label. 

Special Stitches/Techniques

Star Stitch: The star stitch is worked in two-row repeats. The first row will be a series of loops pulled  into a stitch and the following row will be half double crochets. For help with this stitch, check out this quick video tutorial:

First stitch of row: Ch 3. Insert hook in 2nd ch from hook and pull up a loop. Insert hook into next ch and pull up a loop. Insert hook and pull up a loop over next 3 stitches. You should have 6 loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all loops on hook. Ch 1 to close star stitch (eye of star stitch). 

Following Stitches in Row: Insert hook into eye of star stitch, pull up a loop. Insert hook between the last two loops of the previous star stitch, pull up a loop. Insert hook in the same stitch as the last loop of the previous star stitch, pull up a loop. Insert hook and pull up a loop over next 2 stitches. You should have 6 loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all loops on hook. Ch 1 to close star stitch.

Pattern

With J Hook. Ch (16, 26, 38). Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each across. (15, 25, 37)

STAR STITCH SECTION

Row 1: Ch 3 and turn. Work (7,12,18) star stitches across. Hdc in last st. [(7,12,18) star stitches]

Row 2: Ch 1 and turn. Work 2 hdc in the eye of each star stitch across. Hdc in top of last star stitch. (15, 25, 37)

For Small Pumpkin
Move onto SINGLE CROCHET SECTION.

For Medium Pumpkin
Repeat Rows 1-2 once more before moving onto SINGLE CROCHET SECTION.

For Large Pumpkin
Repeat Rows 1-2 twice before moving onto SINGLE CROCHET SECTION.

SINGLE CROCHET SECTION

Row 1: Ch 1 and turn. Sc in BLO in each stitch across. (15, 25, 37)

Row 2: Ch 1 and turn. Sc in FLO in each stitch across. (15, 25, 37)

Repeat STAR STITCH SECTION and SINGLE CROCHET SECTION five more times for a total of six sets. You should have a rectangle with six visibly separate sections at this point.

Assembly

1) Tie off leaving a long end, approx 24”-36” depending on the size of pumpkin.

2) 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.

3) 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”.

4) 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.

5) Repeat Step 3 around the opposite edge of the pumpkin.

6) Stuff the pumpkin.

7) Repeat Step 4.

8) 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 SINGLE CROCHET SECTION. Push the tapestry needle down through the center and out the bottom again. Pull tightly to create a crease. Repeat in each SINGLE CROCHET SECTION ridge around.

9) Tie off and weave ends.

10) 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 enjoy these star stitch pumpkins! These have become a part of my personal fall decor and I hope they’ll be a part of yours too. Be sure to share your work on Instagram with the hashtag #greatstarpumpkin and tag me on Instagram @craftingforweeks so I can see your work too!

Until next time…Happy Crafting!