Halloween would not be complete without pumpkins – the real ones and the knitted ones. Here are nine of my favourite free patterns for pumpkin knits from small to rather big ones.
Autumn Pumpkins from Love Crafts
This classic pumpkin is knitted in a round on double-pointed needles (DPNs) using a rib stitch. The finished size is approximately 3.5″ tall and 5″ wide after stuffing. It is knitted in Worsted / Aran yarn and you will need approximately 40 yards for each. A cinnamon stick is used for the stalk, giving it that autumn smell.
You will need to create a free account with Love Crafts to download this pattern.
Tiny Pumpkins from The Knit Guru
These two adorable pumpkins from The Knit Guru come in two options. The first one is super simple, making it ideal for beginners. You only need to know how to knit, purl, knit two together, and purl two together. The second option is slightly more challenging, using knit front and back increases, but it’s still not too difficult. A short i-cord is used for the stem.
It’s a great project for those who want to practice shaping, increasing, and decreasing on a simple project.
Each pumpkin can be completed in under an hour.
You will need the following materials: – DK weight orange yarn – Size 4mm knitting needles (plus 2 double-pointed needles) – Darning needle – Stuffing – Scrap yarn in brown colour.
Large Pumpkin Knits from Gina Michelle
While small knits can be adorable, I really prefer larger projects. They are also easier to knit as they are not so fiddly.
These two large pumpkins from Gina Michelle’s blog are brilliant as they can work as decoration and small cushions.
They are suitable for beginners as the pattern is written in two options: for circular and single point knitting needles.
The yarn for this chunky pumpkin knitting pattern is Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick yarn. If you’re based in Europe where Lion Brand is not readily available, Grundl Alaska yarn (available on Amazon) is a reasonable substitute.
Straight Needle Pumpkins from Gina Michelle
While we are still on Gina Michelle’s blog, let’s have a look at these adorable pumpkins. The are much smaller than the above project, but still very much accessible to beginner knitter as they are knitted on single-point, straight needles. (Many beginners find DPNs daunting – and for a good reason).
This lovely pattern also comes with a video tutorial, making it even more accessible.
If you are interested in more pumpkin designs worked on single-point, straight needles, I suggest you also check out this pattern on Love Crafts.
Russet The Pumpkin
This little fellow has got character.
If you are looking for a slightly different pumpkin knit – not so much for decoration as but for a cuddly friend to your little ones, if they find the spookiness of Halloween a little too overwhelming, Russet the pumpkin is the guy for you.
He’s got dangly legs and arms and an adorable stalk-hat. He keeps warm through those November evenings with his green gloves and booties.
He is knitted flat on size 3mm needles using small amounts of DK yarn
Little Pumpkin Friend from Amanda Berry
Amanda Berry’s patterns are always adorable. So is this little fellow. He is simple to knit but has so much personality!
You can also use him as a pin cushion (honestly, he won’t mind).
The pumpkin is created by knitting with garter stitch using DK weight acrylic yarn on straight needles (not in the round). The stem is made using an i-cord tube worked on two double-pointed needles.
Silver Pumpkins with Cables
Not all pumpkins have to be orange. This beautiful silver pumpkin is adorned with simple cables to give it extra character.
It is knitted on double-pointed needles (DPNs), using Worsted yarn – you can use Aran yarn for it as well.
You will also find a crochet pattern for a pumpkin on the same page.
Pumpkin and Pom-poms Garland
This project will make for lovely Halloween decoration. A garland of orange pom-poms and silver pumpkins that can be made as short or long you want. Drape it on your windows or around the bannisters for that holiday feel.
The pumpkins are knitted in Silky Wool from Elsebeth Lavold and one hank will create seven little pumpkins. Here is information on Silky Wool on Ravelry, should you need to find a replacement.
