Gourdgeous Knit Pumpkins

Fall decor has never been faster with the Gourdgeous (Gourds, get it?) Knit Pumpkins. Any beginner can make these in no time, using only a knit tube or rectangle sewn into a pumpkin shape. Each ball of recommended yarn makes 2 pumpkins. Customize the look by switching up colors, yarn thickness and needle size, or stem material.

Steps 1-12 are for knitting flat on straight or circular needles.

Steps 13-20 are for knitting in the round on circular needles, using the Magic Loop method.

Steps 21-24 are for knitting the i-cord stem on DPNs.

ABBREVIATIONS

• CO - Cast On
• st(s) - stitches
• Rnd(s) - Round(s)
• RS - Right Side
• WS - Wrong Side
• k - knit
• p - purl
• DPN(s) - double pointed needle(s)

No gauge; finished pumpkin size depends on amount of stuffing. Sample pumpkin is 6in wide and 3.5in tall.

• Approximately 40 yds Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick (1 full ball makes 2 pumpkins), or equivalent super bulky yarn
• Approximately 5 yds contrasting color yarn
• Size US15/10mm straight or circular knitting needles
• Size US9/5.5mm DPNs
• Stitch Marker
• Polyester Fiberfill
• Tapestry needle
• Scissors

CO 37 sts.

Row 1 (RS): (k2, p1) across to last st, k1.

Row 2 (WS): p1, then (k1, p2) to end of row.

Repeat last two rows 11 more times, for a total of 24 rows.

Bind off and cut yarn, leaving a 30in long tail.

Fold in half so edges of work are touching, right sides out.

Make an Invisible Vertical Seam down the side using tapestry needle to create a tube.

Pull yarn through every other stitch at end of tube and cinch closed. Secure with a knot but do not cut yarn.

Fill open end with polyester fiberfill.

Push tapestry needle with tail yarn through center of closed end, through the fiberfill, and out the open end.

Weave tail yarn through every other end stitch and cinch tight, both closing the hole and pulling the pumpkin flatter.

Secure with knot, trim yarn, and weave in ends.

CO 36 sts and join in the round. Place stitch marker at beginning of round.

Rnds 1-24: (k2, p1) around.

Cut yarn, leaving a 30” long tail.

Using tapestry needle, pull yarn through every other end st and cinch closed. Secure with knot but do not cut yarn.

Fill open end with polyester fiberfill.

Push tapestry needle with tail yarn through center of closed end, through the fiberfill, and out the open end.

Weave tail yarn through every other cast on st and cinch tight, both closing the hole and pulling the pumpkin flatter.

Secure with knot, trim yarn, and weave in ends.

To make i-cord: CO 4 sts on one DPN.

Slide sts back to beginning of needle. Do not turn. Bring yarn behind the work to first st. k4.

Repeat until your i-cord is 7 rnds tall. Cut yarn, leaving a 10in long tail. Thread yarn through top 4 loops using tapestry needle.

Use remaining tail yarn to sew stem to pumpkin top. Alternatively, affix a twig or cinnamon stick using hot glue, or sew on a fabric stem.