How Do You Make A Fabric Pumpkin

You make a fabric pumpkin by choosing your fabric, cutting simple shapes, sewing or gluing them together, and stuffing the result into a plump, pumpkin-like form.
 
It sounds a lot harder than it actually is, and that’s the best part about this whole project.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how do you make a fabric pumpkin, the short answer is that you only need a few supplies and about an hour of your time.
 
You can make a fabric pumpkin with a sewing machine, or you can make one with nothing more than fabric glue and a pair of scissors.
 
Either way, the finished fabric pumpkin looks adorable on a mantel, a coffee table, or a fall centerpiece.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to make a fabric pumpkin, the supplies you’ll need, and a few tricks to make your fabric pumpkin look store-bought.
 

What You Need to Make a Fabric Pumpkin

Before you make a fabric pumpkin, gather your supplies so the process goes smoothly from start to finish.
 
Here’s what to grab before you sit down to make your fabric pumpkin:
 

1. Fabric of Your Choice

To make a fabric pumpkin, pick a fabric that holds some shape, like cotton, linen, burlap, or flannel.
 
Seasonal prints, plaid, or velvet all work beautifully when you make a fabric pumpkin for fall decor.
 
A quarter to half a yard is usually plenty to make one fabric pumpkin, depending on its size.
 

2. Stuffing and a Stem

Polyester fiberfill is the easiest way to make a fabric pumpkin look full and round.
 
For the stem, grab a cinnamon stick, a twig from the yard, or a rolled piece of felt to finish your fabric pumpkin.
 

3. Basic Tools

Scissors, a needle and thread, or fabric glue will all help you make a fabric pumpkin without much fuss.
 
A rubber band or twine is handy too, since it helps shape the ridges when you make a fabric pumpkin.
 

How Do You Make a Fabric Pumpkin Step by Step

Now let’s get into the fun part, because this is where you actually make a fabric pumpkin from start to finish.
 

1. Cut Your Fabric Into a Circle

The first real step to make a fabric pumpkin is cutting a circle from your fabric.
 
A dinner plate makes a perfect template, and tracing around it helps you make a fabric pumpkin that’s nicely sized.
 
The bigger the circle, the bigger the fabric pumpkin you’ll end up with.
 

2. Sew or Glue Around the Edge

Run a loose running stitch around the outer edge of the circle to make a fabric pumpkin that gathers neatly.
 
If you’d rather skip the needle, fabric glue along the edge works too when you make a fabric pumpkin the no-sew way.
 
Leave a small opening so you can stuff it later.
 

3. Pull the Thread to Gather the Fabric

Gently pull the thread tight, and the fabric will cinch into a pouch shape as you make a fabric pumpkin.
 
This is the moment your flat circle starts looking like something you’d actually want to make a fabric pumpkin out of.
 
Don’t pull too hard, or the thread may snap while you make your fabric pumpkin.
 

4. Stuff the Fabric Pumpkin

Fill the pouch with fiberfill until it feels plump, which is what makes a fabric pumpkin look soft and round.
 
Add more stuffing if you want a fuller fabric pumpkin, or less for a flatter, squatter look.
 
Once it’s stuffed, sew or glue the opening closed to finish the body of your fabric pumpkin.
 

5. Add the Ridges

Wrap twine or a rubber band around the fabric pumpkin to create those classic pumpkin segments.
 
Pulling the twine tight is what helps your fabric pumpkin get that ribbed, real-pumpkin shape.
 
You can add as many wraps as you like to make a fabric pumpkin that looks just right.
 

6. Attach the Stem

Push a cinnamon stick or twig into the top to make a fabric pumpkin that looks finished and charming.
 
A dab of glue holds the stem in place so your fabric pumpkin stays put on the shelf.
 

Tips to Make a Fabric Pumpkin Look Store-Bought

A few small touches go a long way when you make a fabric pumpkin for your home.
 

1. Mix Up Your Fabrics

Make a fabric pumpkin in several different prints and sizes to create a cozy cluster on your table.
 
Grouping them together makes each fabric pumpkin feel like part of a styled set.
 

2. Add Embellishments

Twine bows, faux leaves, or a little paint can make a fabric pumpkin look even more polished.
 
These tiny details are what take a simple fabric pumpkin from homemade to handmade-chic.
 

3. Keep the Sizes Varied

When you make a fabric pumpkin, vary the circle sizes so your collection looks natural.
 
A large fabric pumpkin paired with two small ones makes a lovely display every time.
 

So, How Do You Make a Fabric Pumpkin?

You make a fabric pumpkin by cutting a fabric circle, stitching or gluing the edge, stuffing it, cinching it into shape, and adding a stem.
 
It’s a simple craft that anyone can make a fabric pumpkin with, even if you’ve never sewn a stitch before.
 
Once you make one fabric pumpkin, you’ll probably want to make a fabric pumpkin in every fabric you own.
 
So grab your fabric, pick a cozy afternoon, and make a fabric pumpkin you’ll be proud to display.