We are definitely in full swing fall now and I have another adorable autumn DIY project to share with you! Today I’m showing you how to make fabric pumpkins that are perfect for decorating any space.
Nothing says fall like the classic image of a pumpkin. They are the perfect decor for the whole season. Pumpkins fit from the beginning of September, to Halloween, Thanksgiving, and all those brisk days in between. In the video below I show you how to make fabric pumpkins that are simple yet elegant. I start with a single piece of fabric that is roughly cut and messily sewn. Once we add a stem and some embellishments this simple project becomes a work of fall art! I can’t wait for you to see the results.
How to Make Fabric Pumpkins
Ok so first thing is first, you need to choose your pumpkin fabric. In this video I am using a chenille type of fabric but I have also used muslin and burlap in the past. All of these fabrics look amazing so it comes down to personal preference and the look you are going for. You also don’t need to buy a brand new piece of fabric for this project. If you have an old bead spread or table cloth you are looking to repurpose, this is the perfect opportunity for you to do it!
In the video you’ll see what I use to decorate my fabric pumpkin but I don’t want that to limit your creativity. There are so many different ways that you could dress yours up! I thought it would be fun to give this a more vintage feel by adding things like keys, vintage broaches, muslin strips etc. You can use natural things you find outside like acorns and pine cones and pretty things like pearls and lace. Also, you can add as little or as much as you want to these pumpkins. If you like minimalist decor, leave your pumpkin simple. If you like all the goodies like I do, add some more! Let your creativity be your guide and have fun with this!
Also, if you would rather just dress up one of these pumpkins instead of making them from scratch, I have you covered! You can purchase a premade fabric pumpkin from my website and then add all the fun things yourself! No time or energy to craft this year? That’s ok too! If you love the look of these pumpkins but don’t want to make them yourself you can snag a finished fabric pumpkin in the shop!
Fabric Pumpkin Supply List
- Your fabric of choice (such as muslin, burlap, chenille etc.)
- A circle template (depending on the size you want you can use a large deli tray or cut circles out of cardboard. These don’t need to be perfectly round! I use an 18″ deli tray as my guide in this video)
- Dry beans (this part is optional)
- Polyester fiber fill
- Doily
- Stem (you can use old pumpkin stems, driftwood, sticks, anything you like!)
- Moss (any kind you like!)
- Handmade lace
- Other decorative embellishments (I use pearls, paper leaves, bleached pine cones, and acorns)
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun
- Large eyed needle
- Strong thread, jute, or hemp string
Step by Step Instructions
- Start by laying out your fabric. Place your circle template on top of the fabric and trace around it with a pencil or a Sharpie. Then cut out your circle. You could also just cut around the template without tracing it first since the fabric does not need to be cut evenly.
- Now it’s time to “sew”. I use this word lightly because this is a messy sew, it does not need to be at all neat since you won’t be able to see the stitching when we are done. Thread your needle with your chosen thread or string and tie a knot in the end. It doesn’t matter if you start on the inside or outside of your material just start weaving in and out all along the edge. Go all around the outside edge and then remove your needle.
- Next, add a few handfuls of beans to the bottom of the pumpkin. You don’t have to do this step but I like how the beans help the pumpkin to sit nicely.
- Now add the fiber fill a handful at a time until your pumpkin is full. When it is the desired fullness, pull your strings tight and tie a knot in them to close the pumpkin. Trim any excess string.
- Next, take your doily and use the glue gun to attach it to the top of your pumpkin. It can be as floppy or as neat as you like it, adjust the amount of glue you use accordingly.
- Next, use hot glue to secure your chosen stem to the center of the doily. Be sure to check out the video for tips on how to preserve old pumpkin stems and where to find other stem materials!
- To attach the moss, drizzle hot glue on your doily and then carefully stick the moss to the glue. Add a second layer if you want it more thick. Watch the video to see how I do with without making a big mess!
- Now take your handmade lace (I use three different types to add texture and color to my pumpkin) and tie or glue it around your stem.
- Use the glue gun to attach any other embellishments that you want to add, this is the really fun part!
- Finally, find the perfect spot in your home to display your creation.
The Wrap Up…
And that’s that! A beautiful fabric pumpkin that is simple and fun to make. These adorable pumpkins are perfect for decorating your own home, selling at craft shows, or giving as hostess gifts. They are also a fun project to do with friends. Have your girl friends over, open some wine, and get crafting! I really like displaying these pumpkins in pairs. I make a large one like I made in the video and then one or two smaller ones to go with it. Whatever route you decide to take I hope you all have as much fun making these as I did!
Looking for more decor inspiration? Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram!
If you love creating vintage treasures as much as I do you can also join my membership group, Tami Loves Creating Vintage Treasures. There you will get exclusive tutorials that will teach you how to create beautiful and unique pieces that will fit perfectly with your vintage decor!
