How to DIY A Pumpkin From Knitted Rectangle (Incredibly Easy Method)

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If you know how to knit, you can craft this easy, ribbed pumpkin for your autumn decoration with the following step-by-step tutorial. Introducing the UMTIMTE method to DIY a pumpkin out of a knitted rectangle. We have already discussed the hand-sewn fabric, crocheted, and even no-knit pumpkins. Decorate your coffee table, porch, front door (for Thanksgiving), or craft table with these calming pumpkins.

But nothing beats the durability, texture, and beauty of a knitted pumpkin like this. You can also make a bigger pumpkin in earthy brown, a medium pumpkin in yellow with a texture, and a smaller pumpkin in orange and present them as a stack.

The bigger knitted pumpkin is perfect for using as a pouf, while the smaller one can be used as a pincushion. These pumpkins have an even better texture than a ribbed fall crochet pumpkin. Now, continue reading to learn about this Halloween and fall decor project and find the step-by-step tutorial for beginners.

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Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted-weight (Category 4) yarn in pumpkin color (e.g., Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice in Terracotta) and a small amount of brown/contrast yarn for the stem.

• Needles: US Size 9 (5.5 mm) straight or circular needles (or whatever size matches your yarn’s tag).

• Notions:

  • 6 Stitch markers

  • Tapestry needle

  • Scissors

  • Polyfill stuffing

Feels Difficult? Follow the Detailed Video Tutorial

Abbreviations

• K: Knit

• P: Purl

• KFB: Knit front and back (increase)

• M1: Make one (increase using the bar between stitches)

• SSK: Slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)

• K2T: Knit 2 together (right-leaning decrease)

• P2T: Purl 2 together

• [ ] / *: Repeat instructions between brackets/asterisks as indicated.

Instructions

Part 1: Main Pumpkin Body

Cast On & Setup (Increases)

• Cast On: Cast on 14 stitches using the Backward Loop Cast-On method, leaving a 12-inch tail.

• Row 1: K1, [KFB] to last st, K1 (26 sts).

• Row 2: Purl all stitches.

• Row 3: K1, [KFB] to last st, K1 (50 sts).

• Row 4: Purl all stitches.

Rib Section Increases (Placing Markers)

• Row 5: K1, K1, M1, K5, M1, K1, P1, place marker, repeat * to * 5 more times, K1 (62 sts total).

• Row 6: P1, pass marker, K1, Purl to next marker, repeat * across, P1.

• Row 7: K1, K1, M1, K7, M1, K1, P1, pass marker, repeat * across, K1.

• Row 8: P1, pass marker, K1, Purl to next marker, repeat * across, P1.

• Row 9: K1, K1, M1, K9, M1, K1, P1, pass marker, repeat * across, K1.

• Rows 10–14: Continue expanding the section by repeating the established increase pattern until Row 14 is complete.

Straight Body Repeat Section

• Repeat Row A (Right Side): K1, Knit to 1 st before marker, P1, pass marker, repeat * across, K1.

• Repeat Row B (Wrong Side): P1, pass marker, K1, Purl to next marker, repeat * across, P1.

• Work Repeat Rows A & B for a total of 7 times (14 total rows) to build the central height of the pumpkin.

Decrease Rows

• Decrease Row 1: K1, K1, SSK, K11, K2T, K1, P1, pass marker, repeat * across, K1.

• Decrease Row 2 & all even rows: P1, pass marker, K1, Purl to next marker, repeat * across, P1.

• Decrease Rows 3–10: Continue working decrease rows in pattern (reducing middle knit section by 2 stitches every right-side row) until 4 stitches remain in each section.

• Decrease Row 11: K1, SSK, SSK, K2T, P2T, pass marker, repeat * across, K1.

• Decrease Row 12: P1, pass marker, K1, P3, repeat * across, P1.

• Decrease Row 13: K1, SSK, P2T, remove marker, repeat * across, K1.

Finishing Pumpkin Fabric

• Do not traditional cast off.

• Cut a 24-inch tail.

• Slip stitches to the opposite needle point, thread the yarn tail onto a tapestry needle, and thread through all remaining loops to secure them on the tail without pulling tight yet.

Part 2: Stem

• Cast On: 8 stitches in brown yarn.

• Stockinette Stitch: Work [Knit 1 row, Purl 1 row] until piece measures approx. 1.5 inches.

• Increase Row 1: K1, M1, repeat to last st, K1.

• Purl Row: Purl all stitches.

• Increase Row 2: K1, M1, repeat to last st, K1.

• Purl Row: Purl all stitches.

• Increase Row 3: K1, M1, repeat to last st, K1.

• Cast Off: Cast off all stitches purl-wise. Leave an 18-inch tail.

• Stem Assembly: Fold stem fabric lengthwise and seam along the side using the cast-on tail.

Part 3: Assembly & Shaping

• Seaming Body: Fold the body piece with right sides facing out. Use the Mattress Stitch along the edge columns to sew the flat piece into a vertical tube.

• Bottom Cinching: Weave the cast-on tail around the bottom edge circle and pull tight to close.

• Creating Ribs: Cut three long strands of yarn (4x the length of the pumpkin). Thread each strand down a purl column and up the opposite purl column.

• Stuffing: Fill pumpkin generously with polyfill.

• Cinched Top: Pull top gather-tail tight and knot securely.

• Shaping: Tie opposite pairs of the long rib strands together at the top, pulling snug to create deep ridges/puckers along the sides. Knot securely and bury yarn ends inside.

• Attach Stem: Sew the flared bottom ruffle of the stem to the top gathered opening of the pumpkin.

• Curve Stem: Thread the remaining stem tail through the stem interior to pull one side down slightly, forming a natural curve, then secure.