How to Make Chunky Yarn Pumpkins: A Step-by-Step DIY Tutorial
Pumpkins are a quintessential symbol of fall, and there's no better way to celebrate the season than by creating your own unique pumpkin decor. In this blog post, we'll show you how to make charming chunky yarn pumpkins that are perfect for adding cozy, autumnal flair to your home.
These DIY pumpkins are made from inexpensive Dollar Tree foam pumpkins and super bulky yarn, resulting in a beautifully textured and dimensional piece that you can use year after year. Follow along with our step-by-step tutorial to learn how to craft these adorable chunky yarn pumpkins for yourself.
Supplies Needed for Chunky Yarn Pumpkins
To make these chunky yarn pumpkins, you'll need the following supplies:
- Carvable pumpkin (available at the Dollar Tree or online)
- 100 yards of #6 super bulky yarn
- Elastic hair ties (mini size)
- Twine
- Felt and burlap
- Glue gun with extra sticks
- Dowel rod
- 2 clothespins
- Scissors
- Wine cork or other stem option
Be sure to check out the full blog post for more details and photos.
Making Your Chunky Yarn Pumpkins
Preparing the Yarn
The first step in making these chunky yarn pumpkins is to prepare the yarn. You'll want to cut the yarn into approximately 12-inch strips. The easiest way to do this is to use a ruler and slide the yarn off the edge to create the strips.
- Remove the paper tag from the yarn.
- Wrap the yarn around a 12 inch ruler.
- Slide your hand under the yarn to keep it in place, then slide the yarn off the edge of the ruler, cutting it into 12-inch strips.
- Cut the end of the strips to ensure they are all the same length.
- Repeat this process to create two large stacks of 12-inch yarn strips.
Braiding the Yarn
Once you have your yarn strips prepared, it's time to start braiding them. This will create the chunky texture that will wrap around the pumpkin.
- Take 9 yarn strips and gather them together, trying to keep the ends as even as possible.
- Wrap a small rubber band around the tips of the yarn strips to hold them in place.
- Divide the 9 strips into 3 groups of 3 and begin braiding them.
- To make the braiding easier, attach one of the rubber band ends to a small command hook on a piece of scrap wood. This will provide the tension needed to braid smoothly.
- Braid the 3 groups together, keeping the braid loose and even.
- Once you reach the end, secure the braid with another small rubber band.
- Trim any uneven ends to match the length of the shortest strip.
Repeat this braiding process with the remaining yarn strips to create as many braided pieces as needed for your pumpkin.
Preparing the Other Supplies
While the yarn braids are being created, you can start preparing the pumpkin base. These instructions are for using a carvable foam pumpkin, which is perfect for this project.
- Use a serrated knife to cut along the indentation lines on both the top and bottom of the pumpkin. This will allow the pumpkin to be easily carved and shaped.
- Download and print the leaf pattern. Cut out the leaves from felt and burlap in the desired sizes for your pumpkin.
- Create the pumpkin tendrils by wrapping twine around a dowel rod, securing the ends with clothespins. Soak the twine in water for a few minutes, then bake it in the oven at the lowest temperature for 15-20 minutes. This will set the shape of the tendrils.
With the pumpkin prepped and the yarn braids ready, you can now move on to the final assembly.
Assembling the Chunky Yarn Pumpkin
Now it's time to bring all the elements together to create your beautiful chunky yarn pumpkin. Follow these steps:
- Apply a bead of hot glue around the bottom of the pumpkin.
- Carefully place the braided yarn pieces, one by one, onto the glue, arranging them as close together as possible.
- Once the first layer is complete, flip the pumpkin over and pull the yarn pieces up, securing them in place without the need for additional glue.
- Add a second layer of braided yarn pieces, gluing the bottoms and arranging them to fill in any gaps.
- Continue adding layers of braided yarn, using less and less with each subsequent row, until the pumpkin is fully covered.
- Tuck and adjust the yarn pieces as needed to create a cohesive, textured look.
- Glue the felt and burlap leaves onto the pumpkin, positioning them as desired.
- Finish by gluing the twine tendrils around the stem, adjusting their placement and shape as needed.
- Secure the wine cork or other stem option to the top of the pumpkin using hot glue.
And just like that, your chunky yarn pumpkin is complete! These pumpkins make a wonderful addition to any fall or Thanksgiving decor, and they're sure to impress your guests.
Styling and Displaying Your Chunky Yarn Pumpkins
Once you've created your chunky yarn pumpkins, there are endless ways to style and display them. Here are some ideas:
- Mantel or Entryway Decor: Group several pumpkins of varying sizes together on your mantel or in your entryway for a cozy, autumnal vignette.
- Tabletop Centerpiece: Arrange your pumpkins on a tray or platter, surrounded by other fall elements like pinecones, leaves, or gourds.
- Bookshelf or Console Styling: Tuck your pumpkins into bookcases, on top of consoles, or on side tables for a touch of seasonal charm.
- Outdoor Porch or Patio: Place your chunky yarn pumpkins on your front porch, steps, or patio to welcome guests and set the tone for fall.
- Gift Idea: These pumpkins also make wonderful handmade gifts for friends, family, or neighbors during the fall season.
No matter how you choose to display your chunky yarn pumpkins, they're sure to add warmth, texture, and a touch of autumn to any space. Be sure to share your creations with us on social media using the hashtag #JanetsCraftCorner!
More Inspiration from Janet's Craft Corner
If you enjoyed learning how to make these chunky yarn pumpkins, be sure to check out the Janet's Craft Corner blog for more DIY tutorials, craft projects, and home decor ideas. You can also find me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram for even more inspiration.
And don't forget to visit the Janet's Craft Corner shop for easy-to-make DIY craft kits, including options for creating your own wooden pumpkins. Happy crafting!