How to Sew a Fabric Pumpkin for DIY Fall Décor - ICE FABRICS

As autumn approaches, it's time to add warmth and charm to your living space with delightful fabric pumpkins. These handmade creations not only add a touch of DIY craftsmanship but also serve as versatile decor, perfect for mantels, centerpieces, or any corner that needs a seasonal lift.

Do you love to design your pumpkin to make décor for your home? No need to worry!

Here, we will discuss various techniques, including making fabric pumpkins in three sizes, incorporating real stems, and even creating them without sewing. Keep reading this guide on How to make Fabric Pumpkins.

Materials Needed: Before we go  on our pumpkin-making journey, gather the following materials:

  • Assorted fabrics
  • Sewing machine
  • Batting
  • Long sewing needle
  • Needle and thread

How to Make Easy Fabric Pumpkins

The beauty of crafting fabric pumpkins lies in their versatility and simplicity. Whether you are a seasoned seamstress or a novice DIY enthusiast, these step-by-step instructions will guide you through the process, allowing you to customise your fabric pumpkins to suit your style.

 

Choosing the Best Fabric for Your DIY Fabric Pumpkins

When it comes to creating the perfect fabric pumpkin, the choice of fabric can make all the difference. Not only does it influence the look and feel of your pumpkin, but it also impacts how easy it is to work with during the crafting process. Here are some top fabric choices to consider, each bringing its unique charm to your DIY fall décor:

  1. Cotton: A versatile and easy-to-handle option, cotton fabric is ideal for beginners. Its ability to hold shape makes it perfect for creating pumpkins with crisp, defined lines. Check out our Cotton Fabric Collection for a variety of patterns and colors.

  2. Velvet: For a touch of luxury and softness, velvet is the go-to choice. It adds a rich texture and depth to your pumpkins, making them look sophisticated and elegant. Explore our range of Velvet Fabrics to add a plush element to your fall decorations.

  3. Silk: For those who love a bit of shimmer and sheen, silk fabric pumpkins can be a stunning addition. They catch the light beautifully and can add a luxurious feel to any setting. Browse our Silk Fabric Collection for exquisite choices.

Remember, the fabric you choose can dramatically change the appearance of your fabric pumpkins. Mix and match different textures and colors from our online fabric store to create a unique and personalized autumnal display.

Discover even more about Best Fabric for Making Chair Bows Sashes.

Press and Cut Your Fabric

Begin by pressing your chosen fabric to ensure a smooth, wrinkle-free surface. Cut the fabric into a rectangle with a length approximately twice its width. The flexibility of measurements allows you to create pumpkins of varying sizes. Investing in a rotary cutter, ruler, and mat can significantly enhance the precision of this step.

Sew a Seam Down One Side

Fold the fabric rectangle in half with the right sides together, creating a square. Pin the edges and sew a 1/4" seam down the side opposite the fold. This simple seam sets the foundation for your fabric pumpkin.

Hand-Sew a Gathering Stitch

Sew a gathering stitch around the bottom opening of the pumpkin. Thread a needle, tie a knot, and start sewing around the edge, maintaining a 1/4" seam allowance. The gathering stitch allows you to cinch the pumpkin closed later, creating its distinctive shape.

Cinch the Opening Closed

Pull the thread to cinch the bottom opening closed. Secure the thread by stitching through the gathers, reinforcing it for durability. Knot the thread, ensuring a tight closure. Any protruding gathers at the bottom can be covered later with a felt circle.

Fill with Fiber Fill and Sew the Top

Fill the pumpkin with fiberfill to achieve the desired level of squishiness. Sew another gathering stitch to close the top of the pumpkin, mirroring the process used for the bottom. This step finalizes the basic structure of the fabric pumpkin.

Create Grooves with Embroidery Floss

Enhance the pumpkin's texture by creating grooves using embroidery floss or a similarly strong thread. Thread your needle, tie a secure knot, and start making grooves along the seams. This step adds visual interest and definition to your fabric pumpkin.

Make a Stem and Attach it.

Choose your preferred method for creating a stem. Options include gluing a small branch or wooden dowel, using strips of rolled felt, or crafting a small tube from felt and filling it with fiber fill. Attach the stem securely to the top of the pumpkin using hot glue.

Cover the Bottom with Felt

Cut a small circle of felt to cover the bottom of the pumpkin where gathers and threads are visible. Carefully glue the felt circle to provide a polished finish to your fabric pumpkin.

 

How to Make Fabric Pumpkins without Sewing

For those who prefer a no-sew approach to crafting fabric pumpkins, consider the following alternative steps:

Step 1: Choose a No-Sew Fabric Pumpkin Method

Opt for fabric pumpkin methods that require minimal or no sewing. One popular technique involves using strips of rolled felt for the body, eliminating the need for intricate stitching.

Step 2: Create a Stem

Follow the steps outlined in the sewing method for creating a stem, or use alternative materials like rolled felt or twine for a no-sew stem.

Step 3: Assemble and Decorate

Assemble the pumpkin using alternative methods like wrapping and tying fabric strips. Decorate as desired, adding grooves and texture with embroidery floss or other embellishments.

 

How to Make Fabric Pumpkin Fall Decorations

Transforming your space with fabric pumpkin decorations is a delightful DIY project. Follow the general steps provided above, choosing the size, stem, and sewing or no-sew method that suits your crafting preferences. Consider mixing various fabric types, such as linen, silk, and velvet, to add texture and visual interest to your pumpkin patch.

Wrap up 

Congratulations, you've successfully crafted your fabric pumpkin! These charming DIY creations make excellent fall decor, blending cuteness with affordability.

Experiment with different fabrics, sizes, and stem options to curate a personalised pumpkin patch for your autumnal display and make your fall décor more amazing with this hands-on guide on How to make Fabric Pumpkins for fall decoration and add warmth and creativity to your home.