Harvest Moon Pumpkin Patch Edging Free Pattern – A Knitted Autumn Border
Harvest Moon Pumpkin Patch Edging Free Pattern – A Knitted Autumn Border
Bring the charm of a pumpkin patch to your home with this knitted edging, perfect for blankets, towels, or table runners. Each scallop features a tiny textured pumpkin, creating a cozy, handcrafted border that celebrates the season. This pattern is beginner-friendly and uses simple knit and purl stitches to create a delightful three-dimensional effect. Whether you're adding a festive touch to a baby blanket or dressing up a plain kitchen towel, this edging will infuse your space with warm autumn vibes.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following supplies. All materials are readily available at craft stores or online.
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in three colors:
- Orange (approx. 50g) – for the pumpkins
- Green (approx. 20g) – for the vines/stems
- Cream or Beige (approx. 50g) – for the base edge
- Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles
- Notions: Yarn needle (for weaving in ends and embroidery), scissors
- Gauge: 20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (not critical for this project, but helpful for estimating yarn usage)
Abbreviations
- CO: Cast on
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- K2tog: Knit two stitches together (decrease)
- Kfb: Knit into the front and back of the same stitch (increase)
- BO: Bind off
- St(s): Stitch(es)
- RS: Right side
- WS: Wrong side
Step-by-Step Instructions
Part 1: Knitting the Base Edge
The base edge forms a simple garter stitch band that will hold the pumpkin scallops. This is worked first and can be made to any length you desire.
- With cream yarn, CO 10 stitches.
- Row 1 (RS): K all 10 stitches.
- Row 2 (WS): K all 10 stitches.
- Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until the edge measures your desired length. For example, knit 30 inches for a small blanket or 18 inches for a towel. Do not bind off. Keep the 10 stitches live on your needle. You will pick up stitches from this edge to create the pumpkins.
Part 2: Creating the Pumpkin Scallop
This section creates the three-dimensional pumpkin shape that hangs off the base edge. Each pumpkin is worked flat, then shaped with increases and decreases to form a rounded, ribbed look.
- Pick up stitches: With the RS of the base edge facing you, use your needle to pick up and knit 1 stitch from the edge of the base band, every 2 rows. Continue until you have 10 stitches on your needle. (This means you are picking up along the side of the garter stitch band.)
- Switch to orange yarn. Cut the cream yarn, leaving a tail, and join the orange.
- Row 1 (RS): K all 10 stitches.
- Row 2 (WS): P all 10 stitches.
- Row 3 (RS): Kfb, K8, Kfb. (You now have 12 stitches on your needle.)
- Row 4 (WS): P all 12 stitches.
- Row 5 (RS): Kfb, K10, Kfb. (You now have 14 stitches.)
- Row 6 (WS): P all 14 stitches.
- Row 7 (RS): K2tog, K10, K2tog. (You now have 12 stitches.)
- Row 8 (WS): P all 12 stitches.
- Row 9 (RS): K2tog, K8, K2tog. (You now have 10 stitches.)
- Row 10 (WS): P all 10 stitches.
- Row 11 (RS): K2tog, K6, K2tog. (You now have 8 stitches.)
- Row 12 (WS): P all 8 stitches.
- Row 13 (RS): K2tog, K4, K2tog. (You now have 6 stitches.)
- Row 14 (WS): P all 6 stitches.
- Row 15 (RS): K2tog, K2, K2tog. (You now have 4 stitches.)
- Row 16 (WS): P all 4 stitches.
- Row 17 (RS): K2tog, K2tog. (You now have 2 stitches.)
- Row 18 (WS): P2tog. (You now have 1 stitch.)
- Cut the orange yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Pull the tail through the last stitch to secure it. Weave in this end later.
Part 3: Adding the Pumpkin Vine/Stem
Each pumpkin needs a little green vine on top to complete the look. You have two easy options:
- Option A (Embroidery): Thread a yarn needle with green yarn. At the top point of the pumpkin (where you just finished), embroider a small vine using a stem stitch or a French knot. A simple curved line or a small loop works perfectly.
- Option B (I-Cord): For a more dimensional stem, knit a tiny I-cord. Using green yarn and double-pointed needles (or the cable method), CO 3 stitches and knit an I-cord for about 1 inch. Bind off, then sew this small tube to the top of the pumpkin.
Part 4: Repeating the Pattern
To create a continuous border, you will repeat the pumpkin scallop along the entire length of the base edge.
- After finishing one pumpkin, skip a few rows of the base edge (e.g., every 10 inches of base edge) and pick up 10 new stitches for the next pumpkin.
- Repeat Part 2 and Part 3 for each pumpkin until you reach the end of your base edge.
- Space the pumpkins evenly. For a 30-inch edge, you might have 3 pumpkins (one every 10 inches). For a 60-inch blanket, you might have 6 pumpkins.
Part 5: Finishing Touches
- Weave in all ends: Use your yarn needle to carefully weave in the tails from the cast-on, bind-off, and color changes. Make sure to weave them on the wrong side of the work so they are invisible.
- Block gently: To shape the scallops and even out the stitches, lightly wet-block the edging. Lay it flat on a towel, gently press out any wrinkles, and let it dry completely. This will help the pumpkins pop and the base edge lie flat.
- Optional texture: For a more pronounced pumpkin look, use a crochet hook to add a few surface slip stitches in a contrasting orange shade (e.g., a darker orange) vertically on each pumpkin. This mimics the natural ribs of a pumpkin.
Tips for Success
- Count your stitches: Always count your stitches after each increase or decrease row to ensure you stay on track.
- Keep tension even: Try to keep your tension consistent, especially when picking up stitches along the base edge, to avoid puckering.
- Customize the length: The pattern is easily adjustable. Simply knit a longer base edge and add more pumpkins, or space them further apart.
This Harvest Moon Pumpkin Patch Edging is a wonderful way to add a personal, handmade touch to your autumn decor. The combination of the simple garter stitch base and the textured pumpkins creates a beautiful, rustic border that will be admired by all. Happy knitting!