Harvest Moon Pumpkin Trio Free Pattern – Knit a Cozy Fall Decor Set

Bring the warmth of a harvest moon into your home with this charming trio of knitted pumpkins, each with a unique textured stitch and earthy autumnal hue. Perfect for adorning a mantel, table, or windowsill, these soft squashes add a handcrafted touch to any fall or Thanksgiving setting. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or just starting your amigurumi journey, this beginner-friendly pattern will guide you through creating a delightful set that captures the essence of the season.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

This pattern is designed with simplicity and beauty in mind. Each pumpkin is knitted flat as a rectangle, then cleverly gathered to form the classic pumpkin shape. The varying stitch patterns—seed stitch, ribbing, and deep ribbing—create distinct textures that mimic the natural ridges of real pumpkins. Plus, with three sizes included, you'll have a versatile set that can be arranged in countless ways to suit your fall décor.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. All items are readily available at your local craft store or online.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in three colors: Burnt Orange, Rust, and Cream (e.g., Lion Brand Wool-Ease in 'Pumpkin', 'Rust', 'Buttercream')
• Knitting Needles: US Size 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles (or size needed to obtain gauge)
• Tapestry Needle: For finishing and sewing seams
• Polyester Fiberfill: For stuffing the pumpkins
• Scissors: For cutting yarn
• Optional: Brown or green yarn for the stems (or use the same color as the pumpkin)

Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Gauge is not critical for this project, but consistent tension helps achieve uniform pumpkins.

Abbreviations

• K = knit
• P = purl
• K2tog = knit two together (decrease)
• P2tog = purl two together (decrease)
• St(s) = stitch(es)
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern creates three pumpkins of varying sizes (small, medium, large) using the same technique. Each pumpkin is knitted flat as a rectangle, then gathered at top and bottom to form the classic pumpkin shape. The textured stitch pattern mimics the ridges of a real pumpkin. Follow each section carefully for best results.

Small Pumpkin (approx. 3 inches wide, 2.5 inches tall)

Using Burnt Orange yarn

1. Cast on: Cast on 24 stitches.
2. Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.
3. Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
4. Row 3: *K1, P1; repeat from * to end (seed stitch).
5. Row 4: *P1, K1; repeat from * to end (seed stitch, offset).
6. Repeat Rows 3-4 until piece measures 5 inches from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
7. Decrease Row (RS): K2tog across (12 stitches remain).
8. Decrease Row (WS): P2tog across (6 stitches remain).
9. Finish: Cut yarn, leaving a 12-inch tail. Thread tail through remaining stitches, pull tight, and secure.

Medium Pumpkin (approx. 4 inches wide, 3 inches tall)

Using Rust yarn

1. Cast on: Cast on 30 stitches.
2. Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.
3. Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
4. Row 3: *K2, P2; repeat from * to end (ribbing).
5. Row 4: *P2, K2; repeat from * to end.
6. Repeat Rows 3-4 until piece measures 6 inches from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
7. Decrease Row (RS): K2tog across (15 stitches remain).
8. Decrease Row (WS): P2tog across (7 stitches remain, with one extra stitch—just P1 at the end).
9. Finish: Cut yarn, leave a 14-inch tail, thread through remaining stitches, pull tight, and secure.

Large Pumpkin (approx. 5 inches wide, 4 inches tall)

Using Cream yarn

1. Cast on: Cast on 36 stitches.
2. Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.
3. Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
4. Row 3: *K3, P3; repeat from * to end (deep ribbing).
5. Row 4: *P3, K3; repeat from * to end.
6. Repeat Rows 3-4 until piece measures 7 inches from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
7. Decrease Row (RS): K2tog across (18 stitches remain).
8. Decrease Row (WS): P2tog across (9 stitches remain).
9. Finish: Cut yarn, leave a 16-inch tail, thread through remaining stitches, pull tight, and secure.

Finishing Instructions (for each pumpkin)

Follow these steps to transform your knitted rectangles into adorable pumpkins. Take your time with the gathering and ridge-forming steps—they're what give the pumpkins their signature shape.

1. Sew the side seam: With the RS facing, fold the rectangle in half so the cast-on and bound-off edges meet. Use the tail to sew the side seam, creating a tube.
2. Turn right side out: Turn the tube RS out.
3. Gather the bottom: Thread a separate piece of yarn (about 20 inches) through a tapestry needle and run a running stitch around the bottom edge (the cast-on edge). Pull tight to gather, and secure with a few stitches.
4. Stuff the pumpkin: Stuff the pumpkin firmly with polyester fiberfill through the top opening. Ensure it's evenly filled for a plump, round shape.
5. Gather the top: Thread the tail from the top (bound-off edge) through a needle and run a running stitch around the top edge. Pull tight to gather, but leave a small opening.
6. Create the ridges: Thread a long piece of yarn (about 30 inches) through a needle. Insert the needle from the bottom center to the top center, pulling slightly to indent the pumpkin. Repeat this 4-5 times around the pumpkin, spacing the ridges evenly. Secure the yarn at the bottom and top with small stitches.
7. Make the stem: For the stem, knit a small I-cord: Cast on 4 stitches with a brown or green yarn (or use the same color). Knit in stockinette (K every row) for 2 inches, then bind off. Sew the stem to the top center of the pumpkin, curling it slightly.
8. Weave in ends: Weave in all loose ends with your tapestry needle to ensure a clean finish.

Tips for Perfect Pumpkins

• Consistent tension: While gauge isn't critical, keeping your tension even throughout will result in more uniform pumpkins.
• Firm stuffing: Don't be shy with the fiberfill—firmly stuffed pumpkins hold their shape better and look more polished.
• Even ridges: When creating the ridges, visualize the pumpkin in quarters or fifths and space your yarn pulls evenly for a symmetrical look.
• Customize: Feel free to mix up the colors or add a touch of cinnamon scent by placing a sachet inside before stuffing.

Display Ideas

Once your trio is complete, arrange them together on a rustic wooden table, mantel, or windowsill. Add a few scattered autumn leaves and a small candle for a warm, inviting Thanksgiving atmosphere. These pumpkins also make thoughtful handmade gifts for friends and family who love fall décor.

We hope you enjoy knitting this Harvest Moon Pumpkin Trio! Share your creations with us—we'd love to see how your pumpkins turn out. Happy knitting!