The Harvest Moon Candy Corn Trio: A Free Crochet Pattern for Textured, Heirloom Halloween Decor

Introducing the Harvest Moon Candy Corn Trio

Move over, basic candy corn! This crochet pattern creates a trio of textured, heirloom-quality candy corn appliques with a modern, rustic twist. Each piece features a unique stitch pattern and a warm, autumnal palette, perfect for adding a touch of handmade charm to your fall decor. Whether you're decorating a pillow, tote bag, or garland, these plump, lightly stuffed candy corns will bring a cozy, nostalgic feel to any space. The pattern is designed for beginners but offers enough variety to keep experienced crocheters engaged.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Gauge is not critical for this project, but aim for a tight fabric to prevent stuffing from showing. Approximately 4 single crochet stitches = 1 inch.

• Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) cotton or acrylic yarn in three colors: Cream (Color A), Warm Orange (Color B), and Deep Gold (Color C). You will need small amounts of each color.
• Hook: Size G/6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook
• Other: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, fiberfill stuffing, scissors

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern creates three separate candy corn appliques, each with a different stitch texture. Work each piece in continuous rounds (spiral) unless otherwise noted. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round. Each piece is worked from the top (cream point) down to the bottom (gold base).

Color Change Technique: On the last yarn over of the last stitch of the current color, pull through the new color to complete the stitch. Carry the unused color loosely up the inside of the work.

Piece 1: Classic Smooth Candy Corn (Single Crochet)

This is the simplest version, using only single crochet stitches for a smooth, classic look.

1. With Color A (Cream), make a magic ring.
2. Round 1: 6 single crochet (sc) in ring. (6 stitches)
3. Round 2: 2 sc in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
4. Round 3: (Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in next stitch) repeat around. (18 stitches)
5. Round 4: Sc in each stitch around. (18 stitches)
6. Round 5: Change to Color B (Orange). Sc in each stitch around. (18 stitches)
7. Round 6: Sc in each stitch around. (18 stitches)
8. Round 7: (Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch) repeat around. (24 stitches)
9. Round 8: Sc in each stitch around. (24 stitches)
10. Round 9: Change to Color C (Gold). Sc in each stitch around. (24 stitches)
11. Round 10: Sc in each stitch around. (24 stitches)
12. Round 11: (Sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch) repeat around. (30 stitches)
13. Round 12: Sc in each stitch around. (30 stitches)
14. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff lightly with fiberfill.

Piece 2: Textured Ribbed Candy Corn (Back Loop Only)

This version uses back-loop-only stitches to create vertical ribbing, giving it a textured, rustic appearance.

1. Work Rounds 1-5 exactly as Piece 1 (Classic Smooth Candy Corn).
2. Round 6: Working in Back Loop Only (BLO), sc in each stitch around. (18 stitches)
3. Round 7: Sc in each stitch around (both loops). (18 stitches)
4. Round 8: Working in BLO, sc in each stitch around. (18 stitches)
5. Round 9: Change to Color C (Gold). Working in BLO, sc in each stitch around. (18 stitches)
6. Round 10: Sc in each stitch around (both loops). (18 stitches)
7. Round 11: Working in BLO, (sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch) repeat around. (24 stitches)
8. Round 12: Sc in each stitch around (both loops). (24 stitches)
9. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff lightly with fiberfill.

Piece 3: Lacy Candy Corn (Shell Stitch)

This version features a delicate shell stitch pattern, creating an open, lacy texture that's perfect for a more decorative look.

1. Work Rounds 1-5 exactly as Piece 1 (Classic Smooth Candy Corn).
2. Round 6: Change to Color B (Orange). *Skip 1 stitch, 5 double crochet (dc) in next stitch, skip 1 stitch, sc in next stitch* repeat around. (6 shells)
3. Round 7: Sc in each stitch around (work sc into the sc of previous round, and into the top of each dc). (18 stitches)
4. Round 8: Change to Color C (Gold). Repeat Round 6 (shell stitch pattern).
5. Round 9: Sc in each stitch around. (18 stitches)
6. Round 10: Repeat Round 6 (shell stitch pattern).
7. Round 11: Sc in each stitch around, increasing evenly by 6 stitches (sc in next 2, 2 sc in next). (24 stitches)
8. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff lightly with fiberfill.

Finishing

1. Use the long tails to sew the bottom edge of each piece closed with a whip stitch.
2. Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle.
3. To use as appliques, sew onto a pillow, tote bag, or garland using a tapestry needle and matching yarn.

Enjoy your handmade Harvest Moon Candy Corn Trio! These charming pieces will add a touch of autumn warmth to any project.