How To Make Hand Sewn Velvet Pumpkins

You can hand sew this pretty fabric pumpkins even if you do not know how to sew a straight stitch. I am sharing how to find the fabric for very little cost to make your own set of Velvet Pumpkins.

Updated 9/5/2019

I’ve been admiring Velvet Pumpkins on Pinterest for several years! Now that I know how frugal and easy they are, I wonder why I waited so long to make my own.

I’m sharing how I made mine and tips I learned in the process.

HOW TO MAKE FAUX PUMPKIN STEMS

Pumpkins stem choices for Velvet or fabric pumpkins are vast. You can find faux pumpkin stems for sale online, scavenge real ones, use sticks or a variety of creative choices.  Use your imagination and be creative.

I went with sticks from the yard for these Velvet Pumpkins. Sticks are free and picking them up helps clean the yard so that is a win-win, right!

You can also use paper bags torn into strips and twisted together to make pumpkin stems. You do need to stick with something light weight for these fabric pumpkins.

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HOW TO HAND SEW VELVET PUMPKINS

Start by cutting a big circle of fabric. If you use a dinner plate as your template, your result will be a pumpkin which will fit in the palm of your hand. I used a pizza pan as the template for my larger pumpkins. Only the deep blue pumpkin came from a dinner plate. It is the smallest one.

Stitch around the outer edge with a simple straight stitch. This will allow you to be able to pull the thread tight creating the desired ruffles. Easy! You do not need sewing skills to make your own Velvet Pumpkins!

Next, Do NOT tie off the thread. Leave the needle and thread in place after stitching all the way around. Now, gently pull the thread back to create a wider opening to allow for stuffing.

Add dried beans before stuffing to weigh the bottom down. It takes about a handful to do the job. I prefer pinto beans because they are heavier than peas so I did three pumpkins with one bag of dried pinto beans.

Now add the stuffing. The amount is up to you. The amount of stuffing you use will allow you to create your desired shape.

Begin closing the top. After adding your desired amount of stuffing you will close the opening carefully. Leave it open just enough to barely insert a stick for the stem. 

Hot glue the stem of choice into place.

Fabric stem. I’d love to tell you exactly how to make a fabric stem. Unfortunately I did not take photos as I was experimenting. I will tell you this, Cut a piece of fabric the length and width desired. Fold it in half, right sides together and stitch down one side to close and one end to close. Stuff. Sew the stem into place rather than use hot glue. Be careful, this is tight quarters and it’s easy to poke yourself, I know!

My biggest velvet pumpkin is copper, to match this years fireplace décor, with shiny orange faux stones embedded in the fabric. It was originally a cute blouse which I picked up at a thrift store.

FABRICS FOR FAUX PUMPKINS

Have you seen the price of velvet at the fabric store? Well, let me tell you, it’s about $13/yard. That does not fit into my frugal decorating goals.

I found a gorgeous green velvet blouse at a thrift store. It was actually a very expensive brand and I cut it up!  My deep blue velvet pumpkin came from a velvet dress which has been in my closet way too long! The only fabric I purchased was the gold and I only paid $2.99 for it with a big sale and a coupon!

Where To Find Cheap Velvet Fabric 

• Your closet. Remember that old New Year’s eve outfit from years ago?
• Someone else’s closet. Raid a close friend or family member’s closet! Well ok, you might want to ask first.
• Thrift store blouses. This is where most of my velvet came from. Always wash them before using the fabric.
• Fabric store (If you can spring for velvet, awesome. There are other selections which look like velvet but don’t cost as much)
• Clearance clothing racks

DIY FABRIC PUMPKIN SHAPES

All pumpkins are not nice and round. I like those tall one’s too, don’t you? I used a sleeve from a blouse to make my tall velvet pumpkin. While adding the stuffing you can scrunch them down or fluff them out big. Be creative with the shapes.

Look at the shapes of these real pumpkins on our Fall front porch. I fell in love with that oddly colored squatty shaped pumpkin when I first laid eyes on it!

MY SUPPLY LIST

• Fabric (thrifted blouses or dresses will work)
• Matching thread
• Pillow stuffing
• Sticks for the stem

TOOLS

• Scissors
• Sewing needle
• Round Pizza pan for template
• Dinner plate for template