Frugal Fall Décor Velvet Pumpkins

Continuing with the Frugal Fall Décor theme for 2015, I’m sharing my Velvet Pumpkins today. 

2015 Frugal Fall Décor

• DIY Cornucopia Wreath
• Dollar Store Décor Fall Copper Vase 
• Frugal Fall Décor with Mod Podge & Heat Bond

I’ve been admiring them 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.

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 creative choices.  Use your imagination and be creative. I went with sticks from the yard for all but one which I experimented with creating. Sticks are free and Free=frugal and that’s my theme for 2015 Fall Décor!

How To

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 will allow you to create your desired shape.

Begin closing the top. I stitched the open hole closer but not completely closed, just enough to leave the opening for the stick to fit tight.

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 I the fabric. It was originally a cute blouse which I picked up at a thrift store.

Fabrics

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 theme.

Where to find fabric for your Velvet pumpkins

• 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
• 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

All pumpkins are not nice and round. I like those tall one’s don’t you? I found a gorgeous green velvet blouse at a thrift store. It was actually a very expensive brand and I cut it up! I used a sleeve to make my tall velvet pumpkin. 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!

I used a sleeve to make my tall  green velvet pumpkin.

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I can’t honestly credit any particular posts as the one I learned from. I have been admiring Velvet Pumpkins for years now and have read many tutorials. You can find other Velvet Pumpkins on my Pumpkin board, HERE.

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