DIY Fall Decor Pumpkins from Old Sweaters: Hello Gourd-geous!

It’s never too early to make some DIY pumpkins from old sweaters! I love decorating for fall and halloween, so it’s hard to keep myself from putting skeletons and jack-o-lanterns around the house before September. “But Laura! It’s still SUMMER!” I know, but we have so little time to enjoy the transistion from hot and humid to cold and dark.

So clearly I needed updated fall decor…that I could also leave up beyond October 31st. Pumpkins are classic, and sweater material can make a room look and feel more cozy.

With just a needle, this is easy enough for my “non-crafty” friends, too! Pull out an old sweater or shirt from your closet and try the tutorial below (with lots of pictures!) to see how to make your own!

Quick Steps for a DIY Pumpkin Fall Decor:

1. Raid your closet or take a quick trip to Goodwill. Any sweater (or thick tank top) will work.

I somehow got a hole in it, so it was downgraded to a sleep shirt. Now it’ll be a pumpkin!

2. Cut the bottom off (below any holes, ha ha!) with scissors. This will leave you with a “tube” as the original seams are closed on the sides, and it opens on the bottom and where you cut it (the top). It doesn’t need to be perfect, but attempt a straight line.

Now the Easy Sewing!

3. Turn your sweater tube inside-out. With 12″ of any color thread, knot the end and purse stitch about 1″ from the bottom with a thick needle. Mine happens to have a thick hem, so I’ll follow that to make it easier to keep it even. The thread won’t show as it’ll be on the inside of the goard, so don’t worry about matching colors. When you get all the way around, cinch the fabric together, and wrap your thread around the bunch tightly. Knot your thread to secure.

4. Flip your bag rightside-out, and fill with stuffing. I use Poly-fil or this recycled (and cheaper!) alternative, but you could also use the stuffing from an old pillow or stuffed animals that are no longer played with. Tip: You can toss the extra sweater pieces inside the pumpkin ball to save a bit of stuffing and ensure your pillow is soft yet sturdy.
5. Do the same purse stitch to close and cinch the top of the stuffed ball. Tie it around the stem and secure it with a knot.

6. Cut 3 pieces of contrasting yarn. Wrap each tight around the stuffed ball and knot it at the top. This will give you the six sections of a pumpkin.

Embellish the Pumpkin!

7. I used felt for the pumpkin “stem” and leaves so my decor could double as a pillow, but you could alternately grab a stick from your backyard and fake leaves from unused fake flowers and hot glue that into the center.

8. Hot glue the stem inside the cinched top and the leaves on the top of the pumpkin surrounding the stem.

And the pumpkin is done! It was easy, right? After making the first one, I thought about other pumpkins I wanted to make! My home might turn into a pumpkin patch soon. These DIY pumpkins from sweaters are too cute!

Is there an old sweater you are keeping around, not because you enjoy wearing it or it’s particularly flattering, but because you like the pattern or design? I hope this tutorial gives you inspiration to make a little home decor!

Want to make some Halloween greeting cards with marbled paper DIYed with old nail polish? Check out Spiderweb Shaker Card for Halloween and keep up your DIY streak!

Follow my blog in order to keep getting great craft ideas! Happy Crafting!