DIY Fabric Pumpkins: Quick & Easy DIY Fabric Pumpkins

Could this be my first-ever sewing tutorial on the blog? Oh, yes! Let’s get one thing straight: I am definitely not a sewist (nor do I pretend to be!), but I do absolutely love a simple sewing project when I temporarily lose my knitting and crochet mojo.

A few months ago, I was sorting out my pajama drawer and came across some old PJ bottoms that I hadn’t worn in ages. I knew there had to be a way to repurpose them. After putting my thinking cap on and dreaming of colder seasons, I decided to turn them into these adorable, cozy DIY fabric pumpkins.

I am so thrilled with how they turned out! The process is incredibly simple, and since I know you all love a cheeky DIY project that uses up scraps and recycles old clothes, I think you’re going to fall in love with them, too.

As well as making fantastic, functional pincushions, they also make gorgeous decorative autumn pumpkins that are ideal for gifting. Plus, like all quick and easy sewing projects, they are highly addictive – you probably won’t be able to stop making them!

Everything You’ll Need

• Fabric Source: A pair of pajama bottoms (ideally in a stretchy material). You can also use the top of old socks, sweaters, leggings, or hoodies – just make sure they’re in good condition.
• Needle & Thread: A sharp sewing needle and sturdy sewing thread or embroidery floss.
• Stuffing: Fiberfill or your saved leftover yarn scraps.
• Tools: Sharp scissors (fabric scissors are the best!).
• The Stem: Wooden beads, a cinnamon stick, or a small twig.
• Details: Glittery lamé yarn or thread to attach the beads on top.

Project Overview:

• Difficulty: ⭐ (Absolute Beginner)
• Time Commitment: 10–15 minutes per pumpkin

Top Tips for Making Upcycled Fabric Pumpkins

Before you snip into your fabric, keep these quick notes in mind for the best results:

• Fabric Choice: Steer away from materials that are floppy and prone to fraying (like silk or 100% woven cotton). If you don’t have old pajama trousers, using the sleeves of an old sweater or sweatshirt works with great success!
• Don’t Stress Neatness: Don’t worry if you’re not the best or neatest sewer in the world. All of your stitches will eventually be hidden inside the gathers of your work.
• Safety Note: These are intended for use as pincushions or purely decorative items, not as toys for children or pets.

What you’ll need: A pair of pajama bottoms (ideally in a stretchy material) or even the top of some old socks, sweaters, leggings or hoodies – just make sure they’re in good condition and not worn out, a sharp sewing needle, sewing thread/floss, fiberfill or old yarn for stuffing, sharp scissors (fabric scissors are the best), wooden beads or anything else you can think of to create the stem, glittery lamé yarn or thread to attach the beads on top.

Difficulty: ☆

How long will I need to make these? 10-15 minutes.

Notes: Steer away from materials that are floppy and could fray (like silk or 100% cotton) for these pumpkins. If you don’t have old pajama trousers you can also use the sleeves of a sweater or sweatshirt with great success.
Don’t worry if you’re not the best or neatest sewer. All your stitches will eventually be hidden in your work.
These are not intended for use as toys and are purely decorative items.

Method:

Step-by-Step DIY Fabric Pumpkins Tutorial

Step 1: Prepping Your Fabric

Carefully cut your pajama bottoms horizontally into sections around 4 to 5 inches high, then turn them inside out. You can get quite a few sections out of regular-length trouser legs or sleeves! If you want a taller, more unique shape, feel free to cut longer sections.

Step 2: Gathering the Bottom

Thread your needle and tie a secure knot at the end. Use a simple running stitch along the bottom raw edge of your fabric tube. Once you’ve gone all the way around, pull the thread tightly to gather the fabric completely closed, then knot it securely.

Step 3: Stuffing the Pumpkin

Turn your fabric tube right-side out so the gathered seam is now hidden on the inside. Stuff the pouch firmly with your fiberfill or saved yarn scraps until it forms a nice, plush round shape.

Step 4: Closing the Top

Repeat the running stitch around the top open edge of your pumpkin. Pull the thread to gather it shut, leaving just enough room to tuck in your stem materials later, and secure your thread with a tight knot.

Step 5: Creating the Pumpkin Ridges

To give it that classic pumpkin look, pass your needle and heavy thread from the bottom center straight through the middle to the top center, wrapping the thread around the outside of the ball. Pull tight to create a indentation. Repeat this 6 to 8 times around the sphere to create your pumpkin sections.

Step 6: Adding the Stem Detail

Thread your glittery lamé yarn or top thread through your chosen wooden beads. Securely stitch the beads directly onto the top center of your pumpkin to create a beautiful, elegant stem.

Customize Your Upcycled Pumpkins!

And that’s it! Your very first DIY fabric pumpkin is officially finished, and now you can make an entire patch of them.

I really adore the wooden bead detailing on mine, but I will definitely make some more using shiny glass beads in the future. If you want to switch things up, you can also:

• Crochet or knit a tiny green stalk to attach to the top.
• Glue a fragrant cinnamon stick or a “real” garden stick in the center.
• Let your imagination run wild with different fabric textures, embellishments, and even casual embroidery!

If you make any of these Sleepy Time Pumpkins, please tag me on Instagram @emmaknitty—I would absolutely love to see your creative creations! Have a wonderful, cozy crafting day! 🎃