Rustic charm, festive flair, and a touch of handmade coziness — this fabric pumpkin sewing pattern is the perfect addition to your fall décor. It’s quick, easy, and can be made entirely from fabric scraps you already have on hand.

If you enjoy simple, homespun projects, you’ll also love my DIY candy corn stuffie and my DIY leaf stamped tea towels —other fast and festive crafts that fit beautifully into any handmade holiday display.

A white and orange fabric pumpkin with a stick stem sits on a round wooden tray, with soft neutral fabric and plants in the blurred background.

Let’s talk about this project

These fabric pumpkins are one of those satisfying little sewing projects that come together quickly but still make a big impact on your holiday décor. They’re perfect for using up leftover bits of fabric from other creations, making it easy to coordinate them with the rest of the seasonal touches around your house.

Add them to a centerpiece, tuck them onto a shelf for a pop of color, or gather a few in a basket on the porch — the possibilities are endless. They also make wonderful handmade gifts. You can sew a whole batch in a single evening and share a bit of homemade cheer with all your friends and family over the holiday season. If you love simple projects like this, you’ll also enjoy my fall rag tie garland — another quick and budget-friendly way to add cozy charm to your home.

Materials you’ll need

Free pattern: Download my FREE fabric pumpkin sewing pattern to get started.
Cotton fabric: Solid or patterned fabrics both work beautifully for this project. If you decide to mix patterns, choose ones that are similar in size — it helps the finished pumpkin look balanced and cohesive.
Thread: Match the color of your fabric for a clean, seamless finish.
Fiber fill: Use this to stuff your pumpkin so it’s soft, full, and holds its shape nicely.
Stick: A stick about the width of your pointer finger works perfectly — it adds charm with rustic eye-appeal. A cinnamon stick or a small wooden dowel makes a lovely alternative, depending on the look you’re going for.

A sewing project setup on a wooden table with orange and cream fabric, sewing supplies, printed pattern, stuffing, twigs, pruners, and a sewing machine. Scissors, pins, and thread are also visible.

Equipment you’ll need

Sewing pins: Use these to pin your pattern pieces in place and keep your fabric layers from shifting while you sew.
Craft scissors: Perfect for cutting out your paper pattern without dulling your fabric scissors.
Fabric scissors: Sharp fabric scissors will give you smooth, even cuts on your fabric pieces.
Sewing machine: Makes stitching your pumpkin together quick and sturdy — a real time-saver.
Sewing needle: Used for hand-stitching the top and bottom openings closed once your pumpkin is stuffed.
Large sewing needle: This one’s key for pulling the thread through the center to create that tufted, pumpkin-like shape.
Pruning shears: Handy for cutting your stick to the perfect size before tucking it into the top.

How to sew a fabric pumpkin

This project comes together quickly and easily — even if you’re new to sewing. With just a few basic steps, you’ll have a beautiful handmade pumpkin ready to display or gift in no time at all.

6 oval fabric pieces, 3 orange and 3 white, on a wooden surface with an oval paper pattern piece.

White and orange oval shaped fabric panels sewn together in a circle.

Step 1: Use the pattern to cut 6 fabric panels for the pumpkin.

Step 2: Stitch the fabric panels together, then close the circle to form your pumpkin base.

White and orange oval shaped fabric panels sewn together in a circle with a basting stich along the top edge.

White and orange ovel shaped fabric panels sewn together in a circle and gathered at one end.

Step 3: Sew a baste stitch ¼ inch from the bottom edge.

Step 4: Gather the baste stitches tightly to close the bottom and tie off securely.

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White and orange fabric panels sewn together to form a bowl shape.

White and Orange fabric panels sewn together to create a ball shape with the one end open showing the stuffing inside.

Step 5: Flip your pumpkin so the seams are inside.

Step 6: Fill evenly with fiber fill until it’s plump but not overstuffed.

A ball shape made from orange and white fabric panels with the end open showing the stuffing. There is a basting stitch along the opening.

Stuffed ball shape made with orange and white fabric panels sitting on a wooden surface showing the gathering of the opening on the top.

Step 7: Sew a baste stitch at least ¼ inch in from the top edge.

Step 8: Tighten the stitches while tucking the edges inward, then tie off to close.

Orange and white fabric ball shape with the top opening pulled tight to give the ball a tufted look.

Orange and white fabric shaped pumpkin with a stick stuck in the top opening for a stem.

Step 9: Using a large needle, stitch through the center twice, pulling tight to create a tufted pumpkin shape.

Step 10: Cut your stick to size and press it firmly into the top center to complete your pumpkin.

You’ll find more detailed step-by-step instructions in the how-to card below, which you can also print for your convenience if you’d like.

Three fabric pumpkins, one orange, one white, and one with orange and white stripes, sit on a wooden table. One pumpkin is on a wooden stand, all with stick stems. A wreath and plants are visible in the background.

Diane Gail’s tips for success

Choose fabrics that complement each other: When mixing patterns, select similar pattern sizes for balance and cohesion — just like in my DIY Halloween flag banner, where pattern harmony makes all the difference.
Baste carefully: Keep your stitches at least ¼ inch from the edge so the ends tuck in neatly when gathered.
Use a large needle for the tuft: A larger needle is better suited to push through the bulk of the center of the pumpkin with ease.
Cut the stem with stability in mind: Make it long enough to tuck into the pumpkin for a secure fit.
Avoid overstuffing: Adding too much fiber fill makes the top difficult to close and puts unnecessary strain on the closing stitches.

You’ll find plenty of from-scratch cooking recipes and slow living lifestyle tips in the archives — all created to help you add simple, old-fashioned charm to everyday life.

Other projects you’ll love

Bird shaped felt ornaments sitting on a striped board with a pair of scissors and a sewing needle next to them. — **Easy DIY Felt Ornaments**

Snowflake shaped ornament with white twine wrapped on it and jute twine in the tips. — **Twine Cookie Cutter Ornament**

Dried oranges, popcorn, and cranberries make a garland that sits on a pine bough on a red and tan checkered cloth. — **Old-Fashioned Cranberry Orange Garland**

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There’s just something so cozy about handmade fall décor, and these fabric pumpkins are really the perfect touch to my home décor in the fall season! I love how simple they are to make — and they look absolutely charming no matter where I place them.