Lumpy Crochet Pumpkin

I’m sure you’ve heard of a crochet pumpkin before… but have you heard of a lumpy crochet pumpkin?! One of my favorite types of pumpkins to purchase in the fall is called the knucklehead pumpkin. You might not be familiar with their name, but I’m sure that you’ve seen them before! Knucklehead pumpkins are known for their striking bumps that cover their exterior. Their unique appearance makes them such a fun decoration for the fall months!

I’ve used a rust color for this project, but you can really have fun with the color combinations! Some of the most common colors of knucklehead pumpkins are classic orange, cream, dark green, and yellow. You’ll also notice that knucklehead pumpkins often have bumps that are a different color from the pumpkin, so a color change in each bobble stitch would make for a fun modification to this pattern!

My dog, Busch, sitting next to a knucklehead pumpkin! (top)

I have a video tutorial for this pattern on my YouTube channel if you’re more of a visual learner!

Materials

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Pattern Notes

  • The Ch 1 at the beginning of each row does not count as a stitch.
  • The bobble stitch (Bo) is used to work the lumps on the pumpkin. To work the bobble stitch, complete the following: *Yarn over and insert your hook into the stitch. Yarn over and pull up a loop, pull through two loops on the hook. Repeat from *4 more times for 6 total loops on the hook. Yarn over and pull through all 6 loops.
  • The pumpkin is worked horizontally and is joined with slip stitches.
  • A stitch counter will come in handy for this pattern. Check out my Instagram reel below for a unique stitch counter idea!

Stitches and Abbreviations (US terms)

  • Ch- Chain
  • Bo – Bobble Stitch
  • Inc – Increase
  • Sc – Single Crochet
  • Sc BLO – Single Crochet Back Loop Only
  • St(s) – Stitch(es)
  • **- Repeat

Pattern Instructions

Pumpkin Body

Ch 33

Row 1: Sc in the 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, ch 1, turn. (32 sts)

Row 2: Sc BLO 3, Bo, Sc BLO 24, Bo, Sc BLO 3, ch 1, turn. (32 sts)

Row 3: Sc BLO 16, Bo, Sc BLO 15, ch 1, turn. (32 sts)

Row 4: Sc BLO 15, Bo, Sc BLO 16, ch 1, turn. (32 sts)

Row 5: Sc BLO 7, Bo, Sc BLO 16, Bo, Sc BLO 7, ch 1, turn. (32 sts)

Row 6: Sc BLO 24, Bo, Sc BLO 7, ch 1, turn. (32 sts)

Row 7: Sc BLO 10, Bo, Sc BLO 9, Bo, Sc BLO 11, ch 1, turn. (32 sts)

Rows 8-13: Repeat rows 2 through 7.

Rows 14-19: Repeat rows 2 through 7.

Rows 20-25: Repeat rows 2 through 7.

Rows 26-31: Repeat rows 2 through 7.

Rows 32-37: Repeat rows 2 through 7.

Rows 38-43: Repeat rows 2 through 7.

Closing The Pumpkin

At the end of row 43, ch 1 and insert the hook through the current stitch and the
corresponding stitch of Row 1. Slip stitch across t to close the pumpkin, joining both sides together with each stitch. Ch 1 at the end of the row and cut the yarn with about 14 inches remaining from the last stitch. Pull the yarn through the ch to secure. We will now begin closing the bottom of the pumpkin.

  • Insert the yarn through the tapestry needle to begin sewing the bottom. Pull the needle and yarn through the end of each previously worked row. As you stitch, pull the yarn tight to ensure that the bottom is fully closed. Continue around, and pull tight as you go. Do not cut the yarn. Once the bottom of the pumpkin is closed, begin stuffing the pumpkin.
  • Pull the yarn through the bottom hole of the pumpkin and insert it into the top edge of the pumpkin. Begin sewing the top shut, just as we did to the bottom. Pull tight and continue around.
  • Once the top is closed, we will create the pumpkin shaping. Insert your needle into the top hole, pushing the pumpkin down to pull the needle out of the bottom. Stitch tightly so that the pumpkin maintains this shape. Repeat 2-3 more times.

Stem

Form a magic ring

Round 1: Sc 5 (5 sts)

Round 2: 2 Sc inc x5 (10 sts)

Round 3-6: Sc around (10 sts)

Stuff the stem and tie off, leaving a long end to sew the stem to the pumpkin. Using the tapestry needle, stitch the stem through the top hole of the pumpkin.

You have now finished your lumpy crochet pumpkin! I hope you’ve enjoyed this pattern and your new piece of fall decor. It makes my day to see your finished patterns on Instagram and Pinterest, so don’t be afraid to share them and tag me! Wishing you a cozy and relaxing fall season.

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