Sweater Pumpkin DIY

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Sweaters are so cozy, and they make adorable sweater pumpkins. I decided to make a few to herald in the fall season.

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A few years ago, I made some thrift store shirt pumpkins (see them HERE), and they were all the rage. While I was in Goodwill, I purchased some sweaters too. However, I was too scared to make sweater pumpkins.

🍂🍂 I have included more FALL DIY inspiration right after this post. 🍂🍂

How to Make Sweater Pumpkins

 

This DIY will only take a few minutes to make, so I like to make a few at a time. 

I purchased the Goodwill thrift store sweaters on a Wednesday since they offer a senior discount (getting older does have a few advantages).

Since I wanted a collection of cozy sweater pumpkins, I choose neutral tones of sweaters. I like to wash them and add fabric softener for an added softness.

Pumpkin Sweater Supplies

• Sweaters
• Foam pumpkins 
• Leaf pattern printout
• Jute Twine
• Rope
• Raffia
• Burlap or burlap ribbon
• 2 rubber bands
• Scissors
• Hot Gun 
• Measuring tape
• Knife

When I purchased my pumpkins, they were bright orange, so I painted them with chalk paint. I was afraid they would be seen through the knitting. 

 

Measure and Cut Sweater Fabric

To be sure I have a long enough piece of the sweater sleeve, and I measure my pumpkin from the center top to the center 0f the bottom. That is the halfway-around measurement of the pumpkin. To this measurement, I add about 4 inches. 

Note some of the fabric will be the bottom seam and the stem.

Place your pumpkin next to the sleeve to be double sure it is long enough before cutting. 

Note: measure twice cut once!

 

 

Covering the Pumpkin 

To cover the foam pumpkin turn the cut sleeve piece inside out. Then tie off the cut end with a rubber band or piece of twine. 

Next, using a knife to carefully cut a small hole in the bottom of the pumpkin. 

Note: cut the hole smaller than you think you need. You can cut it larger if needed, but keeping it snug is better than too large.

 

Place the cut end of your sweater fabric into the hole. Then, gently push the sweater into the hole up to the rubber band. 

Note: you can cut the hole a little larger if the sweater does not fit. 

Gently pull the sweater over the foam pumpkin while turning the sleeve. Secure the opening with another rubber band or twine.

How to Make a Twine Pumpkin Stem

This was so much fun to make. I have used stems off a tree in my yard to make my pumpkin stems in the past, but I wanted a different look this time.

I am so glad I did!

To begin making the twine stem, I placed a dot of hot glue on the rubber and then started wrapping the twine around, keeping it tight.

I added a dot of hot glue to every other wrapped row.

Once I liked the height of the stem, I carefully cut off the extra fabric. 

To cover the cut edge of the knit ran a line of hot glue around the edge and wrapped one row of twine around it. 

Then I added a dot of glue and coiled the twine to cover the top of the stem.

Decorating 

This is my favorite part! Adding twine for the vine’s, leaves made from burlap, and a raffia bow.

The sweater pumpkin is cute without any embellishment, but this is not less is more situation; therefore, I will be adding some fun elements. 

I unraveled about 9 inches of rope to use for the tendrils. 

To make the leaves, I used this burlap ribbon I had on hand. Then I cut the leaves out of the ribbon using sharp scissors. 

Now to make more pumpkins with the rest of my sweaters. I want to make a mini pumpkin patch of cozy sweater pumpkins.

🎃For your convenience, I have gathered all my fall decorating finds HERE.

I plan to use the front and back of the sweaters to make small pumpkins with this fabric pumpkin pattern.

 

🍂🍂I have gathered some favorite bloggers (yours and mine!) to bring you lots of amazing FALL Inspiration. With all these amazing ideas, you are bound to walk away with tons of ideas!🍂🍂

Next on tour is my friend, Rebecca, from the Zucchini Sisters blog. I love the way she decorated her foam pumpkin with vintage buttons. It could be used anywhere to add some fall vibe. Be sure to check it out along with all the other amazing bloggers below.

Thank you so much for stopping by today. I hope you found some easy and quick fall inspiration. Please join the Fall Newsletter to get all the inspiration delivered to your inbox. I love keeping in touch, so please say hello in the comments below.

See you soon, 

Kippi

 

Ps. You can find this post and other inspiring ideas at Between Naps on the Porch