Click here for an explanation of stitch abbreviations, and other tips for how to read my patterns.
For this pattern, you need to be familiar with how to do a Front Post Stitch (fps). Doing it into a sc is easier than it sounds: Insert hook into both loops, then insert hook into the BACK of both loops of the NEXT stitch. Then finish like a normal sc.
Identifying stitches when a fps is involved can be a little tricky. Once placed, the stitch afterwards likes to “disappear” behind it. That’s why this pattern involves just skipping that stitch instead of trying to fish it back out.
The pattern:
Start with Orange, Yellow, or other desired main pumpkin color.
1. MC 6sc
2. inc6 (12)
3. (inc, sc)x6 (18)
4. (inc, 2sc)x6 (24)
5. (sc, inc, 2sc)x6 (30)
Be sure your fps always happen in the same stitches every row, very important!
6. (inc, fps, skip next stitch, inc, sc)x6 (36)
7. (inc, sc, fps, skip next stitch, sc, inc)x6 (42)
8. (sc, inc, sc, fps, skip next stitch, sc, inc)x6 (48)
9. (2inc, 2sc, fps, skip next stitch, 2sc)x6 (54)
(If you want an even bigger pumpkin, skip to the appendix now)
10. (6sc, fps, skip next stitch, inc)x6 (54)
11 – 13. Repeat Row 10
Repeat up to 5 more times for a taller pumpkin
14. (6sc, fps, skip next stitch, 1sc)x6 (48)
15. (6sc, fps, skip next stitch)x6 (42)
16. (5sc, fps, skip next stitch)x6, sc (36)
17. (4sc, fps, skip next stitch)x6, sc (30)
18. (3sc, fps, skip next stitch)x6, sc (24)
19. (2sc, fps, skip next stitch)x6, sc (18)
20. (sc, fps, skip next stitch)x7 (yes, seven, so the end of the row moves here) (12)
Stuff firmly. Switch to green (or brown or grey). Leave a long tail behind in orange (or whatever your main color is)
21. (fps, skip next stitch)x6 (6)
22-23. 6sc
24. hdc, dc, tb, ch3, slp to previous tb, dc, hdc
slp stitch into the post of the previous row, then again in the row before that.
25. loosely ch 9
26. skip first chain (turning chain), (3sc in one stitch)x8
slp into the base of the stem. tie off.
Use the orange tail to close up row 18. Then pull it through the middle of the pumpkin down to row 1, pull tight, and tie it to a stitch in row 1. Pull up through the top and the bottom again a few more times, if needed, to make the right shape.
Appendix
1. (2sc, inc, 3sc, fps, skip next stitch, inc)x6 (60)
2. (3sc, inc, 3sc, fps, skip next stitch, inc)x6 (66)
3. (8sc, fps, skip next stitch, inc)x6 (66)
4-6. Repeat Row 3
7. (8sc, fps, skip next stitch, 2sc)x6 (60)
8. (7sc, fps, skip next stitch, 2sc)x6 (54)
Proceed to row 13 above