While organizing my craft room on a quiet Sunday afternoon, I found a couple of partial skeins of soft plush yarn tucked away in one of my storage bins. The bright orange and forest green shades immediately made me think of crisp autumn weather and harvest decorations for the home. I set aside my bigger projects, grabbed my favorite hook, and spent a relaxing afternoon stitching up this adorable little character. It came together so smoothly, and the cute embroidered details give it such a warm, friendly face. I am so happy to share this Free Amigurumi Pattern Cute Pumpkin Plush today so you can make your very own plush pumpkin to brighten up any corner of your home.

Materials Needed

• HIMALAYA DOLPHIN BABY (main color, orange, I used #316) – a little over half a skein
• YarnArt Dolce Baby (green, I used #772) – 1/5 skein
• Crochet hook (I used size 3.5 mm)
• Stuffing
• Safety eyes (I used 30 mm)
• Scissors, stitch markers, needle, and black thread for embroidering eyebrows and mouth

Finished Size

The size of the toy depends on the hook and yarn you use. When crocheting with HIMALAYA DOLPHIN BABY yarn and a 3.5 mm hook, the toy turns out ~ 9 cm in height (without the stem) and ~ 13 cm in diameter.

Abbreviations

• MR – Magic ring
• ch – Chain stitch
• sc – Single crochet
• inc – Increase
• dec – Decrease
• A – Arch, worked as 3 ch and joined in the same place where the last sc was worked
• sl st – Slip stitch

Pattern Notes

If it is difficult for you to make a magic ring out of plush yarn, you can do this: chain 2 and into the second chain from the hook work 6 sc, join with a sl st to the first stitch.

Pattern Instructions

Pumpkin

1. 7 sc in MR
2. 7 inc (14)
3. (1 sc, inc)*7 (21)
4. (2 sc, inc)*7 (28)
5. (3 sc, inc)*7 (35)
6. 2 sc, inc, (4 sc, inc)*6, 2 sc (42)
7. (5 sc, inc)*7 (49)
8. 3 sc, inc, (6 sc, inc)*6, 3 sc (56)
9. (7 sc, inc)*7 (63)
10. 4 sc, inc, (8 sc, inc)*6, 4 sc (70)
11. (9 sc, inc)*7 (77) 12-20. 77 sc (9 rounds)

In the sixteenth round, work every 11th stitch into the back loop only and place a marker (this is needed so that the thread does not drift to the side when shaping the pumpkin). (11, 22, 33, 44, 55, 66, 77)

Insert safety eyes between rounds 13 and 14, with ~ 7-8 sc between the eyes (note that the shaping/sculpting will pass between the eyes).

21. (9 sc, dec)*7 (70)
22. 4 sc, dec, (8 sc, dec)*6, 4 sc (63)
23. (7 sc, dec)*7 (56)
24. 3 sc, dec, (6 sc, dec)*6, 3 sc (49)
25. (5 sc, dec)*7 (42)
26. 2 sc, dec, (4 sc, dec)*6, 2 sc (35)
27. (3 sc, dec)*7 (28)
28. (2 sc, dec)*7 (21)
29. (1 sc, dec)*7 (14)
30. 7 dec, leave a longer thread (for shaping) and cut.

Stem

1. 6 sc in MR 2-4. 6 sc (3 rounds)
2. (1 sc, inc)*3 (9)
3. 9 sc
4. (1 sc, inc)*4, 1 sc (13)
5. inc, (2 sc, inc)*4 (18) sl st, cut thread, fasten off

Curlicues

1st curlicue: 15 ch, starting from 2nd chain from hook 14 sl st, cut thread, fasten off

2nd curlicue: 21 ch, starting from 2nd chain from hook 20 sl st, cut thread, fasten off

Leaf

1. 7 ch, in 2nd from hook 6 sc, A
2. 4 sc, ch, turn, 5 sc, 1 sc in A, A
3. 1 sc in A, 4 sc, ch, turn, 6 sc, 1 sc in A, A
4. 1 sc in A, 2 sc, 5 ch, in 2nd from hook 8 sc, 1 sc in A, A
5. 1 sc in A, 2 sc, 5 ch, in 2nd from hook 8 sc, 1 sc in A, A
6. 1 sc in A, 7 sc, ch, turn, 9 sc, 1 sc in A, A
7. 1 sc in A, 7 sc, ch, turn, 9 sc, 1 sl st, cut thread

Assembly

Do the shaping. Sew on curlicues, leaf, and stem. Pumpkin is ready!

Tips for Success

• Mark your back loops carefully: In round 16, make sure to place stitch markers in every 11th back loop so you have clear guides when pulling your shaping yarn to create the classic pumpkin ridges.
• Use strong yarn for shaping: Plush yarn can snap if you pull too hard while creating the pumpkin sections, so consider using a smooth, strong cotton yarn or heavy thread in a matching orange color for the deep shaping stitches.
• Secure large eyes tightly: Because 30 mm safety eyes are quite large, ensure the back washers are snapped on firmly before you begin stuffing the body.
• Stuff evenly for a plump shape: Add fiberfill gradually as you work the decrease rounds, pushing it toward the outer edges so your pumpkin holds a broad, rounded shape without lumps.
• Keep tension firm on curlicues: Working slip stitches down a foundation chain can feel a bit tight, but maintaining firm tension ensures the green vines curl into tidy spirals naturally.
• Take time positioning the face: Before embroidering the mouth and eyebrows, place pins to test out different expressions until you find the friendly look you like best.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use standard worsted weight acrylic yarn instead of plush yarn?

Yes, you can use regular medium weight yarn with a 2.5 mm or 3.0 mm hook, which will result in a slightly smaller, firmer pumpkin plush.

What should I do if my magic ring breaks when using plush yarn?

Plush yarn can sometimes snap when pulled tight. Alternatively, chain 2 and work your initial single crochet stitches into the second chain from the hook, then slip stitch to join.

How do I pull the deep pumpkin grooves during assembly?

Wrap your long yarn tail from the bottom center up to the top center, lining it up with your back loop markers from round 16, then pull tightly and knot inside the center to form each ridge.

Are 30 mm safety eyes required for this project?

While 30 mm eyes give this pattern its signature big-eyed look, you can easily substitute 20 mm or 24 mm eyes if that is what you have available in your craft stash.

Do I need to stuff the green stem or leaf?

The stem can be lightly stuffed with a tiny piece of fiberfill to help it stand up straight, but the leaf and curlicues should be left flat so they lay nicely against the pumpkin.

Conclusion

Making this Free Amigurumi Pattern Cute Pumpkin Plush is such a satisfying, quick project that brings a touch of cozy handmade charm to your home decor. Whether you place yours on a mantle or craft a few as gifts for family and friends, I hope you enjoy every single stitch. Happy crocheting!