Pumpkin Kit

Did you receive one of our Pumpkin kits? 

 

Come sew along with us! 

Kit Contents

• pre-cut round of fabric
• needle
• length of thread
• rectangle of plain brown paper
• double-handful of stuffing

You will need to supply

• hot glue (or other glue as preferred) 
  
• (optional) handful of rice or dry beans for weight
• scissors
  

Skills (or, Can my Kid Do This?)

If you can tie a knot, thread a needle, and do a basic running stitch, you already have all the skills you need to make this craft. 

This is a great beginning sewing project for kids because it is fast and easy, and mistakes are very easily hidden. I have to help my girls with the knots, but they can manage most of the rest.

Instructions

Thread your needle with about an arm's length of thread. Tie a solid knot in the end of the thread

Now grab your fabric round. Beginning from the wrong side of the fabric, insert your needle about 1/4 inch from the end of the circle.

Sew a basic running stitch (in and out, in and out - here's a tutorial if you need a refresher) all the way around the perimeter of the circle.

When you complete the circle, go just one or two stitches farther so there is no gap.  Don't cut your thread or tie off, though! In fact, leave your needle threaded, 'cause you'll need it again.

Begin to pull the thread tight. Your "pumpkin" will begin to take shape before your eyes! (Even if it looks more like a shower cap just now!)

At this point, if you would like to add some weight in the bottom of your pumpkin, a handful of rice or beans could be added to the bottom. 

Otherwise, it's time for the stuffing! Carefully stuff your pumpkin with the entire double-handful provided. Take a moment to shape it and get everything evenly distributed

Now, pull your thread all the way shut. It's really beginning to take shape now! 

At this point you should take several stitches (I hope your needle is still threaded!) criss-crossed around the pucker you made when you pulled the thread tight. Don't worry too much about how it looks, because this is where we'll be gluing the stem. Just make it tight and sturdy. When you're satisfied, tie off - but still Do Not cut the thread! 

 

Right now your pumpkin looks more like a tomato, but that's easily fixed. Take the tail of your thread and wrap it around your pumpkin 3 to 6 times. I like to pass the needle through the center of the bottom of the pumpkin in a tiny stitch so that everything stays put, but this can be skipped. 

When you're happy with your bulges, tie your thread off again at the top of the pumpkin, and (finally) cut it off. Carefully stow your needle for another time. 

Now, for the stem. Find your brown craft paper (shh, it's just a piece of a grocery bag!)

The first thing we're going to do is crumple it. Really. It needs to be distressed and softened, so have fun with it!

Next, roll the paper into a tube until its about the width you want. Finally, twist it up. At some point it will magically begin to look a good deal like a pumpkin stem, but with fewer sharp bits. :) 

 

I use hot glue to attach mine (careful, kids!) but if you are patient I am sure you can get ordinary white glue, E6000, or fabric glue to do the job. 

 

And that's it. One velvet pumpkin, in less time than it took to write this tutorial! 

 

Would you like to make a whole basket-full? All you'll need to pick up at the craft store is some velvet-like fabric and a bag of stuffing. Jo-Ann usually keeps this fabric in their costume area, but their employees can help you find it. 

Hint: Use your largest dinner plate or the cardboard from a frozen pizza to trace the circle. Make them in a couple of different sizes and colors, and have fun!