How to Make Velvet Pumpkins

November 10, 2016
Velvet pumpkins tutorial, Lori Kennedy

Velvet pumpkins tutorial, Lori Kennedy

Good Morning, Quilters, Crafters and Autumn-Lovers!

Several weeks ago, at a family party, we made more than 30 velvet pumpkins.  By putting our heads together, we tried several methods to refine our process.  I think you are going to love these gorgeous table decorations.  They pair well with quilts, make great gifts and are fun to make as a group project.

 

THE SUPPLY LIST

 

Velvet pumpkins tutorial, Lori Kennedy

Velvet-Look for velvet with good drape and rich color.  (Or for a different look, try wool?)

We used Silk-Rayon Velvet from Treadle Yard Goods in St. Paul, MN.  (Between $25-35/yard)  It is available online from several sources, if YOU have a source you recommend, please leave a link in today’s comments.

You will need a minimum of 1/4 yard–for small pumpkins, up to 2/3 yard for larger pumpkins.  Each piece of fabric will yield multiple pumpkins in a variety of sizes.

Velvet pumpkins tutorial, Lori Kennedy

Pumpkin Stems-Last year, after the first frost, we obtained two large bags of pumpkin stems from a local farmer’s field.  Once the pumpkins freeze, the stems are easy to remove.  Check out a local farmer or garden center and ask for their leftover pumpkins.  Also, save pumpkin tops, squash stems or use vines or twigs from your trees.  Be creative!

Velvet pumpkins tutorial, Lori Kennedy

More Supplies

  • Rice-buy in bulk–it takes a lot!
  • Strong thread
  • Large hand-sewing needles
  • Scissors
  • Glue gun/glue
  • Marking pen
  • Variety of round plates, bowls, pizza pans

Velvet pumpkins tutorial, Lori Kennedy

STEP BY STEP

Trace and cut out circles from the velvet.  Nine inch diameter minimum….

Velvet pumpkins tutorial, Lori Kennedy

Choose a strong thread…Hand quilting thread, buttonhole twist, or Sulky 12 wt cotton…

Double or triple the thread….If it breaks when you pull it to gather–you have to start over!

Velvet pumpkins tutorial, Lori Kennedy

Stitch a long running stitch 1/4 inch from the raw edge.  (Leave a long tail on the knot to pull later.)

Velvet pumpkins tutorial, Lori Kennedy

Velvet pumpkins tutorial, Lori Kennedy

Pull both ends of the running stitch thread to gather the circle of fabric into a pouch.

Velvet pumpkins tutorial, Lori KennedyFill with rice.  We found that filling the pumpkin quite full looked the best.Velvet pumpkins tutorial, Lori Kennedy

Pull the ends of the running stitch as tight as possible and hand tie in a double knot.
Velvet pumpkins tutorial, Lori Kennedy

Stitch the pumpkin closed.

Velvet pumpkins tutorial, Lori Kennedy

Velvet pumpkins tutorial, Lori Kennedy

Choose a pumpkin stem.

Velvet pumpkins tutorial, Lori Kennedy

Add hot glue to the pumpkin stem.

Velvet pumpkins tutorial, Lori Kennedy

Invert the pumpkin onto the stem (this prevents the hot glue from dripping onto the velvet.)

That’s it!

You have a gorgeous pumpkin!!!

Velvet pumpkins tutorial, Lori Kennedy

Once you get started, you will want a rainbow of pumpkins!

Velvet pumpkins tutorial, Lori Kennedy

Then pair them with your favorite fall quilt!

Velvet pumpkins tutorial, Lori Kennedy

NOTE-We tried inserting the stem into the pumpkin pouch before gathering and glueing…but we found this method easier and we liked how they looked better too!

The hardest part of these adorable pumpkins is finding the velvet and the stems…once you find a source for these-you can make these quickly and easily.

Have fun and send photos!

Happy Autumn!

Lori

PS…All tutorials, images and information are the property of Lori Kennedy at The Inbox Jaunt and are intended for personal use only.  Feel free to re-blog, pin or share with attribution to The Inbox Jaunt.  For all other purposes, please contact me at lckennedy@hotmail.com.  Thanks!

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