The Harvest Moon Tunisian Pumpkin: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Heirloom-Quality Fall Decoration

The Harvest Moon Tunisian Pumpkin: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Heirloom-Quality Fall Decoration

This isn't your average pumpkin; it's a deeply textured, modern heirloom piece crafted with the unique Tunisian crochet technique. The Harvest Moon Pumpkin features a stunning interplay of rich, autumnal colors and a sculptural, ribbed form that will elevate any seasonal display. Whether you're a seasoned crocheter looking for a new challenge or a beginner eager to try Tunisian crochet, this pattern will guide you through creating a beautiful, lasting decoration.

Materials Needed

To create your own Harvest Moon Pumpkin, gather the following materials:

• Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) yarn in three colors:
  • Color A (Deep Rust Orange): 100g (Sample used Lion Brand Wool-Ease in Pumpkin)
  • Color B (Creamy Ivory): 50g (Sample used Lion Brand Wool-Ease in Fisherman)
  • Color C (Sage Green): 20g (Sample used Lion Brand Wool-Ease in Fern)
• Hook/Needle:
  • Tunisian crochet hook in size 6.0mm (US J/10) with a 12-inch cable
  • Standard crochet hook in size 5.0mm (US H/8) for the stem and leaf
• Gauge: 14 stitches and 12 rows in Tunisian Simple Stitch = 4 inches (10 cm). Gauge is not critical for this project, but consistency will ensure even shaping.
• Additional: Tapestry needle, fiberfill stuffing, scissors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Notes

This pattern is worked in Tunisian crochet in the round using the Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS) unless otherwise noted. The pumpkin is built from the bottom up, with increases to create the rounded shape, then decreases to form the top. The stem and leaf are worked separately and sewn on.

Abbreviations (Tunisian Crochet)

• TSS: Tunisian Simple Stitch (insert hook under front vertical bar, yarn over, pull up a loop)
• TKS: Tunisian Knit Stitch (insert hook between front and back vertical bars, yarn over, pull up a loop)
• Inc: Increase (work 2 TSS in the same stitch)
• Dec: Decrease (work 2 TSS together)
• Ret: Return pass (yarn over, pull through one loop, *yarn over, pull through two loops* repeat across)
• MR: Magic Ring (for standard crochet)
• sc: single crochet (standard crochet)
• ch: chain
• sl st: slip stitch

Pumpkin Body (Make 1)

Using Color A (Rust Orange) and Tunisian hook.

• Round 1: Ch 2, work 6 TSS into the second chain from hook. Do not join. Work in a spiral. (6 stitches)
• Round 2: Inc in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
• Round 3: *Inc, TSS in next stitch* repeat around. (18 stitches)
• Round 4: *Inc, TSS in next 2 stitches* repeat around. (24 stitches)
• Round 5: *Inc, TSS in next 3 stitches* repeat around. (30 stitches)
• Round 6: *Inc, TSS in next 4 stitches* repeat around. (36 stitches)
• Round 7: *Inc, TSS in next 5 stitches* repeat around. (42 stitches)
• Round 8: *Inc, TSS in next 6 stitches* repeat around. (48 stitches)
• Round 9: *Inc, TSS in next 7 stitches* repeat around. (54 stitches)
• Round 10: *Inc, TSS in next 8 stitches* repeat around. (60 stitches)
• Rounds 11-20: TSS in each stitch around. (60 stitches) - This creates the main body height.
• Round 21: *Dec, TSS in next 8 stitches* repeat around. (54 stitches)
• Round 22: *Dec, TSS in next 7 stitches* repeat around. (48 stitches)
• Round 23: *Dec, TSS in next 6 stitches* repeat around. (42 stitches)
• Round 24: *Dec, TSS in next 5 stitches* repeat around. (36 stitches)
• Round 25: *Dec, TSS in next 4 stitches* repeat around. (30 stitches)
• Round 26: *Dec, TSS in next 3 stitches* repeat around. (24 stitches)
• Round 27: *Dec, TSS in next 2 stitches* repeat around. (18 stitches)
• Round 28: *Dec, TSS in next stitch* repeat around. (12 stitches)
• Round 29: Dec around. (6 stitches)
• Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Use a tapestry needle to weave the tail through the remaining 6 stitches and pull tight to close the top. Weave in end.

Shaping the Segments

Using a long strand of Color A and a tapestry needle, thread from the bottom center to the top center. Pull gently to create a slight indentation. Repeat this 5 more times around the pumpkin, spacing them evenly to create 6 distinct segments. Tie off securely at the top and bottom.

Stem (Make 1)

Using Color C (Sage Green) and standard crochet hook (5.0mm).

• Round 1: MR, work 6 sc into the ring. (6 stitches)
• Round 2: *sc in next stitch, 2 sc in next stitch* repeat around. (9 stitches)
• Rounds 3-6: sc in each stitch around. (9 stitches)
• Round 7: *sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch* repeat around. (12 stitches)
• Rounds 8-9: sc in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
• Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Stuff the stem lightly with fiberfill. Sew the stem to the top center of the pumpkin.

Leaf (Make 1)

Using Color C (Sage Green) and standard crochet hook (5.0mm).

• Ch 8.
• Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next, dc in next 3, hdc in next, sc in last. Ch 1, turn.
• Row 2: sc in first stitch, hdc in next, dc in next 3, hdc in next, sc in last. Ch 1, turn.
• Row 3: sc in first stitch, hdc in next, dc in next 3, hdc in next, sc in last. Fasten off, leaving a tail.
• Sew the leaf to the base of the stem.

Finishing

Weave in all ends. Gently shape the pumpkin by pushing the bottom flat. Optionally, add a small amount of fiberfill to the bottom for extra stability.