Rustic Twist, a textured crochet pumpkin pattern

One of my favourite things to admire from other crocheters is the crochet pumpkin patterns. Every year, I pick one and have fun trying out different colour combinations. This year I decided to make one of these veggies and see how it goes. Meet the Rustic Twist Textured Crochet Pumpkin.

About this Textured Crochet Pumpkin

The Rustic Twist Pumpkin is worked in the third loop. So, what is the third loop in crochet?
The third loop is the strand of yarn located just below the back loop of a stitch. When you work into this loop only, the front and back loops are pushed forward, creating a beautiful ridged texture.

In this pattern, because we’re working in rows rather than rounds, the third loop will appear in front of the stitch and slightly below the front loop.

This medium-sized crochet pumpkin is simple yet unique, and it’s easy to customise with your favourite colours to suit your home décor.

• Free pattern: Keep scrolling for the FREE tutorial or purchase the ad-free PDF. Watch the video below and let’s unravel the 3 secrets to crocheting the perfect pumpkin.

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Rustic Twist Textured Crochet Pumpkin

Materials:

• DK yarn
• 3.5 mm crochet hook
• Darning needle
• Scissors
• Stuffing
• Small twig for stem
• Piece of kitenge (ankara) fabric to accessorize

Stitches and terms used:

• Ch= chain
• Sl st= slip stitch
• Sc= single crochet
• Hdc= half double crochet
• Rpt= repeat

Gauge: 13 sts & 6 rows in dc= 4”

Finished size: 4″ across and 4″ tall (including twig)

Notes:

• Read through the pattern from beginning to end before starting your work just to be sure don’t have any questions that might cause frustration while working on the project.
• This pattern is written in US terms. For a conversion into UK terms, get my free eBook with the conversion charts here.
• Please check your gauge and adjust as needed to achieve correct sizing.
• The pattern is worked in the third loop
• Ch 1 doesn’t count as a stitch.
• Stitch count for each size remains the same throughout the pattern.
• The Rustic Twist Textured Crochet Pumpkin is worked flat in rows and seamed together when finished.

Instructions:

With your DK yarn and 3.5 mm hook, ch 25

Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook. sc in each of the next 3 ch, hdc2tog twice, hdc in each of the next 3 ch, 2 hdc in each of the next 2 ch. Hdc in each of the next 3 ch, hdc2tog twice, sc in in the next 3 chs, 2 sc in last ch. (24  sts)

Row 2: Ch 1, turn. In the third loop only (shows up in front and slightly below the front loop), 2 sc in the 1^st st, sc in each of the next 3 sts, hdc2tog twice, hdc in the next 3 sts, 2 hdc in each of the next 2 sts, hdc in each of the next 3 sts, hdc2tog twice. Sc in each of the next 3 sts, 2 sc in the last st. (24 sts)

Row 3-30: Rpt row 2

Finishing

1. To close off your piece, fold in half, ch 1, turn. (Insert your hook through the third loop and the corresponding chain st and work a sl st) across. Fasten off and leave an 8 inch tail for sewing the top closed.

2. Thread your yarn end and insert your darning needle through the ch 1 bumps visible on the ridged sections.

Pull the yarn tight but leave a hole big enough to insert your twig later. After that, tie a knot and weave in your ends.

3. Next, stuff the pumpkin with your stuffing through the bottom opening.

4. In the same way as before, thread a piece of yarn and insert your darning needle through the ch 1 bumps visible on the ridged sections. Pull the yarn tight but don’t leave a hole this time, as this is the bottom of your textured crochet pumpkin.

5. After that, tie a knot and weave in your ends.

6. To create a squashed pumpkin shape, make long stitches that run vertically through the center of your pumpkin, being careful not to close the hole for the twig. Do this 4 times making a + shape. As you are doing this, pull the stitches a bit tight. Knot the yarn and weave in your ends.

7. Insert your twig through the hole at the top and glue it to better secure it in place. Tie your piece of kitenge fabric around the twig and you have yourself a cute Rustic Twist Pumpkin!