Materials & tools you'll need

Worsted weight yarn — gold gives an autumn look, or use orange for a classic pumpkin colour · 5mm crochet hook (an aluminum hook is used in the tutorial) · Scissors · Yarn needle, for weaving in ends · Optional: green yarn for a vine detail, black yarn for a face

Step 1 — Start the base

Make a slip knot and chain 24. Join the chain into a round with a slip stitch at the first chain. Chain three (counts as your first double crochet), then double crochet into every stitch around to complete the first round.

Step 2 — Establish the ribbing

Chain three to start the round. Work front post double crochet (fpdc) into the next two stitches, then back post double crochet (bpdc) into the following stitch. Repeat this pattern — two fpdc, one bpdc — all the way around. Close the round with a slip stitch and chain three. This alternating pattern is what creates the raised, vein-like ribs running down the sides of the pumpkin.

Step 3 — Continue the ribbed rounds and expand

For the next several rounds, keep working fpdc into the stitches where fpdc appeared below, and bpdc into the stitches where bpdc appeared below — this keeps your ribs lining up as they grow. On these rounds, widen the shape only at the front post stitches, which gradually builds the round, bulbous body of the pumpkin while the back post ribs stay narrow. Continue this pattern for a few rounds until the body feels full and rounded.

Step 4 — Begin shaping the top

Start narrowing the top of the pumpkin by skipping the middle stitch of each three-stitch fpdc group as you work around, while continuing to work bpdc into the stitches between as before. Skipping that middle stitch begins pulling the top of the pumpkin inward, giving it the squat, rounded silhouette of a mini pumpkin.

Step 5 — Shrink and close the top

Continue decreasing by working front post double crochet two together in place of your fpdc groups, keeping a bpdc stitch between each decrease as before. Repeat this shrinking pattern round after round, tapering the opening at the top of the pumpkin until it closes up. Fasten off, leaving a tail, and weave in any other loose ends around the piece.

Step 6 — Add the stem and finishing touches

Using the tail left at the closed top, tuck it down into the body of the pumpkin and pull it back up through the center to form a short stem, then secure it. If you'd like a vine detail, crochet a length of chain stitch in green yarn and weave it behind the ribs around the top of the pumpkin, finishing with a small bow. For a Halloween-ready face, stitch on simple eyes and a mouth using black yarn. Your finished ribbed pumpkin decoration is ready to display among your autumn décor.

Frequently asked questions

What techniques are used to crochet the ribbed pumpkin decoration?
The pumpkin is built using front post double crochet (fpdc) and back post double crochet (bpdc), along with regular double crochet. Alternating fpdc and bpdc creates raised ribs down the sides, and expanding rounds at the front posts followed by shrinking rounds shape the bulbous pumpkin body.

How can I customize my crochet pumpkin decoration?
You can add a spooky touch with black yarn eyes and a mouth for a Halloween face. You can also weave a chain of green yarn behind the ribs to create a vine effect and finish it off as a bow on top of the pumpkin.

What size will my finished crochet pumpkin be?
Worked in worsted weight yarn with a 5mm hook, the finished pumpkin measures approximately 6cm (2.36 inches) in height and 8cm (3.15 inches) in diameter — a squat, mini pumpkin size similar to what you'd find at a grocery store.

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