Free Crochet Pattern: Popcorn Pumpkin Pattern
I don’t know about you but pumpkins are one of my all time favorite crochet projects. They work up amazingly fast, are endlessly customizable and add a great touch to your fall decor. While there are about a million pumpkin patterns out there, this one is truly special with it’s unique texture of popcorn stitches. This is one project that you’ll be coming back to year after year because it’s just so fun to make! Scroll down to check out this free crochet pattern: Popcorn Pumpkin pattern.
©2025 cbfiberworks. This pattern or it’s parts are not allowed to be redistributed, copied or resold. Any items handmade by you from this pattern may be sold, but please credit me (cbfiberworks) as the designer.
This pattern was updated as of September 5, 2025.
Free Crochet Pattern: Popcorn Pumpkin
Tester Photos
This pattern has been tested by an awesome group of crocheters and tech edited by the wonderful Candice Klyne! Check out their beautiful projects below:
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Project Materials
- Yarn: Wool of the Andes Worsted (1 skein)
- Color A: Maple Heather (99yds)
- 3.00mm hook
- Poly-fill
- Tapestry Needle
- Scissors
- Twig or cinnamon stick (optional)
- Hot glue gun/glue sticks (optional)
Stitch Abbreviations
(**) – See Project Notes section
- Sc – single crochet
- St(s) – stitch(es)
- Ch – chain
- Pc – popcorn stitch (**)
- BL – back loop
- RS – Right side
- WS – Wrong side
- (#) – the number inside is the stitch count for the Rnd/Row
Project Notes
- Final dimensions: H: 4in. x W: 4in.
- This project is written in US terminology.
- This project is worked flat and sewn into shape.
- Popcorn stitch: work 4sc into one stitch, remove the hook, insert the hook into the first sc, reach over to your working loop and pull it through the first sc, ch 1.
- Gauge: Gauge is not vital to this pattern, but if you’d like to create a pumpkin the same size as mine, follow the gauge below.
- Ch 24
- Follow the pattern, starting with Row 1 and repeating Rows 2-7 for a total of 25 rows to measure: 4in. x 4in.
- Customization options:
- Stitch Multiples: Start with any EVEN number of chains, so that when you work the foundation row, you end up with an ODD number of sts. The length of your initial chain determines the height of your pumpkin.
- Row Repeat: The repeat is Rows 2-7. The length created by working this repeat over and over determines the width of your pumpkin.
Popcorn Pumpkin
NOTE: The ch 1 when you turn does not count as a stitch. Work Row 1 into the back bump of the chain for a cleaner edge.
Ch 30
Row 1 (RS): starting in the second ch from the hook: 29sc. (29)
From here on, ALL sts are worked in the back loop, including the pc.
Row 2 (WS): BL only: ch 1, turn, [sc, pc] 14 times, sc. (29)
Row 3 (RS): BL only: ch 1, turn, sc across. (29)
Row 4 (WS): BL only: ch 1, turn, [sc, pc] 14 times, sc. (29)
Rows 5-7: BL only: ch 1, turn, sc across. (29) (3 rows)
From here, repeat Rows 2-7 until your pumpkin is as wide as you want. When working your last row repeat, after your last pc st row, only work 2 rows of sc instead of 3.
For my project, I worked a total of 60 rows, measuring 8.5in.
Fasten off with a long tail (approx. 30-40in.).
Assembly
Fold your piece over so the popcorns are on the inside and with the foundation row lined up with the final BLsc row.
With the foundation row closest to you, insert your tapestry needle from the front to back under both loops of the foundation row and the back loop of the final row. Repeat this step for every stitch along the edge.
When you get to the end, tie off a knot along the edge and flip your work right side out.
Using the same tail, thread your tapestry needle in and out along the top edge all the way around. Pull tightly, but be careful not to break your yarn. Keep weaving in and out along the top edge until the hole is cinched closed.
Once the hole is closed, thread the yarn through the center to the open end of the pumpkin. Tie a knot on the opposite edge to keep the pumpkin from cinching unevenly on one side.
Stuff the pumpkin. Make sure to stuff the pumpkin fairly full, but not bursting, since we’ll be compressing it.
Thread the yarn through the edge of the open end of the pumpkin, working all the way around. Continue threading the yarn around the edge, pulling as you go, until the hole is cinched closed.
Tie a knot to secure. Then insert your needle down through the center and push it out through the center on the other side of your pumpkin.
NOTE: This may be difficult depending on the size of your pumpkin, so use a support or pliers if you’re having trouble.
Insert your needle back through the center and out the other side, pulling tight to compress the centers of the pumpkin.
Repeat this step 3-4 times or until the center of the pumpkin is compressed down. Tie another knot or two to secure the yarn. Weave the remaining yarn tail inside the pumpkin.
Stem
OPTIONAL: You can customize the stem of your pumpkin by using other materials such as small twigs or even crocheting a stem.
For my project I used a cinnamon stick and hot glue to secure it in place. If you’re going to use hot glue, make sure to work on a heat-safe surface.
Put a generous amount of glue on the bottom of your chosen stem and then press it down into the center of the pumpkin. Hold it there for at least 30 seconds so it can set.
OPTIONAL: If you want to decorate your pumpkin a bit more, you can tie a bow on the stem with a bit of twine or ribbon. Or you can add some crochet vines. There’s lots of ways to make your new Popcorn Pumpkin unique to your personal style.
Summary
I’m telling you, this pattern is addicting. I really only meant to make 2 of these for photos for this design and now I’m working on my 5th one!
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This adorable pumpkin is constructed a little different than my typical designs, but if you’re interested in more fun free patterns, check out:
- Beginner-friendly: Nico the Narwhal
- Intermediate: Sammie the Turtle
Thank you so much. These look adorable. I’ve been looking for pumpkins that are a little different and these loo perfect.
I’m so glad you like them! They’re super easy and fun to make!
what does “pc” stand for???
It stands for Popcorn stitch. If you check the Stitch Abbreviation and Project Notes section, it explains how to create this stitch. (Normally it’s worked with a double crochet, but this pattern uses an alternate version with single crochet.)
I love the pumpkin but I’m having a hard time pushing my needle through the stuffing to compress the pumpkin. Any tips? THANKS!
I’ve definitely had this problem before! You could wear a metal thimble on the finger your use to push the needle through and then use pliers to pull it the rest of the way. If you don’t have a thimble, sometimes I use the corner of my table as leverage and push the needle through that way. I hope this helps!
You’re a genius! That worked! Thanks – I love the pumpkin!
Yay, I’m so glad! Thank you!
Hi, I can’t seem to get the numbers to work out! Do you go into the first stitch from the hook on every row?
Hi Julia! Yes, for each row, you will ch 1 and turn. Then work into the very first st from the hook since that ch 1 does not count as a stitch. I hope this helps, but if you have any other questions feel free to email me at chanel@cbfiberworks.com.
Is there a double crochet after every popcorn stitch? Doesn’t it make 29 stitches when done 14 times?
Hi! This pattern is in US terms, so you would be working first a back loop single crochet, then a back loop popcorn stitch. These two stitches are repeated 14 times, followed by a final back loop single crochet to make the total stitch count 29.