Have you ever noticed those small decorative crochet pumpkins that appear when the leaves start to change? They can feel a little cutesy and a bit granny-chic. Today I’m reimagining them with a modern, oversized knit pumpkin DIY that feels fresh and grown-up.
This project isn’t traditional crochet or needle knitting — it’s finger knitting. And the best part: it’s quick and simple.
Skip the needles and grab some chunky yarn. Making a giant knit pumpkin is easier than you’d expect, and you can adapt the look to suit any seasonal decor.
The stem is the only piece you’ll actually hand-knit; the body comes from a ready-made pouf.
Here’s the secret: the only knitted component you need to make is the stem. The pumpkin body is actually a knit ottoman pouf purchased separately, so assembly is fast and the finished pumpkin can double as seasonal decor or a functional ottoman when you remove the stem.
Materials for Giant Knit Pumpkin DIY
- knit ottoman pouf (available in many colors)
- chunky yarn for the stem (color of your choice)
- scissors
How to Make a Giant Knit Pumpkin
Step 1: Make a slip knot.
Create a slip knot and place it around the thumb of your non-dominant hand. This will anchor the finger knitting.
Step 2: Weave the yarn around your fingers (omit the thumb).
Bring the yarn behind your pointer finger and weave it forward and back around each finger in sequence. Continue to your pinky, wrap it, then alternate back toward the pointer finger. Repeat so you have two rows of loops around each finger.
Step 3: Knit the first row.
Starting with the pointer finger, pull the bottom loop over the top loop and off the finger, guiding it to the back of your hand. Repeat this action on each finger to form the knitted row.
Step 4: Add another row of loops.
After you’ve worked the first row, you’ll have a single loop on each finger. Add another row of loops by repeating the weaving pattern (toward the pinky and back to the pointer) so you can continue knitting.
Step 5: Repeat steps 3 and 4.
Continue knitting rows until your finger-knitted tube reaches approximately 20 inches long, or the length desired for your pumpkin stem.
Step 6: Secure the end and attach the stem.
Remove the loops from your fingers, thread the working yarn through the remaining loops, and pull tight to secure. Trim any excess yarn, then attach the finished stem to the center of the ottoman pouf. You can sew or knot it in place so it sits securely.
And that’s it — a giant knit pumpkin in minutes. The neutral, oversized knit makes a cozy seasonal statement without being overly cutesy. These pumpkins look great grouped on a porch, used as a soft seat in a living room, or placed in a child’s room for a warm, organic accent.
How to Make a Giant Knit Pumpkin
Equipment
- knit ottoman pouf (choose any color)
- chunky yarn for the stem
- scissors
Instructions
Step 1: Make a slip knot.
- Create a slip knot and place it around the thumb of your non-dominant hand.
Step 2: Weave the yarn around your fingers (omit your thumb).
- Bring the yarn behind your pointer finger and weave forward and back around each finger.
- When you reach the pinky, wrap it and continue the alternating weave back to the pointer.
- Repeat so you have two rows of loops around each finger.
Step 3: Continue weaving.
- Starting with the pointer finger, pull the bottom loop over the top loop and off the finger, guiding it to the back of your hand.
- Repeat on each finger to complete the knitted row.
Step 4: Add another row of loops.
- You should now have one loop on each finger; add another row of loops by repeating the weaving pattern.
Step 5: Continue steps 3 and 4.
- Repeat until the knitted tube is about 20 inches long or the length you prefer for the stem.
Step 6: Remove loops and secure the weaving.
- Remove the loops from your fingers, thread the working yarn through the loops, and pull tight to secure the end.
- Attach the finished stem to the center of the pouf using a sturdy knot or a few stitches so it stays in place.
- Enjoy your giant knit pumpkin as seasonal decor or a versatile ottoman after removing the stem.
Photography: Cori Maass
Would you make a giant knit pumpkin? Share whether you love or pass on this idea — it’s an easy, modern twist on classic fall decor.
