How to Make a Primitive Folk Art Pumpkin

An Easy Fall Holiday Craft

Oct 16, 2009

Primitive crafts add one-of-a-kind distinction to your decorating style. These easy pumpkins will add a special touch to your fall and Halloween decorating.

Primitive decorating is a combination of Early American, Country Style, and Folk Art, is making a foothold in homes across the country. This simple and pleasing style adds a special warmth to your home that only handmade items can lend.

While primitives are readily available for purchase, this unique style can be obtained by anyone willing to put an effort into their crafting skills. These easy-to-make fabric pumpkins transition effortlessly from Halloween to Thanksgiving displays.

Items You Will Need

Cutting the Pattern

To make the pattern, draw a 6"x8" rectangle on a sheet of paper. Cut out pattern and round off two corresponding corners of the six-inch width. This will be the bottom of the pumpkin and give the pumpkin a nice shape.

Making sure that material is on a flat surface and wrinkle-free, lay pattern on top of material and pin. Cut out the rectangle, making sure to round the bottom edges.

Assembling the Pumpkin

Turn material so that the right sides of the fabric face each other and pin them together. Begin hand stitching down the side of the rectangle, then across the bottom, and up the other side, keeping within one quarter inch of the edge. Tie off the stitching and turn the bag right side out.

Pour the cup of dry beans into the pumpkin, spreading them evenly across the bottom. The beans will give the pumpkin stability and make it sit up on its own. Now stuff the pumpkin loosely with polyester stuffing, or wads of paper for a more primitive style.

Gather top of pumpkin together and inserting the stem (stick), tie the top with a piece of twine. Tie securely and cut off any extra twine. Now that the pumpkin is tied, begin to work on the shape, pulling and pushing in the fabric, until it has a decorative pumpkin-like shape.

Final Touches

Drape and arrange the Spanish moss around the top of pumpkin. The moss can be glued, if desired, or loosely arranged. If preferred, use silk leaves sewn to the base of the pumpkin stem; or create leaves by cutting them from green or brown felt fabric using a leaf pattern.

Tie a grungy, primitive tag with a fun message around the pumpkin's stem as a unique touch.

Pumpkins can be made any size by varying the size of the rectangle pattern. These primitive pumpkins are especially effective when displayed in a group.

The copyright of the article How to Make a Primitive Folk Art Pumpkin in Crafts is owned by Mary Briggs. Permission to republish How to Make a Primitive Folk Art Pumpkin in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.