Step-by-Step Tutorial for Sweater Pumpkins (using the body of the sweater) 

Choose Your Sweater from the Thrift Store:

• When choosing sweaters to make a thrifted sweater pumpkin, consider the colors and textures you want to incorporate. Mix different colors and textures for added interest, like I did. I used a natural-colored, heavy cotton cable knit sweater and a light pink Alpaca sweater for a soft, cozy look.

Cut the Sweater:

• Create a round pattern using a paper bag depending on the size of the pumpkin you want. Here are a few different sizes you can use: a 13" circle to get a 7" pumpkin. If you want a large pumpkin,10 inches, make your circle pattern 18"; if you want a smaller pumpkin, around 5", make the pattern approximately 9".  
• Trace the pattern onto the sweater fabric (front or back of the sweater).
• Using sharp fabric scissors, cut the circle of fabric out. 

Stitch the Sweater Circle:

• Using a yarn needle, put the end of the thread through the eye of the needle and tie a knot on the end, leaving a five-inch tail.
• Create a running stitch around the fabric circle approximately 1/2 inch from the material's edge. Leave a long tail on the end of the embroidery thread to pull your gathering stitch.
• Pull thread ends to gather the fabric into a pumpkin shape. (Do not pull all the way closed, until you have stuffed the pumpkin).

Stuff the Pumpkin:

• Add a cup or so of dried beans to give your pumpkin some weight, and allow the bottom of the pumpkin to sit flat. 
• Add fiber fill to the top of the pumpkin until you can't add any more.  
• Close the pumpkin: 
• Pull the ends of the embroidery thread as tight as you can. 
• Use your yarn needle with one end of the thread through the eye and tie off the closing on the top of your pumpkin.  

Create the Pumpkin Indents:

• Cut a long piece of embroidery thread or thin jute twine and thread your yarn needle. Tie off the end with a double knot. 
• Start by putting the needle down the center of the pumpkin and pull it out the bottom of your pumpkin.
• Wrap the thread around the side of the pumpkin, pull it tight, and put it back through the center. 
• Repeat this process until you have all of the pumpkin ribs you want.  
• Decorate Your Pumpkin: 
• Elevate the look of your pumpkins by adding vintage lace, decorative leaves, greenery, and even a real pumpkin stem for a touch of authenticity and charm. These details will give each pumpkin a unique and personalized style.
• Step-by-Step Tutorial for Sweater Sleeve Pumpkins 
• Cut the Sleeves from your Sweater:  
• Cut the sleeve of your sweater approximately 8-10" long. 

Secure the end of the Pumpkin:

• Turn the sleeve inside-out
• Use a rubber band and tie off the narrowest end. 
• Turn the sleeve right side out. 

Stuff the Pumpkin:

• Add some beans to the inside of the pumpkin to give it some weight. 
• Add fiber fill to the top of the pumpkin until you can't add any more. 
• Your sleeve may be too long. Feel free to trim it so you get the size of pumpkin you want.  
• Sew a Running Stitch: 
• Sew a line of running stitches around the top of the pumpkin, approximately 1/2" from the sleeve fabric's edge. 
• Pull the ends tightly to close the hole of the pumpkin. 

Create the Pumpkin Indents:

• Cut a long piece of embroidery thread or thin jute twine and thread your yarn needle. Tie off the end with a double knot. 
• Start by putting the needle down the pumpkin's center and pulling it out the bottom. 
• Wrap the thread around the side of the pumpkin, pull it tight, and put it back through the center. 
• Repeat this process until you have all of the pumpkin ridges you want.
• Decorate Your Pumpkin: 
• Elevate the look of your pumpkins by adding vintage lace, decorative leaves, greenery, and even a real pumpkin stem for a touch of authenticity and charm. These details will give each pumpkin a unique and personalized style.