Looking for a festive, textured and eye-catching crochet motif for autumn projects?
This charming pumpkin granny square features a raised three-dimensional pumpkin in bright orange, complete with a brown stem and green leaves, set against a soft cream background and framed by a bold orange border. Perfect for blankets, pillows, wall hangings, table runners or seasonal décor.
Description
This classic granny square is given a seasonal twist with a detailed pumpkin appliqué at its centre. The square begins with a traditional granny-square structure in cream, creating an open, lacy background. A plump, textured pumpkin is then crocheted separately (or worked directly onto the square) in vibrant orange, using front-post or bobble stitches to give it realistic ridges and dimension. A short brown stem and two small green leaves are added on top, completing the harvest motif.
The entire design is finished with a solid orange border that frames the square neatly and makes joining multiple squares easy. Soft yet structured, this motif captures the warmth of autumn and can be used individually as a coaster or decoration, or joined with others to create larger projects such as afghans, cushion covers, tote bags or festive bunting. Its bright colours and tactile pumpkin make it a favourite for Halloween, Thanksgiving and fall-themed crafting.
Finished Size (approximate)
- Square size: 15–18 cm / 6–7 in (depending on yarn and hook)
- Pumpkin motif diameter: approximately 8–10 cm / 3–4 in
- Size can be adjusted by changing yarn weight or adding extra border rounds
Materials
- Yarn: DK or worsted weight acrylic or cotton
- Pumpkin: Bright orange
- Background: Cream / off-white
- Stem: Brown
- Leaves: Green
- Border: Matching orange
- Hook: 3.5 mm – 4.5 mm
- Notions:
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
- Stitch markers
- Optional: small amount of stuffing if a more 3-D pumpkin is desired
Abbreviations (US terms)
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- dc – double crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- fpdc – front post double crochet
- sl st – slip stitch
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- sp – space
Pattern Notes
- The background is worked as a traditional granny square (or solid square) in cream.
- The pumpkin is created with short rows or post stitches to form the characteristic vertical ridges.
- The stem and leaves are crocheted separately and sewn on, or embroidered for a flatter look.
- The orange border is added last in rounds of double crochet or single crochet.
- A consistent tension helps the square stay flat and the pumpkin sit neatly in the centre.
- Acrylic yarn is durable and colourful for seasonal décor; cotton gives a more matte, natural finish.
Step-by-Step Overview
- Crochet the cream granny-square (or solid square) background to the desired size.
- Make the textured orange pumpkin using front-post stitches or bobbles to create the ridges.
- Add the brown stem and two green leaves on top of the pumpkin.
- Sew or crochet the pumpkin motif securely onto the centre of the cream square.
- Work the bright orange border around the entire square.
- Weave in all yarn ends carefully on the wrong side. Gently block the square so it lies flat and the pumpkin motif stands out clearly.
Care Instructions
Machine wash on a gentle cycle in cold water or hand wash with mild detergent.
Do not wring. Reshape the square while damp and lay flat to dry away from direct heat or sunlight.
Do not tumble dry or iron.
Spot clean if used as décor.
This handmade pumpkin granny square is festive, tactile and full of autumn charm — a perfect building block for cosy seasonal projects that celebrate the harvest.
