Heart Filled Spaces

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Projects
    • Furniture Makeovers
    • Home Decor
    • Home Improvement
    • Silhouette Cameo
  • Seasonal
    • Valentine’s Day
    • Summer
    • Fall
    • Christmas
  • Library
  • Contact
    • Contact Me
    • Privacy Policy & Disclosures
    • Copyright

Cute Pumpkin Craft For Your Fall Home Decor

Fall

31 Jul

Who doesn’t love a cute pumpkin craft for fall? My husband and I took a trip to Amish Country in Ohio last week. Since it’s just over an hour from home, we try to visit once a year. I enjoy the home decor inspiration and he loves the food! It’s a win-win.

Cute pumpkin craft tutorial to create fall decor for your home.

While visiting, I stumbled across the most adorable felted pumpkins. I don’t know how I’ve never seen these before. However, after glancing at the sticker price, I was shocked to see they were more than ten dollars each. To fill a vase or jar, it would cost me over a $100. After looking into the process of making them, I understood why. You need to continuously poke the felt with a little needle until it is fully adhered to the foam. Can you say labor intensive?

Cute pumpkin craft tutorial to create fall decor for your home.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure statement here.

When I arrived home, I started researching a better way to make something similar, but inexpensive. I kept seeing yarn pumpkins, but they just weren’t full enough and seemed a little off. So I started experimenting and came up with a better way. Here is the process I used to make these cute little yarn pumpkins.

SUPPLIES TO MAKE YARN AND STYROFOAM PUMPKINS FOR FALL

Supplies to make a cute yarn and Styrofoam pumpkin craft.
  • CHUNKY YARN, OATMEAL, MUSTARD, FRANCISCO TWEED
  • STYROFOAM BALLS (VARIOUS SIZES)
  • PLASTIC YARN NEEDLES
  • FABRIC SCISSORS
  • DRILL
  • SPADE DRILL BIT (1/2″)
  • SERRATED KNIFE
  • PRUNING SHEARS
  • THIN BRANCH FROM YOUR BACKYARD
  • WOOD DOUGH BOWL

PREPARE YOUR STYROFOAM BALLS

I found it best to cut and prepare all of the Styrofoam balls at once. While it’s easy to do, it still makes a bit of a mess. I prepared about 24 of these in about 20-25 minutes. Then, I brushed them off and put them all in a container and set them in the living room. In the evenings, while watching TV, I added the yarn.

To start, use a serrated knife and cutting board to cut each side of the foam ball flat. I found it looked more like a pumpkin shape to cut a larger piece off of the bottom and a smaller piece off of the top.

How to prepare the Styrofoam balls for a yarn pumpkin.

I know this step looks a little scary, but I promise it’s the easiest way to create a hole in to middle of your foam without using heat. Use a drill and a spade bit to create a 1/2″ hole in the foam balls. The foam cuts really easy and you’re done in a snap with the spade bit. Just be extra careful to keep your hands clear of the drill and put a scrap board under the foam to protect your surface. If you have a better method, please share it with us in the comments down below.

How to prepare the Styrofoam balls for a yarn pumpkin.

Here is the bottom of one of the foam balls, ready for yarn.

How to prepare the Styrofoam balls for a yarn pumpkin.

ADDING THE YARN

Pull out about 2-3 arm-lengths of yarn and cut it with your scissors. Then string one end of your yarn through the needle, but don’t tie it. I found that working in smaller sections saved time because you don’t have to string such a long piece of yarn through the hole over and over.

How to thread the yarn for a pumpkin craft.

Feed the needle through the center hole of the foam, leaving a 1 inch tail. Then wrap the yard back up over the tail to hold it in place. Continue to hold the yarn taut with your left hand while you string the next loop of yarn through the center hole again.

How to secure the yarn for a pumpkin craft.

Repeat this process until you have a short piece of yarn left. Then feed the end under the previous row or two to secure the end down. Snip off any excess. Now start the process over with a new piece of yarn.

How to weave the yarn for a Styrofoam pumpkin.

As I made quite a few of these pumpkins, I found it best to keep the yarn taut. When finished with each section of yarn (several rows), scrunch the top and bottom of the yarn on the foam tightly together with your fingers. This prevents the foam from showing through the yarn and keeps the yarn evenly dispersed.

Here is a picture of the bottom of one of the pumpkins. You can see how tightly the yarn is and how it filled up the center hole. The largest pumpkin I made was 4″. If you are going to make a larger pumpkin, you will want to make your center hole larger than 1/2″.

Finished yarn pumpkin before the stem is added.

CUT AND PREPARE YOU STEM FOR THE CENTER OF YOUR PUMPKIN

To make the stems for your pumpkin, you will need to get a small branch from your yard. I chose one that was about 1/2″ thick at it’s widest part. I used the thicker side for the larger pumpkins and the thinner parts for the smaller pumpkins.

To cut the stick into pieces, use a good pair of pruning shears. Cut the stems anywhere from 1-2″ long, depending on the size of the pumpkin.

How to cut the stem for your pumpkin.

Once the stem is cut, use the shears to remove the bark from one end of it. Like in the photograph below.

How to cut the stem for your pumpkin.

Then press the stem into the center of the pumpkin. The yarn in the center of the pumpkin held the stems in place well, so I didn’t need to use glue. If you are concerned at all, you could use hot glue to secure the stems. Here is a closeup of a finished pumpkin.

Cute pumpkin craft tutorial to create fall decor for your home.

I am really pleased with the way these turned out. It’s such an inexpensive way to add color and texture to your home during the fall season. They would also make a beautiful party favor in a table setting.

Cute pumpkin craft tutorial to create fall decor for your home.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

Do you love fall decor? Join the community and receive free access to my exclusive library of over 60 printables, cut files and templates. Like this sweet “Hand Picked Pumpkins” printable.

Fall pumpkin printable with a modern farmhouse style hand picked pumpkin sign for your autumn home decorating.

For instant access to my free library and regular updates on blog posts, subscribe at the top sidebar or at the bottom of this post. You’ll then receive a welcome email with the password to enter my free library.

FOLLOW ALONG ON PINTEREST

Do you like learning budget friendly ways to spruce up your home? Follow me on PINTEREST. Did you know that you can hover over the images below, click on the red Pinterest circle and save it to your Fall Home Decor or Crafts Board on Pinterest? It’s so helpful to Pin It now and save it for later, when your ready to start your project.

Cute pumpkin craft tutorial to create fall decor for your home.
Cute pumpkin craft tutorial to create fall decor for your home.
Cute pumpkin craft tutorial to create fall decor for your home.

This was such a fun and relaxing project. Hopefully this gave you some inspiration for your own cute pumpkin craft. Have a wonderful fall season!

RELATED

DIY Black and white leaf printings for fall wall art or decor.
DIY Wall Art: Leaf Printing
Thanksgiving table setting for fall with pumpkins, wheat, and farmhouse centerpiece.
THANKSGIVING TABLE DECOR
DIY Fall Teal Towels with Heat Transfer Paper
DIY FALL TEA TOWELS
Handmade paper pumpkins for Thanksgiving.
Paper Pumpkin Luminaries
Fall Mantel Decor
FALL MANTEL DECORATING
FALL PILLOWS USING HTV

45 Comments

SUBSCRIBE (IT’S FREE) TO GAIN INSTANT ACCESS TO MY LIBRARY OF OVER 60 FREE CUT FILES, PRINTABLES, LABELS, AND TEMPLATES!

« DIY Farmhouse Sign Tutorial With Philippians 4:8
Free Fall Printable For Your Autumn Home Decor »

Comments

  1. Ginny says

    August 10, 2020 at 4:03 PM

    These are SO adorable! Think I could use an apple corer to make the center hole? Don’t have a drill…

    Reply
    • Laura says

      August 10, 2020 at 5:23 PM

      Hi Ginny. This is a great question. I checked on Amazon and an apple corer at its smallest size is 7/8″. I think that would work, but I haven’t tried it. Please let me know if you try it, I would love to share with others if it works.

      Reply
      • Carol says

        September 15, 2021 at 6:07 PM

        Maybe a grapefruit knife?

        Reply
        • Laura says

          September 21, 2021 at 12:36 PM

          Hi Carol. I’ve never seen one of these before, but it looks like it could work. The serrated edge on both sides will definitely help.

          Reply
    • Anonymous says

      October 3, 2020 at 9:50 AM

      I was just thinking an apple corer would work great!

      Reply
      • Laura says

        October 5, 2020 at 9:00 AM

        Hi Ginny. An apple corer is a great idea.

        Reply
  2. Penny says

    August 10, 2020 at 11:57 PM

    These are beautiful, can’t wait to try them! May I ask where you got that amazing wood bowl?

    Reply
    • Laura says

      August 11, 2020 at 2:02 PM

      Hi Penny. The wood dough bowl is from Hobby Lobby. Here is the link. Don’t forget to use the 40% off coupon.

      Reply
  3. Alex says

    August 24, 2020 at 12:42 PM

    I would love to make these too! But is there an alternative to styrofoam balls? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      August 25, 2020 at 8:02 AM

      Hi Alex. You could try cutting up a pool noodle. I have never tried it, but it could work. However, it might not be as round.

      Reply
    • Anonymous says

      September 20, 2020 at 8:27 AM

      I was thinking that maybe a pool noodle may work? You would get a lot of pumpkins from one noodle.

      Reply
      • Laura says

        September 20, 2020 at 10:06 AM

        Hi. A pool noodle is a good idea. I’ve seen this method. The only thing I didn’t like was that it is a little boxy looking, not smooth and round.

        Reply
        • Wendy says

          September 29, 2020 at 1:13 PM

          You could shape the edges with a knife to round them. This would work great for kids hands to ‘help’!

          Reply
  4. Roberta says

    August 25, 2020 at 5:47 PM

    These look beautiful. I am setting everything up for a crafting party with my grandsons this weekend (9 & 7). I can’t wait to post the pictures.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      August 26, 2020 at 11:37 AM

      Hi Roberta. That sounds like so much fun! That is my heart with crafting…bringing people together to do something they love. Special times!

      Reply
  5. Lisa says

    August 26, 2020 at 7:27 AM

    These are so pretty! Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      August 26, 2020 at 11:38 AM

      Hi Lisa. Thank you for the encouragement. I’m so glad you like them.

      Reply
  6. Sandy says

    August 26, 2020 at 8:59 PM

    Hi Laura,
    What brand yarn is the orange yarn? Also, how many pumpkins can one make from the skeins of yarn? These are so cute, hope to make some for myself and my 2 daughters!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      August 27, 2020 at 9:00 AM

      Hi Sandy. The Brand I used is Big Twist and the color is Mustard. I don’t know exactly, but I estimate about 10 pumpkins per skein. I hope this helps.

      Reply
      • Wendy Hoban says

        September 11, 2020 at 5:09 PM

        Hi Laura,
        We made these pumpkins today. They look awesome but I have two questions….

        1st my string doesn’t have that wavy look to it do you think I pulled the yarn too tight? Also the yarn looks very furry after strining it through the styrofoam did you put anything on the outside to make it look or sleek?

        Reply
        • Laura says

          September 11, 2020 at 5:25 PM

          Hi Wendy. I’m so glad you like them. Some of the yarn I used was twisted, I think it’s called Big Twist. Those pumpkins came out wavy. I’m not sure about your pumpkins that look “furry”. None of mine turned out that way. The only guess I have is that maybe your center hole was too small and the yarn pulled away as you fed it through. Did you possibly use a different type of yarn?

          Reply
  7. Brittany says

    August 27, 2020 at 12:36 PM

    This is such a fantastic DIY! Easy, adorable, and so affordable! I was wondering, what size styrofoam ball are you showing in the step-by-step photos? With larger sized ones, did you make the center hole larger, or keep it 1/2″? Thank you so much for such a great idea!!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      August 27, 2020 at 3:13 PM

      Hi Brittany. The Styrofoam balls I used came in a 6 pack of 1.9″, 2.4″, 2.8″ and 3.8″. All of these sizes work with a 1/2″ hole. If you go larger than a 3.8″ you’ll need a bigger hole as the yarn will fill the hole on a larger pumpkin. I hope this helps!

      Reply
  8. Molly says

    September 1, 2020 at 12:33 PM

    I used a fuzzy yarn to make a small pumpkin. I’m having difficulty at the end pulling the yarn through. Any suggestions for easing the finishing? I think I will try a bigger hole for this yarn.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      September 1, 2020 at 4:41 PM

      I used the plastic yarn needles. They make it easier to feed the yarn through as the hole fills up.

      Reply
  9. Molly says

    September 1, 2020 at 1:48 PM

    Pliers work nicely to pull the yarn through. Thank you for sharing your idea!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      September 1, 2020 at 4:39 PM

      Thanks for sharing Molly. I didn’t try that.

      Reply
  10. Ashley says

    September 2, 2020 at 3:26 PM

    These are so perfect for fall. May I ask where you brought the chunky yarn from? Those colors would match my decor perfectly.
    Thank you.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      September 4, 2020 at 8:59 AM

      Hi Ashley. I purchased the Styrofoam balls from Walmart and I found the yarn at Jo-Ann Fabics. I found and linked to the yarn and Styrofoam balls under supplies at the top of the post. The yarn is linked to Amazon. The one exact color I couldn’t find was the muted orange. If you want that specific color, I purchased it from Jo-Ann’s. It’s called Big Twist and the color was called Natural Mustard. The photo is a bit brightened so the orange is slightly darker than pictured. Hopefully this helps!

      Reply
  11. Sharon Strickland says

    September 5, 2020 at 7:02 PM

    How many pumpkins did you make to fit your bowl? Thanks Sharon.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      September 6, 2020 at 10:26 AM

      Hi Sharon. It takes about 24 pumpkins to fill the dough bowl. This makes it a little mounded above the edges. You could have less, but I like the way it looks with more. I mixed in some of my other pumpkins to finish it off. Hope this helps!

      Reply
  12. Jill says

    September 12, 2020 at 3:07 PM

    Could you use just a regular 1/2” drill bit? I wasn’t sure what the difference is using the spade bit?

    Reply
    • Laura says

      September 14, 2020 at 10:46 AM

      Hi Jill. If you have a regular 1/2″ drill bit, that would work. Most people don’t have regular drill bits that large. The goal is to just make a 1/2″ hole or larger. Hope this helps!

      Reply
  13. Bliss says

    September 15, 2020 at 8:34 AM

    These are absolutely adorable! I am always looking for crafts that are no sew and easy for me to do, these check both boxes.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      September 15, 2020 at 10:17 AM

      Thank you. I always appreciate feedback as it helps me plan for future crafts. I have a few no-sew crafts, if you’d like to see more. One of my favorites are these no-sew Christmas gift card holders. You can search for no-sew projects in the side bar search box if you’re looking for more ideas.

      Reply
  14. Jill Robertson says

    September 17, 2020 at 8:43 AM

    Hi from Kansas-
    I love everything about your site! Four of us high school friends get together 2-3 times a year, and this weekend is one of them! Guess what? We are making the yarn covered pumpkins and I am so excited! They will admit they are not very crafty, so they put me in charge and your site was recommended. These are going to be fun and simple! (I hope so 😉 Lol) I found the perfect yarn and I am going to search for the wood bowl you have your pumpkins displayed in! I am excited and ready for a craft weekend with my tribe! If okay with you, I’ll post you a picture of us and our pumpkins!
    Happy Fall!
    Jill R. Wichita, KS

    Reply
    • Laura says

      September 17, 2020 at 11:03 AM

      Hi Jill. I love comments like this! It is the reason why I blog. It has always been my desire to facilitate community, friends and family time through crafting. I hope you have a wonderful get-together and I’d love to see your pictures!

      Reply
  15. Dori says

    September 18, 2020 at 8:03 PM

    These are so pretty! I want to try making some of these little pumpkins this fall, too. Thanks so much for sharing your creativity with us!!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      September 19, 2020 at 9:19 AM

      Aw. Thank you for the encouragement Dori. I enjoy sharing and help others!

      Reply
  16. Marie says

    September 20, 2020 at 9:46 PM

    Hi Laura,

    We just moved into a new home, and I don’t have many decorations, so I decided it would be fun to make some. I came across this idea on Pinterest and from there discovered your blog. I am so excited to follow along and try more of your creations. These turned out beautifully! Thanks so much for sharing your creativity!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      September 21, 2020 at 8:18 AM

      Hi Marie. Congratulations on your new home and I’m so glad you found my blog. Hopefully you’ll find many creative DIY projects & crafts here for your home. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement, they really brightened my day!

      Reply
  17. Tonya says

    September 23, 2020 at 10:03 AM

    Hi Laura, These are so cute! I’m getting together with my two daughters-in-law, my sons girlfriend & my boyfriends daughter got a girls craft day to make these! Family time is so important and these will be fun to make! Thank you for the great idea!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      September 23, 2020 at 10:15 AM

      Hi Tonya. I’m so glad you like them. It sounds like you have a fun time planned with family. My sister and I always talk about how we like to do things when we visit. Family craft time is perfect. I hope you make some wonderful memories!

      Reply
  18. Cheri Mello says

    September 24, 2020 at 12:52 AM

    THANK YOU SO Much Laura 👍🏼♥️!! These ARE ADORABLE 🥰!!! I saw comment About The Wooden BOWL, I Got Lucky At a Thrift Store And Only Paid Like 1.99 $ For Mine 👍🏼If That, It’s BEEN A long Time SINCE I bought it ! I bought it to paint and DISTRESS it and put potpourri on My dining Room Table.Thanks For Sharing YARN BRAND! G-d♥️Bless😊

    Reply
    • Laura says

      September 24, 2020 at 8:49 AM

      Hi Cheri. What a great find! It’s always fun to come across a bargain. Thanks for your kind words and I hope you enjoy the pumpkins.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

GET ACCESS TO MY LIBRARY OF OVER 60 FREE FILES!

About Me Photo - Laura at Heart Filled Spaces

Welcome friend! I’m Laura and I’m so glad you stopped by! When I’m not busy being a wife & mom, I spend my free time designing, creating and finishing projects. I love painting furniture, easy woodworking projects, and I’m an avid crafter. It’s my desire to create a warm and cozy home and inspire you in your own journey.

SEARCH THIS SITE

COPYRIGHT

I appreciate and encourage you to share my images!  Please remember that all content on this site is the property of Heart Filled Spaces.  Feel free to use one or two photos provided that a link back to my original post is included.  Please do not remove any watermarks, crop or edit any of my images without first obtaining written permission from me.  Pinning is always welcome and appreciated!  Thank you!

BROWSE BY CATEGORY

Copyright © 2022 · Refined theme by Restored 316

  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Email
93.6K shares