Pillow-Toss Pumpkin

Pillow-Toss Pumpkin
A Knit 12-inch Wide Decorative Pillow Design
The pumpkin used Plymouth

Yarn Company Encore Mega
Colorspun #6 super bulky
yarns, #7161 Red Bricks
(pumpkin) and #7155 Browns
(stem). Both the leaf and the
corkscrew vines used
Malabrigo worsted weight
yarn, #113 Jaen.
Marie Mayhew Designs
Marie Mayhew © 2018 All rights reserved. This pattern may not be copied or electronically transmitted in any way. Any pumpkin pillow knitted as a
result of this pattern cannot be sold as wholesale or retail in any form unless the designer has given written permission. Thank you for your
understanding and cooperation! www.woollysomething.com
Pillow-Toss Pumpkin
Create a throw pillow or two to welcome autumn to your home! The warm and
cozy texture of this pumpkin captures the season of cooler temperatures and the
changing of leaves. The finished pumpkin measures about 12-inch/30.48-cm
wide by 6-inch/15.24-cm high, including the stem.
Gauge: There is no set gauge for knitting the pumpkin but it’s important to knit
tighter than usual. The suggested needle size is 2 to 3 sizes smaller than the
yarn manufacturer recommendations on the yarn skein label. The smaller needle
size creates a denser fabric so the fiberfill will not show through once the
pumpkin is stuffed. The person who typically knits loose should definitely use
needles three sizes smaller than the yarn label indicates.
Seasonally changing out Materials:

pillows can create
decorative whimsy to your • Color A yarn: 141-yd / 129-m orange #6 super bulky weight yarn, for pumpkin
everyday style. So simple
• Color B yarn: 13-yd / 12-m green #6 super bulky weight yarn, for stem and
and quick to knit up a
pumpkin or two to put you furrow lines
in the autumn mood! • Color C yarn: 32-yd / 29-m green #4 worsted weight yarn, for leaf and curly
vines
• US size 11/8.0-mm set of double point needles, for pumpkin and stem
• US size 11/8.0-mm circular needles, either 29-inch/74-cm or 32-inch/80-cm
length, for pumpkin. If desired, any length circular needles, 32-inch or longer,
can be used with the magic loop method.
• US size 8/5.0-mm set of double point needles, for leaf and corkscrew vine
• Split-ring stitch marker
• Tapestry needle
• Polyester fiberfill stuffing
• 10-inch/25.4-cm upholstery needle, for furrow lines
• Decorative 2-hole button, about 1¾-inch/44-mm size (with holes large
enough to insert a tapestry needle), for blossom end
• All-purpose 38-gauge felting needle, optional
Pattern Notes:
The pumpkin is knit as one continuous piece, beginning at the bottom and
working to the stem. No sewing of seams is required. Once knit, the pumpkin is
stuffed and furrow lines are added. The furrow lines further define the overall
shape.
Once stuffed, the leaf and corkscrew vines are knit and sewn to the pumpkin’s
stem. For the final detail, a large decorative button is sewn to the pumpkin’s
bottom for the blossom end.
Marie Mayhew © 2018 All rights reserved. This pattern may not be copied or electronically transmitted in any way. Any pumpkin pillow knitted as
a result of this pattern cannot be sold as wholesale or retail in any form unless the designer has given written permission. Thank you for your 2
Abbreviations:
BOR Beginning of round.
CO Cast on.
dp(s) Double pointed needle(s).
(k1b, k1) Knit one below, then knit one; insert the right needle into the
backside of the stitch below the next stitch on the left needle,
and knit it, then knit one (the original stitch); this creates a
near-invisible one-stitch increase.
(k1f&b, k1) Knit one into the front and into the back and then into the front
again; knit into the front of the next stitch on the left needle,
and then into the back of the same stitch and into the front
again; this creates a three-stitch increase.
kwise Knit-wise; as if to knit.
k2tog Knit two together; knit two stitches together through their front
loops; this creates a right-slanting decrease.
m1L Make one left; bring the left needle from the front to the back
and pick up the bar between the last stitch and the next, then
knit into the back of this stitch; this creates a left-slanting
increase.
m1R Make one right; bring the left needle from the back to the
front and pick up the bar between the last stitch and the next,
then knit into the front of this stitch; this creates a right-
slanting increase.
Choose yarns for your pwise Purl-wise; as if to purl.

pumpkin pillows that
compliment your color
scheme: rich rusts, deep ssk Slip slip knit; first slip one stitch as if to knit onto the right
burgundy, warm creams. A needle, and then slip a second stitch as if to purl. Insert the
pumpkin harvest can be left needle into the front of the two slipped stitches and knit
knit in an array of colors! these stitches together; this creates a flatter-lying left-slanting
decrease.
*to* Everything between the first * and the second * is to be

repeated as directed in the pattern.
yo Yarn over; bring the yarn between the needles to the front of
the right needle, and then to the back to prepare it for knitting
the next stitch; this creates a one-stitch increase, as well as
an intentional decorative hole.
Pillow-Toss Pumpkin
Pumpkin Body:
Using Color A yarn and size 11 / 8.0-mm dps, loosely CO 12 stitches, leaving a
6-inch/15-cm tail. Divide stitches evenly onto 3 dp needles (4/4/4 sts).
Round 1: Join, being careful not to twist, knit rest of round. Place a stitch
pin marker at this point to indicate BOR.
Round 2: *(k1b, k1), p1*; repeat *to* to end of round (18 sts)
Round 3: *k2, p1*; repeat *to* to end of round
Round 5: *(k1b, k1), (k1b, k1), p1*; repeat *to* to end of round (30 sts)
The pumpkin is knit in one Round 6: *k4, p1*; repeat *to* to end of round
continuous piece starting
at the base and working
up to the stem. No sewing Round 8: *k1, (k1b, k1), (k1b, k1), k1, p1*; repeat *to* to end (42 sts)
of seams is required! Round 9: *k6, p1; repeat *to* to end of round
Round 10: *k6, p1; repeat *to* to end of round
Round 11: *k1, (k1b, k1), k2, (k1b, k1), k1, p1*; repeat *to* to end (54 sts)
Round 12: Change to any length circular needles, *k8, p1*; repeat *to* to
end of round. Place a stitch marker at this point to indicate BOR.
Rnds 20-39: *k16, p1*; repeat *to* to end for 20 rounds
Round 40: *ssk, k12, k2tog, p1*; repeat *to* to end of round (90 sts)
NOTE: Change to size 11 dps at any time for ease of knitting. Place a stitch pin
marker at this point to indicate BOR.
The perfect seasonal Round 47: *k8, p1*; repeat *to* to end of round
accent to your favorite Round 48: *ssk, k4, k2tog, p1*; repeat *to* to end of round (42 sts)
couch or chair! Round 49: *k6, p1*; repeat *to* to end of round
Round 52: *ssk, k2tog, p1*; repeat *to* to end of round (18 sts)
Break Color A yarn leaving a 6-inch/15-cm tail. Secure yarn end.
Pumpkin Stem:
Round 53: Change to Color B yarn, knit

Round 54: *k2tog, p1*; repeat *to* to end of round (12 sts)
Rnds 55-62: *k1, p1*; repeat *to* to end for 8 rounds
Round 63: Knit
Round 64: *k2tog*; repeat *to* to end of round (6 sts)
Break Color B yarn, leaving 6-inch/15-cm tail. Using a tapestry needle, thread the
tail through the last 6 sts and tie off. Insert the needle down into the stem, coming
out where the stem and pumpkin meet. Pull the yarn tail so the stem’s top slightly
indents, creating a flatter surface. Secure loose end and bury the yarn tail within
the stem. Trim excess end.
DESIGN DETAIL: Grasp the finished stem with two fingers and give it a turn,
creating a slight twisted-look. To further flatten the stem’s top and any uneven
Simple needle felting with stitches, use an all-purpose felting needle and gently poke the top of the stem a
an all-purpose needle can few times in the spots most needed.
easily flatten those uneven
knit stitches on the stem’s
end! Assembling the Pumpkin
STUFFING PUMPKIN: Create a smoother surface and less lumpy-looking

pumpkin by pulling apart large clumps of fiberfill to loosen the fibers. Through the
pumpkin’s bottom opening, begin inserting the fiberfill until the pumpkin is fairly
firm, round and not lumpy. Fill in any empty pockets throughout. While the pillow
will use quite a bit of fiberfill, be careful not to overstuff the pumpkin. If too stuffed,
the fabric can become over-stretched and the fiberfill will show through the knit
stitches. Fiberfill may show through the purl ridges, but the furrow lines will hide
this when added next.
PUMPKIN FURROW LINES: Cut about a 4-yd/3.65-m length of Color B yarn.

Use a tapestry needle and thread the yarn. Knot one end. Sew a loose running
stitch along the edge of the pumpkin’s opening as shown in Diagram 1. Pull the
yarn to synch the opening closed. Sew several stitches to secure the synch and
opening shut. Set aside the tapestry needle. Do NOT trim the long tail at this
point.
Diagram 1
Use a 10-inch/25.4-cm long upholstery needle to thread the attached furrow yarn.
Direct the needle into the pumpkin’s center base up through to the top and come
out into the stem (where it meets the pumpkin just above one of the purl ridges).
Guide the yarn down staying within the purl ridge while directing the needle back
into the bottom center and again up through to the top, coming out to the right of
the first furrow line, the next purl ridge. Pull the yarn so it is taut against the
pumpkin. The tighter the yarn is pulled, the deeper the furrow line and the flatter
(less thick) the pillow. The finished pillow body will measure about 5½-inch/14-cm
thick (not including the stem). Repeat above instructions for a total of 6 furrow
lines as shown in Diagram 2.
Diagram 2
To finish, insert the needle into the pumpkin’s center base, up through to the top
and come out in any spot within the stem. Direct the needle about an 1/8-
inch/3.175-mm away, back into the stem and down and out at the center base.
Set aside the upholstery needle. Using a tapestry needle, thread the yarn tail and
sew 2-3 small stitches at this place to secure the end. Bury the end within the
pumpkin and trim excess.
DESIGN DETAIL: Use the blunt end of a tapestry needle to level out any lumpy
areas of the pumpkin. Insert the needle into the stuffed pumpkin and lift up. This
lifts the fiberfill underneath the knit surface to help fill in the uneven areas.
PUMPKIN BLOSSOM BUTTON-END: Create a decorative blossom end by

sewing a large button, about 1¾-inch/44-mm wide, onto the pumpkin’s center
base. The button will conceal the synch yarn and knots. Use a tapestry needle to
thread a 10-inch/25.4-cm length of Color B yarn. Direct the needle into the center
base and back out about an ¼-inch/0.635-mm away. Insert the needle up
through one of the button holes. Re-thread the tapestry needle with the second
yarn tail and insert it up through the other hole. Set aside the needle and adjust
the yarn ends so they are even with each other. On top of the button, tie the two
A large rustic or patterned tails into a single knot and pull them so the button lays tight against the pumpkin.
button makes for a Use the tapestry needle to thread one of the yarn tails. Insert the needle back
whimsical pumpkin
into the closest button hole, down into the pumpkin and come up in the nearest
blossom end!
purl ridge. Weave the tail up the ditch about 3-inch/7.62-cm away. Bury the end
within the pumpkin. Repeat instructions to secure the second yarn tail. Trim
excess ends.
PUMPKIN LEAF: Using two strands of Color C yarn held together and size 8/5.0-
mm double point needles, CO 7 stitches, leaving a 10-inch/25.4-cm tail.
Row 1: Purl
Row 2: k1, m1R, k5, m1L, k1 (9 sts)
Row 3: Purl
Row 4: k4, yo, k1, yo, k4 (11 sts)
Row 5: Purl
Row 6: k5, yo, k1, yo, k5 (13 sts)
Row 7: Purl
Row 8: k6, yo, k1, yo, k6 (15 sts)
Row 9: Purl
The ‘yarn over’ stitches Row 10: k7, yo, k1, yo, k7 (17 sts)
create intentional holes Row 11: Purl
down the center of the leaf Row 12: k8, yo, k1, yo, k8 (19 sts)
to give the illusion of
Row 13: Purl
decorative veins.
Row 14: k1, m1R, k17, m1L, k1 (21 sts)
Row 15: Purl
Row 16: Loosely bind off 4 sts kwise, knit to end (17 sts)
Row 17: Loosely bind off 4 sts pwise, purl to end (13 sts)
Row 18: ssk, k9, k2tog (11 sts)
Row 19: Purl
Row 21: Purl
m1R Row 23: Purl
lift bar back to front
Row 24: ssk, k3, k2tog (5 sts))
Row 25: Purl
m1L
lift bar front to back Row 26: ssk, k1, k2tog (3 sts)
Row 27: p3tog (1 st)
Break yarn, leaving a 6-inch/15-cm tail. Thread the tail through this last stitch and
tie off. Do not trim or secure any of the loose tails. They will be used later for
To help remember the securing the leaf to the pumpkin.
difference between a m1R
and a m1L, simply refer to Using a steam iron and a damp cloth, wet block the leaf to flatten it: Lay the wet
the chart above for quick towel over the leaf, knit-side up, and press with the hot iron. Once pressed, allow
reference. the wet leaf to air dry completely.
Once dry, use a tapestry needle and thread both of the leaf’s cast-on edge yarn
tails. Sew a loose running stitch along the cast-on edge. Pull the tail gently to
gather the edge and sew 1-2 stitches to secure.
To attach the leaf’s cast-on edge to the stem, direct the threaded needle into the
stem near its base. Sew 2-3 small stitches to secure. Bury the loose end within
the stem. Trim excess ends. If desired, the leaf’s tip can also be attached to the
pumpkin. Use a tapestry needle and thread the tip’s yarn tails. Curl the leaf
slightly so it is raised up off the pumpkin. Direct the needle into the pumpkin
below and sew 2-3 stitches to secure. Bury the loose end within the pumpkin and
trim excess ends.
PUMPKIN CORKSCREW VINES: Two vines of different lengths are knit and
then attached to the stem. The longest vine length is shown within [brackets].
For the vine’s cast-on, use two dps held together. This creates larger cast on
stitches, making it easier to knit the 3-stitch increases in the first row. Using Color
C yarn and two size 8/5.0-mm dps held together, CO 20 [25] stitches, leaving a
6-inch/15-cm tail. Pull the second needle out and set aside.
Row 1: *(k1f&b, k1)*; repeat *to* to end of the row (60 [75] sts)
Row 2: Bind off all stitches pwise
Break Color C yarn, leaving a 10-inch/25.4-cm tail. Thread tail through last stitch
and tie off. Do not trim the tails. They will be used later to sew the vine to the
The corkscrew vines are stem. Twist the tassel into a corkscrew, tugging them slightly to stretch and
the final touch, giving the elongate the vine. If desired, knit the second vine using the stitch counts within
pumpkin additional texture! the [brackets].
Positioning of vines is
personal choice. Placement of the vines is personal preference. To attach a vine, first tie the tails
of one of the vines into a single knot. Using a tapestry needle, thread one of the
yarn tails. Direct the needle into the stem near its base and sew 2-3 stitches to
secure. Bury the end within the stem. Repeat for the second yarn tail. Repeat the
above instructions and attach the second vine. If desired, sew the vine’s other
end to the pumpkin to ensure it keeps its elongated shape and positioning.
Now toss your pumpkin pillow onto your favorite couch or chair and enjoy the
fruits of your labor! Happy Harvesting!
Recipe
caramel apple cream cheese spread
1 (8 ounce) brick of cream cheese, chilled

caramel sauce (home-made or store-bought)
Heath® Bits O’ Brickle Toffee Bits
2-3 Granny Smith apples, thinly sliced
1-2 red-skinned tart apples, thinly sliced
lemon juice, optional
Be generous with the
toffee bits! The
combination of toffee,
caramel and apples is NOTE: The combination of red and green-skinned apples makes a colorful
delicious; the taste of a display arranged around the spread.
caramel apple without all
the mess! Wash and thinly slice the apples. Not too thin that they break apart. To prevent
the apples from turning brown while on the serving platter, first soak them in
lemon juice water. Pour a tablespoon of lemon juice into a large bowl of cold
water, and stir. Dunk the sliced apples into the lemon juice water and soak for a
minute. Drain the apples and allow them to drip-dry.
Unwrap the chilled cream cheese and center it on a large serving plate. Pour the
caramel sauce over the cream cheese, allowing the sauce to run down the sides.
Sprinkle a generous portion of the toffee bits over the cream cheese.
Arrange the apples around the cream cheese and use a decorative spreading
knife to serve.
Makes: 8 one-ounce servings

Pillow-Toss Pumpkin

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Pillow-Toss Pumpkin

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Copyright:

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Pillow-Toss Pumpkin

A Knit 12-inch Wide Decorative Pillow Design

The pumpkin used Plymouth

Marie Mayhew Designs

Seasonally changing out Materials:

BOR Beginning of round.

dp(s) Double pointed needle(s).

kwise Knit-wise; as if to knit.

Choose yarns for your pwise Purl-wise; as if to purl.

to Everything between the first * and the second * is to be

Break Color A yarn leaving a 6-inch/15-cm tail. Secure yarn end.

Round 53: Change to Color B yarn, knit

STUFFING PUMPKIN: Create a smoother surface and less lumpy-looking

PUMPKIN FURROW LINES: Cut about a 4-yd/3.65-m length of Color B yarn.

PUMPKIN BLOSSOM BUTTON-END: Create a decorative blossom end by

caramel apple cream cheese spread

1 (8 ounce) brick of cream cheese, chilled

Makes: 8 one-ounce servings

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