Fabric White Pumpkin Diy For Your Wedding

White pumpkins are a perfect addition to any wedding, especially those with an autumnal or Halloween theme. They can be used as centrepieces, photo props, or even as cardholders. If you're looking for a DIY project, you can easily make fabric white pumpkins yourself. All you need is some fabric, a needle and thread, and some stuffing. Cut your fabric to your desired size, sew up the sides, and gather the bottom using a running stitch. Then, stuff your pumpkin with filling, gather the top, and secure with thread. Finally, add some decorations, such as ribbons or beads, and your fabric white pumpkin is ready to be displayed at your wedding!

Choosing the right fabric

Type of Fabric

Consider the type of fabric you want to use. Cotton, flannel, and chenille are all suitable options. Cotton quilt batting, for example, can create soft and fluffy pumpkins. If you're looking for a more sustainable option, you might opt for upcycling old shirts or sweaters from a thrift store. Just be sure to wash and dry them before use and add extra fabric softener to make the fabric super soft.

Colour and Pattern

The colour and pattern of the fabric will depend on your wedding theme and colour palette. You can choose a solid colour that complements your decor or go for a patterned fabric like toile for a vintage-inspired look. Don't be afraid to mix and match different fabrics and colours to create a varied display of pumpkins.

Amount of Fabric

The amount of fabric you need will depend on the size and number of pumpkins you want to make. As a general rule, the proportions for the fabric are twice the width of the height. For example, a medium-sized pumpkin might require a piece of fabric that is 7.5 inches by 8 inches. If you're making different sizes, adjust the measurements accordingly, keeping the width twice as long as the height.

Fabric Preparation

Before you start crafting, prepare your fabric by cutting it to the desired size and shape. If you're using a sewing machine or hand sewing, place the fabric wrong sides together and sew along the shorter sides. If you're using a no-sew method, you can create a faux hem by folding and gluing the raw edge of the fabric.

Durability and Texture

Consider the durability and texture of the fabric. You want something that will hold its shape and withstand some handling, especially if you plan to use the pumpkins as centrepieces or decorations. A thicker fabric or one with a tighter weave might be better suited for this purpose. However, if you're looking for a softer, more pliable fabric, you might opt for something like chenille or flannel.

Embellishments

Finally, think about any embellishments or decorations you want to add to your pumpkins. Ribbons, beads, or glitter can enhance the overall aesthetic. You can also use natural elements like dried flowers, vines, or cinnamon sticks for the stems to add a whimsical touch.

Cutting the fabric

To make fabric white pumpkins for a wedding, you'll need to start by cutting your fabric to the desired size. For a medium-sized pumpkin, cut your fabric to 7.5” x 8”. You can, of course, make your pumpkins any size you like, but the length of the fabric unfolded should be about double the height. For example, 16” x 7.5” for an 8” pumpkin.

You can use the back of your shirt to cut out your larger-sized pumpkins. You can also use the sleeve for a different style. If you're using a pattern, place it on the back of the outermost part of the shirt, then cut out your circle. You can use sewing pins to hold your pattern in place while cutting the fabric. Alternatively, you can trace the pattern onto cardboard, cut it out, then place the cardboard pattern on your fabric and trace the design. Cut along the tracing marks.

If you're making different-sized pumpkins, you can download a fabric pumpkin pattern (small, medium, and large) and cut your fabric according to the pattern.

Sewing the fabric

The first step is to cut out the fabric. You can use any type of fabric, such as old flannel shirts or sweaters, and cut them to your desired size. If you want a medium-sized pumpkin, cut the fabric to 7.5" x 8". It is important to note that the length unfolded should be about double the height. So, for an 8" unfolded length, the height should be 16".

Once you have cut out the fabric, you will need to sew the sides together. You can use a sewing machine or hand sew the sides if you don't have access to a machine. Place the fabric with the wrong sides together and machine sew both the shorter sides.

After the sides are sewn, you will create a "faux hem" by using fabric fusion or hot glue about 1/4 inch in from the raw edge. Leave the fabric inside out and set it aside to dry completely. This will create a small sleeve of fabric, leaving the raw edge inside.

The next step is to create the gathering effect that will shape the pumpkin. Double thread a hand sewing needle with an arm's length of thread and knot the ends. Starting at the left of the faux hem, weave the needle and thread completely around the diameter of the fabric, approximately 1/4 inch from the raw edge. Pull the thread tightly and tie a knot to secure it.

Now, you will gather the ruched fabric and wrap the thread around it tightly to create a small stem. Leave a small tail of thread and tie off the thread.

At this point, you can start stuffing the pumpkin. Use poly fill or fiberfill to stuff the pumpkin, packing the sides and leaving the middle as open as possible. This will help with creating pleats later on.

Repeat the gathering technique to enclose the top of the pumpkin. However, do not tie off the thread until you have added enough stuffing and the pumpkin feels plump and full. Once it is stuffed to your liking, pull the thread tightly and tie a knot to secure it, trimming any excess thread.

To create the pleats, double thread the needle again and thread it through the bottom of the pumpkin and up through the top. Pull the thread over the side of the pumpkin, pulling it tight and down to the bottom. Repeat this process for a total of five pleats, alternating the sides of each pleat. It is important to keep the thread pulled tightly to achieve the desired pleating effect.

Finally, you can add a stem to your pumpkin. A unique option is to use wine corks as the stem. Wrap twine around the cork stem and hot glue it until it is completely covered. Add a generous amount of hot glue to the bottom of the stem and place it at the top of the pumpkin.

You can further decorate your fabric pumpkin with a twine ribbon or fabric ribbon to give it a finishing touch.

Adding the stem

Using a stick

One option is to use a stick from a tree as the stem. Cut a stick to the desired length, and hot glue it to the top of the finished pumpkin. While the glue is still hot, add some leaves and a curly vine for a whimsical touch.

Using a cinnamon stick

Another option for the stem is to use a cinnamon stick. This can be glued to the top of the pumpkin in the same way as a regular stick.

Using a wine cork

For a unique look, a wine cork can be used as the stem. Wrap twine around the cork and secure it with hot glue. Then, add a large amount of hot glue to the bottom of the cork and place it on top of the pumpkin.

Using a tendril

To add a whimsical curly vine or tendril to your pumpkin, cut a piece of cord longer than you need. Use Mod Podge or white glue to coat the cord, and then wrap it around a pencil, securing it with clothespins. Wait until it is semi-dry, and then remove it from the pencil and glue it to the stem of the pumpkin.

No matter which method you choose, adding the stem is a simple way to finish off your fabric pumpkin and give it a unique look.

Decorating the pumpkin

If you want to make your pumpkins extra special, you could try adding a stick through the centre of the pumpkin to act as a stem. You can also add a curly vine to the stem by cutting a piece of cord longer than you need, applying glue, and wrapping the cord around a pencil. Secure it with clothespins and wait for it to dry before removing the pencil and attaching it to the stem with hot glue.

You can also decorate your pumpkins with raffia, ribbons, or leaves. If you want to add a bit of sparkle to your pumpkins, you can cover the stem with twine or add some glitter accents.

For a more elegant look, you can keep your fabric pumpkins plain or add a simple ribbon or twine bow. If you're feeling creative, you can even try painting or carving your pumpkins to add a more personal touch.

The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different decorations to match your wedding vision!

Frequently asked questions