• Cut eight sections of the pumpkin body piece. These may be cut on the lengthwise or crosswise grain of the fabric. They must be cut on a straight grain to avoid the pumpkin twisting.
• Cut two pieces of the stem.
• All directions refer to using 1/4" seam allowances.

Pumpkin Body

• Begin by joining two pumpkin sections, wrong sides together, on one edge. Be sure to back stitch at the ends. The seams will come apart when you are stuffing it if you do not back stitch.
• Open the joined section and join another pumpkin body section to one side.
• Repeat the above step until all sections are joined together. Join the two ends together to form a ball. One end of the ball will be closed and the other will have an opening for you to stuff through. Turn the fabric to the right sides out.
• Stuff the ball to a semi firm stage. Stuff from the center and work the stuffing out to the sides to obtain a smooth exterior on the pumpkin. A semi firm stage is similar to a couch cushion. It will have some give but is firm to a light touch.
• Thread a needle with VERY strong thread. Leave a 6" tail on the thread by knotting (large knot) the thread at least 6" from the end. Make a running stitch around the opening that you have used to stuff the ball.
• Pull the thread to gather the opening closed. Tack the threads to tie it off and use the tail that you left to knot and anchor your stitches as you close it. This will be hidden under the stem so neatness is not imperative, but you do want to draw it tight so that it all, will be hidden under the stem.
• Roll the ball on the floor or with your hands to smooth out the ball and obtain the basic shape that you want for a pumpkin. Try to roll out as many hollows as possible.
• Thread a large eyed needle with 6 strands of embroidery thread. Tie off the embroidery thread where you gathered the top closed. A tail on the thread is also helpful here.
• Wrap the embroidery thread around the seam lines on your pumpkin. Pull the thread tight, so that the seams indent and tie off after pulling over each seam. You can add extra sections to your pumpkin by repeating evenly between the seam lines.