Embrace the best parts of fall with a DIY sweater pumpkin

This adorable DIY sweater pumpkin can be made in about 45 minutes with just a pumpkin, some hot glue, and your favorite fall paint color!

painted pumpkin on buffet
(Image credit: Dori Turner)

Cable knit sweaters are a staple in any autumnal wardrobe and what better way to extend that comfy feeling than incorporating it into your fall decor? This cute crafting project outfits a pumpkin with a fun cable knit pattern that fits in perfectly with the rest of your decorations while adding warmth and character!

Supplies:

diy sweater pumpkin supplies

(Image credit: Dori Turner)

1. Pumpkin

2. Glue gun and glue sticks

3. Pen or marker

4. Paint and paint brush

With just a few basic supplies and a little creativity, you'll be able to craft this cute gourd. Plus, it's super easy to customize so if you want to make this a little more spooky for a Halloween-esque no-carve pumpkin look, simply change up your paint color and play around with the pattern.

Here's how to craft your sweater pumpkin:

1. Clean your pumpkin

design on pumpkin

(Image credit: Dori Turner)

Using a damp rag, wipe your pumpkin down to remove any dirt and debris. You want to make sure you have a clean surface to work with. Turn on your glue gun so it can heat up while you prep the space. To protect the surface you're working on, lay down some plastic or paper.

2. Draw your pattern

gluing on pumpkin

(Image credit: Dori Turner)

Using a pen or marker, plan out your pattern by drawing it on the pumpkin. Have a damp paper towel close by in case you mess up and want to redo any part of the pattern. 

This pattern mimics a cable knit sweater so I used a picture of one to plan the pattern on my pumpkin. I started by drawing dots on either side of where I planned to place the diamond pattern. Then, I drew the diamond shape moving down the side of the pumpkin. Next, I drew a design on either side of the larger diamond pattern to mimic the smaller stitching on a cable knit sweater. Continue on in this manner until the whole pumpkin is done. 

3. Trace then glue over the pattern

painting pumpkin green

(Image credit: Dori Turner)

Once you’ve completed drawing your pattern, it’s time to trace over the pattern with your glue gun. Starting back at the beginning, run your glue gun over the pen lines. Where you drew the dots you may choose to make it a line or do dots of glue in between the diamond and stitching patterns. Continue until you’ve glued over the pattern on the entire surface of the pumpkin.

4. Paint your pumpkin

green painted sweater pumpkin

(Image credit: Dori Turner)

Once the glue has dried, which happens quickly with the hot glue, you’re ready to paint your pumpkin. I chose to use some leftover green chalk paint and painted over the pattern. Allow it to fully dry.

Now you’re ready to display your cute and cozy sweater pumpkin! It will complement your decor and remind you of your favorite comfy fall attire all season long.

Dori Turner

Dori Turner writes blog posts and feature articles on affordable design and DIY from her home in the heart of Oklahoma. She has a passion for teaching others how they can transform their home on a budget.