Learn how to make yarn pumpkins. Use them for your fall decor now, then later you can use them in the dryer.
The art of felting is something I've long admired. Some of the projects I've seen are so pretty and I love all the vibrant colors and the soft look of the wool. Of course, this technique takes some time to master, and I find myself just adding to the list.
So this fall craft is not really about needle felted pumpkins. Instead, it's a simple project made with white and orange wool yarn that becomes felted in the process of washing and drying them. In fact, when you tire of these guys feel free to use them as dryer balls in the laundry.
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Making Felted Yarn Pumpkins
Supplies
- package of 100% Wool Roving Yarn
- white glue
- twigs from the yard
Start by wrapping pieces of yarn around each other and rolling them into a ball. I tried this process in three different ways.
Some I made by wrapping the yarn around a tennis ball, thus leaving you with more yarn to make the second ball.
I also tried using a plastic Christmas ornament just because it was lighter. In the end, I like the one that was entirely yarn as they ended up with a nicer shape for the pumpkins.
What Kind of Yarn Do You Use to Make the Pumpkins?
I used three types of wool yarn for this project. The best was the roving wool yarn. The worsted wool was not a bad second choice but did not give that felted look I liked. The third (green on the left) was only 50% wool and did not work at all.
- Once you have created your ball of wool place it in a sock or pantyhose and tie it in a knot.
- Run it through the washer using hot water and detergent, and then through the dryer on high heat. Feel free to wash a load of clothes with them.
- Remove from the sock/hose and let dry.
- To turn them into adorable yarn pumpkins, just poke a hole in the middle and glue a small twig for the stem with white glue or a hot glue gun. You could also use a piece of green pipe cleaner and curl it to create a vine.
This easy yarn pumpkin craft will give you cute pumpkins you can use in a dough bowl as a beautiful centerpiece, or as a nice mantle decoration.
When you are done using the pumpkins for decoration, you can remove the stem, and use them in your dryer instead of dryer sheets. You can even add a few drops of essential oil to scent your clothes.
Wouldn't these adorable pumpkins make a nice gift?
How to Make Yarn Pumpkins
Equipment
- Scissors
- Washing machine
- Clothes Dryer
Materials
- 100 % Wool Roving Yarn I used white and orange yarn
- White glue
- Twigs from the yard
Instructions
- Start by rolling the yarn into a ball.
- Place it in a sock or pantyhose and tie it closed.
- Run the yarn ball through the washing machine using hot water and detergent.
- Then through the dryer on high heat.
- Remove the ball from the sock/hose and let it dry completely.
- Finally, poke a hole in the middle and glue a small twig for the stem.
divya sharma
They are so pretty and cute. I love them Thanks for sharing.
Patti Estep
Hi Divya,
I had be wanting to try this craft for awhile and making the pumpkins turned out to be a great fit. They still looked great a year later.
Thanks for stopping by,
Patti
Chloe Crabtree
I just found these adorable pumpkins and I love them! I have seen such cute felting projects but had no idea I could do it in the dryer...at least with balls (or pumpkins). I am going to try these! I have shared them over on FB and Twitter and pinned to my craft board. I would love it if you would come by and share these at Celebrate Your Story! Here is the link if you can come and join us: http://celebrateanddecorate.com/celebrate-story-37-2/
Patti Estep
Hi Chloe,
So glad you like the dryer ball pumpkins. They were very fun to make.
Have a great week!
Patti
Kelly
LOVE this, Patti! Sharing!! xo
Patti
Thanks Kelly!
Hannah
So cute--I love this idea!
xx Hannah // http://www.HomemadeBanana.com
Patti
Thanks Hanna!
Carole West @ Garden Up Green
Very cleaver - I love this! I to would like to learn how to felt. It would be awesome since I actually have access to sheep fiber too, just not enough hours in the day right now. This project is great you're pumpkins are cute!
Patti
Thanks Carole,
They were fun to make! One of these days we'll get a chance to learn felting. 🙂
Have a great weekend,
Patti