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8.01.2015

Original Sweet Sweater Pumpkin Tutorial

Better Homes & Gardens Magazine, fall, original designs, pumpkins, re-purposing, sweaters, Sweet Sweater Pumpkins, thrifted, tutorial, original designs, Sweet Sweater Originals, HOMEWARDfound Decor
mySweet Sweater PumpkinsTM
are popular every fall!
my free no-sew tutorial for THE ORIGINAL sweater pumpkin
helps you make your own versions of this classic fall decor accent!

this is an easy craft project, and eco-friendly way to decorate for fall,
because they're made out of recycled materials and totally no-sew.

i designed my original product in 2007, and it appeared on my Hummadeedledee blog,
then began selling them at vintage shows and stores in 2009,

and they have been published in magazines and on blogs, FB, and Pinterest ever since - 
appearing here on homewardFOUND first in 2012,
and in Better Homes & Garden's Halloween Special issue in 2013! 

continue reading for tutorial:

Better Homes & Gardens Magazine, fall, original designs, pumpkins, re-purposing, sweaters, Sweet Sweater Pumpkins, thrifted, tutorial, original designs, Sweet Sweater Originals, HOMEWARDfound DecorBetter Homes & Gardens Magazine, fall, original designs, pumpkins, re-purposing, sweaters, Sweet Sweater Pumpkins, thrifted, tutorial, original designs, Sweet Sweater Originals, HOMEWARDfound Decor

.Supplies

long-sleeved sweaters (adult size)
[natural fibers work best, and tightly knit textures - no open crochet stitches]
twine or string
sharp scissors
LOTS of heavy rubber bands (2 per pumpkin)
polyfill stuffing
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Preparation
.
*Cut the arms off of the sweaters from the underarm to the shoulder, then cut the arms in half across the middle. (You can cut longer sections for more elongated pumpkin/squash shapes, and shorter sections for smaller, rounder shapes.)
 

*Turn all of the cut pieces inside out, and set aside.

*Take the twine or yarn, and wrap it six times around your elbow & thumb to make big loops.
 

*When done, cut it in half at your thumb so that you have one big long hank. It should be approximately 18 to 20 inches long.
 

*Make several hanks of twine (with 6 cords), and set aside.

Step by Step:

1. Place one hank of twine inside of one cut sweater piece. Let about an inch poke out on the LARGE end of the sweater arm - the rest of the twine will hang out the narrow end.

2. Fold that inch of twine over the edge of the sweater, then gather the end up and fasten it tightly with a rubber band.

3. Flip the whole thing right-side out, using the hank of twine to help.


4. Stuff the open end with polyfill. Remember that lots of stuffing will make your pumpkin rounder, and less stuffing will result in a flatter, 'squashed' look. Leave about an inch - or more if you prefer - of sweater 'cuff' unfilled at the top, to create the stem later.

5. Separate the hank of twine into six single strands. Spread these out equidistantly around the rounded top. Evenly distribute the strands as you stretch them to the other end of the form.

6Grasp the strands and the sweater 'cuff', twist them together, and wrap a rubber band around them several times - tightly.
7. Separate the strings into strands again, and then begin gently pulling each separate strand in a clockwise pattern. You'll have to pull each one twice or more to create enough tension to pouf out the sweater and form a pumpkin shape.

Help it along by pulling the fabric out a bit at the top & bottom edges, so that the ridges are more defined. Once the ridges are even, tie the strands together around the stem in pairs, two at a time, to hold them in place. A simple knot is enough. 

8. Roll the extra sweater fabric at the top into a 'stem' as shown.
.
9. Using the loose ends of the twine strands, begin wrapping around the stem to completely cover the sweater fabric with twine. Take half the strands and wrap them clockwise while wrapping the other half counter-clockwise and intertwining them as you work your way up the stem. * NOTE: The strands will not wrap the entire stem unless you begin with double-length strands * Tie the strands together in one knot when you reach their ends. Trim the sweater fabric close to the twine for a nice neat stem.
1011. You can also add embellishments to the stem – such as snippets of lace, burlap, leaves, acorns, even vintage jewelry. Make it your OWN! You'll see many photos shared on the HOMEWARDfound Decor blog that will inspire you!



COPYRIGHT INFORMATION:
The content of this tutorial is the original property of 

Debi Ward Kennedy and homewardFOUND Decor.
You may not replicate, share, pin, or sell any part of this tutorial OR the link to it

on your blog, any website, in print, in a workshop/class, or by any other method
for which you would receive compensation or publicity for it.
If you want to share an image, please link it to this page and credit me.
You may not use any image of my pumpkins (taken by me or another photographer)
  to advertise or sell the pumpkins that you make.
This applies to all images of my Original Sweet Sweater Pumpkins, 
whether they are sourced via Pinterest, Google, facebook, my blog/website, 
or your photos of my pumpkins that you have purchased from me.
The best advice is to only use photos that you have taken, of your own products/creations.


You may not use images or text from my tutorial for your own content.
You may not copy or replicate my images and text for your own content.

Be inspired - but be original.


The name Sweet Sweater Pumpkins is copyright Debi Ward Kennedy 2007-2024.
You may not use that name to refer to pumpkins that you make using this tutorial
 

or by any other means.


Product design and 'Sweet Sweater Pumpkins' name TM 
Post images, text, process, content all copyright 
Debi Ward Kennedy and homeward found decor 2007-2024 

All Rights Reserved.