Fall is pumpkin time! Large or small, orange, white or colorful – pumpkins are simply a part of autumn. The autumnal fruits can not only be used to conjure up wonderful dishes, but also to create imaginative decorations for the home. The problem with fresh pumpkins is that they quickly mold and rot. Many people get frustrated when their artwork stops looking great after a few days. Pumpkins made from non-perishable materials such as paper and fabric offer a nice alternative. You too can make a pumpkin so easily!
Upcycling Alte Pullover
For example, you can make lots of things out of worn-out or broken wool sweatersmake great DIYs. Today we'll show you how to make a pumpkin out of it. The instructions are so simple that even children can understand them. You will need one or more old sweaters, old socks or possibly an old hat. Knitted decorations convey warmth and give rooms individual charm.
Make a pumpkin – without sewing
There are several ways you can make a pumpkin from an old sweater: with and without sewing. The term sewing is really flexible. This is not about using a sewing machine or entire masterpieces. The whole thing is sewn with a few straight seams. Children aged 8 and over can try sewing by hand using a needle and thread.
If youwith younger childrenIf you want to make crafts, you can consider the following alternatives:
- Rubber band is used instead of needle and thread.
Fold the fabric on the wrong side and close the end with the elastic. Then you can turn the fabric again and stuff it with the filling.
- You can simply tie the fabric together to make a bag.
Cut a circle out of the fabric, place the fiberfill in the center and pull the fabric together. Tie with a thread or elastic band so that some fabric sticks out.
With sewing –simpleProject for children ages 8 and up
You can make several pumpkins of different sizes from an old sweater. They look very pretty when arranged in groups. The sleeve pieces, for example, are wonderful for mini pumpkins. Actually, only the collar is not used.
Materials and tools: scissors, hot glue gun, needle and thread, cotton wool or similar material
This is how it works: Cut a sleeve into several pieces. It depends on how big you want your pumpkins. Turn one sleeve part to the left side and sew one end together with a needle and thread. Then turn it right side out again and stuff it with fiberfill. Then close the upper part with the thread.
Mini pumpkins made from old socks
You can also make beautiful mini pumpkins out of old socks. For this you need long socks, preferably in bright colors. Cut out the heel cap and use the other two pieces.
The small ball only gets its typical look when it is divided into small honeycombs. Simply pass the needle through the center of the ball, from bottom to top, and tighten each time firmly.
If you're making a larger pumpkin, you can simply wrap some yarn around the stem, then around the pumpkin several times. This creates 6-8 grooves around the pumpkin.
To give the pumpkin the finishing touch, don't forget the stem. There are several ideas here: Either fix a part of a branch in the center with hot glue or tightly wrap a protruding part of the fabric with jute cord so that a “stem” is created at the top. Then glue the end of the string in place with hot glue.
Beautify the decoration
Once the decorations are ready, you can let your imagination run wild and think about how they can be embellished. Here are a few ideas:
- Old brooches, buttons or crochet trims provide a vintage touch. If you want a more rustic look, it's best to use natural materials such as raffia and jute ribbon.
- To imitate the typical curled stems of pumpkins, you can use different materials. Pipe cleaners, decorative wire with beads, green paper wire are ideal for this. Simply twist the wire around a pencil and wrap the curls around the stem.
- Pumpkin leaves shouldn't be missing either. Use artificial leaves from craft supplies or make some yourself based on your imagination! It's very quick: print out a template for the leaves in different sizes, transfer it to felt and cut it out. Trace the leaf grain with a black fine liner and hot glue the finished leaves.
A pumpkin doesn't just have to be plain and orange. You can experiment with different color palettes depending on the look you want to achieve.
Pure white pumpkins, for example, are a special feast for the eyes and go perfectly with a Scandinavian-inspired decoration. The slightly structured surface of the sweaters provides a nice variety.
However, if you use several colorful sweaters, make sure they have at least one color in common. This ensures a uniform appearance.
Decorate with fabric pumpkins
The pumpkins from old sweaters win our hearts because they simply look beautiful. Once all the masterpieces are finished, think about how they can be presented effectively. Why not place the pumpkins in a bowl or large glass vase and proudly display them on the coffee table? In combination with scented candles and natural materials such as acorns, chestnuts and leaves, a beautiful autumnal ensemble is created.
IfUse bookends or doorstops
The pumpkin not only looks pretty, but can also serve a functional purpose. For example as a bookend on the wall shelf or as a door stop in the children's room. To do this, you simply have to choose a filling material that weighs you down. Sand, small stones, rice or dry beans are ideal for this.
