DIY Fall Fabric Pumpkins

Pumpkin carving has always been very difficult for me. My carved designs never seem to come out the way I envision them. Therefore, these days I stick with other ways to decorate pumpkins. If you follow me on Instagram (@thecountrypeony), you know that it is a tradition for my children to paint their own pumpkins. Today I am featuring another way to incorporate pumpkins into your Fall decor with an unexpected whimsical flair. 

I was inspired by Aztec Fabric Covered Pumpkins featured on DIY Candy. Below is a step-by-step tutorial of my version of the DIY fabric-decorated pumpkins. 

*Tips:

• I used a plastic pumpkin (instead of a real pumpkin like the tutorial), because I wanted to be able to use mine year after year.

• Choose fabric with smaller prints so you don't have to worry about matching up the patterns.

• Keep hand wipes or a wet towel nearby to clean fingers in between applications. The mod podge process can get very messy and sticky. The key to a successful fabric pumpkin is clean fingers that won't stick to the fabric during application.

• Prep your area with paper so that the mod podge doesn't stick to your work station.

*This post contains affiliate links. For more information, please see my disclosures here. 

To make your own fabric pumpkins, you will need:

1 Yard of Fabric. This pattern isn't available anymore. But, I love Rifle Paper Co and their whimsical designs. You can also re-use fabric you have laying around the house.

Plastic Pumpkin

Mod Podge. I prefer to use gloss versus matte, because I like the pumpkins to shine.

Foam Brushes.

Scissors.

Wired Jute Craft Rope.

Hot Glue Gun with Glue Sticks.

Step 1: Cut fabric into 2-3 inch strips. 

Determine the length of your fabric. Place the fabric strip next to the pumpkin stem. Then wrap the strip around to the bottom and trim. 

Use the initial strip as a template to determine the length for the rest of the fabric strips. Cut more fabric strips. 

Step 2: Apply mod podge to the pumpkin with the foam brush. 

Step 3: Attach the strips to the pumpkin via the mod podge. Secure the fabric with one hand at the the top while your other hand pulls the strip tightly to the bottom of the fabric. Then smooth out the fabric and ensure it adheres to the pumpkin. The key to a smooth fabric application is clean hands and taut application. 

Step 4: Apply more mod podge, and continue step 3 over and over again until you cover the pumpkin with fabric. Don't be afraid of the mod podge. The more, the better to ensure a strong hold. 

Step 5: Once you secure all of the fabric to the pumpkin body, use your fingers to smooth out any bubbles or rough edges. 

Step 6: Apply an even coat of mod podge to the entire pumpkin body. Let the pumpkin sit for 30 minutes. 

Step 7: After 30 minutes apply another even layer of mod podge. Then set the pumpkin aside for 24 hours or until completely dry. 

Step 8: Once the pumpkin is dry secure the craft rope to the base of the pumpkin stem with hot glue (covering your fabric ends). 

Step 9: Continue to cover the stem with craft rope and hot glue. Cover the stem sides and top completely. 

Step 10: Place your DIY fabric pumpkin out to help celebrate the season!

This whimsical decor piece is great as a stand alone statement decoration, or it can be easily paired with garland, real pumpkins, and simple Fall flowers for an eclectic tablescape. However you choose to display your final product, I hope you enjoy the process!