Pumpkin Potholder Sew Along: Sew Something Cozy for Fall
There’s something about chilly weather and colorful fall leaves that makes me want to pull out my favorite fPumpkin Potholder Sew Along: Sew Something Cozy for Fall
abrics and spend a little time at the sewing machine. These quilted pumpkin potholders are just the project for that kind of day!
In this pumpkin potholder sew along, I’ll show you how to turn three cotton fabric strips into a pumpkin with a little stem and soft, fluffy rag edges. Make one for your fall kitchen or sew a coordinating pair for a thoughtful handmade gift.
Grab something warm to sip, choose your fabrics, and come sew with me!
A Beginner-Friendly Fall Sewing Project
This project gives you a chance to practice several useful sewing skills in one small make: piecing with a quarter-inch seam allowance, layering fabric and batting, quilting straight lines, and stitching around a curved shape.
If you’re new to sewing or returning after a break, you can pause and replay the video as often as you need. Take your time and enjoy watching your pumpkin come together.
The finished potholder measures approximately 7 inches wide by 6½ inches tall after washing. Your finished size may vary slightly with your fabrics, batting, and laundering.
Watch the Pumpkin Potholder Sew Along
Follow along with me from cutting the fabric through the final wash and dry.
Looking for a particular step? Use these video chapters:
00:00 — Pumpkin Pot Holders: Cozy Fall Sew Along
00:10 — Welcome and Introduction with Penni
01:13 — Getting Started: Cutting Fabric and Batting
02:41 — Sewing the Stem and Quilting the Layers
09:22 — Tracing the Pumpkin Shape
11:28 — Stitching Around the Pumpkin
16:43 — Finished Potholder and Final Tips
You can also visit the Pumpkin Potholder Sewing Course at Sew Chill Sewing Studio for the welcome lesson, supply list, sew-along video link, and pattern purchase link together in one place.
Get the Printable Pumpkin Potholder Pattern
Prefer to keep printed instructions beside your sewing machine? The PDF pattern is available separately from my Etsy shop, Sew Chill Sewing Studio.
The pattern includes:
Step-by-step instructions with photos
A full-size pumpkin tracing template
US Letter and A4 versions
Printing directions and a one-inch test square
A QR code and clickable link to the video tutorial
Print your chosen paper-size version at Actual Size or 100% scale, and check the test square before tracing. If you only need the pumpkin template, print PDF page 9.
The template marks the pumpkin’s stitching shape. It does not include a seam allowance and is used for tracing.
Gather Your Materials
For one pumpkin potholder, gather:
Three 3" × 7" cotton fabric strips for the pieced front
One 7" high × 8" wide cotton fabric piece for the backing
One 2" × 3" cotton fabric strip for the stem
Two 7" high × 8" wide pieces of cotton batting
Coordinating thread
Pumpkin tracing template from the PDF pattern
Heat-erasable fabric pen
Sewing machine
Sharp fabric scissors
Quilting ruler, rotary cutter, and cutting mat, or scissors for cutting
Pins or quilting clips
Iron and pressing surface
Use cotton fabric rather than synthetic fabric, which can melt when exposed to heat. Choose batting intended for your project and follow its manufacturer’s directions.
How the Pumpkin Potholder Comes Together
Piece Your Cotton Strips
We’ll begin by joining the three cotton strips with quarter-inch seams and pressing the pieced front flat. This is a fun place to play with fabric combinations!
I used contrasting fall prints with an orange dotted center strip. You could choose softer autumn colors, cheerful novelty prints, or fabrics that coordinate with your kitchen.
Layer and Quilt
Next, we’ll layer the backing, batting, and pieced front to create our quilt sandwich.
Quilting a quarter inch on either side of the pieced seams holds the layers together and adds a simple detail to the front. Pins or clips help keep everything in place as you sew.
Trace the Pumpkin and Add the Stem
Once the layers are quilted, we’ll trace the pumpkin shape onto the front using the full-size template.
The video shows the top trimming and stem placement so you can see how the stem tucks into the layers before stitching. We’ll then sew around the traced outline to create the pumpkin shape.
Trim, Clip, Wash, and Dry
After stitching, we’ll trim around the pumpkin and carefully clip the seam allowance at regular intervals. Clip toward the stitching without cutting through it.
Then comes my favorite part: the wash and dry! Laundering helps the clipped edges soften and fluff into that cozy rag finish.
Trim any long, loose threads afterward, check your stitching, and make sure the potholder is completely dry before using it.
Make a Pair for a Handmade Fall Gift
Two coordinating pumpkin potholders make a sweet gift for someone who loves decorating their kitchen for fall.
Choose complementary prints, tie the finished pair with a ribbon, and add a handwritten note. They would be lovely tucked beside a favorite cookie recipe or included in a seasonal kitchen gift basket.
You’re welcome to sell finished potholders you make from this pattern. Please keep the PDF and template for your own use; they may not be redistributed or resold.
Come Sew a Pumpkin With Me!
Ready to turn those pretty cotton fabrics into something you can use and enjoy?
I’d love to see your finished pumpkins!
Share a photo on Instagram and tag @sewchill.penni, or find me on TikTok at @penni.sew.chill. Use #sewchill so we can celebrate your project together.
What fabrics would you choose for your pumpkin patch? Tell me in the comments!
Stay cozy, get creative, and Sew Chill!
Penni
Sew Chill Sewing Studio · Sewn with Heart
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