Fall Pumpkin and Leaf Garland

When I think of Fall, I think of oranges, yellows and reds. I think of leaves changing color and falling in piles on the ground. It has been 30 years since I lived on the East Coast but I have never let go of that ideal. I think of jumping in huge piles of colorful leaves and pumpkin picking. These are my inspirations for this garland.

I made a bow for each end with a silk sun flower hot glued to the center.

My leaves are falling with the help of fishing line.

I couldn’t be more thrilled with the result. I can hardly wait for this post to go out! When the fan is on the leaves spin and flutter in the breeze. I just LOVE IT!!

If you would like to see more on how I made the pumpkins, I have a tutorial below.

1. You can cut 3 pumpkins out at once. Fold your fabric in half and then again in thirds.

2. I like to cut a section off the fabric to make it easier to cut around the curves.

3. Once you have cut out your pumpkin shapes and un-pinned the pattern, remove the top fabric piece and place it on the bottom of the pile. You now have 3 sets of right sides together pumpkins.

4. Sew two pumpkin pieces on top of two layers of batting. Leave an opening at the top so you can turn it right side out. I choose to leave my opening at the top where the stem will help to hide the hand sewn seam. I did all of my pumpkins assembly line style.

5. After you have sewn the batting onto the fabric, trim around the edges. Then turn your pumpkin right side out and hand stitch the opening closed.

Once you have it right side out and closed. Stitch in your lines to give your pumpkin added detail. I suggest you start at the bottom and stitch towards the top. This way any puckering or shifting of the fabric will happen where the step and leaves will cover it up. Though, I didn’t have much trouble with puckering happening.

I varied the number and angle of the lines to give each pumpkin it’s own personality.

6. I made my stem shapes by folding my felt over and placing my template on top (leaving the fold at the top of the stem un-cut). Then I stitched along the narrow part of the stem to give it added strength and a finished look.

7. Since I will be sewing through both sides at once, I was careful to match up both sides of the stem while pinning it down. I started with one corner and then flipped the pumpkin over to match as closely as possible the same corner on the opposite side. When I put the pin back up through the back layer, I made sure that the pin came out as approximately the same spot on the front. Stitch a straight stitch matching up with the stitch you did on the narrow portion all the way around.

8. I added some ribbing detail to the stems to mimic the ribs on real pumpkins. This also ensures that both sides are secure if you missed an edge on the backside.

9. My pumpkins are two sided since you can see this from the hallway. I used the same technique for the leaves as I did with the stem. I matched up two similar sized silk leaves and pinned down the center vein line. Carefully stitch along that line to hide your stitches.

(You can find these leaves in bags at Walmart for about $1.00 or buy a silk branch of fall leaves and carefully remove the leaves). I have had my leaves for a few years and I got them off a silk branch.

String your pumpkins on ribbon. For an added touch thread a pipe cleaner through the stem and wind the ends around your fingers.

For the hanging fall leaves I threaded fishing line through them and placed a knot between each. I simply threaded the end through the ribbon and tied it off.

I made my own bows and hot glued the flowers in the middle for an added touch.

I can’t tell you how excited I am to have this hanging in my archway! My pumpkins sparkle with gold glitter and the leaves float and “fall” in the breeze.

Katrina

Because you asked for it……and because I am loving the comments (keep them coming)! ;)

Here are the templates for my pumpkins and stems. Alas my scanner is broken. :( So I have taken a picture of my templates for you. You can right click this image and save it. Please use it for your personal use only. Our crafts are intended for you to enjoy or even to give as gifts but not to make money off of.

When you print out this template be sure that the image size is 7.25 inches wide by 8.6 inches tall. My finished pumpkins measure roughly 6 1/4 inch due to 1/4 inch seams and the batting. Feel free to resize your pumpkins to suit your liking. The trick is to remember that your final product will be about 1 inch smaller than your template.

Katrina

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