How to Create a Fun and Stylish Pumpkin Topper with Fabric & Trim

Create a Fun and Stylish Pumpkin Topper

This is the 2^nd installment of the new series “From Scraps to Masterpieces.”

If you are looking for an alternative to carving and painting pumpkins, then today’s sewing project will pique your interest! With a small amount of fabric, leftover trim, and Halloween accents, I’m sharing my sewing tutorial for creating amazing pumpkin toppers. They are a fantastic option when decorating pumpkins for indoors. These beauties can be used for many years and are a GREAT way to use up Halloween and fall themed fabrics from your scrap bag! I’ve made them in 2 sizes:

1. Large, measures approx. 14″ square (from tip to tip)
2. Small measures approx. 10″ square (from tip to tip)

You will need:

¼ to 1/2 yd. of fabric (a 10” x 10” charm pack will work for many toppers; you will need a fat quarter of fabric for the back of each topper)
For optimal results, select woven fabrics–not knits.

NOTE: An assortment of coordinated fabric looks great!

Small spool of utility thread

OPTIONAL Materials: 1 yd. of beaded or fringe trim

Assortment of jewels and baubles for decorating

Pumpkin Topper Tools:

Sewing machine

Sharp scissors and snippers

hand sewing needle

iron

(optional) sleeve board this is great for pressing the center of the topper

If you would like to use my templates, you can DOWNLOAD them here. NOTE: Print out download at ACTUAL size—do NOT use ‘fit to page’ option. 

Please note: The number of pieces listed on the template are for one side; you will need to double the number for each topper. For example, you will need 13 pieces for your top and 13 pieces for the bottom side of each large size topper.

Create Fun Pumpkin Topper Step 1:

Before cutting anything, press your fabric. Remove all wrinkles.

Create Fun Pumpkin Topper Step 2:

Trace and cut the correct number of pieces (13 front pieces and 13 back pieces for large topper, 9 front pieces and 9 back pieces for small topper)  If you are using an assortment of fabrics, arrange them before sewing.

Create Fun Pumpkin Topper Step 3:

For the topper centers cut (1) square from your BACK fabric. You will need either a 4” square (large topper) or a 3” square for the small.
Set squares aside.

Create Fun Pumpkin Topper Step 4:

With right sides together, sew side seams with a ¼” seam allowance. TIP: This step is easier if you pair up the pieces and sew those first. You will have either 6 sets +1 leftover piece or 4 sets +1 leftover piece.

See photos below.

Next, press the seams open and flat.

Now pair up your sets again, right sides together, and sew another seam. You will now have either 3 sets + 1 leftover piece or 2 sets + 1 leftover piece. Press the seams open and flat.

Continue connecting pieces in this manner until they create one continuous circle. Press seams open.

The topper will appear ‘curved’ when all the seams are sewn which will help it lay better on a pumpkin. (see next photo)

Repeat this step with the LINER pieces to create the back section.

Create Fun Pumpkin Topper Step 5:

Lay sewn piecework on top of the back/liner fabric, RIGHT SIDES together. Smooth out any wrinkles with your hands. PIN the edges of the topper to the back fabric. The piecework will not lay completely flat—smooth it out as flat as possible.

Create Fun Pumpkin Topper Step 6:

Line up and pin seams first; then line up and pin the points.  (See photos)

Next, sew along the edge of the piecework with a ¼” seam allowance. This seam will attach the topper front and back.

Create Fun Pumpkin Topper Step 7:

Trim excess liner fabric from edges. You will need to trim the points away from the tips and “snip” the seam allowance at the “V’s” so that the fabric lays neatly when you press it. Be careful to NOT cut your stitching!

Create Fun Pumpkin Topper Step 8:

Turn topper right side out. Use a pointer or pencil to gently push the points out.

Create Fun Pumpkin Topper Step 9:

Press seams flat. You may notice that the topper will start to curve or ‘bow up.’  This is ok. If the top is tight, it will not lay neatly on the pumpkin.

Create Fun Pumpkin Topper Step 10:

Pin the topper at the center. Line up the seams to the best of your ability. Sew a seam ¼” from raw edge. Do NOT sew over pins!

Create Fun Pumpkin Topper Step 11:

Lay and center square of liner fabric over the topper center, RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER. Smooth with your hands and pin in place.

Create Fun Pumpkin Topper Step 12:

Turn over the topper. and sew along the seamline you created in Step 10 from the back side. Be sure to remove pins before sewing over them.

Create Fun Pumpkin Topper Step 13:

Trim excess fabric from the CENTER of the topper. Leave a ¼” seam allowance. Grade seam by snipping seam approximately every ½”. Do NOT cut thru the seam.

Create Fun Pumpkin Topper Step 14:

Pull square thru opening to back side of fabric. Press seam flat.

Trim excess square fabric to approximately ½”. Turn under raw edge and pin in place. Hand stitch the edge.

Create Fun Pumpkin Topper Step 15:

Embellish your topper by sewing trim to the edge and adding your personal touches. I used free standing lace bats, beads, and leftover jewels from my stash. If you have small children or pets, be careful when selecting decorations for your pumpkin topper. Avoid using items such as small beads that can be choking hazards.

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If you have a question or tutorial suggestion, please leave it in the comments below.  We would love to hear from you!