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

Create a Fun and Stylish Pumpkin Topper

This is the 2nd 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.

Pumpkin topper pieces

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.

Sewing Pumpkin Topper Pieces

Pumpkin Topper pieces

Next, press the seams open and flat.

Pumpkin Topper pieces

Pumpkin Topper Pieces

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.

Pumpkin Topper pieces

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

Pumpkin topper pieces

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

Pumpkin topper top

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

Back of Pumpkin topper

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.

Pumpkin topper pinned together

Create Fun Pumpkin Topper Step 6:

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

Pinning pumpkin topper side seams

pinning pumpkin topper tips

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

Sewing pumpkin topper

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!

Pumpkin topper seam closeup

snipping seam allowance on pumpkin topper

Create Fun Pumpkin Topper Step 8:

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

Pumpkin topper inside out

Pumpkin topper right side 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.

Pumpkin topper pressing

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!

Pumpkin topper center pinned

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

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.

square of fabric on pumpkin topper center

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.

sewing center of pumpkin topper

fabric square sewn to center of pumpkin topper

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.

graded pumpkin topper seam

Create Fun Pumpkin Topper Step 14:

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

Sew the topper closed

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

Reverse side of pumpkin topper

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.

decorations and beads for stylish toppers

Decorated pumpkin stylish topper

Hopefully you enjoyed this project! If so, be sure to sign up for The Creative Sewist email list so we can send you helpful sewing advice and notifications when new content is uploaded.

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

DISCLAIMER: This publication is for use by the original purchaser only. It is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws, and all rights are reserved including resale rights: you are not allowed to give or sell this tutorial to anyone else. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, by any means (electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of Christine Warren. This document may NOT be shared online in any form including any groups, social pages, blogs, email, websites, or in any other form without the prior written consent of Christine Warren.

Original purchasers of this pattern may make items using it and have permission to sell the personal handcrafted items in small quantities. Mass quantity and commercial sales are NOT permitted.

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About Me

Christine Warren
CHRISTINE WARREN

Sewing isn’t just my job, it’s my passion. I’ve enjoyed sewing and needle working since I was very young.

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