How to Make No-Sew Fabric Pumpkins from a Toilet Paper Roll (or an Old Sweater)

Wrap a toilet paper roll in a square of fabric or an old sweater sleeve, tuck the edges into the center hole, and push in a twig for a stem. No sewing or glue, and it all comes apart after the season.

What You'll Need

  • A full toilet paper roll (one per pumpkin)
  • Fabric: an 18-inch square of cotton or flannel, a fat quarter, or a tea towel
  • Or: an old sweater with stretchy sleeves
  • A twig, cinnamon stick, or short dowel (for the stem)
  • Twine, ribbon, or a strip of green scrap fabric
  • Scissors

Skip burlap unless you seal the edges first, because it frays.

Each pumpkin is a toilet paper roll wrapped in fabric, with the edges tucked into the hole in the middle and a twig pushed in as the stem. There's no sewing and no hot glue, so kids can help. Use a square of cotton or flannel, a tea towel, or the sleeve of an old sweater. When the season is over, you unwrap it and keep both the fabric and the toilet paper.

1

Cut the fabric

Cut a square about 18 inches by 18 inches from cotton, flannel, or a tea towel. A fat quarter is close to that size and works well. For the sweater version, cut one sleeve straight across just under the arm, then trim off the cuff. That leaves a tube about 12 to 13 inches long. Check that the tube stretches over a toilet paper roll before you go on.

2

Shape the roll

Unroll about 15 wraps of toilet paper, then roll them back on loosely while you twist, so the roll bulges into a round shape. Tuck the loose end in. A bigger ("mega") roll gives you a fatter pumpkin.

3

Wrap the roll in fabric

Lay the fabric print side down and set the roll in the center. Bring one edge up and push it down into the hole in the middle of the roll. Work your way around, pleating and tucking, until all the raw edges are inside the hole. Smooth the folds so they look like even ribs. For the sweater version, pull the tube over the roll, then tuck one end into the hole at the top and the other end into the hole at the bottom.

4

Add the stem

Push a twig, a cinnamon stick, or a short dowel into the center hole. The stem presses on the tucked fabric and holds it in place.

5

Tie on the finish

Tie twine, ribbon, or a strip of green scrap fabric around the stem. Tuck in a few faux or fabric leaves if you have them. You don't need glue for any of it.

6

Style them, then store them

Group three pumpkins in different sizes or colors on a mantel or a tray, with the largest one a little off center. After the season, unwrap them. The fabric goes back in your stash, and the toilet paper is still usable.

For a fall table, see How to Fold a Pumpkin Napkin for Fall Table Settings (Cloth Napkin + Cardboard Ring): https://ucandostuff.com/guide/how-to-fold-a-pumpkin-napkin-for-fall-table-settings