Fall is in the air, and if you’re like me, you’re itching to add a little no sew pumpkin magic to your home. But instead of running out to buy a bunch of decor, how about we make something fun, easy, and budget-friendly using items you probably already have?
In today’s tutorial, I’ll show you how to make the cutest fabric pumpkin using just a fat quarter of fabric and a roll of toilet paper!
You can even bulk it up with newspaper if you want to add a little extra “oomph,” but that’s totally optional. Ready to craft up some cozy fall vibes?
I love it when there is a project that you can do in like- 2 seconds…and all the supplies are in the house {or around it}!! This is one of those that is on the top of the ‘get it done now’ list.
This one requires no sewing machine…..just a good hand for stuffing! For the stick– send your kiddos outside to dig around for a little bit, I am sure they will find multiple possibilities to give a try.
Key Takeaways:
- You’ll only need a fat quarter of fabric (hello, stash buster!).
- A roll of toilet paper is the base (yes, seriously!).
- Optional: use newspaper to bulk up the pumpkin for a fuller look.
- No sewing required – just a little wrapping and tucking!
- Perfect for last-minute fall decor or as a cute gift idea.
Fabric Pumpkin Using a Fat Quarter of Fabric
Materials You’ll Need:
- 1 Fat quarter of fabric (18” x 22”)
- 1 Roll of toilet paper
- Optional: newspaper for extra bulk
- A stick, cinnamon stick, or any fall-inspired item for the stem
- Ribbon, twine, or raffia for decoration (totally optional, but it adds charm!)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare Your Toilet Paper Roll: Grab your roll of toilet paper and fluff it up a bit. I like to gently loosen the layers by pulling them out a little to make the roll less compact. This helps give the pumpkin a fuller, rounder shape.
- Optional: Add Newspaper for Bulk: If you want a chubbier pumpkin, crumple up some newspaper and stuff it around the sides of the toilet paper roll. You can use as much or as little as you like, depending on how full you want your pumpkin to be.
- Wrap the Fabric Around the Roll: Take your fat quarter and lay it out flat, wrong side up. Place the toilet paper roll in the center of the fabric. Now, start pulling up the fabric edges and tuck them into the center hole of the toilet paper roll. You don’t have to be super precise – just keep tucking until all the fabric is secured inside. It’s like wrapping a cozy little blanket around your pumpkin!
- Add the Stem: For the stem, I love using a stick from the yard or a cinnamon stick for a little extra fall scent. Simply stick it into the center of the toilet paper roll, right where you tucked in the fabric.
- Decorate: If you’re feeling fancy, tie some ribbon, twine, or raffia around the base of the stem. It adds a sweet touch and makes your pumpkin look like you spent way more time on it than you actually did.
Repeat multiple times for a super cute and easy Fall project.
I am thinking you could ‘display’ it on the toilet and if you run out– you just redecorate!
DIY No Sew Fat Quarter Pumpkin with a Toilet Paper Roll Video:
Do you have a quilt block that you could use for this?
This is part of the 52 UFO Quilt Block Pick Up seriesneed more ideas on what to do with your UFO Quilt Blocks? previous weeks and UFO Quilt Block ideas and easy sewing projects.
And that’s it! In just a few simple steps, you’ve created an adorable fabric pumpkin without sewing a single stitch.
These pumpkins are perfect for displaying on your mantle, using as a centerpiece, or even giving as gifts to friends and family.
Plus, they’re super easy to make in bulk – so go ahead and whip up a whole pumpkin patch!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Can I reuse the toilet paper after making the pumpkin?
Absolutely! You can easily remove the fabric and use the toilet paper later on. Just be careful when unwrapping it to keep the roll intact.
2. What if I don’t have a fat quarter?
No problem! You can use any fabric scraps that are big enough to cover the roll—just make sure it’s at least 18” x 22”. Even old shirts, tablecloths, or fabric remnants work well for this project.
3. Can I make the pumpkin without adding newspaper?
Yes! The newspaper is totally optional. It’s just there to bulk up the pumpkin if you want a rounder, fuller look. Without it, your pumpkin will still look great, just a bit slimmer.
4. What type of fabric works best for this project?
Cotton fabric works great, but feel free to experiment! Flannel, velvet, or even burlap can give your pumpkin a different texture and look. Just use what you have in your stash.
5. How do I keep the fabric from falling out of the center?
Tuck the fabric firmly into the toilet paper roll, and it should stay in place. If you want a little extra security, you can use a dab of hot glue to hold the fabric in place, but it’s usually not necessary.
6. Can I use something other than a stick for the stem?
Definitely! You can get creative here—use cinnamon sticks, a wine cork, or even a rolled-up piece of fabric. Anything that gives off that fall vibe will work.
More Fat Quarter Projects:
- Ideas for using your fat quarters
- Lap quilts using fat quarters of fabric
- Fun and cute pumpkins
- Free pumpkin table runner
Becky Jorgensen is the creative quilter behind Patchwork Posse, the Patchwork Planner and her online quilt group Patchworkers Plus. You can find her patterns in books, magazines, and her quilt membership. Gather your quilting supplies, organize your sewing space, explore the process of disappearing quilt blocks, or finish a free quilt pattern. I'll help you use what you have, finish what you start and make your quilting journey fun!
Follow me here: Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube
Leave a Reply