How cute are these little pumpkins! A perfect set for learning and counting and keeping your children engaged. And who said pumpkins are just for Halloween?

The pickets on the “gate” are crocheted into the piece, and the rails are woven in afterwards. The box, which features appliquéd pumpkins, ladybug and sunflower, opens on one end to neatly store your pumpkins when not in use. As with many of “On a Whim’s” patterns, this pattern offers up lots of different ideas on how you can customize your play set. With different ideas for facial features and expressions on the pumpkins, as well as color, size and shape, you can have fun experimenting and making just the set you envision!

Materials
Worsted Weight yarn - For pumpkins, box and fence.
Sport Weight yarn - A variety of colors for the appliqué embellishments
Crochet Hooks: 3mm and 4mm (and 2.75mm for appliqués)
6mm safety eyes (2 per pumpkin; or fewer if making felt eyes)
Fiberfill, embroidery floss, black shank button, black thread and sewing needle, scissors, tapestry needle, straight pins, safety pin, stitch markers
Optional Items:
Pink and/or black felt (stiff felt recommended)
Waterproof fabric glue like Helmar 450 or Beacon Fabri-Tac
Tweezers
Invisible thread

Size
Gauge is not important to this pattern. The size of your finished product will vary depending on the size yarn and hook you use. Made with the materials listed, the small pumpkins measure about 1 3/4” and the tall pumpkin about 2 ½” tall. The box is 9” x 3” x 3”.

Pattern Notes
The pattern is written for intermediate crocheters and beyond. An advanced beginner may be able to give it a go, but there are some details with the box they may find challenging. You should be familiar with making amigurumi and understand basic amigurumi crochet terminology and stitches as well as how to sew pieces together, finish off, hide ends, etc. It is also helpful if you have some familiarity with working with plastic canvas which is used for the foundation of the box.