It’s been four years since I first made velvet pumpkins. I told you then that my secret for successfully making them is dental floss. When I made those pumpkins I bought the “velvet” fabric from eBay but I’ve since found a much cheaper source for velvet-like fabric: Thrift Stores! Yes, thrift stores often have a large selection of ladies long dresses and pantsuits made from velour which feels and looks a lot like velvet.
Velvet Pumpkins made from upcycled thrift store clothing
I got these three (velour I think) outfits from my local thrift store for about $12 total. That’s a lot of fabric for $12! (TIP: Shop in the Plus size section)
I know to shop at my thrift store on Tuesdays when I get 50% off!
In case you missed the original post about how I make velvet pumpkins, here are the steps:
First cut out a circle. Any size you want. It doesn’t need to be perfect. As you can see in this video, I just laid a round tray on top of the fabric and cut around it.
Next, hand stitch along the edge of the circle with a big needle threaded with waxed dental floss.
Now you will stuff the pumpkins with fiberfill then pull and tie off the ends of the dental floss.
This next step is something that I just started doing to give the pumpkins a more realistic shape. Take two or three “tacking” stitches through the center of the pumpkins. It really does make a big difference. As you can see in the photo below, the pumpkins is less “ball-shaped” and more “pumpkiny” shaped ?.
The last step is to attach a dried pumpkin stem with hot glue. I had asked the clerk at my local produce stand to save the stems for me. These are from last year. When I got them I just laid them out to dry and have had them stored in a plastic tub in my craft room for a year!
My favorite stems are the long, curly ones ; )
You may also like the following:
I absolutely adore these luxurious pumpkins, Jeanie! Last year I made plaid “grunge” pumpkins from an upcycled flannel shirt. I’m now addicted. Will be looking for velour now that I’ve seen your fabric pumpkin version.
https://organized31.com/fabric-pumpkin-tutorial-90s-grunge-shirt/
I have used old velvet pajamas. Love the colors of all your pumpkins. Great tutorial. Stop by anytime, and join are weekly party with your posts.
Nice. Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful… When you say take two or three tack stitches throught the center… I’m not sure what you mean. The center bottom and up through the top or???
Funny, I saved the one pumpkin stem all year since last fall but then we had bugs… so I pitched it thinking it was probably ruined. Should have kept it! I did think of just what you are doing ~ upcycling old velvet outfits. 😀 Great idea and your pumpkins turned out great!!!
Happily beginning the fall pinning with your pumpkins and outfits to my Crafts and Sewing {Fall} and Holiday Decorating ideas boards. Fun!!!
Hugs,
Barb 🙂
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! I love those rich colors…so smart of you to look in the plus size section too! That is a great tip! Pinning this to several of my boards. Thanks for sharing at Morning Cup 😉
I adore everything about this project. You are so clever to have figured out about using the thrift store clothing while on days with specials. Happy Crafting, Kippi
Jeanie, great idea for getting pumpkins in the color you want. Thanks for the instruction.
I’ve always wanted to create velvet pumpkins. Do you do your center stitches horizontally at the top? Pinned and will be featuring this on today’s MM.
Thanks Erlene! Yes, the stitches are horizontal at the top.
Jeanie, do the tack stitches from the top to bottom show at the bottom of the pumpkins?
Cheap deals and better prices are available online, because products come to you direct from the manufacturer or seller without middleman being involved.
Oh mmy goodness! Incredible article dude! Thank you so much, However I
am experiencing troubles with your RSS. I don’t understand
the reason why I can’t join it. Is there anyone else having
the same RSS issues? Anyone that knows the answer will you kindly respond?
Thanks!!
Transforming thrift store clothing into luxurious velvet pumpkins adds a touch of eco-friendly elegance to home decor. These upcycled creations not only showcase creativity but also contribute to sustainable living by repurposing materials, turning old fabric into unique, stylish accents for any space. coin laundry mat
I wanted to share my positive experience with Old Navy. They were incredibly responsive and efficient in resolving any issues I had. I was really impressed with the quick response and dedication. I also enjoyed the many positive reviews at https://old-navy.pissedconsumer.com/review.html from customers of their company. I think you will like it too.
Please accept my sincerest thanks for the author’s unwavering dedication to slither io producing such a comprehensive and well-researched article, which serves as a testament to their expertise and commitment to excellence.
This is a moment to let you know how much you mean to me; over my career, you have been a pillar of strength and amazing inspiration.