Head:
With the right sides together, fold the head rectangle in half and sew the short sides together. Run a gathering stitch by hand or machine all around the bottom and top long edges. With the right sides together and matching the back body seam to the back head seam, pull the head down and over the body until the top gathering stitch is at the base of the neck and most of the body is encased inside the head. Draw up the gathering stitch, evenly distributing the gathers all around, to snugly fit the neck. Sew the head to the neck, going around two or three times to firmly secure the head and neck together. Pull the head up from the body. Moderately stuff the head. Leaving a hole large enough for the stem, draw up the top gathering stitch. Insert the stem into the hole and again pull the gathering stitch to fit snugly around the stem, pushing the raw edge inside as you tighten. Evenly distribute the gathers around the stem. Sew around the stem thru the gathers two or three times to firmly secure and tie off. The head should resemble a pumpkin. With a large needle threaded with black embroidery floss, take a stitch at the back of the neck where the head and neck join. Bring the floss up over the pumpkin and take a stitch directly above at the base of the stem. Pull gently to slightly indent and then tie off. Repeat 4 more times to create 5 pumpkin sections. Even out the tucks and gathers under the floss. Lightly outline Jack O Lantern features of your choice on the pumpkin. Fill in the features with fabric pens or paint, embroidery or by gluing on felt cutouts. You may use any combination of these methods to finish the face as desired.
Pumpkin Doll Page 3
Assembly:
To sew the joint beads in place - Thread a 3" doll needle with approximately 1 ½ yards of upholstery thread. Tie a knot in the bottom of the doubled thread. Inset the needle into an outside point of fabric on the limb to be sewn and take a small stitch, string a bead on the thread and take a small stitch in the opposite point of the limb. Pull the bead snugly into the limb. Go back thru the bead and take another small stitch in the first point where you began. Continue to sew back and forth thru the bead and into the limb points 4 or 5 times. Tie off. Repeat this method for the opposite part of the limb.
Using the above method, joint the upper and lower legs together at the knees, with the front of the upper leg and the toe of the lower leg facing forward. Joint the completed legs to the bottom of the body, with the toes facing toward the front of the doll. Next, joint the upper and lower arms together at the elbows, with the front of the elbow facing the front of the thumb and then joint the completed arms into the shoulders with the thumbs facing toward the front of the doll.
Finishing:
If using felt for leaves, prepare them. If desired, wire the leaves. Wrap florist wire around a pencil to make long wire curls. Glue the leaves, wire curls, ribbon, raffia and/or Halloween trims to the top of the head around the stem in a pleasing arrangement. Adjust the shape of the head with your hands, if needed. Tie ribbons, raffia or decorations to the ankles, wrists, neck and/or down the front as desired.
Click on the link below to print or download the patterns and instructions ( without the photo illustrations ) in Microsoft Word format.
Below are the links to download or print the pattern in Adobe format click the links below. You will need the free Adobe Reader program to access these files:
