Sweater Pumpkins DIY Dollar Tree Pumpkin Decor

This sweater pumpkins DIY is SO easy and they turn out SO cute. If you attempt one piece of DIY pumpkin decor this season these are the ones to choose!

Affiliate links are provided for your shopping convenience. By clicking and purchasing, I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you. But I only recommend products I use and love. Please see my full disclosure page for any questions. Thanks for being here so we can continue providing awesome party ideas that make lives better!

Ate Days of Thanksgiving

Thank you so much for joining me for the Ate {8} Days of Thanksgiving! Get it!? Ha ha. I crack myself up.

I’ll be bringing you fun Fall party and Thanksgiving inspiration for the next few weeks and I hope you follow along.

Sweater Pumpkins Supply List

• Dollar Tree foam pumpkins – or any affordable hollow pumpkin
• Old sweater from a thrift store or the back of your own closet
• Paint is optional depending on the see through factor of your fabric
  • White Acrylic Craft Paint is recommended. DO NOT use spray paint
• Craft Knife
• Hot Glue Gun
• Fabric Scissors
• Faux Leaves leftover from flower stems
• Tree Branch Stem
• Optional: Twine, place card ornament, ribbon, etc.

Sweater Pumpkins Upcycle

Upcycling is the best part of these sweater pumpkins. You start with Dollar Tree pumpkins and an old sweater to create something new and beautiful.

I chose to paint my pumpkins to block orange from showing through the fabric. If your sweater is thick and tightly knit you can skip the painting step.

BUT if you do paint, DO NOT try spray painting the foam. That will ruin your pumpkin. Simply brush on White Acrylic Craft Paint.

But either way you want to remove the stem.

Salvage an Old Sweater

Choose your sweater for color and texture. I loved the metallic sheen on this gold cardigan I picked up at Savers Thrift Store. Make sure to get a Medium or Large size so the arms aren't too tight to fit around the pumpkins.

Cut Pumpkin Top

Using a Craft Knife cut a hole in the top and remove the plug. Make this opening approximately 2-1/2″ wide.

Cut Pumpkin Base

When you're done with the top, turn the dollar tree pumpkin over and cut a second hole out of the bottom. This one you want to cut at an angle like a real pumpkin, and SAVE the bottom piece. You will use it again.

Measure Pumpkin on Sweater

With your pumpkin prepped and ready to go, now is the time to measure your pumpkin along the sleeve of the sweater. Make sure you have enough fabric to wrap all the way around the top AND the bottom with some extra to tuck and secure. Cut a length os sleeve with your Fabric Scissors around 9-10″ long.

You will just only the sleeves of your sweater for a no sew version of these sweater pumpkins, but if you are willing to sew a little, you can create a few more pumpkins per piece utilizing the front and/or back of the sweater.

Just sew it into a tube the same diameter as the arms, or larger if you find foam pumpkins of a different size.

Dress Your Sweater Pumpkins

Slide your pumpkin into the sweater sleeve and get it all straightened out. You want to make sure that the pumpkin “equator” is centered evenly with the top and bottom openings.

Tuck your sweater into the smaller top opening and secure with the Hot Glue Gun as you go. But before you glue test one more time to make sure your sweater reaches all the way around top and bottom.

I'd hate for you to tuck too much at the top and end up with a naked bottom. 🤣

Glue Sweater Into Bottom

Now flip it over and repeat the same process on the bottom. Except this time Hot Glue the foam bottom back into place for a nice stable pumpkin base.

Sweater Pumpkin Finishing Touches

Now that your Dollar tree pumpkin is fully dressed, it's time to add leaves and a stem. I always save the leaves from faux flower stems as I use them in arrangements. They definitely come in handy when you need a leaf!

If you aren't a hoarder like me, you can pick up a stem or two on sale at Hobby Lobby, Michaels, or even Walmart and Dollar Tree.

To attach, press the stem of the leaf down into the opening and secure with Hot Glue. Then tack the edges down so they drape nicely over the pumpkin.

Tree Branch Pumpkin Stem

With your leaves in place, now it's time for the stem. You should be able to find a stick in your yard or park that's already fallen. Ideally it's 3/4″ in diameter. Smaller and you may have trouble getting it to stay in the opening. Much larger and it might not fit.

Display Your Sweater Pumpkin

That's it. You made it and your sweater pumpkin looks amazing! Now is the time to add your own personal touch. I wrapped my stem with twine and added ornaments {from Target's Dollar Spot} for our Rustic Farmhouse Thanksgiving table.

If you made one, or a dozen of these sweater pumpkins I want to hear about it in the comments below. And if you share photos, I want to see it too! Please tag us @partieswithacause on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. We love celebrating all your hard work! 

Follow

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

ATE Days of Thanksgiving

Coming up for Day 5…..

Ideas for Thanksgiving Table Top Decor

All About Apples

• Day 1: Apple Cider Bar Ideas for a Harvest Party
• Day 2: Fall Family Activity Apple Tasting Night
• Harvest Party Girls Night Ideas

Thanksgiving Ideas

• Day 3: Butternut Squash Soup Recipe: How to Easy Recipe
• Day 4: Sweater Pumpkins DIY Dollar Tree Pumpkin Decor
• Day 5: Ideas for Rustic Thanksgiving Table Top Decor
• Day 6: Fall Gnomes! DIY Gnome Instructions
• Global Chic Thanksgiving Holiday Tablescape

Thanksgiving Food Table Ideas

• Day 7: Thanksgiving Food Table Ideas for a Rustic Holiday
• Day 8: Fall Baby? Little Pumpkin Baby Shower Ideas

From the Autumnal Archives

Girls Night Harvest Party Ideas

Peacock Table Decorations for Thanksgiving

Farmer's Market Harvest Brunch

Pin it for Later

Fall Products to LOVE!