The Gilded Gourd Crochet Heart Pumpkin Jack O' Lantern Applique Free Pattern

The Gilded Gourd: A Heart-Shaped Jack O' Lantern Crochet Applique

Elevate your autumn crafting with this luxurious crochet applique that masterfully blends the classic jack o' lantern with a heart-shaped gourd, finished with a touch of golden shimmer. This richly textured, dimensional piece is perfect for adorning sweaters, tote bags, pillows, or even as a festive ornament for your fall mantel. The combination of warm burnt orange, deep amber ridges, and metallic gold embroidery creates a sophisticated take on Halloween decor that will stand out in any setting. Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or a confident beginner, this pattern offers a satisfying project that results in a stunning, heirloom-quality piece.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth crafting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn in three shades:
  • Burnt orange (main color, approximately 50-60 yards)
  • Deep amber (for ridges, approximately 10 yards)
  • Metallic gold or gold-threaded yarn (for face and stem, small amount)
• Hook: 3.5mm (E) crochet hook
• Other Supplies:
  • Yarn needle for weaving ends and embroidery
  • Stitch marker to track rounds
  • Fiberfill stuffing (small amount)
  • Scissors

Note on gauge: Gauge is not critical for this applique, but aim for a tight, firm fabric to maintain the shape and prevent stuffing from showing through. If your stitches are loose, consider using a smaller hook.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in continuous rounds unless otherwise stated. Use a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round. The finished applique measures approximately 4 inches wide by 4.5 inches tall.

Heart Pumpkin Base (Make 2, in Burnt Orange)

You will create two identical pieces that will be joined to form the heart shape. Each piece forms one lobe of the heart.

Round 1: Make a magic ring, work 6 single crochet (sc) into the ring. Pull the ring closed tightly. (6 stitches)

Round 2: Work 2 sc in each stitch around. (12 stitches)

Round 3: *Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in next stitch* repeat from * to * around. (18 stitches)

Round 4: *Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch* repeat from * to * around. (24 stitches)

Round 5: *Sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch* repeat from * to * around. (30 stitches)

Round 6: *Sc in next 4 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch* repeat from * to * around. (36 stitches)

Rounds 7-9: Sc in each stitch around. (36 stitches) These three rounds create the height of the lobe without increasing, giving it a rounded, plump shape.

Round 10: *Sc in next 4 stitches, sc2tog (single crochet 2 together)* repeat from * to * around. (30 stitches) This begins the decreasing that will shape the bottom of the lobe.

Round 11: *Sc in next 3 stitches, sc2tog* repeat from * to * around. (24 stitches)

Round 12: *Sc in next 2 stitches, sc2tog* repeat from * to * around. (18 stitches)

Round 13: *Sc in next stitch, sc2tog* repeat from * to * around. (12 stitches)

Round 14: Sc2tog around. (6 stitches)

Finishing the first lobe: Fasten off, leaving a long tail (at least 12 inches) for sewing. Stuff the piece lightly with fiberfill. Do not close the opening completely; leave it slightly open to create a dimple effect at the bottom of the heart.

Second lobe: Repeat Rounds 1-14 to make a second identical piece. When you fasten off the second piece, leave a tail as well, but you will use the tail from the first piece for joining.

Joining the Heart Lobes

Now you will connect the two stuffed pieces to form the classic heart silhouette with two rounded lobes and a pointed bottom.

1. Place the two stuffed pieces side by side, with the openings facing each other. The openings should be at the bottom, and the rounded tops should be facing up.
2. Using the long tail from the first piece and a yarn needle, thread the needle.
3. Whip stitch the two pieces together along the inner edges, starting from the top of the heart cleft (where the two lobes meet at the top) and working down to the bottom point. Insert the needle through both pieces, going through the fabric edge of each piece alternately.
4. Pull the yarn gently but firmly to bring the two lobes together snugly. Continue stitching until you reach the bottom point where the two openings meet.
5. Once joined, weave in the ends securely. The heart shape should now be clearly visible with two plump lobes and a pointed bottom.

Pumpkin Ridges (Optional but Recommended)

Adding vertical ridges gives your pumpkin the classic gourd look and enhances the dimensional quality of the piece.

1. Thread a length of deep amber yarn (about 18 inches) onto a yarn needle.
2. Starting at the top of one lobe, insert the needle at the center top of the lobe and push it through to the bottom point of the heart.
3. Pull the yarn gently to create a slight indentation or ridge. You want to create a subtle depression, not pucker the fabric.
4. Bring the needle back up to the top, about 1/4 inch to the side of the first ridge, and repeat the process.
5. Repeat this 2-3 times per lobe, spacing the ridges evenly. You should have 3-4 visible ridges on each lobe, all converging at the bottom point.
6. When you are satisfied with the ridge placement, weave in the ends securely on the inside of the applique.

Jack O' Lantern Face

Using the metallic gold yarn, you will embroider a classic jack o' lantern face onto the front of the heart pumpkin. The gold thread adds a touch of elegance and shimmer against the warm orange.

1. Eyes: Using the gold yarn and a yarn needle, create two small triangles or diamonds. Position them about 1 inch apart, centered horizontally on the front of the heart, about 1.5 inches from the top cleft. To make a triangle, make three straight stitches that form the outline, then fill in with small straight stitches if desired. For a diamond shape, make four stitches.
2. Mouth: Below the eyes, create a zigzag or a simple smile. For a zigzag, make a series of small diagonal stitches that alternate direction. For a simple smile, make a curved line of straight stitches. You can also add small vertical stitches below the smile to suggest teeth.
3. Stem: At the top of the heart cleft, add a small stem using a few straight stitches of gold yarn. Make 3-4 vertical stitches about 1/4 inch long to create a small, textured stem.

Finishing

Weave in all remaining ends carefully, making sure they are hidden within the fabric. Your Gilded Gourd Heart Pumpkin Jack O' Lantern Applique is now complete!

To use it, sew it onto a sweater, a tote bag, a pillow, or a fall wreath. You can also attach a ribbon or loop to the back to use it as a festive ornament. The possibilities are endless, and this beautiful piece will add a touch of handmade charm to any autumn project.