PUMPKIN knitting pattern
This pattern was originally published in 2020. It has been fully updated for 2026 with a new high-resolution chart, revised instructions and project summary.
Celebrate the beauty of the harvest with our Pumpkin knitting block. This textured design is a true ‘double agent’ in our library, sitting perfectly within both the Botanical Garden and our Seasonal Gallery.
Designed to the 52SP Standard, this pattern is as versatile as it is charming. Use it to anchor a cozy autumn sampler blanket, or knit a set in vibrant oranges and soft creams to create a sophisticated set of harvest-themed dishcloths. It’s a little slice of autumnal joy for your needles!
| Project Detail | Requirement |
| Skill Level | Beginner (only knits and purls) |
| Yarn Weight | DK or Worsted |
| Needle Size | 4mm / US 6 (and 4.5mm / US 7 for casting on and binding off stitches) |
| Finished Size | 8.5” x 8.5” (22 cm x 22 cm) |
Materials & Tools
- Yarn: approx. 70 yds (64 m) of DK weight yarn. Cotton is recommended for dishcloths; wool or acrylic blends work beautifully for blankets.
- Needles: 4 mm (US 6) straight needles (I suggest using 4.5 mm / US 7 needles specifically for casting on and binding off to keep your edges flexible).
- Tools: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors.
- Gauge: 21 sts x 28 rows = 4″ (10 cm) in stocking stitch.
You can change the yarn weight and needle size to obtain different sized blocks.
Pumpkin Dishcloth or Blanket Square
Abbreviations
- CO: cast on
- RS: right side
- WS: wrong side
- st: stitch
- k: knit
- p: purl
The Pattern: General Instructions
💡 Prefer to knit off-line? You can purchase the ad-free, high-resolution printable PDF version of this pattern in the Oh La Lana! shop, or in Ravelry. It includes a clear, enlarged chart and row-by-row instructions, perfect for your project bag!
- Cast on sts
CO 43 sts with US 7 (4.5 mm) needles.
I always cast on and bind off stitches with larger needles than I use for the main work. This prevents my cast on and bind off rows from being too tight. - Garter stitch bottom border
With US 6 (4 mm) needles, knit 4 rows.
Slip first stitch on every row as if you were to knit it, but without knitting it (except on the first row). It will form a neat and sturdy border. - Main pattern with garter stitch side borders
Continue working the next 55 rows as follows:
4 garter sts, PUMPKIN knitting pattern over 35 sts, 4 garter sts
You can follow either the row-by-row written instructions or the chart below for the Pumpkin knitting pattern. - Garter stitch top border
Knit 4 rows.
- Bind off
Bind off all sts with a US 7 (4.5 mm) needle. Cut yarn and weave in ends.
- (Optional) Blocking
Block your square to its final measures.
PUMPKIN dishcloth knitting pattern: Written instructions
Row 1) and every following odd row (RS) Knit all stitches
Row 2) Purl all stitches
Row 4) Purl all stitches
Row 4) p all sts
Row 6) p13, k9, p13
Row 8) p8, k7, p1, k1, p1, k8, p9
Row 10) p6, k5, p1, k5, p1, k6, p1, k4, p6
Row 12) p5, k5, p1, k7, p1, k5, p1, k5, p5
Row 14) p4, k5, p1, k8, p1, k6, p1, k5, p4
Row 16) p3, k6, p1, k9, p1, k6, p1, k5, p3
Row 18) p3, k5, p1, k10, p1, k7, p1, k4, p3
Row 20) p2, k6, p1, k10, p1, k7, p1, k5, p2
Row 22) p2, k6, p1, k10, p1, k7, p1, k5, p2
Row 24) p2, k6, p1, k10, p1, k7, p1, k5, p2
Row 26) p2, k6, p1, k10, p1, k7, p1, k5, p2
Row 28) p2, k7, p1, k8, p1, k8, p1, k5, p2
Row 30) p3, k6, p1, k8, p1, k7, p1, k5, p3
Row 32) p4, k6, p1, k6, p1, k7, p1, k5, p4
Row 34) p4, k7, p1, k5, p1, k7, p1, k5, p4
Row 36) p6, k6, p1, k10, p1, k5, p6
Row 38) p7, k21, p7
Row 40) p10, k15, p10
Row 42) p15, k5, p15
Row 44) p16, k5, p14
Row 46) p17, k5, p13
Row 48) p18, k6, p11
Row 50) p19, k4, p12
Row 52) Purl all stitches
Row 54) Purl all stitches
Row 55) Knit all stitches
Pumpkin block pattern: CHART
- Read all odd rows from right to left, and all even rows from left to right.
New to reading charts? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! You can find my step-by-step guide in the Oh La Lana! Academy: How to Read Knitting Charts for Beginners. It breaks down exactly how to follow the grid so you can knit your pattern with confidence!
⚠️ Note: These charted instructions represent the 35-stitch design area. Remember to work your 4-stitch garter borders at the beginning and end of every row.
Looking for more blocks?
Check out these three from The Animal Kingdom, the Botanical Garden and the Textures Collection:
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Going to try it tomorrow. Very excited
Will you knit 4 rows after the 55th row before binding off?
Yes, exactly 😊