How to Cover Pumpkins in Fabric the Easy Way

Decorating craft pumpkins and gourds with fabric is an inexpensive yet creative way to personalize your fall décor. I made these to go with my chalk paint pumpkins and gourds. Select a favorite, color, pattern, and texture of fabric and follow these simple steps for how to cover pumpkins in fabric.

Here’s What You Need

Time: 30-60 Minutes

Materials:

• Craft pumpkins and gourds
• Measuring tape
• Fabric
• Scissors
• Mod Podge
• Foam brush
• Twine
• Green textured ribbon
• Hot glue and glue gun
• Acrylic craft paint
• Small paint brush

Preparing the materials

Measure the pumpkin with a measuring tape from the bottom center to the base of the stem.  This will indicate the length of fabric strips needed for this project. The width of the fabric will depend on the size of the pumpkin. The smaller the pumpkin, the thinner the width.  For example, this tutorial shows half inch-wide strips. For a medium sized craft pumpkin, the strips should be between three quarters and one inch wide. Cut several strips.

Note: Any type of fabric in varying thickness will work, however thicker material like outdoor fabric will be more difficult to apply.

Applying the fabric

Start by applying a generous amount of Mod Podge directly onto the pumpkin with a foam brush. Lay the fabric strips one by one on top of the Mod Podge. Use your fingers to smooth out any bubbles. Continue applying Mod Podge and layering fabric until the pumpkin is covered.

Once the pumpkin is covered, use the palms of your hands and fingers to mold the fabric onto the pumpkin.  This should be done while the glue is still wet.  If desired, apply an outer coat of Mod Podge on top of the fabric.  This will give the fabric a gloss like finish.  Allow the Mod Podge to dry.

Adding final touches

Paint the stem to match your fabric. Tie twine or rope around the stem and glue it down with hot glue.  Twist the rope wo make curls and glue any pieces down to keep it curled. Cut leaves out of green textured ribbon or fabric scraps and glue them to the top of the pumpkin near the stems. Group several pumpkins and gourds together in contrasting colors and textures to match your fall home decor. Consider using old shirts, curtains, handkerchiefs, or sheets to upcycle for this decoupage fabric pumpkin project.

This article, How to Cover Pumpkins in Fabric, originally appeared on Angi.

Like it? Pin it!