Looking for fresh DIY pumpkin decor? Learn how to wrap pumpkins in dyed cheesecloth for a fun and budget-friendly autumn look.
I've wanted to try dyed fabric for a while, especially cheesecloth. It's cheap and just seemed fun to experiment with.
Now that I've done it, I can say two things: dyeing fabric is way easier than it looks, and I officially love cheesecloth.
Fall feels like the perfect season for a project like this since I can't get enough of the colors and crisp air.
Today, I'm transforming dyed cheesecloth into a simple, budget-friendly DIY pumpkin decoration that you'll actually want to display.
Skill Level: Beginner
Dyeing and Dry Time: 1-2 hours
Craft Time: 5 minutes
Supply List
- Cheesecloth
- Orange Rit Dye
- White Scrap Fabric
- Brown Yarn or Twine
- Paper or Plastic Shopping Bags
Dye Cheesecloth
Open and unfold the cheesecloth, then submerge it in a sink to wet it.
Next, place the wet cloth in your washing machine.
Follow the directions on the dye bottle.
I poured half of the bottle into 4 cups of the hottest tap water I could find.
I had to do this in two separate batches because my measuring cup was only two cups - ¼ bottle + 2 cups, and then repeat one more time.
Pour the diluted dye into the area where you typically add detergent to your washing machine.
This can get a little messy, so if you have pretty rugs underneath, you might want to move them or put something under them, because I got a little on my floor while pouring it in.
Luckily, my laundry room is in the basement with cement floors, so it's not a big deal if I spill.
As a reminder, follow the instructions on the bottle.
I set the washing machine to the "whitest whites" setting and add a soak time and extra rinse.
Then, I laid it flat to dry on a towel. Easy peasy!
Isn't it so pretty?
Cheesecloth Pumpkin Tutorial
Start with a shopping bag and wad it up into the shape of a pumpkin or a ball.
You can do this with a paper or plastic bag.
Wrap the bundle with a piece of white scrap fabric. I used some white flannel I had in my sewing stash.
Then, wrap the cheesecloth around that and trim as necessary.
Then wrap yarn or twine around the "stem" and tie it off.
Seriously, this took like 5 minutes, and it is cute!
Of course, that time doesn't include dyeing the fabric, but overall, it's a simple craft.
Where will you put your new pumpkin decor? On the mantel, as a part of the table centerpiece? There are so many options!
More DIY Fall Decor
Let's keep crafting for Fall! Here are a few more fun ideas.
Hi, I'm Katie!
I'm so glad you're here. Want to make something fabulous? I'm here to help!
Crystal
Super cute! I was using black cheesecloth today and was wondering if white would dye well..now I know! 🙂
Katie
Thanks Crystal! It dyes awesomely : ) So much easier than I thought too!
Ruth @ Living Well Spending Less
Love! Seriously, so cute. But you are brave to put all that orange dye in your pretty washer--did it stain the tray?
Katie
Thanks Ruth! I was a little scared, but it didn't stain the tray or mess anything up. You do have to clean your washer afterwards. I just ran a cleaning cycle with bleach and washed a load of old towels to be sure and all was good! : )
Megan
Love this idea! It's such an adorable little pumpkin. Megan
Katie
Thanks so much Megan!
Bonnie and Trish @ Uncommon
This turned out fabulous!!! Love that you can make the cheesecloth what ever color!! perfect!
Katie
Thanks ladies! Yeah... I think I might have a new thing with cheesecloth? What can I do with it for Christmas? hehe
Leslie @ Violet Imperfection
I don't realize how easy it was to dye cloth! Did it make a mess out of your washer at all?
Katie
I didn't either... it's so easy! Nope, it didn't mess it up at all. It didn't even dye the tray, which I was a little concerned about. I did run a cleaning cycle afterwards with bleach just to be sure though!
Gina
Super cute!!! How did you get that color out of your machine when it was done? I would love to try but wouldn't want my loads afterwards to be colored too.
Katie
Gina, it really wasn't that bad at all. I did an extra rinse cycle with the fabric still in there. Then afterwards I just ran a cleaning cycle with bleach and it was good to go... I wash a load of old towels and cleaning rags and no orange! It didn't even dye my tray : )
Candie
This is awesome! Its funny how even though its just cheesecloth, its amazing what you can do with just a little dye 😉 Love me some RIT!
Katie
I didn't realize how easy it was! I am addicted... I will be changing the color of a lot of fabric around here... I'm tempted to try it on my couch. My husband would probably fall over if I did that though!
chelsea @ Making Home Base
These are darling!! I haven't been brave enough to try dying fabric yet...maybe one day 🙂
Katie
Thanks Chelsea... I was a little scared, but it really is super easy! Give it a go! ; )
Emily
Such a cute pumpkin!! I love the dyed cheesecloth. Great touch! 🙂
Katie
Thanks girl! I had so much fun dying fabric, I think I'm addicted!
Erica
Super cute. I might have to try this. 🙂
Katie
Thanks Erica! So much easier than you would think ; )
Jen
Super cute. hugs, jen
Katie
Thanks Jen! Have a great day!
Holly and Nat @ My Sister's Suitcase
This is one of my favorite takes on the fabric pumpkin! I love the layered look of the white underneath the orange cheesecloth. So cute!
Katie
Thanks ladies! I had soooo much fun with these : ) I went back and forth about the white underneath... and I'm so glad I stuck with it!