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Get ready for Halloween by stitching your own jack-o-lantern! Check out these easy instructions for a stitched pumpkin to put on your porch this fall. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn a commission.
![title image for How to Make a Stitched Pumpkin for your Front Porch](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/light-up-stitched-pumpkin-20-500x750.jpg)
Halloween is one of my favorite holidays to craft for. I just love the variation from cute to creepy and everything in between.
This project has actually been on my mind for a couple of years, it just took me a while to get it done, and I am so excited to share the results with you!
Craft Video Tutorial:
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Supplies You'll Need to Create this Project:
- Light Up Pumpkin
- Angle Grinder with Cutting Wheel
- Drill with 3/32 Drill Bit
- Large Eye Craft Needle
- Twine
- Gray Acrylic Paint
- Black Acrylic Paint
- Brown Acrylic Paint
- Foam Brush
- Rag
![supplies used: drill, angle grinder, paint, twine, craft needles](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/light-up-stitched-pumpkin-12.jpg)
Remove the Light Bulb:
In the back of the pumpkin are the lightbulb and cord.
To remove, squeeze the plastic casing around the light bulb and pull.
![removing the lightbulb](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/light-up-stitched-pumpkin-11.jpg)
We will be putting this back in once the pumpkin is finished, so don't misplace it.
Cut a Hole in the Bottom:
To start, we want to cut a hole in the bottom of the pumpkin.
This hole will make it so you can put your hand inside while stitching with the twine.
I used my Worx Angle Grinder with a cutting wheel that is rated for plastic and metal.
Make sure to wear protective eyewear!
![using the angle grinder to create a hole](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/light-up-stitched-pumpkin-10.jpg)
![the hole on the bottom of the pumpkin](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/light-up-stitched-pumpkin-09.jpg)
Drill Holes for Stitching:
Use a drill with a 3/32 drill bit and drill holes around the eye, nose, and mouth openings.
I did not measure. Perfect isn't creepy, chaos is. 🤣
![drill holes around the eyes](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/light-up-stitched-pumpkin-08.jpg)
The size of your holes depends on the twine you are using. If you are using a thicker twine you will want to drill bigger holes.
![pumpkin with drill holes around eyes, nose and mouth](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/light-up-stitched-pumpkin-07.jpg)
Stitch with Twine:
Thread the twine through the eye of the craft needle and begin stitching.
Again, I did not go in any specific criss-cross pattern. My stitches go in every direction.
![stitching with twine](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/light-up-stitched-pumpkin-05.jpg)
I started with the left eye and moved clockwise to stitch the different openings.
When I came to the end of a length of twine, I tried my best to tie it off on the inside of the pumpkin and started with another length where I left off.
![stitched pumpkin](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/light-up-stitched-pumpkin-04.jpg)
Paint the Pumpkin:
To paint my pumpkin I used three different colors of acrylic paint.
I started pretty light adding streaks of grey around the whole pumpkin, even painting parts of the stitched twine.
Next, I applied black paint and went pretty heavy with it.
![painting the pumpkin](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/light-up-stitched-pumpkin-03.jpg)
Last, I went around the pumpkin with the brown paint and really tried to cover up most of the orange from showing through.
Before the paint dried, I wiped the pumpkin with a rag. Now I wanted the orange to peek through.
![wiping the paint with a rag](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/light-up-stitched-pumpkin-02.jpg)
You can decide how much you want to wipe off and how much you want to leave on. I ended up wiping quite a bit off, more than I thought I would.
Insert the Light Bulb:
Once your creepy pumpkin is completely dry, place the light bulb back in place.
Doesn't he look creepy and fantastic?
![stitched pumpkin during the day](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/light-up-stitched-pumpkin-18-500x500.jpg)
he looks even creepier at night, all lit up!
![stitched pumpkin at night](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/light-up-stitched-pumpkin-15-500x500.jpg)
Our Crafting Essentials:
- The Cricut Cutting Machine is easily our favorite crafting tool. We use it in so many of our tutorials!
- These MakerX Crafting Tools are perfect for keeping in the craft room and are always ready when needed!
- This Fiskars Paper Trimmer is easy to use and cuts nicely without frayed edges.
- These Scotch Precision Scissors cut like a dream, and you get multiple pairs in a pack!
Beth
Katie, we love this Jack-O-Lantern SO MUCH, we are featuring you this week over at the TCC Linky Party!