You can easily turn an ordinary roll of toilet paper into a charming autumn pumpkin without ever picking up a needle and thread. Just wrap it in a suitable piece of fabric, tuck the edges into the center of the roll, and finish with a simple stem and leaf.
What You’ll Need
- a roll of toilet paper
- a piece of fabric large enough to cover the whole roll
- a short twig or a cinnamon stick for the stem
- a fabric, felt, or other decorative leaf
- optional: other small autumn decorations
Before you start, place the roll in the center of the fabric and check that the edges reach the opening. The fabric doesn’t need to be cut perfectly, since the ends will be tucked inside.
1. Solid Orange Pumpkin: The basic version shows the finished shape after wrapping the roll in orange fabric. Gradually tuck the edges of the material into the top opening to create soft vertical pleats all around. Place a cinnamon stick in the center and add a green leaf.
2. Autumn Pattern Mix: You can use the same method with plaid or mustard-colored fabric. Work evenly around the roll as you tuck in the material, so the pumpkin stays stable and symmetrical.
3. Natural Light Version: Unbleached or beige fabric creates a subtle decoration perfect for a windowsill. For the stem, use a short twig with the bark left on to emphasize the natural look.
4. Pumpkins in Muted Tones: Green, cream, and taupe fabrics go well together. You can group finished pumpkins in a wooden bowl and add twigs or dried natural accents.
5. Corduroy Texture: Fabric with a pronounced ribbed structure creates interesting grooves. When wrapping, turn the fabric so the stripes run vertically, and carefully gather the top part around the center.
6. Velvet Look: Softer fabric in pink or burgundy gives a more festive feel. Don’t pull the material too tight as you tuck it in, so it stays fluffy and forms rounded sides.
7. Blue Plaid Pumpkins: Plaid doesn’t have to be just orange. Blue and white fabric gives the decoration a country look, especially if you combine larger and smaller pieces.
8. Sweater Pumpkins: Stretchy knit fabric creates bold, soft folds. If you’re using an old sweater, pick an undamaged section and wrap the roll loosely so the knit doesn’t stretch out unnecessarily.
9. Burlap and Coarse Fabric: For a rustic look, choose material with a visible weave. Burlap is stiffer, so tuck it in small sections and adjust the folds with your fingers as you go.
10. Floral Autumn Pattern: Small flowers on a brick-red background give the pumpkin a softer look. Next to a patterned piece, a simple light pumpkin works well to visually calm the pair.
11. Preparing the Basic Parts: Lay out the roll, chosen fabric, cinnamon stick or twig, and decorative leaf on the table. Stand the roll in the center of the fabric, check the overlap, and only then start tucking the edges into the opening.
12. Green and Dark Plaid Version: Muted green goes well with dark plaid. You can use a different type of stem and a different color leaf for each pumpkin, but the pair will still look coordinated.
13. Creating a Table Arrangement: Arrange finished pumpkins on a shallow wicker tray. Mix different sizes and colors, and fill the gaps with acorns or dried leaves as extra decoration.
14. Neutral Pumpkin with Dark Leaves: Gray and beige fabric fits into a simply furnished interior. A darker leaf creates contrast and also covers the spot where the fabric edges are tucked into the roll.
15. Simple Orange Base: After tucking in all the edges, gently shape the pumpkin with your hands. Spread the folds out evenly and press the stem into the center just enough so it holds securely.
16. Bold Plaid for the Entrance: Colorful plaid fabric also looks great in a sheltered entryway. However, if you’re making the decoration from toilet paper, protect it from rain, moisture, and wet surfaces.
17. Contrast of Dark and Light Fabric: Dark blue fabric with a small pattern stands out next to a light unbleached pumpkin. Matching natural stems and green leaves help visually tie both versions together.
18. Autumn Group of Four Pumpkins: For a richer decoration, repeat the process with orange, mustard, green, and patterned fabrics. Arrange the pieces in an irregular group and place the most striking pumpkin at the front.
19. Sunny Orange Duo: Two pumpkins in the same color family can have different textures. Pair a solid fabric with a subtle floral pattern, and keep similar stems and leaves on both.
20. Finished Collection: Finally, combine several different pumpkins into one display. Alternate solid and plaid fabrics, different shades of leaves, and stem heights, but leave enough space between the decorations.
Final Tip
A big advantage of this decoration is that it can be taken apart. When the season is over, just remove the stem and leaf, take the fabric out of the opening, and fold it up. You can use the roll as usual. If the pumpkin leans, adjust the amount of fabric in each fold and place it on a flat surface. For a more natural shape, gently press the sides with your hands without deforming the paper roll inside.
