PDF Pattern
Jack-Be-Little is a variety of tiny pumpkin readily available each Fall. This Jack-Be-Little knits up quickly and is made with slipped stitches. The pattern also includes Jill-Be-Little (another variety) and Ghost-Be-Little (slight poetic license taken here). The options vary only in the height of the central slipped stitch section of the pumpkins. In Jill-Be-Little, all sections are the same height. In Jack-Be-Little, the middle section is two stitches taller, and in Ghost-Be-Little, four stitches taller than the other sections.
Create your own pumpkin patch by mixing and matching the various Be-Littles, changing up your main colors and contrasting colors, and using either a premade or knitted stem.
Instructions for the slipped stitch sections are presented in both written and charted form.
Skills Needed: Working in the round, kfb, kfbf and m1 increases, k2tog and p2tog decreases, ribbed i-cord (instructions included).
Measurements, approximate (these will vary depending on amount of fiberfill used):
Circumference (all): 15.75 in [40 cm]; diameter (all): 5 in [12.7 cm].
Height: Jill-Be-Little: 2.25 in [5.7 cm]; Jack-Be-Little: 2.5 in [6 cm]; Ghost-Be-Little: 2.75 in [7 cm].
Yarn:
Pumpkin MC: 60 yds [55 m] each of Amanda Hope Yarn Aussie Extra Fine Merino Fingering (Fingering; 100% 19.5 Micron Extra Fine Australian Merino; 437 yds/100 g) in Pumpkin and Amanda Hope Yarn Superkid Mohair/Silk (Lace Weight; 72% Superkid Mohair/28% Mulberry Silk; 459 yds/50 g) in Gauguin’s Joyousness. These two yarns are held together and knit as one.
Pumpkin CC: 25 yds [23 m] each of Amanda Hope Yarn Aussie Extra Fine Merino Fingering (Fingering; 100% 19.5 Micron Extra Fine Australian Merino; 437 yds/100 g) in Charcoal and Amanda Hope Yarn Superkid Mohair/Silk (Lace Weight; 72% Superkid Mohair/28% Mulberry Silk; 459 yds/50 g) in Pumpkin. These two yarns are held together and knit as one.
Stem: 35 yds [32 m] Amanda Hope Yarn Aussie Extra Fine Single (Fingering; 100% 19.5 Micron Extra Fine Australian Merino; 437 yds/100 g) in Aegean.
Tendrils: 10 yds [9 m] Fingering Weight yarn per large tendril. I used scraps of the CC and stem yarns.
Needles: US size 3 (3.25 mm) double pointed needles and 16 in. (40 cm) circular needles.
Gauge: 20.3 sts and 40.75 rnds = 4″ [10 cm] in slipped stitch pattern. This pattern is worked at a tighter gauge than normal so the fiberfill does not show through fabric.
Other Materials: Beginning-of-round stitch marker, additional stitch markers if desired, small tapestry needle, tape measure, 1 bag (16 oz.) polyester fiberfill (you will not need the entire bag), premade stem (optional) and E6000 glue or other adhesive if using premade stem. I purchased resin stems on Etsy and searched for “resin pumpkin stem.”
Pumpkin and photo above by Bridget Regan. Cover photo and pumpkin by Carla Scott. Photos used by permission.