How It's Made: The Mini Jack O' Lantern

Some patterns just feel like fall. This little pumpkin came to life on a chilly afternoon with a cup of tea and the first hint of sweater weather in the air. We wanted something small, simple, and soft—like the stitching version of a cozy candle.

The Mini Pumpkin Cross Stitch Pattern is part of our tiny-but-mighty collection: it fits in a 3x3-inch hoop, takes just a few colors, and stitches up in a couple of hours (or one good podcast episode).

A Gradient That Glows

The idea started with a jack o' lantern, but the real fun was building the gradient. We used warm DMC colors that gently shift from a soft golden yellow to a deeper orange—like a slow sunset or your favorite butternut squash soup.

There’s no complicated stitching here—just full cross stitches arranged to let the colors do the talking. The gradient gives the design a bit of dimension, almost like it’s glowing from the inside out.

Why We Love It

• Quick finish – It’s a weekend project (or a one-evening kind of stitch).
• Beginner-friendly – No fancy techniques, just calm, cozy stitching.
• Versatile – Works beautifully in a mini hoop, card, or even as a seasonal gift tag.

We kept the lines simple and the palette soft, so you can easily customize it. Want to try neutral tones for a farmhouse vibe? Or bright oranges for a more classic look? It all works.

This mini pattern is one of our fall favorites because it reminds us that a small project can still feel special. It’s a little love letter to autumn—stitched one X at a time.

🛍️ Get the Mini Pumpkin Pattern here and start stitching something seasonal (and sweet).