Pumpkin Carry All: A Fun and Festive Fall Sewing Project

Hello friends! This is Jennifer Long from Sew A Story.

Fall is one of my favorite seasons for sewing! From pumpkins and colorful leaves to cozy afternoons spent creating, there is so much inspiration to be found this time of year.

Today, I am excited to share my Pumpkin Carry All, made using my Boho Batiks fabric collection for Riley Blake Designs. This cheerful little bag combines patchwork, appliqué, and practical bag-making techniques into a project that is perfect for celebrating the autumn season.

A Pumpkin Full of Personality

The Pumpkin Carry All finishes at approximately 14″ × 4″ × 11″, making it a wonderful size for carrying small sewing projects, books, Halloween treats, or everyday essentials.

The front features a playful jack-o’-lantern face created with fusible appliqué, while the patchwork exterior brings together the warm oranges, soft creams, and deep blues of the Boho Batiks collection.

I especially love how the rich Stormy Seas prints create the pumpkin’s face against the warm Creamsicle and Salmon Run fabrics. The combination gives this little pumpkin so much personality!

A Fun Way to Practice Bag Making

This beginner-friendly project is a wonderful opportunity to explore several useful sewing techniques.

You will create patchwork panels, add fusible appliqué, construct fabric-covered handles with cording, and finish the bag with a coordinating lining and button closure.

The fusible fleece adds structure to the bag, helping it hold its adorable pumpkin shape. You can even add an optional felt leaf tassel for a little extra autumn detail.

Three Tips for Sewing Your Pumpkin Carry All

1. Plan Your Pumpkin Face

Before fusing the appliqué pieces, lay out the eyes, nose, and smile on your patchwork panel. Take a moment to check their placement and make any adjustments before pressing them permanently in place.

2. Take Your Time with the Curves

The rounded shape is part of what makes this bag so charming. Clip your curved seam allowances carefully before turning to help the fabric lie smoothly and give your pumpkin its finished shape.

3. Give Your Handles a Beautiful Finish

The handles are made using fabric and cording to give them structure. Sewing slowly along the cording and taking care when attaching the handle ends will help create a neat and sturdy finish.

A Handmade Touch for Fall

I can imagine the Pumpkin Carry All being used for a trip to the pumpkin patch, filled with little surprises for a Halloween party, or displayed in a cozy entryway as part of your autumn decorating.

It would also make a thoughtful handmade gift, especially when filled with treats or a few sewing supplies for a creative friend.

One of my favorite things about seasonal sewing is bringing out those handmade projects year after year. I hope the Pumpkin Carry All inspires you to enjoy the colors of fall, try a few fun sewing techniques, and create something that brings a little autumn happiness into your home.

Yours in storytelling creativity,
Jennifer Long
Sew A Story