Pumpkin Jack-o’-Lantern Slippers – Free Crochet Pattern

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Step into spooky season with a smile thanks to the Pumpkin Jack-o’-Lantern Slippers, a cozy and playful crochet project that’s perfect for Halloween lounging! 🎃🧶 Worked in bright orange chunky yarn, these slippers are designed to look just like cheerful jack-o’-lanterns, complete with black felt or crocheted facial features that add a dash of personality to every step. Whether you’re curling up with a scary movie or greeting trick-or-treaters, these festive feet warmers are sure to be a hit.

Perfect for crocheters who love bold colors and seasonal fun, this pattern invites you to stitch up comfort with a twist of whimsy. Customize the faces to be spooky, silly, or sweet, and add extra embellishments like vines or leaves for a pumpkin patch vibe. The Pumpkin Jack-o’-Lantern Slippers are a delightful way to stitch up warmth, laughter, and a whole lot of handmade Halloween charm—one loop at a time! 🧵🕸️

Person wearing orange crochet slippers with jack-o'-lantern faces, surrounded by autumn leaves and pumpkins.

🎃 Pumpkin Jack-o’-Lantern Slippers Crochet Pattern

Step into cozy autumn nights with these handmade Pumpkin Slippers! Worked in bright orange chunky yarn, they’re designed to look just like jack-o’-lanterns, complete with black felt or crocheted facial features. Perfect for Halloween lounging, these slippers are quick to make and fun to wear.

✨ Skill Level

Intermediate – requires knowledge of puff stitches, 3D shaping, and working in the round.

📏 Finished Size

Fits: Adult Medium (US Women’s 7–9 / EU 37–39)
Sole length: Approximately 9.5 inches
Adjustable: See sizing notes at end

🧶 Materials

Yarn:

Super bulky chenille yarn (Category 6)
- Orange – 200-250g (main color for both slippers)
- Note: Chenille or velvet yarn works best for the plush texture

Hook:

10mm (N/P) crochet hook (or size needed to achieve dense fabric)

For Face Details:

Black craft felt (stiff/firm) – 1 sheet (9″ x 12″)
Fabric glue (Aleene’s Fabric Fusion or similar) OR black thread
Sharp fabric scissors
Chalk pencil or fabric marker
Pins for placement

Other Supplies:

Yarn needle (large eye for chunky yarn)
Stitch markers
Scissors
Non-slip fabric paint, puffy paint, or rubber slipper sole grips

Gauge:

7 puff stitches and 8 rounds = 4 inches in puff stitch pattern
Gauge should create dense, non-see-through fabric

🔤 Abbreviations (US Terms)

ch – chain
sl st – slip stitch
sc – single crochet
hdc – half double crochet
dc – double crochet
inc – increase (2 sc in one stitch)
dec – decrease (single crochet 2 together)
puff – puff stitch (see special stitch)
st(s) – stitch(es)
BLO – back loop only
FLO – front loop only
rnd – round
rep – repeat

🔧 Special Stitch

PUFF STITCH (puff):

Yarn over, insert hook in indicated stitch
Yarn over and pull up a loop (loosely, about ½ inch tall)
Yarn over, insert hook in SAME stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop – repeat from * 2 more times
You should have 7 loops on hook
Yarn over and pull through all 7 loops
Ch 1 to secure the puff

Tips for puff stitches:

Pull loops up evenly to the same height
Don’t pull final stitch too tight or puffs will flatten
The ch 1 at the end is important for structure
Each puff stitch counts as ONE stitch

🧡 PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS

👣 SOLE (Make 2)

The sole is worked in continuous spiral rounds, building from a foundation chain.

Foundation: With orange yarn, ch 14.

Rnd 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 12 ch, 5 sc in last ch (this creates the rounded toe). Rotate to work along opposite side of foundation chain: sc in next 12 ch, 4 sc in last ch to complete the heel curve. Join with sl st to first sc. (34 sts)

Place stitch marker in first stitch and move it up as you work.

Rnd 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in first st, sc in next 12 sts, 2 sc in each of next 5 sts (toe expansion), sc in next 12 sts, 2 sc in each of last 4 sts (heel expansion). Join with sl st. (48 sts)

Rnd 3: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st. (48 sts)

Rnd 4: Ch 1, working in BLO for this round only, sc in each st around. Join with sl st. (48 sts)

This BLO round creates a ridge/lip where the sole meets the slipper body.

Do not fasten off. Continue directly to body.

🎃 SLIPPER BODY

The body is worked in joined rounds, creating the puffy pumpkin texture.

Rnd 5 (First puff round): Ch 1, puff st in each st around, working in both loops. Join with sl st to first puff. (48 puffs)

Make sure you’re inserting hook under both loops of the stitch for Rnd 5 onwards.

Rnd 6: Ch 1, puff st in each st around. Join with sl st. (48 puffs)

Rnd 7: Ch 1, puff st in each st around. Join with sl st. (48 puffs)

Rnd 8: Ch 1, puff st in each st around. Join with sl st. (48 puffs)

Rnd 9: Ch 1, puff st in each st around. Join with sl st. (48 puffs)

Rnd 10: Ch 1, puff st in each st around. Join with sl st. (48 puffs)

Rnd 11: Ch 1, puff st in each st around. Join with sl st. (48 puffs)

Rnd 12: Ch 1, puff st in each st around. Join with sl st. (48 puffs)

You’ve now completed 8 rounds of puff stitches. The slipper should come up nicely on the foot.

👟 TOE SHAPING

Now we’ll decrease across the toe area to create the rounded pumpkin shape.

Rnd 13 (Begin decreases):

Ch 1
Puff st in next 17 sts
[Skip next st, puff st in next st] 7 times (this decreases 7 sts across toe area)
Puff st in remaining 17 sts
Join with sl st. (41 puffs)

Rnd 14:

Ch 1
Puff st in next 16 sts
[Skip next st, puff st in next st] 5 times (decreasing 5 sts)
Puff st in remaining 16 sts
Join with sl st. (36 puffs)

Rnd 15:

Ch 1
Puff st in next 15 sts
[Skip next st, puff st in next st] 3 times (decreasing 3 sts)
Puff st in remaining 15 sts
Join with sl st. (33 puffs)

Rnd 16: Ch 1, puff st in each st around. Join with sl st. (33 puffs)

Rnd 17: Ch 1, puff st in each st around. Join with sl st. (33 puffs)

These two rounds allow the toe to round out smoothly without further decreasing.

🧦 ANKLE CUFF

Rnd 18: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st. (33 sc)

Rnd 19: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st. (33 sc)

Optional Rnd 20 (for looser fit): Ch 1, sc in next 10 sts, inc in next st, rep around. Join. (36 sc)

Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch tail. Weave in end securely.

🖤 JACK-O’-LANTERN FACE

The face is created using black felt pieces that are glued or sewn onto the slipper front.

📐 CUTTING THE FELT PIECES

You’ll need for EACH slipper:

2 triangle eyes
1 triangle nose
1 smile with teeth

TEMPLATE GUIDE:

EYES (Cut 2 per slipper):

Triangle with point facing DOWN:

Base (top edge): 1.5 inches wide
Height: 1.75 inches tall
Sides: Slightly curved inward for more natural look

To cut: Draw triangle on felt, cut carefully with sharp scissors. Make both eyes identical.

NOSE (Cut 1 per slipper):

Smaller triangle with point facing DOWN:

Base (top edge): 1 inch wide
Height: 1.25 inches tall
Sides: Straight edges

MOUTH (Cut 1 per slipper):

You have two options:

Option A – Connected Smile:

Draw a curved smile shape approximately 3-3.5 inches wide and 1 inch tall at center
Along the TOP edge, cut 5-7 zigzag triangular “teeth” pointing upward
Keep bottom edge smoothly curved like a smile
Each tooth should be about 0.25-0.4 inches tall

Option B – Individual Teeth (easier):

Cut 6-8 small rectangles, each about 0.4 inches wide by 0.6 inches tall
Arrange these in a curved smile formation when attaching
This allows you to adjust spacing and curve more easily

📍 FACE PLACEMENT GUIDE

Before attaching, plan your placement:

Try on the slipper to identify the natural front center (where your toes point)
Mark the center line with a pin or chalk
Position pieces:
- Eyes: Place about 2-2.5 inches apart (center to center), roughly 1.5 inches below the ankle cuff. Should be on the instep area where face would naturally show.
- Nose: Center it between and slightly below the eyes (about 0.75 inches below the bottom points of eye triangles)
- Mouth: Place about 0.5 inches below the nose, curving in a smile. Center horizontally.
Pin everything in place and try on slipper. Adjust if needed before permanent attachment.
Take a photo of your placement to reference for the second slipper!

🎨 ATTACHING THE FACE

Method 1: Fabric Glue (Easiest)

Apply a thin, even layer of fabric glue to the back of felt piece
Don’t use too much or it will seep through the puff stitches
Press firmly onto slipper in marked position
Hold in place for 30-45 seconds
Place something heavy (book) on top and let dry for 24 hours
Pros: Clean look, no visible stitching
Cons: Less durable for heavy wear

Method 2: Hand Sewing (Most Durable)

Thread a sharp needle with black thread (doubled for strength)
Use small whip stitches or blanket stitches around the edge of each felt piece
Stitch through the felt and catch the puff stitches beneath
Keep stitches small and close together (about ⅛ inch apart)
Knot securely on the inside of slipper
Pros: Very secure, washable
Cons: Stitches may be slightly visible up close

Method 3: Combination (Recommended)

Use a small amount of fabric glue to hold pieces in place temporarily
Once glue is dry, add a few tack stitches at key points (corners of triangles, ends of smile) for extra security
Pros: Best of both worlds – clean look with added durability

🎀 FINISHING TOUCHES

1. Weave in Ends

Make sure all yarn tails are securely woven in on the wrong side (inside) of slippers.

2. Check Face Symmetry

Place both slippers side by side. Faces should be positioned identically. Make adjustments if needed.

3. Block (Optional)

Chenille yarn typically doesn’t need blocking, but you can lightly steam if needed:

Hold steamer 6 inches away
Don’t press directly on felt pieces
Let cool completely

4. Add Non-Slip Sole

CRITICAL FOR SAFETY! Choose one method:

Option A – Puffy Paint:

Turn slipper over
Draw lines, dots, or zigzags across the sole with puffy fabric paint
Let dry completely (24 hours)

Option B – Non-Slip Spray:

Use fabric non-slip spray (available at craft stores)
Apply 2-3 coats to sole
Dry between coats

Option C – Grip Soles:

Purchase adhesive non-slip sole grips
Cut to size and stick to bottom of slippers

💡 TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Working with Chenille Yarn:

This yarn can split easily – work slowly
Don’t pull stitches too tight or texture will be lost
If yarn starts to fray, trim the damaged section
Keep consistent tension for even puff stitches

Achieving Photo-Accurate Texture:

Don’t skip the puff stitches! Regular stitches will NOT create the bumpy texture
Pull up loops to a uniform height (about ½ inch)
The ch-1 at the end of each puff is crucial for definition
If puffs look flat, you’re pulling the closing stitch too tight

Face Application:

Less is more with glue – excess will show through
For felt, use STIFF/FIRM felt, not flimsy craft felt
Make a paper template first to test placement
Complete one slipper fully before starting the second, so you can reference it

Fit Adjustments:

Too tight? Add the optional Round 20 to the ankle
Too loose? Work Rounds 18-19 more tightly
Too short? Add 1-2 more rounds before toe shaping
Too long? Start with ch 12 instead of ch 14 for sole

📏 SIZING ADJUSTMENTS

Child Size (US 12-2):

Foundation: Ch 10 (instead of 14)
Rnd 2 increases: 2 sc in next 3 sts (instead of 5), 2 sc in next 2 sts (instead of 4) = 32 sts
Work only 5-6 rounds of puff stitch body (instead of 8)
Adjust face pieces proportionally (reduce by 25%)

Large Adult (US 10-12):

Foundation: Ch 16 (instead of 14)
Rnd 2 increases: 2 sc in next 6 sts (toe), 2 sc in next 5 sts (heel) = 56 sts
Work 9-10 rounds of puff stitch body (instead of 8)
Toe decreases: Start with 9 decreases, then 7, then 5

🎨 CUSTOMIZATION IDEAS

Green Pumpkin Stem:

After completing ankle cuff, switch to green yarn:

Rnd 20: With green, BLO sc around
Rnds 21-22: BLO sc around (creates ribbed effect)
Creates a “stem” look at the top!

Different Expressions:

Angry: Angled eyebrows above eyes, downturned frown
Surprised: Round eyes (circles instead of triangles), “O” shaped mouth
Winking: One regular eye, one smaller or closed eye
Silly: Offset eyes, wavy mouth, crooked nose

Glow-in-the-Dark:

Use glow-in-the-dark fabric paint to outline felt pieces
Or purchase glow-in-the-dark felt for the face

Alternative Colors:

White/ghost version with black face
Purple/orange witch theme
Green/Frankenstein’s monster

🧼 CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Hand Wash:

Fill basin with cool water and gentle detergent
Gently squeeze (don’t wring)
Rinse thoroughly
Press out excess water with towel
Reshape and lay flat to dry
DO NOT machine wash or dry

Storage:

Stuff with tissue paper to maintain shape
Store in breathable bag or box
Keep away from moisture

Felt Pieces:

If glued, avoid getting wet
If sewn, can handle gentle washing
May need re-gluing after multiple washes

⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTES

Yarn Usage: Puff stitches use approximately 30-40% more yarn than standard stitches. Make sure you have enough!
Gauge Matters: Too loose and slippers won’t hold shape; too tight and they won’t fit. Aim for dense but not stiff fabric.
Chenille Quirks: This yarn can be frustrating but the final result is worth it. Take breaks if it starts fraying.
Safety First: ALWAYS add non-slip treatment to soles. Chenille yarn is slippery on hard floors!
Not for Outdoor Use: These are indoor house slippers only.
Felt Quality: Use stiff craft felt or wool blend felt. Thin, flimsy felt will curl and look cheap.

🎃 FINAL THOUGHTS

These Pumpkin Jack-o’-Lantern Slippers are a labor of love that result in an absolutely adorable, cozy, and festive pair of house shoes. The puff stitch technique creates that signature bumpy texture that makes them look just like little pumpkins on your feet!

Perfect for:

Halloween season wear
Gifts for pumpkin lovers
Costume accessories
Photo props
Keeping feet cozy all autumn long

Estimated Time: 8-12 hours total for both slippers (depending on experience level)

Skill Building: This pattern teaches puff stitch mastery, 3D shaping, and appliqué techniques.

Happy Crocheting! May your slippers be puffy, your pumpkins be perfect, and your Halloween be cozy! 🎃🧡👻