DIY Retro Fabric Pumpkins With Chair Spindle Stems

If you love mid-century modern style and would like a unique twist for your fall decorating, then you've come to the right place. These DIY retro fabric pumpkins have a traditional fall color palette but with a unique 70s flower power style. But what also makes these pumpkins unique is their recycled chair spindle stems.



Funky DIY retro fabric pumpkins with chair spindle stems that have unique bold mid-century modern style and a vintage 70s autumn color palette.

Unique Mid-Century Modern Style Fabric Pumpkins

The motivation for these mid-century style fabric pumpkins is to use recycled leftovers from two different chairs.



The pumpkin stems are from a dilapidated antique wooden chair that I've been slowly repurposing the parts into something useful. Like the chair seat that I turned into a unique time for a walk dog leash holder and a chair arm into spindle wind chimes.



Funky DIY retro fabric pumpkins with chair spindle stems that have unique bold mid-century modern style and a vintage 70s autumn color palette.

The inspiration for these retro fabric pumpkins is leftover fabric from the mid-century modern armchair makeover. The color palette of the 70s flower power fabric is in fall colors so why not turn them into one-of-a-kind fall pumpkin decor.



Funky DIY retro fabric pumpkins with chair spindle stems that have unique bold mid-century modern style and a vintage 70s autumn color palette.

I also had some large retro-color plastic gemstone beads along with an assortment of decorative skeleton keys to embellish the handmade fabric pumpkins.



Funky DIY retro fabric pumpkins with chair spindle stems that have unique bold mid-century modern style and a vintage 70s autumn color palette.

What You'll Need To Make It

This post contains affiliate links so you can see what products I used or recommend for this project. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.


Supply List

Retro Mod Floral Fabric (alternative)
Chair Spindles (salvaged)
Florist Foam (salvaged)
Poly Fill Stuffing (had on hand)
1 1/2 Inch Wired Brown Ribbon
Large Acrylic Gem Beads
Skeleton Keys
Needle And Thread



Funky DIY retro fabric pumpkins with chair spindle stems that have unique bold mid-century modern style and a vintage 70s autumn color palette.

How To Make Retro Fabric Pumpkins

You do not need a sewing machine to make these fabric pumpkins. If you can thread a needle, then you can make these! So let's get started.



Chair Spindle Pumpkin Stems

For the pumpkin stems, I refreshed the old wooden chair spindles by applying brown wax with a lint-free rag. Instead of gluing the stems onto the pumpkins, I have another idea for holding them in place.



Funky DIY retro fabric pumpkins with chair spindle stems that have unique bold mid-century modern style and a vintage 70s autumn color palette.

For the structure of the pumpkins, I recycled floral foam blocks leftover from my daughter's wedding centerpiece boxes. Alternatively, because floral foam can be messy, use styrofoam instead.



Simply stick a chair spindle into the center of the foam. With a serrated knife, round the corners slightly and then wrap the foam with batting.



Fabric Pumpkin Assembly

The fabric pumpkins are made the same way as these ticking stripe fabric pumpkins and these cozy sweater pumpkins.



Pumpkin Embellishments

Attach large loopy bows to the base of the spindle pumpkin stems. I used spools of ribbon that I had on hand and my recommendation is to use wired ribbon.



Funky DIY retro fabric pumpkins with chair spindle stems that have unique bold mid-century modern style and a vintage 70s autumn color palette.

I had exactly five large plastic gemstone beads in retro colors in my stash. I've had them for so many years that I can't remember where I got them. The colors match the fabric so perfectly that it's like they were waiting for these pumpkins!



Funky DIY retro fabric pumpkins with chair spindle stems that have unique bold mid-century modern style and a vintage 70s autumn color palette.

I also had an unopened package of five decorative metal skeleton keys in my stash to embellish the pumpkins. I simply tied both a gemstone bead and a skeleton key together on a non-stretch clear thread to the base of the spindle pumpkin stems.



The possibilities for what you use to embellish the pumpkins are endless. Recycle old brooches, earrings, charms or look for inexpensive dollar store finds.



Funky DIY retro fabric pumpkins with chair spindle stems that have unique bold mid-century modern style and a vintage 70s autumn color palette.

Pictured below is a top view of the pumpkins for a closer peek at the embellishments. Create a unique fall vignette with retro pumpkins and other retro vintage finds and enjoy!



Funky DIY retro fabric pumpkins with chair spindle stems that have unique bold mid-century modern style and a vintage 70s autumn color palette.

For more pumpkin inspiration you may like these 12 DIY pumpkin ideas that are easy on the wallet. Thanks for stopping by the Interior Frugalista today! I know my quirky take on fabric pumpkins is not for everyone.



But if you know anyone who loves mid-century modern style, I'd so appreciate it if you shared my retro fabric pumpkins with them. Maybe we'll start a new fall decor trend!



Almost all of our DIY ideas have step-by-step tutorials so why not get your budget DIY on and subscribe. You can also find us on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.



Funky DIY retro fabric pumpkins with chair spindle stems that have unique bold mid-century modern style and a vintage 70s autumn color palette. #handmadepumpkins #diyfabricpumpkins

If you have any questions, please leave them in the comment section below or the Contact Me tab at the top to drop me an email. I love hearing from you!



If you enjoyed this retro fabric pumpkin idea, I'd be so thankful if you pinned it to your DIY Pumpkin Decor or Fall Decorating Ideas board on Pinterest.




Funky DIY retro fabric pumpkins with chair spindle stems that have unique bold mid-century modern style and a vintage 70s autumn color palette. #diyfabricpumpkins #diyfalldecor #pumpkincrafts


I share my projects at these inspiring link parties.



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Comments

  1. What clever ideas for pumpkins, I have all kinds of charms, I had not thought of using them on fall decorations, maybe even on a wreath. I would love to have you join us on #omhgww to share your talents. Hope you can find your way over, see you soon!
    Happy Fall!

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    1. Thank you very much, Karren, appreciate you popping over for a visit! Oh yes, those charms are fabulous for Fall decor or any seasonal decor for that matter. Whenever I find them on sale, I grab a few because you never know when you could use them. Thanks for the invite too. 😊

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  2. Marie I love these retro pumpkins. You were most clicked at the FWF link party!
    RR

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    Replies
    1. Oh my goodness, I'm thrilled to hear this, Rachelle. Have a great evening and see you at the party!

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  3. You never cease to amaze me Marie! I could never have come up with this idea in a million years but I love it! Happy fall to you!

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    1. Thank you so much, Denise, I'm glad you like my quirky idea for fabric pumpkins. Happy Fall back to you!

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  4. Marie, you’ve done it again — a creative project with a fabulous result, along with a helpful tutorial. Pinned!

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    1. You're so sweet, thank you very much Debbee. Thanks also for the pin. xo

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  5. I love the story of how many projects you are making from one chair. So creative and cool. And so are these pumpkins. Thanks for sharing. #HomeMattersParty

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    1. Thank you Donna, it's been so much fun reimagining all these chair parts. I'm glad you like my MCM pumpkins. I know how much you love mid-century design.

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  6. Marie,
    OMG, how do you do this - so many creative ideas. I love these pumpkins and the gem stone and the skeleton are such a perfect added touch.
    Congratulations, you are being featured on TFT. https://www.eclecticredbarn.com/2021/09/thursday-favorite-things_02141560288.html
    Hugs,
    Bev

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    Replies
    1. You're the best, Bev, thank you so much for your sweet comments and the feature! xo

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