Easy 3D Paper Pumpkin Craft (Includes Video Instructions)

Looking for a festive and simple DIY project? This 3D Paper Pumpkin is just what you need! Ideal for both Halloween and Thanksgiving, it’s easy to make, and we’ve got a video and tips to help you along the way.

Hello Craftaholics! The holiday season is almost here—yay! If you’ve been following my little blog, you know how much we love making seasonal crafts that capture the joy and spirit of each celebration.

Pumpkin crafts are one of my favorites because they fit perfectly with both Halloween and Thanksgiving. Last year, we made an origami pumpkin, and this year, we’re crafting something just as cute—a 3D Paper Pumpkin! This adorable project is perfect for adding a touch of seasonal charm to your decor, whether for Halloween or Thanksgiving.

There are so many fun ways to use these 3D Paper Pumpkins! They’re perfect for Thanksgiving centerpieces, Halloween decorations, or even strung together as a festive garland. Plus, you can keep them around all year as a cute and colorful touch to your home decor.

The best part? It’s super beginner-friendly, making it a great craft for everyone, including kids! You can get creative by mixing and matching different colored papers to design your own unique pumpkin. Plus, it’s budget-friendly—just a dollar or two, and you likely already have most of the supplies at home.

So, grab some orange and green paper, and let’s start crafting!

How to Make a 3D Paper Pumpkin

Step by Step Instructions: Paper Pumpkin Craft

Step 1: Measure and Prepare Paper Cutouts

Choose orange and green medium-weight craft papers for your 3D pumpkin. Follow the measurements shown in the image to cut out the paper shapes. Feel free to adjust the sizes to make your pumpkin bigger or smaller.

Warning: If you decide to make your pumpkin bigger or smaller, be sure to keep the same ratio in all your measurements to ensure the pumpkin maintains its shape properly.

Step 2: Create Diagonal Half Creases

Select thick craft paper for the pumpkin pattern. We’re using orange paper, you may take any color of paper you want. Prepare the selected paper into a square (6”x6”). Make diagonal creases along both sides of the square paper. Fold and then unfold the diagonal folds.

Step 3: Create Vertical and Horizontal Half Creases

Flip the paper over and make vertical and horizontal creases. With these folds facing up, fold in the diagonal creases to form a diamond shape.

Tip: Work on a flat, smooth surface to avoid any unwanted creases or bumps that might affect the final shape.

Step 4: Form the Basic Fold Structure

You should now have two triangular flaps on each side. This creates the base structure for your pumpkin.

Step 5: Bring All Flaps Together

Gather all four triangular flaps and bring them together on one side, forming a compact shape.

Suggestion: If the paper feels too stiff to fold, gently work it back and forth a bit before bringing the flaps together. This can make it easier to handle.

Step 6: Trace and Cut Petal Shapes

Using a pencil, draw a petal shape on the top flap of the folded paper. Keep the inner side intact, then cut along the traced lines.

Tip: Use a sharp pair of scissors for a clean cut. If you want a more intricate look, try cutting a slight curve into the petal edges.

Step 7: Unfold to Reveal the Pumpkin Base

Carefully unfold the paper to reveal an 8-petal shape. This will be the base of your pumpkin.

Suggestion: Unfold slowly to avoid tearing the paper, especially if you’re using a thinner material.

Step 8: Create the Center Cylinder

Take the small round cutout and the center base cutout. Roll the base cutout into a cylinder and secure it with craft glue.

Step 9: Attach the Cylinder to the Pumpkin Base

Glue the small round cutout on one end of the cylinder. Apply glue around the open side of the cylinder, then place it in the center of the pumpkin base.

Suggestion: Hold the cylinder in place for a few seconds to ensure it sticks firmly to the base. You can also use a small amount of tape on the inside for extra security.

Step 10: Attach Petals to the Center

Apply a small drop of glue to the tip of each petal. One by one, attach each petal to the top of the cylinder, starting with opposite pairs and working your way around.

Tip: To make sure the petals are evenly spaced, attach the opposite pairs first, then fill in the gaps.

Step 11: Joining the Criss-Cross Petals

Join the 2 opposite petals and then the criss-cross petal sets (2 opposite).

Step 12: Joining all 8 Petals

One by one, join all 8 petals tips to the top, closed end of the cylinder shape. At the end of this step, you should have a nice, round 3d paper pumpkin shape.

Tip: To make sure the petals are evenly spaced, attach the opposite pairs first, then fill in the gaps.

Step 13: Cut and Fold Leaf and Vine Shapes

Trace and cut out leaf, vine, and stem shapes from green paper. You can trace and cut out leaf and vine cutouts of your own or, use our template. Follow the next 2 steps carefully to find out how we prepared the leaf and the vines.

Step 14: Add Creases to the Leaf

Fold the leaf cutout in half, symmetrically. Make slightly diagonal accordion folds and then unfold. This should give the paper leaf a nice vein-y texture!

Step 15: Prepare the Vines

Take a green strip cutout and coil it tightly using a quilling tool. Hold the coiled strip firmly around its outer surface and push the center part out. Pull out the entire strip and adjust the spirals neatly. Prepare 1 or 2 more paper vines.

Step 13: Add the Final Details

Now, roll the green rectangle shape to form the paper pumpkin stem. Attach the pumpkin to the top center of the paper 3d pumpkin. Attach the vines and the leaf around the paper stem to complete the craft.

Watch Complete Video Tutorial: 3D Paper Pumpkin Craft

Are you having difficulty understanding our written tutorial? You can also check out the video tutorial on 3d paper pumpkin craft on our YouTube channel. Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel and turn on the notification bell to stay updated.

Essential Tips for Absolute Beginners

If you are an absolute beginner or your kids are making the 3D pumpkin, you may face some difficulties. To help you out, here are a few key tips and warnings:

1. Start with Square Paper: Ensure you’re using square paper for the pumpkin part to maintain the correct shape.
2. Choose the Right Paper: Use medium-weight craft paper or light cardstock for durability. Avoid origami or lightweight paper as they may not hold the shape well.
3. Make Neat Folds: The diagonal, vertical, and horizontal folds must be done neatly for the pumpkin to come together properly. Take your time to align edges perfectly.
4. Use the Right Glue: Craft glue is ideal for this project. It’s strong enough to hold the parts together without the mess of hot glue.

Child Safety Warnings

1. Supervise Scissors Use: If children are involved, make sure they use child-safe scissors and are supervised to avoid any accidents.
2. Avoid Small Parts: Be cautious of small parts, like cut paper pieces, which can be a choking hazard for younger children.
3. Non-Toxic Glue: Ensure the craft glue used is non-toxic, especially when working with children, to avoid any harmful exposure.

I hope you liked the tutorial! If you enjoyed making this 3D Paper Pumpkin, don’t miss our other Fall-inspired crafts

• Paper Layer Art Fall-Inspired
• How to Make Origami Pumpkin
• How to Make Origami Maple Leaf
• Fall-Inspired Macrame Rainbow

Let us know what you think about this craft, did you enjoy it? or do you have any suggestions? We would love to know, share your thoughts in the comments below.

Share pictures of your version of the 3d paper pumpkin craft with us if you give it a try. You can share your version of the craft picture with the hashtag #craftaholicwitch on Instagram or Facebook or DM your picture to us on Instagram or Facebook page