One of my favorite ways to decorate for fall without spending much money is by making a pumpkin with a toilet paper roll. It’s amazing how a few simple supplies—a toilet paper roll, a piece of fabric, and a small twig—can be transformed into a charming pumpkin that looks right at home on a mantel, dining table, or entryway. It’s a quick project that’s fun for both kids and adults, making it a favorite in our home every autumn.
What I love most about this craft is its simplicity. You don’t need sewing skills, expensive materials, or special crafting experience to create something beautiful. Whether you choose the classic fabric-wrapped pumpkin, a painted version for kids, or a fuller 3D style, each one has its own unique personality and rustic charm.
This project is also a wonderful way to reuse everyday household items instead of throwing them away. By giving an ordinary toilet paper roll a second life, you create seasonal décor that’s budget-friendly, eco-friendly, and completely customizable. You can mix fabrics, add ribbons, use cinnamon sticks for fragrant stems, or decorate with faux leaves to match your fall decorating style.
Whether you’re looking for an easy afternoon craft, a classroom activity, or a cozy weekend DIY project, this toilet paper roll pumpkin is one of the easiest fall decorations you’ll ever make. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a handmade pumpkin that’s perfect for celebrating the beauty of autumn.
Quick Answer
A toilet paper roll pumpkin is a simple DIY fall craft made by wrapping a full toilet paper roll in a square of fabric, tucking the fabric into the center, and adding a twig or cinnamon stick as the stem. I love this project because it takes about 10 minutes to complete, requires only a few inexpensive supplies, and creates a beautiful rustic pumpkin that’s perfect for fall decorating. You can also paint toilet paper tubes or add batting to create fuller, more decorative pumpkins for your home or classroom.
Key Takeaways
- The fabric-wrap method is the quickest and most popular way to make a toilet paper roll pumpkin.
- A fabric square about 18 × 18 inches provides the best coverage for a full-size toilet paper roll.
- Wrapping the roll with batting or tissue paper creates a fuller, more realistic pumpkin shape.
- Twigs and cinnamon sticks make attractive natural stems.
- Hot glue provides the strongest hold for stems and embellishments, while tacky glue works well for kid-friendly crafts.
- Toilet paper tube rings can also be painted orange to create flat pumpkin decorations.
- Most versions can be completed in about 10–15 minutes, not including paint drying time.
- Kids ages 4 and older can enjoy this craft with appropriate adult supervision.
- Using fabric that’s too small is the most common reason pumpkins don’t hold their shape.
At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Craft Type | DIY Fall Decoration |
| Skill Level | Easy |
| Recommended Age | 4+ years with supervision |
| Craft Time | 10–15 minutes |
| Main Supplies | Toilet paper roll, fabric, twig, ribbon |
| Optional Supplies | Batting, tissue paper, hot glue, faux leaves |
| Best For | Home décor, classrooms, family crafting |
| Skills Developed | Creativity, fine motor skills, recycling awareness |
| Budget | Very inexpensive |
| Display Ideas | Mantels, shelves, tables, tiered trays, entryways |
Tip: I always use a slightly larger fabric square than I think I’ll need. The extra fabric tucks into the center much more easily and creates beautiful natural folds that make the finished pumpkin look fuller and more realistic.
If you are looking for more family-friendly craft ideas, check out our collection of 15 awesome DIY crafts to try with your kids.
Why I Love Making Toilet Paper Roll Pumpkins
Every fall, I find myself reaching for fabric scraps, twigs, and a few toilet paper rolls to make these adorable pumpkins. It’s one of those crafts that’s incredibly simple but always looks impressive when it’s finished. I love that something most people would recycle can become beautiful seasonal décor in just a few minutes.
One of my favorite things about this project is how beginner-friendly it is. There’s no sewing involved, very little mess, and only a handful of inexpensive supplies. Whether I’m crafting alone, decorating with my family, or helping children make their own pumpkins, everyone can create something unique and beautiful.
I also appreciate how versatile these pumpkins are. Some years I wrap them in cozy plaid fabric for a farmhouse look, while other times I use velvet, burlap, floral prints, or neutral fabrics to match my fall decorations. Small details like cinnamon stick stems, raffia bows, faux leaves, or tiny pinecones give each pumpkin its own personality.
Another reason I enjoy this craft is that it’s a wonderful way to reuse everyday household items instead of throwing them away. Turning an ordinary toilet paper roll into a charming pumpkin is a fun reminder that creativity doesn’t have to be expensive. It’s an eco-friendly project that’s perfect for decorating on a budget.
Best of all, these pumpkins look beautiful almost anywhere. I enjoy displaying them on my mantel, arranging them on a dining table, adding them to a tiered tray, or grouping several together to create a cozy little pumpkin patch indoors. They’re one of my favorite handmade decorations to bring out every autumn.
What Is a Toilet Paper Roll Pumpkin Craft?
A toilet paper roll pumpkin is a simple DIY fall decoration made by transforming an ordinary toilet paper roll into a decorative pumpkin using fabric, paint, or other craft materials. The most popular method involves wrapping a full toilet paper roll in fabric, tucking the edges into the center, and finishing it with a twig or cinnamon stick stem. The result is a rustic pumpkin that looks surprisingly elegant while taking only a few minutes to make.
What makes this craft so popular is its simplicity and versatility. You can create a cozy farmhouse-style pumpkin with fabric, make colorful painted pumpkins from cardboard tubes, or add batting to give your pumpkin a fuller, more realistic appearance. Every version is easy to customize with different fabrics, ribbons, faux leaves, and seasonal embellishments.
Beyond being an easy decoration, this project is also a great way to recycle everyday materials. It’s a fun activity for families, classrooms, and anyone who enjoys affordable seasonal crafts that can be displayed throughout the fall and Halloween season.
Supplies You’ll Need
One of the reasons I keep coming back to this project is that the supplies are inexpensive and easy to find. Most of them are probably already in your home, making this one of the most budget-friendly fall crafts you can make.
Essential Supplies
- Full toilet paper roll
- Fabric square (about 18 × 18 inches)
- Twig or cinnamon stick for the stem
- Scissors
Optional Supplies
- Cotton batting or tissue paper
- Hot glue gun or tacky glue
- Twine, ribbon, or raffia
- Faux leaves
- Acrylic paint (for painted pumpkins)
- Paintbrushes
- Paper towel rolls (cut to size)
My Favorite Materials
I usually choose soft cotton or flannel fabric because it’s easy to tuck into the center of the roll and creates beautiful natural folds. For the stem, I love using small twigs collected from the yard, but cinnamon sticks are another favorite because they add a subtle fall fragrance while giving the pumpkin a rustic look.
Helpful Tip: If your fabric seems a little too large, don’t trim it right away. Extra fabric actually helps create fuller-looking pumpkins and makes the folds appear more natural.
How I Make a Toilet Paper Roll Pumpkin (Step-by-Step)
Whenever I want quick fall décor, this is the method I use. It takes only about 10 minutes, requires almost no cleanup, and the finished pumpkin always looks charming.
Step 1: Shape the Roll (Optional)
If I want a rounder pumpkin, I gently unroll several sheets of toilet paper and wrap them back around the roll while slightly scrunching them. This creates a fuller, softer pumpkin shape.
Step 2: Prepare the Fabric
I cut an 18 × 18-inch square of fabric and lay it flat with the patterned side facing down. Plaid, burlap, velvet, floral prints, and orange fabrics all create beautiful pumpkins.
Step 3: Place the Roll
Next, I stand the toilet paper roll upright in the center of the fabric so there’s an even amount of fabric on all sides. This makes the wrapping process much easier.
Step 4: Tuck the Fabric
Working one section at a time, I pull each side of the fabric up and tuck it firmly into the center opening of the toilet paper roll. As I continue around the roll, natural folds begin to form, giving the pumpkin its realistic shape.
Step 5: Add the Stem
Once all the fabric is tucked inside, I place a small twig or cinnamon stick into the center opening. Most of the time it stays securely in place, but if needed, I add a small dab of hot glue for extra stability.
Step 6: Decorate Your Pumpkin
To finish the project, I like adding a raffia bow, ribbon, faux leaf, or small pinecone around the stem. These simple embellishments give each pumpkin its own unique style and make it feel ready for fall decorating.
Creative Ways to Customize Your Pumpkin
One of the reasons I never get tired of making toilet paper roll pumpkins is that there are countless ways to personalize them. By changing the fabric, adding decorative accents, or trying a different technique, you can create pumpkins that match any fall or Halloween decorating style.
Choose Different Fabrics
I love experimenting with different fabrics to give each pumpkin its own personality. Plaid creates a cozy farmhouse feel, burlap adds rustic charm, velvet gives a more elegant look, and floral or neutral prints work beautifully for everyday fall décor.
Make a Fuller Pumpkin
If I want a more realistic pumpkin, I wrap the toilet paper roll with cotton batting or tissue paper before adding the fabric. This simple trick creates a softer, rounder shape that looks even more like a real pumpkin.
Add Rustic Embellishments
Small details make a big difference. I like tying raffia, ribbon, or twine around the stem and adding faux leaves, pinecones, acorns, or berries for extra texture. A cinnamon stick stem is another favorite because it adds a subtle autumn scent.
Try the Painted Version
Instead of wrapping fabric around the roll, you can cut toilet paper tubes into rings, shape them into pumpkins, and paint them orange with acrylic paint. This version is especially fun for kids and works well for classroom decorations or Halloween garlands.
Create Pumpkins in Different Sizes
Although a toilet paper roll makes the perfect small pumpkin, I’ve also used paper towel tubes cut to size to create pumpkins of varying heights. Grouping different sizes together creates a beautiful layered display.
Build a Pumpkin Display
Rather than making just one pumpkin, I enjoy creating several using different fabrics and arranging them together on a mantel, tiered tray, dining table, or entryway. Mixing colors, patterns, and sizes creates a cozy autumn display that looks professionally styled.
Tips for Beautiful DIY Pumpkins
After making these pumpkins every fall, I’ve discovered a few simple tricks that help them look fuller, neater, and more realistic. These tips can make a big difference, especially if you’re making your first toilet paper roll pumpkin.
Use a Larger Fabric Square
One of the most common mistakes is using fabric that’s too small. I always choose a fabric square that’s at least 18 × 18 inches because it tucks into the center more easily and creates soft, natural folds around the pumpkin.
Shape the Roll First
If I want my pumpkin to look plump and round, I loosen a few sheets of toilet paper and wrap them back around the roll before adding the fabric. It only takes a minute but gives the finished pumpkin much more dimension.
Tuck the Fabric Deeply
Rather than simply folding the fabric over the top, I gently push each section deep into the center opening. This keeps everything secure while creating the natural ridges that make the pumpkin look realistic.
Choose Natural Stems
Twigs collected from the yard always give the most authentic look, but cinnamon sticks are another excellent option. They not only look beautiful but also add a warm fall fragrance to the finished decoration.
Mix Colors and Textures
Instead of making every pumpkin identical, I enjoy combining different fabrics, ribbons, and embellishments. Mixing plaids, solids, burlap, velvet, and neutral tones creates a display that feels collected over time rather than perfectly matched.
My Favorite Tip: I almost never make just one pumpkin. A group of three to seven pumpkins in different fabrics and sizes always looks more inviting and creates a beautiful autumn centerpiece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a toilet paper roll pumpkin without sewing?
Yes! The classic fabric-wrap method doesn’t require any sewing. Simply wrap the fabric around the toilet paper roll, tuck the edges into the center, and add a twig or cinnamon stick for the stem.
What size fabric should I use?
I recommend using a fabric square that’s about 18 × 18 inches. A larger square is much easier to tuck into the center and creates a fuller, more natural-looking pumpkin.
Can I use a paper towel roll instead?
Absolutely. Paper towel rolls work well too—just cut them to approximately the same height as a standard toilet paper roll before wrapping them with fabric.
What glue works best?
Hot glue provides the strongest hold for stems and decorations, while tacky glue is a safer choice for children. In many cases, the fabric and stem stay securely in place without any glue at all.
Can kids make this craft?
Yes. Children around 4 years and older can enjoy this project with adult supervision. Younger children often have fun painting toilet paper tube pumpkins, while older kids can try the fabric-wrapping method.
How long does it take to make one?
The fabric-wrapped version usually takes about 10–15 minutes to complete. If you’re painting toilet paper tubes, you’ll also need to allow about 1–2 hours for the paint to dry completely.
Conclusion
Making a pumpkin with a toilet paper roll is one of my favorite ways to decorate for fall because it’s simple, affordable, and surprisingly beautiful. With just a few everyday supplies, you can transform an ordinary toilet paper roll into a charming pumpkin that looks perfect on a mantel, dining table, shelf, or tiered tray.
What I love most about this craft is how easy it is to customize. Whether you choose a cozy plaid fabric, a rustic burlap wrap, or a brightly painted pumpkin for Halloween, every design becomes a unique handmade decoration that celebrates the beauty of the season.
Whether you’re crafting with your family, decorating your home, or looking for an easy classroom activity, this project is a fun way to recycle everyday materials while creating lasting autumn memories. Gather your favorite fabric, find a small twig, and enjoy ma
For more seasonal activities, browse our kids summer bucket list with 100+ activities and our 20 fun and cozy snow day activities.
