Hello crafters!
As you may know, I love Halloween, especially all the folklores around this time of year. One of my favourite tales is about how the tradition of carving pumpkins started, and believe it or not, the first vegetables to be carved to make lanterns were actually turnips!
The story goes something like this: a man named Jack made a bargain with the devil, tricking him to turn into a coin to pay for drinks. Jack, though, used a cross he was carrying to trap the devil, vowing to release him on the condition that he would not be able to take his soul. When Jack died, he was refused entry to heaven as he had lead a pretty horrible life, and the devil, keeping his promise to not take his soul, also refused him entry to hell, forcing Jack to endlessly wander for a resting place, using a carved turnip and burning embers to light his way.
I hope you’ve enjoyed the story and I also hope you enjoy this pattern. Happy Halloween!
If you’d like an easy to read, printable PDF, you can get one for a small price by clicking the link below.
Materials
• DK or 8ply yarn in purple, off white and green (I like to use the Ricorumi DK*)
• 3.5 mm crochet hook*
• Tapestry needle, stitch marker and scissors
• Polyfill*
• Black felt for the eyes and mouth
Abbreviation used (U.S. terms)
ch: chain
sc: single crochet
st: stitch
*…*: repeat
sl st: slip stitch
hdc: half double crochet
dc: double crochet
tr: treble crochet
inc: 2 single crochet in the same stitch
dec: single crochet 2 stitches together through front loop only (invisible decrease)
All pieces are worked through both loops of the stitches and in the round without joining unless stated otherwise in the pattern. It is recommended to use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round. To make it easier, stuff the turnip as you go.
Turnip – starting in purple make 1
Work in rounds
Round 1. sc 6 in a magic ring
Round 2. inc x6
Round 3. *sc 1, inc* x6
Round 4. *sc 2, inc* x6
Round 5. *sc 3, inc* x6
Round 6. *sc 4, inc* x6
Round 7. *sc 5, inc* x6
Round 8. *sc 6, inc* x6
Rounds 9-11. sc in each st around
Change to off white yarn
Rounds 12-18. sc in each st around
Round 19. *sc 6, dec* x6
Round 20. *sc 5, dec* x6
Round 21. *sc 4, dec* x6
Round 22. *sc 3, dec* x6
Round 23. *sc 2, dec* x6
Start stuffing the body now.
Round 24. *sc 1, dec* x6
Round 25. dec x6
Round 26-28. sc in each st around
Fasten off, finish stuffing and weave in ends by passing your thread in the front loop only of the remaining stitches.
Leaves – in green make 3
Work in rounds
Round 1. ch 16, starting from the second ch from the hook, sc 15 along the ch, then sc 15 on the opposite side of the ch to form a round
Round 2. sl st 2, sc 1, hdc 1, 2dc in the next st, hdc 1, sc 1, hdc 1, dc 1, 2tr in the next st, dc 1, hdc 2, sc 4, hdc 2, dc 1, 2tr in the next st, dc 1, hdc 1, sc 1, hdc 1, 2dc in the next st, hdc 1, sc 1, sl st 2
Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing and weave in the starting yarn.
Assembly
1. Sew the leaves on top of the body, between rounds 1-3.
2. You can have fun with adding details to the face! Make it as creepy or cute as you want, by adding lashes, a mouth, and cheeks.
You are done!
Let me know if you decide to make this pattern, I’d love to see your finished products! Tag me on Instagram @emmacraftsdesign and #terrythehalloweenturnip
2 thoughts on “Terry the Halloween Turnip”