String Pumpkin

Create a pumpkin decoration out of string.

Introduction

This is a bit of a fiddly activity so young people may need support.

What you'll need

string
stick
scissors
cyclinder to wrap string around (e.g. kitchen roll inner/broom handle/smooth stick)

This activity has been provided by

Useful items from our shop

Item available from our shop

Environmental Considerations

Consider the environmental impact of preparing, carrying out & completing this activity. Could this impact be reduced? Specific considerations for this activity could include:

leave no trace

Health & Safety Considerations

Follow your usual operating procedures and carry out appropriate risk benefit assessments.
Some considerations particular to this activity include:

using scissors

Step #1 Wrap the String

Choose a cylinder that is smooth and easy to hold. It needs to be longer than a toilet roll tube to have enough string to create a good shape.

Wrap the string around the cylinder until you have wrapped at least 10cm. When you are done cut the end of the string leaving about a 5cm tail.

Top Tips

You might have to do a few of these and do a bit of 'trial & error' to get the finish you are looking for. This will depend on your cylinder size and string diameter
don't wrap the string too tightly as will make it harder to remove the string from the cylinder, and try to keep the string wrapping so you avoid overlapping
a greaseproof paper roll works well as the smooth surface makes the next step a lot easier.

Step #2 Take off the String

Carefully slide the string off the cylinder and onto one of your fingers, taking care to keep the loops intact.

We found this was easier with a kitchen roll-size diameter tube than a broom handle.

Step #3 Tying up

Carefully (keeping the lovely loops in their tube shape) tie both loose tail ends through the 'tube' of string several times and then tie off.

Check that the 'tube' of string is all tied together and then snip off the loose ends.

Top Tip

Alternatively, use a separate piece of string to pass through the tube to tie off

Step #4 Create the pumpkin

Carefully fan out the string 'tube' into a circular shape and stick your stalk/stick in the the centre.

Ta da! A lovely natural pumpkin decoration!

Take it further

Make these using festive coloured twine for a Christmas bauble - thanks for the suggestion Green Earth Learning.

Could they be eggs or nests for tiny chicks?

What else could you adapt this pumpkin pattern for?

Disclaimer: Muddy Faces cannot take any responsibility for accidents or damage that occurs as a result of following this activity.You are responsible for making sure the activity is conducted safely.