DIY No-Carve Halloween Pumpkin Craft Under 15 Minutes

Q: Can you really make a pumpkin out of a toilet roll?

Yes. A toilet paper roll or cut-down paper towel roll makes a sturdy base. Wrap with a fabric square and tuck the edges into the center for a fast, no-mess pumpkin.

Q: How long do toilet paper roll pumpkins last?

With indoor display and dry storage, they can last for years. Keep away from moisture, fireplaces, and direct sun, and store in a small box after the season.

Q: Do you need hot glue for this craft?

Glue is optional. Tucking the fabric usually holds well. If the stem is loose or kids will handle it, use a dab of hot glue, a rubber band, or a tissue wedge.

Q: What fabric works best for no-carve pumpkins?

Cotton is easiest and holds shape well. Flannel or fleece feel cozy; velvet or satin give a glam look; burlap or linen add rustic charm. Cut a square about 18–22 inches for a standard roll.

Make a cute no-carve pumpkin in minutes! This easy DIY Halloween craft uses fabric & toilet rolls for budget-friendly festive decor.

Looking for a quick, no-carve Halloween craft? This DIY toilet paper roll pumpkin is budget-friendly, beginner-friendly, and ridiculously cute.

Halloween has always had this special kind of charm—it’s part spooky, part cozy, and all about letting your imagination run wild. Every October, living rooms turn into mini haunted houses, porches glow with carved jack-o’-lanterns, and suddenly, even the simplest corner feels a little magical.

But here’s the thing: you don’t need to raid every craft aisle or spend a small fortune to make your home feel festive. Some of the best Halloween decorations actually come from the most ordinary things you already have at home. Add a little creativity, and boom—you’ve got décor that looks like it belongs in a Pinterest feed.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Lately, there’s been a big shift toward DIY Halloween decorations made from recycled or upcycled materials—and honestly, I’m here for it ( see the EPA’s Reduce, Reuse, Recycle guide ). People are steering away from plastic stuff that gets tossed after one season. Instead, it’s all about eco-friendly, budget-friendly crafts that feel personal and unique. Plus, let’s be real: they’re way more fun to make than anything you could buy in a store.

Which brings me to today’s project: the cutest little Halloween DIY you’ll ever try. We’re talking about turning a simple toilet paper roll (yep, the kind sitting in your bathroom right now) into an adorable DIY no-carve pumpkin. All you need are some fabric scraps, a twig from outside, and a few minutes of your time. No carving knives, no mess, and definitely no special crafting skills required. In less than 15 minutes, you’ll have a pumpkin that looks like it came straight out of a fall farmhouse magazine.

Materials You’ll Need for a Toilet Paper Roll Pumpkin

One of the best parts about this little DIY is how low-key it is—you don’t need to stock up on pricey craft supplies or run to the store at the last minute. Chances are, you already have most of what you’ll need lying around the house. And if not, a quick walk outside (hello, twigs and leaves!) will do the trick.

The fun part? You can totally make it your own. Swap fabrics, play with colors, or even add a little extra sparkle if that’s your vibe. Here’s a simple list of materials to get you started, along with some creative swaps so your pumpkin feels uniquely you.

1. Toilet Paper Roll (or Paper Towel Roll)

Toilet Paper Roll – the unsung hero of this project! Who knew something so ordinary could become so charming?

This is the base of your pumpkin.

A full toilet paper roll works perfectly (don’t use an empty one unless you want to pad it out).
You can also cut a paper towel roll down to size.
Want a plumper, rounder pumpkin? Wrap an empty roll with tissue, scrap fabric, or even an old T-shirt for extra volume.

No toilet roll handy?

Use a ball of scrunched-up newspaper, a pair of socks, or leftover fabric scraps—anything soft but firm enough to hold a pumpkin-y shape.

2. Fabric Scraps

This is your pumpkin “skin.” No need to buy anything new—just raid your sewing stash, closet, or linen cupboard. Cut the fabric into a square (about 18–22 inches per side fits most toilet rolls).

Great fabric choices:

Cotton – easy to handle, keeps its shape.
Flannel or fleece – soft, cozy, perfect for fall farmhouse vibes.
Velvet or satin – adds a glam, luxe look.
Burlap or linen – rustic and charming.

Creative alternatives: Old pillowcases, sheets, scarves, or even a sweater you don’t wear anymore. The fabric texture totally changes the personality of your pumpkin.

3. Twig or Small Stick

This is your pumpkin stem.

Just take a little walk outside and find a twig or stick that’s 3–5 inches long.
Driftwood works too if you’ve got some lying around.

Fun alternatives:

Cinnamon sticks (smell amazing).
A rolled-up piece of kraft paper or cardboard.
A wine cork cut in half.

4. Scissors

For cutting your fabric into a square. (Skip this if your fabric’s already pre-cut.)

5. Glue (Optional)

You don’t have to use glue—tucking the fabric ends into the roll usually works just fine. But if kids will be handling the pumpkin or you want it extra secure, a hot glue gun or craft glue helps.

No glue? No problem: Use safety pins, a rubber band, or just neat folding and tucking.

6. Decorative Extras (Optional, but so fun!)

This is where you can let your creativity shine:

Ribbons or lace tied around the stem.
Faux leaves tucked in for realism.
Glitter or sequins for a glam vibe (or a kids’ craft version).
Spider stickers or cobwebs for spooky Halloween energy.
Buttons, beads, or charms for a true centerpiece look.

Upcycled Halloween pumpkin craft made from toilet paper roll

Quick Prep Checklist

Before you start, gather everything so the project feels stress-free:
✔️ Toilet paper roll (or substitute base)
✔️ Fabric square, cut to size
✔️ Twig or stick for the stem
✔️ Scissors
✔️ Glue (optional)
✔️ Any extras you’d like to decorate with

Once it’s all laid out, you’re ready to start—and trust me, this is one of the easiest (and cutest) fall crafts you’ll ever make.

Final Thoughts on Materials

The magic of this project is its flexibility. There’s no right or wrong way to do it—just work with what you already have. That’s why every toilet paper roll pumpkin turns out a little different: they’re unique, personal, and full of character.

So gather your goodies, roll up your sleeves, and get ready. Up next, I’ll walk you through the simple step-by-step tutorial—and in less than 15 minutes, you’ll have your very first pumpkin ready to show off!

How to Make a DIY No-Carve Halloween Pumpkin 🎃

Now that your supplies are ready, let’s bring your pumpkin to life! This project is quick, fun, and totally beginner-friendly. Even if you’ve never crafted before, you’ll be amazed at how simple (and satisfying) it is.

Step 1: Cut Your Fabric

Cut your fabric scrap into a square. For a standard toilet paper roll, 18–22 inches (45–55 cm) per side works perfectly.
Using a larger base (like a kitchen roll wrapped with stuffing)? Just size up your fabric.

Beginner tip: Don’t stress about perfect edges—everything gets tucked in, so no one will ever know.

✔️ Check-in: You should have a fabric square ready, roughly the size of a small pillowcase.

Cutting fabric square to make a DIY no-carve pumpkin

Step 2: Place the Toilet Paper Roll in the Center

Lay your fabric square flat on the table, right side down.
Place your toilet paper roll (or whatever base you’re using) right in the middle.

✔️ Check-in: Your roll should look like it’s sitting on a picnic blanket, waiting to be wrapped.

Step 3: Wrap & Tuck the Fabric

Take one corner of the fabric and gently tuck it into the center hole of the roll.
Move to the opposite corner and tuck that one in too.
Keep working your way around, tucking corners and edges into the hole.

Pro tip: Pull snugly, but not too tight—you want your pumpkin to look plump and cozy, not flat.

✔️ Check-in: At this point, your roll should already look like a little pumpkin, with fabric folds creating natural ridges.

Step 4: Adjust & Shape Your Pumpkin

Step back and take a look.
If one side looks uneven, saggy, or too flat, just pull the fabric out and retuck it until it feels right.

The best part? Nothing is permanent. This pumpkin forgives every “oops” moment.

✔️ Check-in: You should now see a round, plush pumpkin shape taking form.

Beginner-friendly pumpkin craft showing how to create round shape

Step 5: Add the Stem

Take your twig (or whatever you’ve chosen for a stem) and push it into the center hole.
The fabric usually holds it snugly, but if it feels wobbly, add a dab of hot glue or wedge in some tissue paper.

Fun stem ideas: cinnamon sticks (smells amazing), a wine cork cut in half, a rolled-up piece of kraft paper, or even a faux flower stem.

✔️ Check-in: Your pumpkin now has its “crown”—the stem!

Step 6: Decorate & Display (Optional but Fun!)

Add a ribbon or lace bow around the stem.
Tuck in faux leaves for a realistic touch.
Sprinkle on glitter, stick on spiders, or add cobwebs for spooky Halloween vibes.

These no-carve pumpkin ideas are budget-friendly and fun for kids.

This is your chance to give your pumpkin personality—cute, spooky, glam, rustic… it’s totally up to you.

✔️ Check-in: You now have a finished pumpkin that’s unique, personal, and ready to show off!

And that’s it—you just made a no-carve pumpkin in under 15 minutes. Quick, easy, eco-friendly, and way cuter than anything you could buy at the store. Place it on your coffee table, line a few up on your mantel, or gift one to a friend.

Pro Tips for Picking Your Pumpkin Materials

Match your home vibe: Love a clean, modern look? Try neutral shades like beige, cream, or gray. Want a bold, festive feel? Go classic Halloween with orange, black, and purple.
Layer it up: If your fabric feels too thin, simply layer it over another scrap. It adds fullness and creates a cool contrast of colors.
Play with textures: Pair something soft and cozy (like velvet or fleece) with something rustic (like burlap or linen). The mix makes your pumpkin look chic and intentional.
Think seasonal: Orange flannel or plaid screams “fall,” but the beauty is you can swap it out later. Green or gold fabric instantly makes it Thanksgiving-ready.

Decorating Ideas for Your DIY Pumpkin

This is the part where your pumpkin really comes to life. The best thing about this craft is how customizable it is—you can match it to your home decor, your favorite fall vibes, or even your Halloween party theme. Here are a few fun styles to try:

Rustic Farmhouse Pumpkin
Think cozy, country charm. Use burlap, plaid flannel, twigs, or even jute string. Add a little raffia bow for that perfect farmhouse finish.
Glam Pumpkin
Love sparkle and shine? Go for velvet or satin fabric, then top it off with glitter, sequins, or metallic ribbon. This style looks stunning as a table centerpiece.
Spooky Pumpkin
Lean into Halloween with black or dark purple fabric, cobwebs, tiny spiders, or even a bat sticker or two. Perfect for a haunted house vibe!
Minimalist Pumpkin
Prefer a clean, simple look? Neutral fabrics like cream, beige, or soft gray paired with a single ribbon or a sprig of greenery make an elegant, understated decoration.

Pro tip: You don’t have to stick to just one style. Make a little mix-and-match pumpkin patch that shows off all your favorite looks.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it—a sweet little pumpkin made from the most ordinary thing in your house. Who would’ve thought a simple toilet paper roll and some fabric scraps could turn into something so charming? That’s the beauty of DIY: taking everyday bits and pieces and turning them into something magical.

The best part? No two pumpkins ever look the same. Each one has its own personality—just like the people who make them. So whether you go rustic with burlap, glam with velvet and glitter, or spooky with cobwebs and spiders, your pumpkin will be perfectly you.

So grab a cup of tea, turn on a cozy fall playlist, and make a few more—you’ll be surprised at how addictive (and relaxing) these little pumpkins can be. Before you know it, you’ll have a whole pumpkin patch ready to brighten up your home this season.

If you make one of these pumpkins, I’d love to see it! Share your creations with me on Pinterest or tag me on Instagram. And don’t forget to pin this tutorial so you can come back to it next fall!

Before you go, if you enjoyed making this pumpkin, peek at Transform Old Tin Cans Into Beautiful Decoupage Decor or DIY Leather Bow Keychain Tutorial (With Free PDF Pattern!) They’re full of creative fun and perfect side projects to try next.

Happy crafting, and happy Halloween!

FAQ: DIY No-Carve Halloween Pumpkin

Quick answers to common questions—perfect for beginners and busy crafters.

Can you really make a pumpkin out of a toilet roll? Beginner friendly

Absolutely! A toilet paper roll (or a cut-down paper towel roll) makes the perfect, sturdy base. Wrap it with a fabric square and tuck the edges into the center—no carving, no mess, and done in minutes.

How long do toilet paper roll pumpkins last? Season after season

With indoor display and dry storage, they can last for years. Keep them away from moisture, fireplaces, and direct sunlight to prevent fading, and store in a small box or bin after the season.

Do you need hot glue for this craft? Optional

Not required! Most people simply tuck the fabric into the center. If kids will handle the pumpkin or your stem feels loose, add a dab of hot glue, a rubber band, or a small piece of tissue as a wedge.

What fabric works best for no-carve pumpkins? Fabric tips

Cotton is easy and holds shape well. For cozy fall vibes, try flannel or fleece. Want glam? Go velvet or satin. For rustic charm, use burlap or linen. Cut a square about 18–22 inches for a standard roll.

AnielskaAniela