Huge Marigolds, Tiny Pumpkins, and More! Crochet Podcast 173

Crochet Fall Decor Galore! DIY Podcast 173 Highlights

The Fall season is in full swing here, and I’ve been busy finishing fast, fun projects in Fall colors that you can wear, gift, or decorate with. In this episode I’m sharing these Fall crochet patterns: a clean-start granny scarf that solves that wobbly chain edge, a one-color bucket hat in three sizes, giant marigolds for Diwali or everyday decor, and my new no-stuff squishy pumpkin that doubles as the best fidget on your desk. I also squeezed in family updates and a quick favorites segment with simple home helpers. If you love easy, beginner-friendly crochet with practical tips, you’re in the right place. Let’s jump into the good stuff.

Crochet Finished Objects: Quick and Cute Projects to Try

One-Color Bucket Hat in Three Sizes

I made a simple one-color bucket hat in small, medium, and large, and it’s been a go-to piece for me. The neutral version matches everything, so it gets a lot of wear. The shape is classic, the fabric is sturdy, and the fit is easy to adjust. It feels so cozy on cooler days.

The sizing is flexible. You customize the size by changing the number of increases on row five. That tweak sets the crown width, which controls the fit without changing the rest of the pattern. If you’re making for family or a craft fair, that one step makes it simple to hit everyone’s head size without rewriting anything.

• Works up fast in one color.
• Three base sizes, easily adjusted on row five.
• Cozy, wearable, and great for gifting.

Everything is available in a tutorial and a written free pattern. I write in plain English, so you don’t have to decode abbreviations. It reads like I’m sitting beside you so you can take it on the road or crochet offline without stress.

• Pro Tip: If you run warm like I do, keep a fan handy and choose a breathable yarn. The hat still looks great, even when you’re avoiding a sweaty try-on.

Want help from start to finish? Here’s my guide: easy beginner crochet bucket hat pattern

Matching Granny Stitch Scarf for Beginners

I love a granny stitch scarf, but let’s be honest, starting on a long chain can leave a messy edge. Yes, you can border the whole thing, but that’s more work, especially if you’re new. I set out to fix that start once and for all.

My first attempt improved the look, but the end still read like triangles stuck onto squares. Close, but not what I wanted. I wanted squares into squares so both ends mirror that satisfying granny geometry without needing a border.

The final design starts clean. It gives you that tidy, square-on-square look from the very first row. No extra border work required.

• Clean starting chain that blends into the pattern.
• Beginner friendly, no fiddly fixes at the end.
• Pairs perfectly with the bucket hat for a quick set, sharing similar stitches and texture.

I turned this into bundled sets with my top four hat and scarf pairs. That way, you don’t have to chase separate patterns if you’re making coordinated gifts or stocking craft fair tables. The bundles save time and match up nicely so you can plan your colors and yarn in one go. They also pair well with cozy blankets for a complete winter ensemble.

• Perfect for selling or gifting.
• No guesswork on matching textures or stitches.
• Ideal for beginners who want a “done and dusted” set.

This scarf free pattern is ready to download alongside the hat.

Giant Marigolds: Easy Diwali or Home Decor

Marigolds are classic for Diwali, and they’re used everywhere to bring in color and cheer. This year I went big with giant marigolds that don’t need stuffing. They’re quick, bold, and look gorgeous grouped in a bowl by the front door, tucked into a vase, or clipped as curtain tiebacks. I made mine in rich marigold tones, and they’re sprinkled around my house now. They're perfect for stash busting with leftover yarn.

Materials are simple. I used three strands of yarn held together and a big hook. That combo gives you chunky stitches and fast results. You can use stitch markers, but yarn scraps work even better. Scraps don’t snag, they’re easy to see, and they pull out fast. I always thought stitch markers were essential, but this changed my mind.

• No stuffing, just yarn and a big hook.
• Use yarn scraps as stitch markers for speed.
• Display in bowls, vases, or on mantels.

I learned a lot from my first fail. The strands were too long and the flower turned droopy. It looked like a mop head or a wig. Funny, but not a marigold. That “fail” sparked new ideas though. As a scrunchie or attached to a plain headband, it was actually adorable. Now I’m on the hunt for basic headbands to test that idea, because those puffy blooms would be so cute. You could even combine them into a fall wreath for seasonal table decor, or use the marigolds and leaves as appliques on bags or pillows. Smaller versions make fun coasters, a potholder, or even a turkey coaster for Thanksgiving. Try adapting the shape into a candy corn for Halloween treats.

Imagine a set in hot pink or citrus brights, tucked into a bookshelf or scattered on a table. They’re playful and hard to resist.

Toran Garland: Doorway Decor for Special Occasions

Another Diwali favorite is the toran, a doorway garland traditionally made with marigolds and mango leaves. Mine hangs down one side of the door, across the top, and down the other side. It’s festive, colorful, and honestly, I’d hang it all year if I could. It works great as a wall hanging too.

This version is adjustable. I left yarn ties at the back so I can add more marigolds or change the width as needed. The pattern includes marigolds, leaves, and little flowers for the ends, so you have everything in one place. The classic Diwali colors look amazing, but you can match any event.

Try this assembly flow:

1. Crochet your marigolds, leaves, and accent flowers.
2. Attach them to three strings for the sides and top.
3. Tie bows at the back so you can adjust the spacing later.

It’s beautiful over nursery doors, party tables, and patios too. Anywhere you’d use fairy lights, you can swap in a toran garland for a softer, handmade look.

Squishy No-Stuff Pumpkin: Therapeutic Fall Fun

This one started as a joke. My daughter saw the marigolds and said, “Pumpkins!” I resisted, then I figured out a way to adapt the idea. The result is a no-stuff, moldable pumpkin that you can shape with your hands. It’s a fidget toy, a desk buddy, and a fall decoration all in one. Unlike traditional amigurumi that requires stuffing, this offers a simpler alternative.

The shape is flexible. You can make it tall and skinny, or short and round. You can even push it into a square to fake a Minecraft pumpkin. The fabric holds the form you squish it into, then pops back when you want a new shape. It's a fresh take on amigurumi techniques without the hassle.

Materials are minimal:

• One ball of orange yarn.
• About 15 g of green for the stem.

No stuffing needed. That makes it lighter, faster, and mess free. Compared to my original stuffed pumpkin, this one is more fun to make and more satisfying to play with after. I keep it on my desk and squish it while I think. It’s oddly relaxing. The technique could adapt well to small decorative pillows, or try shaping it like an acorn or a gnome for more variety.

Shaping ideas:

• Tall and skinny: Pull up gently from the top and bottom.
• Short and fat: Press down from the top and lift the sides.
• Minecraft style: Square it by shaping it inside a box or along firm edges.

This tutorial is coming out on Sunday. If you prefer year-round decor, make it in neutrals. It can be a bedside squish or a sofa accent you shape to fit the space.

Family and Life Updates: Behind-the-Scenes Crochet Life

School and Exam Buzz

Mir is deep into A-levels with chemistry, physics, and math exams every two days this month. He’s doing great, just tired of revision. Results come in January, and then we can apply to universities. The University of Tokyo is on our list, so we’re watching those grades and cheering him on.

Tanaya picked crochet for her school club. She always starts slippers, then ignores the pattern and turns them into water bottle slings. I’ve printed the pattern many times, but she loves to improvise. Watching her do her own thing is pure joy.

School Trip Excitement

The boys are off to the coast for a school trip. I have to drop them at school at 4:45 a.m., they’ll take the train to Mombasa, and they’ll be back Monday night. Between the packing list, labels, and soccer practice after school, I’m doing their bags while they’re out so I can keep it simple and avoid debates about which color shirt to bring.

We love Kenya’s beaches. We usually go a bit farther to Watamu for a quieter vibe. The kids will have the best time, and I’ll share their stories next week.

Quick prep checklist:

• Grab the missing store essentials early, like travel pillows for the long train ride.
• Label everything so it all comes home.
• Pack light and leave room for souvenirs.

Soccer Boy Sponsorship Progress

I’ve been helping support a local football academy that trains kids and sponsors talented players from underprivileged neighborhoods. Our sponsored player was placed in a quality boarding school recently, and he’s thriving. He’s cheerful, he’s playing, and he’s all in on school. = Finding that match felt like such a win.

Channel Shoutouts and Community Thanks

Thank you to every channel member and to everyone who watches, likes, and comments. You make this community warm, helpful, and inclusive. If you’re in a place to join, that support keeps tutorials and posts coming. If not, watching and sharing still helps a lot.

Subscribe to stay hooked on weekly crochet fun. New patterns, tutorials, crochet projects, and easy wins land here every week.

My Favorite Things: Non-Crochet Joys This Week

Toilet Lights for Nighttime Ease

I’ve used toilet lights for years. My original style clipped over the bowl and bent to fit. It was handy, but bendy parts wear out when kids wiggle them. The upgraded style is better. It sticks to the center of the toilet lid, so it stays clean and out of the way. It lights up when you walk in, and the colors are soft and easy on sleepy eyes.

Setup is simple:

1. Charge it with USB-C.
2. Stick the adhesive base to the lid.
3. Click the light onto the base and lift the seat as usual.

The lid placement means there’s nothing inside the bowl to bump or splash. It’s a small upgrade that makes nights easier. I’d buy them in pairs so you always have a backup charged.

Motion-Sensor Night Lights Around the House

Those toilet lights sent me on a hunt for motion night lights I could place around the house. I found magnetic lights that stick to a small metal plate you put on the wall. They’re rechargeable, and they only turn on when it’s dark and there’s motion.

I use them:

• Kitchen: Under the cabinet near the coffee maker so I can see the water level without turning on big lights; I also suggest adding small knitted or crocheted coasters next to the coffee maker for a cozy touch.
• Stairs: At the top and bottom to avoid missing a step. A few years ago I wrecked my ankle by missing the last one, so these make me feel safer.
• Hallways: A soft purple or turquoise glow looks calm and works well at night.

They run about two weeks per charge depending on traffic. Because they’re magnetic, they’re renter friendly. These lighting upgrades add a subtle layer to home decor, especially during the Fall season with its darker evenings that make the soft glow even more comforting. I’m on the hunt for extra metal plates so I can relocate them easily when I move or rearrange.

Bird Feeding Fun

A friend gave me beautiful bird feeders, and I set them under my purple potato trees. Weaver birds and pintail whydahs show up all day when I put seed out in the morning. The garden turns into a chorus until about six in the evening. It’s simple, peaceful, and the perfect background soundtrack for a crochet session.

Wrapping Up with Bloopers and Teases

There are always bloopers. I try for perfect, but there’s usually something crooked, or a hat where a stem should be. It keeps things real.

The no-stuff squishy pumpkin tutorial lands Sunday, and it’s a must-make for any pumpkin enthusiast. If you need a low-stress project with high payoff, that’s the one; consider trying the pumpkin in fall colors for a seasonal touch. Tell me your favorite crochet projects from this week, or other makes, and what you’d like to see in the next episode.

Timestamps for easy hopping:

• 0:00 Intro
• 0:57 Bucket Hat
• 2:30 Granny Scarf
• 4:57 Giant Marigolds
• 9:28 Toran Garland
• 12:07 Squishy Pumpkin
• 16:37 Family Updates
• 21:26 Favorite Things
• 25:37 Motion Night Lights
• 31:16 Bloopers

Conclusion

From hats and clean-edge scarves to giant marigolds and a fidget-friendly pumpkin, this week delivered fast finishes and cheerful crochet fall decor you can make with confidence. Family life is buzzing with exams and trips, and I’m balancing it with small home upgrades, including fall crochet patterns, that make mornings and nights easier. If you’re ready for cozy, colorful makes that add a comforting touch to your space, stick around for the pumpkin tutorial on Sunday. Share what you’re working on, and tell me which project, maybe the pumpkin centerpiece, you’ll try first. Thanks for being here, and stay hooked.

Christa Patel is a crochet designer and host of Secret Yarnery, known for approachable patterns and clear instruction. She teaches with plain English, step-by-step demos, and practical tips that remove guesswork for beginners. Her tutorials prioritize clean construction, tidy edges, and flexible sizing, so makers can customize hats, scarves, and home decor with confidence. Christa tests every project on video and in print, and she updates instructions based on real community feedback. New weekly videos, printable patterns, and coordinated bundles are available at secretyarnery.com and on her YouTube channel.