How to Carve a Pumpkin (With Free Printable Designs)
Carving a pumpkin is a Halloween tradition that’s fun for both kids and adults. The process is simple once you know the steps, and with the right tools you can make it safe and easy. In the video below, you’ll see the full carving process, and we’ve also included free printable pumpkin carving templates to make your designs even easier.
Basic Steps:
- Wash and dry your pumpkin, then place it on a flat work surface.
- Cut a circle around the stem and remove the top.
- Scoop out the seeds and pulp with a spoon.
- Scrape the walls thinner if they’re very thick to make carving easier.
- Draw your design on the outside with a pen or pencil.
- Cut slowly along your lines, starting with the smaller shapes first.
- Pop out the carved pieces and clean off any pen marks.
- Place a candle or LED light inside, replace the top, and display your jack-o’-lantern.
Watch the Full Carving Video
YouTube: How to Carve a Pumpkin — see the entire process from cutting the top to lighting up the finished jack-o’-lantern.
Jack-o’-lanterns can be silly, spooky, or downright creepy depending on the design. If you’re ready to go beyond basic triangle eyes and a jagged smile, here are 10 pumpkin carving templates with personality and tips to help you pull them off.
Looking at You.
This twist on the classic face uses sideways eyes that instantly make the pumpkin look more animated. Start by carving the smallest shapes first, then move to the larger ones for cleaner lines. If you accidentally cut too far, use a toothpick to reattach small pieces like teeth or eye corners.
Goofy
A goofy grin makes a perfect family-friendly pumpkin. The curved shapes are trickier than straight lines, so take your time. If your first cuts aren’t smooth, shave away thin layers until you get rounder edges.
Cheeky Jack
With misaligned eyes and an off-kilter smile, Cheeky Jack looks like the class clown of Halloween night. The uneven features make this design forgiving, so it’s a good option for beginners or anyone carving with kids.
Worried Jack
Big round eyes and a thin, uneven mouth give this pumpkin a worried expression. Straight cuts and angled lines make it simple, and the design doesn’t need to be symmetrical, so small mistakes won’t show.
Franken Jack
Inspired by Frankenstein, this design features blocky teeth and square eyes. Save the cutout cubes from the eyes and reattach them on the sides with toothpicks for makeshift “bolts” to complete the look.
One-Eyed Jack
This pumpkin is cartoonish and playful, with one oversized eye that dominates the design. The large cutouts make it beginner-friendly, and you can refine the curves later with careful shaving.
Hmm…Jack
Angular eyes add a hint of spookiness, but the uneven smile keeps it fun. Since the design isn’t symmetrical, it’s a low-pressure choice if you’re worried about making exact cuts.
Watch Out
A scarier cousin of Hmm… Jack, this template sharpens the triangular shapes into something more menacing. It’s still simple to carve, but the angles make it look more intense.
Scary Jack
Narrow eyes, sharp brows, and jagged teeth give Scary Jack his sinister look. The teeth require patience and a steady hand, but the rest of the cuts are straightforward.
Jack Nightmare
For a challenge, try Jack Nightmare, inspired by Tim Burton’s famous character. The bold eyes aren’t too difficult, but the thin, stitched mouth demands precision. Use a fine carving saw or a craft knife for best results.