How to Carve a Pumpkin (The Right Way!)
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Carving a pumpkin is a Halloween tradition as old as time, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. If you’ve ever ended up with jagged cuts or a design that didn’t go quite as planned, you’ll be glad to know there actually is a “right way” when it comes to how to carve a pumpkin. Before you even think about picking up the knife, though, you first need to choose your design. Whether you want a classic toothy grin, a spooky haunted house, or something totally unexpected, you can freehand your design with a marker, or keep things simple by using one of our free printable pumpkin stencils.
Once your design is set, styling your jack-o’-lantern is half the fun. Add it to your outdoor Halloween decorations by lining your porch steps with glowing pumpkins, mix them into a fall display with hay bales and corn stalks, or bring them inside as festive pumpkin decor for your fall mantel or dining table. And don’t forget those creative finishing touches. Paint accents, glitter, or stick-on gems can turn this classic Halloween craft into a one-of-a-kind work of art. Ready to get started? Check out our step-by-step guide for everything you need to know on how to carve a pumpkin, as well as answers to all your pumpkin carving questions.
Pumpkin-Carving Supplies
- Serrated utility knife
- Pumpkin scoop
- Marker
- Newspaper
How to Carve a Pumpkin
1. Pick the perfect pumpkin
Start by making a trip to the nearest pumpkin patch or your local grocery store. Look for a smooth, symmetrical pumpkin that’s free of bumps and blemishes. As for the shape, consider what will best suit your design. Short pumpkins are ideal for compact designs and offer a wider surface area, whereas tall pumpkins are best for vertical designs. If your vision involves multiple pumpkins, group them together to see how they all look in a cluster before making your purchase.
2. Cover your surface with newspaper or a plastic tablecloth
Pick out a sturdy table or surface to work on. Make sure there’s plenty of room for your pumpkin and supplies. Pumpkin carving can get messy with the guts and seeds everywhere! Make sure to fully cover your surface with the newspaper or plastic tablecloth so you can dispose of it easily.
3. Cut a hole at the top (or bottom) of your pumpkin
Using your serrated utility knife, slice a hole in the top of your pumpkin. Leave the stem intact, since removing it will cause your pumpkin to rot more quickly. In fact, many carvers now recommend cutting from the bottom or back, which makes it easier to place an LED light inside and keeps the pumpkin sturdier.
4. Scoop out the flesh
Next, hollow out your pumpkin to set the perfect stage for your design. To clean out your pumpkin, scoop out the flesh and pumpkin seeds using your culinary scooper or ice cream scooper. Leave about a ½-inch of wall thickness so it’s easier to carve. Place the cut out part to the side to use later.
5. Trace or draw your design
You’ll want to map out your design by drawing it or tracing it on the surface of your pumpkin with a marker. Cutting into your pumpkin without clear direction is far too risky. You can also tape a stencil to the surface of your pumpkin and use that as your guide.
6. Carve your pumpkin
Get to work carving your design with your pumpkin carving kit or paring knife. Once you’re finished, remove any bits of pumpkin that have fallen inside your jack-o’-lantern. To illuminate your masterpiece, choose a battery-operated LED tea light or fairy lights. Using an actual candle can be a safety hazard, and the heat from the flame will cook the flesh and shorten your jack-o’-lantern’s lifespan. Top your design with the cut-out part you reserved from earlier, and voilà—your work of art is finished!
Pumpkin-Carving Questions
What is the best tool to carve a pumpkin?
You’ll need a serrated utility knife, a solid all-purpose tool for carving pumpkins. You’ll use it to cut the top off your pumpkin, and you may use it to carve your actual pumpkin design after you’ve drawn (or traced) your pattern onto the surface. However, for more intricate designs, you’ll want a classic paring knife. You can also purchase a pumpkin carving kit instead. This all-in-one carving pack comes with eight carving tools and festive stickers for under $20.
What do you put down when carving a pumpkin?
Before you begin carving your pumpkin, put down layers of newspaper or a cut plastic trash bag to protect your floor and make clean-up a breeze. Even if you do your carving outdoors, having this extra layer is helpful for containing the mess. Most modern guides recommend inexpensive pumpkin carving kits, which are safer and easier for detail work than kitchen knives.
How do you preserve a cut pumpkin?
Pumpkin is a perishable fruit, which means it will eventually rot. But of course you want to preserve your jack-o’-lantern so you can enjoy it for as long as possible! For best results, rub petroleum jelly, vegetable oil, or a commercial pumpkin spray on the cut edges to slow down drying. You can also lightly mist the inside with a vinegar and water solution to help prevent mold.
What are some easy pumpkin carving ideas?
If you’re just starting out, stick to simple designs like triangle eyes and a toothy grin, polka dots, or star cutouts. Using a stencil can also make it easy to achieve more detailed shapes without much guesswork. You can even try carving just part of the skin away (instead of all the way through) for a glowing, etched effect.
How long do carved pumpkins last?
On average, a carved pumpkin will last about 3–5 days indoors or up to a week outdoors if the weather is cool and dry. Heat, humidity, or rain will speed up rotting. To extend its life, keep your pumpkin out of direct sunlight, bring it inside during warm days, and treat the cut edges with petroleum jelly or a commercial pumpkin-preserving spray.
Alternatives to Carving Pumpkins
Carving isn’t the only way to get creative with pumpkins! You can also paint on bold colors or patterns, try etching on a design for a softer glow, or cover a pumpkin in chalkboard paint so you can easily switch up the look every day. For something a little more polished, decoupage or dried florals can instantly dress up a plain pumpkin. Best of all, these no-carve ideas last longer than traditional jack-o’-lanterns and let you celebrate the season without the mess.
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Heather Morgan Shott
Heather Morgan Shott is an award-winning consumer news reporter and lifestyle writer with over 20 years of experience. Previously, she was the Vice President of Content and Marketing for the $3.5B Better Homes & Gardens collection at Walmart. Prior to that role, she oversaw digital content strategy for Meredith Corporation's Home Group, which included Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Better Homes & Gardens, and Southern Living. Additionally, Shott was Editor-in-Chief of Evolve Media's parenting vertical and editorial director at XO Group (formerly The Knot). She has held staff editor positions at National Geographic Traveler, Parents.com, Brides.com, and Wine Spectator. She is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at Hunter College in New York City to become a licensed clinical social worker specializing in perinatal mental health.
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Tierney McAfee
Tierney McAfee is a writer and editor with a passion for all things home, lifestyle, and entertaining. Her work has been featured in People, Country Living, The Pioneer Woman, The Spruce, and more, covering everything from interior design and holiday decor to DIY projects and the best products for home and lifestyle. Always in search of the next big trend or hidden gem, Tierney is all about transforming inspiration into style. When she’s not busy writing, she’s testing out new recipes, hunting for vintage treasures, or plotting her next outfit.
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