![thumbnail](https://i3.ytimg.com/vi/aRIIagV1gno/hqdefault.jpg)
Difficulty
Beginner
Duration
Under 2 hours
From spooky designs that thrill trick-or-treaters to smiling jack- o'-lanterns that light up the night, there is an art to pumpkin carving. No two pumpkin designs are alike, and people have their favorite pumpkin faces.
This guide will teach you how to carve a pumpkin in a few easy steps and offer tips on using pumpkin carving stencils and a pumpkin carving kit. With a little creativity, you’ll learn how to carve a pumpkin like an expert.
Pick a Pumpkin for a Jack-O'-Lantern
![A variety of pumpkins sitting in hay. A variety of pumpkins sitting in hay.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/how-to-carve-a-pumpkin-step-1.jpg)
Tip: Pumpkins are ready to harvest for pumpkin carving when the rinds turn hard. Once you learn how to carve a pumpkin, you’ll be able to use round, tall, short or flattened pumpkins as jack-o’-lanterns.
- Many people choose to pick their pumpkins in mid-October to make sure they’ll last as jack-o'-lanterns through Halloween. Pumpkins will typically start to decay within two to three weeks after carving.
- Make sure the pumpkin is free of nicks, cuts and bruises. Your future jack-o’-lantern should also have a sturdy stem, consistent color and a flat base to easily display your pumpkin design or pumpkin face.
How to Carve a Pumpkin at a Pumpkin Carving Station
![A man spreading a cloth over a table on a porch. A man spreading a cloth over a table on a porch.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/how-to-carve-a-pumpkin-step-2.jpg)
Before you start carving the jack-o’-lantern, prep your pumpkin carving space.
- If the weather is nice, we recommend doing your pumpkin carving outside to reduce the mess inside the house. If children are helping, make sure everyone knows how to carve a pumpkin safely before you begin.
- Lay a drop cloth or layers of newspaper over a flat surface of a deck, garage, porch or kitchen. This will help protect the surface while minimizing the time spent cleaning up after pumpkin carving.
- Make sure you have plenty of room, pumpkin carving stencils and pumpkin carving kits if there are multiple carvers participating.
Use a Pumpkin Carving Kit or Pumpkin Carving Stencils
![A man wearing rubber gloves carves into a pumpkin on a back porch. A man wearing rubber gloves carves into a pumpkin on a back porch.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/how-to-carve-a-pumpkin-step-3.jpg)
Tip: When cleaning out the inside of the pumpkin, cut a hole in the bottom instead of the top. Because the stems and strands are attached to the bottom, this will help you remove the pumpkin filling more easily.
- Begin your pumpkin carving by cutting either the lid or the bottom of the pumpkin. How to carve a pumpkin lid will be determined by the size and shape of your opening. Make it any shape that complements your pumpkin design.
- Puncture the top or bottom edge, roughly two inches from the stem.
- Use a straight-edged blade or serrated knife if it’s not included in your pumpkin carving kit and cut or saw around the stem to create the lid. Make the hole large enough to put your hand inside.
- Remove the newly carved lid and take out the pumpkin filling. Scoop out all the strands and pumpkin seeds, using a large spoon to scrape the walls of the pumpkin as well. Pumpkins grown for carving aren’t recommended for making pumpkin pies, so you don’t need to save the filling.
- Scoop out the interior of the pumpkin as thoroughly as possible so that the candle or artificial light placed inside will be noticeable.
- Next, use a pumpkin carving stencil and dry erase marker to trace designs on the pumpkin face before you begin carving.
- While you work on how to carve a pumpkin, put the seeds aside to rinse, dry and roast. Roasted pumpkin seeds are a tasty treat.
How to Carve a Pumpkin Creatively
![Two jack-o'-lanterns stacked on top of one another. Two jack-o'-lanterns stacked on top of one another.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/how-to-carve-a-pumpkin-step-4.jpg)
The classic jack-o'-lantern design, also known as the smiling jack, is a traditional pumpkin carving style that never grows old. Cut out a pumpkin face with a gap-toothed smile with a triangular nose and eyes to perfect the look.
- You can use a pumpkin carving kit to make a scary jack-o'-lantern to complement eerie Halloween decor. Play up the eyes and make sharp teeth for a more sinister look.
- An alternative method for how to carve a pumpkin: try word play. A rotary carving kit or power drill can be used for engraving letters and sketches. Create an assortment of holes using different drill bit sizes so light can shine through in a bold and fun way. Add a string of mini string lights for a spooky glow.
- Part of learning how to carve a pumpkin is deciding if you want to use color. Add color to your pumpkin carving with acrylic paint or food coloring.
Pumpkin Carving Tips
![Someone holding a pumpkin in preparation for decorating. Someone holding a pumpkin in preparation for decorating.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/how-to-carve-a-pumpkin-step-5.jpg)
Pick the right size pumpkin for pumpkin carving. Round, medium-sized pumpkins are best for simple carvings, while larger pumpkins are better suited for more elaborate pumpkin designs and pumpkin faces.
- Follow the necessary safety precautions while using the tools and product needed for this project. Wear work gloves and safety glasses as needed.
- Always supervise kids as they work on their pumpkin designs and pumpkin faces.
- Since pumpkins have a short lifespan, apply petroleum jelly to carved surfaces and along the cut interior to help them last a little longer.
- Monitor lit candles and keep them away from flammable materials. Never leave them unsupervised or lit overnight. LED lights are a great alternative.
- Keep your carved jack-o’-lantern outdoors in the cool air to help preserve its life. Store your pumpkin carving kits until next year.
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