As the leaves change colors and the scent of campfires and s’mores fills the air, there’s one fall essential you won’t want to miss – the iconic pumpkin!

Celebrate Halloween in style with our WSSI-inspired pumpkin carving stencils. Whether you’re creating festive memories with friends and family or enjoying a relaxing creative moment on your own, these unique designs are the perfect way to add a personal touch to your seasonal décor.

Downloadable Templates

Bring Your Pumpkin to Life!

MATERIALS

  • Pumpkin
  • Printed template/stencil (optional)

For Prepping:

  • Large, sturdy knife (serrated or keyhole saw for cutting the lid)
  • Scoop, large spoon, or ice cream scoop (for removing seeds/pulp and scraping sections)
  • Bowls (one for scraps, one for seeds)
  • Newspaper or plastic to cover the work area
  • Damp cloth

For Transferring/Drawing:

  • Tape or pushpins
  • Specialized poking tool, needle, or awl
  • Marker or dry-erase pen (optional, for tracing lines)

For Carving:

  • Small serrated carving saw (from a pumpkin carving kit)
  • Paring knife or craft knife (for detailed cuts)
  • Clay sculpting or linoleum cutting tools (optional, for etching/shaving the surface)

For Lighting/Preserving:

  • Candle (votive or tea light) or battery-operated LED light
  • Long match or lighter (for real candles)
  • Petroleum jelly (optional, to help prevent rot)

CARVING

  • Prep Your Workspace: Place newspaper or plastic over the area you intend to carve your pumpkin to prevent unwanted mess or staining.
  • Prep the Pumpkin: Cut a hole, usually in the bottom or back (not the stem end), to create a lid, cutting at an inward angle so the lid won’t fall in.
  • Hollow Out: Use a scoop or large spoon to remove all seeds, stringy pulp, and a thin layer of flesh from the inside walls until smooth (about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick).
  • Clean the Surface: Wipe the outside of the pumpkin where the template will go with a damp cloth and dry it.
  • Attach the Template: Print and trim your template, then secure it to the pumpkin’s surface with tape or pushpins. Cut slits around the edges of the paper, if needed, to help it conform to the curve.
  • Transfer the Design: Use a specialized poking tool, needle, or pushpin to poke small holes closely spaced along all the lines of the template, transferring the design onto the pumpkin skin.
  • Remove Template & Trace: Carefully remove the paper template. Optionally, use a marker or pen to connect the dots and darken the lines before carving.
  • Carve the Design: Using a small serrated carving tool or knife, slowly cut along the traced lines. Start with the most intricate or interior parts and work outwards. Push the cut pieces out of the pumpkin and into the interior.
  • Final Touches: Clean up any rough edges or remaining marker lines. Optionally, apply petroleum jelly to the cut edges to help preserve the pumpkin.
  • Light It Up: Place a candle or LED light inside your jack-o’-lantern and replace the lid.