How to Carve a Pumpkin Like a Pro, Our Tried-and-True Method

How to Pick a Pumpkin for Carving

Successful pumpkin projects start in the patch. Search for pumpkins that are smooth, symmetrical, and firm. Design dictates shape: If you know what design you want to make, pick a pumpkin accordingly. Tall, oblong ones will work best for vertical designs, and short, squat ones are better for horizontals.

Some pumpkins have a flatter side (where they rested against the ground as they grew). Work it to your advantage, since carving on a flat surface is easier than carving on a rounded one. If you plan to group pumpkins, rotate them to see how your design will continue from one to the next. Also try rotating if you're stacking pumpkins: Some nest better at certain angles. (Leave the bottom pumpkin's stem intact, or just trim it—cutting it off can invite premature rotting.)

Tools You Need to Carve a Pumpkin

Nearly every design can be created with the pumpkin carving tools you see here—and by carvers of all skill levels. The basic tools will cover simple designs—a keyhole saw, sculpting tools, and T pins—but rounding out your collection with specialty tools will enable you to accomplish more detailed carvings as illustrated by our pumpkin projects. In every case, keep safety in mind: If kids are helping with the projects, make sure an adult handles all the cutting tasks.

• Keyhole saw
• Miniature saw
• Sculpting tools (large plaster scraper or small fleshing tool)
• Fleshing tool
• Awl
• T pins
• Needle tool
• Linoleum carving tool
• Drill and spade bits
• Petroleum jelly

Step 1: Cut a Hole in the Pumpkin

Place your pumpkin on its side on a flat, stable work surface. Use a keyhole saw to cut a circle through the base or the top of the pumpkin. The sharp teeth on this tool can slice through a pumpkin's tough shell, and its flexible blade allows for curved cuts.

If using a candle for illumination, you can cut the hole in the pumpkin's top (always put the candle in a high-sided glass, and never leave it unattended). If using electric lights, cut the hole in the bottom or side so you can hide the cord. Reserve the cutout.

Step 2: Hollow Out the Inside

Remove the inner flesh, scooping out the seeds, stringy pulp, and a thin layer of flesh from the inside of your pumpkin with a fleshing tool. Thin the pumpkin's walls to a thickness of 1/2 to 3/4 inch.

Sculpting tools have a serrated loop that easily scrapes away the flesh, allowing light to shine through. A clean, smooth interior reflects light best.

Reserve the seeds for toasting, if desired.

Step 3: Transfer Your Design

Next, plan the design: Consider how the pattern will fit on the pumpkin and how it will repeat. When you're ready to carve a design, photocopy or print out a template (enlarged as desired to fit your pumpkin), or draw your own.

Then, tape the template to your pumpkin. (You may need to cut slits around the template and overlap so it conforms to the roundness.) Using an awl, T pin, or needle tool, prick every 1/8 to 1/4 inch along the outlines of the template. Remove the template, but keep it nearby for reference.

Step 4: Carve the Features

After you remove the template, carve along the pattern with a miniature saw or linoleum carving tool. If you want to make holes in the pumpkin for eyes, use a drill equipped with a 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch spade bit.

Use a miniature saw to cut all the way through and linoleum cutters to scrape the pumpkin skin. Start with the outline of the design and work inward. For details, use a No. 1 or No. 2 blade. For larger areas, use a No. 3 or No. 5 blade. Scrape in the same direction in each section to keep the lines unified. Apply petroleum jelly to exposed areas of pumpkin's flesh to prevent them from turning brown.

Step 5: Add Lights

To illuminate a carved pumpkin, string lights are preferable to candles for most designs. Wrap a strand of 20 lights around a glass jar, and secure wires with tape. Cut a hole in the hollowed-out pumpkin for the cord, and place the jar inside. (Make sure the lights don't touch the inside surface and remember to unplug lights before leaving the house; this can be a fire hazard.) Secure the base cutout with T pins.

If using a candle, place it in a glass or votive holder, and cut a hole in the back of the pumpkin for ventilation (or leave the top off). Battery-operated candles are another good alternative.

Once lit, the designs appear intricately textured, shining bright yellow in cutout areas and giving off an eerie glimmer in others.

Step 6: Keep It Fresh

A carved pumpkin will begin to soften and get moldy after about three to five days, though if you live in an area where October is chilly, you may eke out a little more time.

To extend the life of your carving, choose an unblemished pumpkin from the patch and carve it right away. Then create a spray using 1 tablespoon of Dr. Bronner's peppermint soap, 6 drops of peppermint oil, and 8 ounces of water; spray the mixture on the inside and outside of the carved pumpkin. Alternatively, spray the pumpkin with white vinegar, then apply petroleum jelly or vegetable oil to the exposed areas to keep it clean and protected from the elements.