Get the scoop on how to carve a pumpkin this Halloween, so you might create jack-o'-lanterns with ease.
For many of us, it wouldn’t be Halloween without a collection ofcarved pumpkins on the front porch.
Once you’ve picked your gourd, we’ll show you how to make a carved pumpkin.
Credit: Matthew Benson
Keep it simpleyou don’t have to hit the pumpkin patch to find a great gourd.
Avoid pumpkins with surface rotting or soft spots.
Clean and Cut
Don’t make the cutyet.
Credit: Brie Passano
Wait to carve your pumpkin until two or three days before Halloween.
If you go for the top, Scott recommends cutting a round opening with a triangular notch.
Then, start scraping.
Credit: Brie Passano
Use a large metal ice scoop or cooking spoon toclean out your pumpkin.
Scott also recommends that this step occur in the kitchen sink for quick and easy cleanupno more soggy newspapers!
Just remember, don’t put the pulp in yourgarbage disposal.
Credit: Brie Passano
To make perfectly round shapes, try using an apple corer ordrill to punch throughthe pumpkin’s rind.
These printables are all free to download.
Or if friendly and welcoming is more your style, oursmiling jack-‘o-lanternis a grinning greeter.
Thiscute-as-can-be owllets lots of light shine through its many cuts.
It’s worth the extra time it will take to carve this beauty!
Be Instagram and Tiktok ready with thisghost emoji pumpkincreate a hashtag for posters to use!
If you’re a pet parent, choose from our 23dog stencilsor 14cat stencilsfor your breed of choice.
If you’re more partial towoodland creatures, we’ve got a stencil for you, too.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s best to carve pumpkins at room temperature.
Sometimes professional pumpkin carvers even cut a hole in the back.
This will prevent it from developing black mildew or growing fuzzy.
