Tools & TechniquesNo. 9883 · The 2026 edition
Halloween: Intro to Carving
Learn the basic steps to carve a classic Halloween pumpkin with a simple glowing design.
Our own summary of the original — the full post and photos live at hgtv.com.
This guide covers the six essential steps for pumpkin carving, from selecting a firm pumpkin to adding a candle. The process includes cutting an opening, cleaning out the seeds, drawing a design, carving along the lines, and lighting it up. Perfect for beginners looking to create their first jack-o'-lantern.
You'll need
Directions
- Select a pumpkin that is solid and without any mushy areas.
- Slice a lid from the top or a hole from the bottom to take out the stem and make an opening.
- Remove all the seeds and gooey fibers from the interior.
- Sketch your pattern on the pumpkin's surface with a marker or by using tracing paper.
- Cut following the outline with a pumpkin carving tool, pushing the removed parts from inside.
- Place a tea light or an LED candle inside the pumpkin and put the lid back on.
More photos
Photos hosted by hgtv.com.
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