How to Carve a Pumpkin for Perfect Jack-o'-Lanterns Every Time

Directions

1. Pick your pumpkin based on your planned design. Flat pumpkins work best for detailed patterns, while bumpy or colorful ones add visual interest. Avoid any with soft spots or rot, but dirt is fine if the pumpkin is firm and the stem is secure. You can find good carving pumpkins at grocery stores, department stores, or farmers markets.
2. Wait to carve until two or three days before Halloween to keep your pumpkin fresh. Rinse it off, then cut an opening in the bottom or top. If cutting the top, make a round cut with a triangular notch so the lid fits back easily. Scoop out the insides with a large metal ice scoop or cooking spoon. Do this over the sink for easy cleanup—don't put pulp in the garbage disposal. If you're not using the sink, cover your work surface with old magazines, newspapers, or grocery bags.
3. Draw your design directly on the pumpkin using washable markers, which you can wipe off later with a damp cloth. Alternatively, use a sharp tool like a nail or thumbtack to poke holes along a paper stencil to transfer the pattern onto the pumpkin.
4. Use a long, thin kitchen knife if you don't have a carving kit. For simple shapes, push pieces out from the inside to avoid breaking them. For perfect circles, use an apple corer or a drill. Add dimension by etching—scraping off the orange skin without cutting through. If using power tools, a jigsaw is great for detailed cuts.