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

Directions

1. 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. 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. Hold onto the cutout for later use.
2. 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, or feed the scraps to your dog or other backyard critters.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. To illuminate a carved pumpkin, string lights are preferable to candles for most designs. Wrap a strand of about 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. Always leave ventilation holes when using a candle to illuminate your pumpkin to prevent a build-up of heat, which could potentially cause a fire hazard.
6. 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.