How to Carve a Pumpkin (The Right Way!)
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One of the best things to do during fall? Carving pumpkins for Halloween! But making your jack-o’-lantern masterpiece comes down to a few specific steps—and some creative pumpkin carving ideas! You can always let your masterpiece stand on its own, but you can also add paint, votive candles, glitter, and more. Some people keep it simple by carving a classic jack-o’-lantern, while others draw inspiration from spooky movies, fall motifs, scary creatures, or even beloved characters (Elsa from Frozen is a classic) to craft an elaborate design. Really, the options are endless!
Once you’re finished with your carved pumpkin, you can have your way displaying them wherever you like. Pair your outdoor decorations with a few jack-o’-lanterns in the yard and you’ve got the perfect Halloween scene to show off to neighbors and trick-or-treaters. You can also decorate your front porch with them, or place your pumpkins indoors for a festive fall look. To help you get started on your jack-o’-lantern, we’ve put together step-by-step pumpkin carving instructions, as well as answers to common pumpkin carving questions.
Pumpkin-Carving Supplies
- Serrated utility knife
- Pumpkin scoop
- Marker
- Newspaper
How to Carve a Pumpkin
1. Pick the perfect pumpkin
Start by making a trip to the nearest pumpkin patch or your local grocery store. Look for a smooth, symmetrical pumpkin that’s free of bumps and blemishes. As for the shape, consider what will best suit your design. Short pumpkins are ideal for compact designs and offer a wider surface area, whereas tall pumpkins are best for vertical designs. If your vision involves multiple pumpkins, group them together to see how they all look in a cluster before making your purchase.
2. Line a flat surface with newspaper
Pick out a sturdy table or surface to work on. Make sure there’s plenty of room for your pumpkin and supplies, and line or double-line the area with newspaper to keep it clean. After all, pumpkin carving can get a bit messy with the guts and seeds flying everywhere!
3. Cut a hole at the top of your pumpkin
Using your serrated utility knife, slice a hole in the top of your pumpkin. Leave the stem intact, since removing it will cause your pumpkin to rot more quickly.
4. Scoop out the flesh
Next, hollow out your pumpkin to set the perfect stage for your design. To clean out your pumpkin, scoop out the flesh and pumpkin seeds using your culinary scooper or ice cream scooper. Leave a 0.5-inch margin between the wall of your pumpkin and what you scoop out for carving. Place the cut out part to the side to use for later.
5. Trace or draw your design
You’ll want to map out your design by drawing it or tracing it on the surface of your pumpkin with a marker. Cutting into your pumpkin without clear direction is far too risky. You can also tape a stencil to the surface of your pumpkin and use that as your guide.
6. Carve your pumpkin
Get to work carving your design with your paring knife. Once you’re finished, remove any bits of pumpkin that have fallen inside your jack-o’-lantern. To illuminate your masterpiece, choose a battery-operated votive candle or glow stick. Using an actual candle can be a safety hazard, and the heat from the flame will cook the flesh and shorten your jack-o’-lantern’s lifespan. Top your design with the cut-out part you reserved from earlier, and voilà —your work of art is finished!
Pumpkin-Carving Questions
What Is the Best Tool to Carve a Pumpkin?
You’ll need a serrated utility knife, a solid all-purpose tool for carving pumpkins. You’ll use it to cut the top off your pumpkin, and you may use it to carve your actual pumpkin design after you’ve drawn (or traced) your pattern onto the surface. However, for more intricate designs, you’ll want a classic paring knife. You can also purchase a pumpkin carving kit instead. This all-in-one carving pack comes with eight carving tools and festive stickers for under $20.
What Do You Put Down When Carving a Pumpkin?
Before you begin carving your pumpkin, put down layers of newspaper or a cut plastic trash bag to protect your floor and make clean-up a breeze. Even if you do your carving outdoors, having this extra layer is helpful for containing the mess.
How Do You Preserve a Cut Pumpkin?
Pumpkin is a perishable fruit, which means it will eventually rot. But of course you want to preserve your jack-o’-lantern so you can enjoy it for as long as possible! For best results, add a splash of white distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar to a rag and rub it directly on the inside and outside of your carved pumpkin—these natural antifungals will preserve your pumpkin and prevent it from becoming moldy quickly.
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