Pumpkin carving is one of the most quintessential fall activities – it’s messy, creative, and totally festive. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned jack-o-lantern pro, a few simple pumpkin carving tips can save time, minimize mess, and help your pumpkin last longer.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click on a link and buy something I’ve recommended, I get a small commission at no additional cost to you. You can see my full Disclosure Policy here.
Here are 21 practical tips for easy pumpkin carving this year.
1. Pick the Right Pumpkin
Choose a pumpkin with even color, a smooth surface and a sturdy stem. Avoid ones with soft spots or bruises – they won’t carve well and won’t last long. Don’t forget the smaller pumpkins and squashes for a more unique look!
2. Warm it Up
If you live in a colder climate, keep your pumpkin inside for a day or so to warm it to room temperature. It’s hard to make precise cuts when your fingers are cold and numb.
3. Wash Before You Carve
Give your pumpkin a good rinse and dry before carving to remove dirt, bacteria, and pesticides that could speed up rotting.
4. Cut the Bottom, Not the Top
Instead of cutting around the stem, carve out a hole in the bottom. It creates a cleaner look, stabilizes the pumpkin, and makes it easier to place over a candle or LED light. Plus, you could use it as a pumpkin head!
5. Carve at an Angle
If you prefer cutting a hole on the top, carve slightly inward to create a wedge effect – this helps the cutout stay in place and prevents the lid from falling inside.
RELATED POST: Fall Into It: The Autumn Bucket List That Keeps FOMO Away
6. Scoop Like a Pro
Start with a kitchen hand mixer to loosen up the insides for easier scraping. Then use an ice cream scoop, melon baller, or a pumpkin scoop to remove the seeds and strings. Scrape the inner walls until they’re about 1-inch thick on the sides where you’ll be carving.
7. Use Dry-Erase or Washable Markers
Draw your design using a dry-erase marker so you can adjust it as needed and easily wipe away leftover lines when you’re done.
8. Print & Pin Your Design
For detailed designs, print a template, tape or pin it to your pumpkin, and poke holes along the lines using a pin or nail to transfer the design.
9. Use Pumpkin Carving Tools
Forget the kitchen knife. Pumpkin carving kits are safer, easier to control, and designed specifically to cut through thick pumpkin skin. Some of the kits even contain pre-printed stencils.
RELATED POST: 15 Pumpkin Patch Tips for the Perfect Fall Visit
10. Try Cookie Cutters
For simple shapes like stars, cats, or moons, press metal cookie cutters into the pumpkin with a rubber mallet for a quick and cute cut-out.
11. Keep It Stable
Place your pumpkin on a damp kitchen towel or non-slip mat to stop it from rolling while you carve. Or place it on your lap for easier carving.
12. Light It Safely
Skip the candle and use an LED light, fairy lights, or a battery-powered tea light. You could also use glow sticks, christmas lights or strobe lights. They’re safer and won’t heat up the pumpkin.
13. Cut a Vent
If you prefer the look of a candle, place one inside the candle and let it burn for 20 or 30 minutes. Then look inside the pumpkin to find the burn mark. This is where you should carve or drill a hole to vent it and help prevent it drying out.
14. Add Cinnamon Inside
Sprinkle a little ground cinnamon on the lid or inside the pumpkin to give off a cozy fall scent when lit.
RELATED POST: 37 Easy & Cheap DIY Halloween Home Decor Ideas
15. Use Petroleum Jelly
Rub a little on the carved edges to lock in moisture and prevent drying out or molding too quickly.
16. Keep It Cool
Pumpkins last longer in cool temps. If it’s warm during the day, store your jack-o-lantern in the fridge, garage, or cool basement.
17. Avoid Handling Too Much
The more you touch your pumpkin, the faster it will break down. Pick a spot for display and leave it be.
18. Don’t Toss the Seeds
Make yourself a tasty snack after carving! Lightly coat pumpkin seeds with olive oil and salt. Roast them in a single layer on a baking sheet at 325 degrees for 30-40 minutes until golden and crispy. It’s a fun reward for your hard work!
19. Try a Painted-Carved Combo
Carve part of your design and paint the rest for a more intricate and artistic effect without the extra effort.
20. Green your Halloween
Keep your pumpkin out of the landfill and learn about composting at your local Pumpkin Smash event. If there’s no event near you, your pumpkins can be donated to farms or zoos for animal enrichment. Pumpkins for Pigs may have a location near you.
21. Don’t Overthink It
Pumpkin carving should be fun, not perfect. Whether it’s a goofy grin or a spooky face, it’s all about creativity and seasonal joy!
With these easy pumpkin carving tips, you’ll spend less time stressing and more time enjoying one of fall’s best traditions. Add it to your fall bucket list, pair it with other cozy fall activities, and don’t forget to snap some photos of your glowing masterpiece. Happy carving!