What's Halloween without a carved jack-o'-lantern-style pumpkin? Most of us don't know how to carve a pumpkin freehanded and need a little extra help getting the job done. So take a shortcut and print out one of these simple pumpkin carving stencils—no design degree required.
How to Use a Pumpkin Stencil
Here's how to get started:
- Print the stencil.
- Hollow out your pumpkin.
- Cut out the black pieces using scissors or a craft knife.
- Tape the stencil onto the pumpkin and use a black marker to trace the lines.
- Use a sharp paring knife to cut lines onto the pumpkin according to the stencil instructions.
If you're intimidated by knife-carving or have young kids, no-carve pumpkin ideas are also an easy win (and they tend to last longer than carved pumpkins).
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Ghost Emoji Pumpkin Carving Stencil
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Take your pumpkin carving to the 21st century with this template, which is more funny than frightening—and completely adorable.
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Witch on a Broomstick Pumpkin Carving Stencil
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Nothing says Halloween like a witch. Carve this wicked lady onto your pumpkin for a super spooky effect.
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Classic Jack-o'-Lantern Pumpkin Carving Stencil
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If you're looking for a classic, easy-to-carve design, this stencil is your best bet. The face won't scare young children—even though it has a slightly ominous grin.
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Witch's Magic Wand Pumpkin Carving Stencil
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Go more magical than wicked with this cute pumpkin design. Bonus: It should be pretty easy to carve.
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Vampire Ghost Pumpkin Carving Stencil
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Somehow, the fangs just make this ghost pumpkin design more adorable. Use this template with kids who like the idea of pumpkin carving but are not masters just yet.
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Bats Pumpkin Carving Stencil
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Here's hoping the only cloud of bats you see on Halloween night are the ones carved into the pumpkins on your front stoop.
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Spider Pumpkin Carving Stencil
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This eight-legged monster—and some fake cobwebs—will turn your porch into a haunted house.
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Ghost Pumpkin Carving Stencil
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While we're used to seeing ghosts roaming the streets on Halloween, there's no reason they can't take their place on a pumpkin, too. With this stencil you can carve out a ghoulish ghost that will give off a spooky glow.
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Cat Pumpkin Carving Stencil
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Easily spooked by ghouls, goblins, and all things Halloween? Opt for this cat stencil, which is more cute than creepy.
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Witch's Profile Pumpkin Carving Stencil
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For intermediate pumpkin carvers, this template poses a few challenges, but the final result—a perfect witch pumpkin—is worth the effort.
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Classic Ghost Pumpkin Carving Stencil
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Go classic with this simple pumpkin design: The ghost is cute and creepy in equal measure.
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Skull Pumpkin Carving Stencil
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If the jack-o'-lantern design is just too tame, try this grimacing skull for an extra eerie effect.
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Tombstone Pumpkin Carving Stencil
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The best way to decorate your house for Halloween is to pick a theme and stick to it. Turn your porch or lawn into a graveyard by using this stencil to carve tombstones onto a few pumpkins.
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Fiery Ghost Pumpkin Carving Stencil
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If you want to take the spooky route, try this fiery skull, which is plenty spooky—and a good challenge for anyone looking to upgrade their pumpkin carving abilities.
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Witch's Brew Pumpkin Carving Stencil
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Witch-themed and easy, this template offers an alternative to the classic witch imagery without leaving Halloween territory all together.
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Spooky Ghost Pumpkin Carving Stencil
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Consider this an intermediate pumpkin design: This ghost pumpkin is dark and spooky but will make any visitor or passerby remark on your carving skills.
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Witch's Hat Pumpkin Carving Stencil
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The straight lines in this witch design make for an easy pumpkin carving experience. The spider may pose some challenges, but you can always leave it out for a simpler jack-o'-lantern.
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Surprised Ghost Pumpkin Carving Stencil
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Kids will love the shocked expression on this ghost pumpkin design. Take extra care when carving out the fingers—and if they seem too challenging, you can always forgo the arms all together for a more classic ghost silhouette.
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Witch's Shoes Pumpkin Carving Stencil
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Subtle and a little artsy, this witch pumpkin design has some major Wizard of Oz vibes. Best of all, it's relatively simple to carve.
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Day of the Dead Pumpkin Carving Stencil
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Celebrate the Mexican tradition of Dîa de los Muertos by decking out your pumpkin with a calavera, an intricately decorated skull.
print this stencil
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Spider Web Pumpkin Carving Stencil
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This creepy spiderweb pumpkin carving stencil will help you look like a real pumpkin carving pro. And don't worry—it's much easier to create than you might think!
print this stencil
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Boo Pumpkin Carving Stencil
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Carve a fun saying into your jack o'lantern instead of a traditional face with this boo-tiful design.
print this stencil
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Vampire Pumpkin Carving Stencil
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Give your pumpkin an undead vibe with this not-so-spooky take on the classic vampire.
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Owl Pumpkin Carving Stencil
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This sweet owl design is definitely a treat (and not too tricky to pull off on your pumpkin).
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Zombie Hand Pumpkin Carving Stencil
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This creepy-cool zombie hand pumpkin carving stencil will definitely frighten your neighbors!
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RIP Pumpkin Carving Stencil
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If you're going for a graveyard theme with your Halloween decor, this is the pumpkin stencil for you.
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