Before you’re elbow-deep in pumpkin, check out our video on how to carve a pumpkin for more expert techniques and tips or read our guide on carving pumpkins in four easy steps:
What pumpkin carving kit should I use?
Choosing the right pumpkin carving kit can make a big difference in your carving experience and the outcome of your jack-o’-lantern. Here are some tips on household utensils and tools you can use for pumpkin carving:
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- Small serrated knife or paring knife: These are excellent for making detailed patterns and intricate cuts. They are safer and more manoeuvrable than larger kitchen knives. Our best knives – what to buy review offers a good selection of these knives.
- Ice cream scoop or large spoon: These are ideal for scooping out the seeds and pulp from inside the pumpkin. The curved edge of an ice cream scoop works particularly well for scraping the sides clean.
- Apple corer: This tool is perfect for punching out small, round holes in the pumpkin. It is handy for creating polka dots or adding small details to your design.
- Potato peeler: This tool is useful for shaving the pumpkin’s skin to create different layers of thickness. This can add depth and texture to your carving.
- Metal biscuit cutters: Press these firmly into the pumpkin to create fun shapes like stars, moons or letters. They give a clean cut and are easy to use.
- Templates and stencils: These can be a lifesaver if you’re not confident in freehand carving. They guide you through intricate designs and patterns.
When selecting tools, prioritise safety and ease of use. Always supervise children if they are participating in pumpkin carving and ensure that knives and sharp tools are used responsibly.
What is the best pumpkin to carve?
When choosing the best pumpkin to carve, there are several key factors you should consider:
- Size: Medium to large pumpkins are generally easier to carve because they provide a larger surface area, making it simpler to create detailed designs.
- Skin texture: Opt for pumpkins with smooth and firm flesh. Rough or warty skin can be difficult to carve and may not yield the clean lines you’re aiming for.
- Shape: Round or oval pumpkins with a flat base are ideal as they are more stable and less likely to roll or tip over while you’re working on them.
- Colour: Look for a consistently vibrant orange as this is often a sign of freshness. Pumpkins that are dark green or pale yellow may be overripe or underripe, respectively.
- Stem: A firm and sturdy stem is a good indicator of a healthy pumpkin. Avoid pumpkins with soft or shrivelled stems, as these may be past their prime.
You could even bring your stencil to the store for the best results, ensuring it fits well on your chosen pumpkin. This will help you visualise the final product and ensure the design will work with the pumpkin’s shape and size.
How to light a pumpkin
Lighting your pumpkin is the final touch that brings your design to life. Here are some tips for lighting your pumpkin safely:
- Real candles: Real candles are a great choice for a traditional and strong glow. Use one or two tea lights for a soft, flickering effect. To safely place the candles inside, consider using gloves to protect your hands from the flame. Alternatively, you can use a long matchstick or a long lighter to light the candles once they are inside the pumpkin.
- Fake tea lights: If your pumpkin will be outside and exposed to wind or rain, or if children are involved, battery-operated tea lights are a safer option. They provide a steady light without the risk of an open flame and are less likely to be extinguished by weather conditions.
- LED lights: LED lights or small lanterns can be used for a brighter, more consistent glow. Some LED lights even come with remote controls, making it easy to turn them on and off.
Easy Halloween pumpkin carving ideas
You don’t need any special equipment for this fun family activity, just a serrated knife or pumpkin carving kit that includes a knife and scoop.
All our pumpkins were hulled as normal, with a circular lid cut out of the top to make it easier to insert tealights. Try drawing the design on with a pencil first, so you can rub it out if you make a mistake – pen ink can smudge and make the pumpkin look messy. We used a serrated knife to carve the designs.
1. Cat pumpkin
Complete your witchy aesthetic with a cute cat cut-out for your Halloween table. We love the look of the chunky whiskers and expressive eyes. Cut out triangular orange peel ears, then scrape the flesh from the underside of the peel. Use halved cocktail sticks to secure the ears to the top of the pumpkin.
2. Owl pumpkin
Give a hoot for the spooky season with our owl pumpkin design. Carve small arrowheads down the middle for a feathery effect on your owl’s stomach, then cut orange peels into feet to add the final finishing touch to this brilliant Halloween bird.
3. Little pumpkin, big pumpkin
Keep it classic with a scary pumpkin face, then add a fun twist with a mini pumpkin surprise sat inside. Use different-coloured pumpkins if possible to get a seriously eye-catching display. To carve the face on the smaller squash, use the eye remover on a potato peeler – it will help you get precise scoops.
4. Laughing pumpkin
Who said Halloween needs to be solely scary? We can’t resist this goofy pumpkin face, complete with gap-toothed smile. This is a simple design for kids to have a crack at, but looks no less effective once it’s all lit up.
5. Scary thoughts pumpkin
Capture the scary Halloween spirit with a creepy word or phrase. Try ‘boo,’ ‘eeek,’ ‘spooky,’ ‘happy Halloween’ or ‘trick or treat’. Try printing the word in your favourite font, then using that as a stencil to trace with. Outline the word in marker, then carve with a small knife.
6. Shadow pumpkin
Place your pumpkin next to a wall and watch as the pattern you’ve carved on the back casts shadows that flicker on the wall.
7. Polka dots pumpkin
This polka dot pumpkin is incredibly easy and stunning to look at. The simple design is effective and eye-catching for a more subtle look. Carve out small dots and circles using small knives and skewers or make things easier with an electric drill. You can use a ruler to make sure the dots are evenly spaced out.
8. Coloured filter pumpkin
To create a coloured filter, put flame-retardant tissue paper just behind the front face of your pumpkin. Make sure you light your pumpkin with a torch rather than a naked flame!
9. Bat pumpkin
What’s more fitting for Halloween than a spooky bat? Draw a simple bat shape, using clip art for inspiration. You can either carve the bat out directly or carve around it and make a silhouette.
10. Spooky vase pumpkin
Use everyday items from around the house to bring your pumpkin to life. Create a face from nuts and bolts, use white reflective tape as bandages or chop off the top and add some colourful flowers for your spooky vase!
11. Haunted house pumpkin
Design the haunted house of your dreams with this spooky pumpkin idea. Let your imagination run wild by adding floors, windows, doors and more details. It’s a classic design that will set your doorstep apart.
12. Painted pumpkin
Painting your pumpkin can work wonderfully, especially if you want to keep little hands away from sharp objects. They’ll also look great in the daytime. Either paint a design over the whole pumpkin or use paint to add accents to an already carved squash.
13. Furry friend pumpkin
Devote your pumpkin to your favourite furry friend with this design idea. Print out a picture of your pet, trace onto your pumpkin and get to work using tiny knives and tools to capture small details. Try this with your dog, cat, or even a fish.
14. Ghoulish green pumpkin
Shun the traditional orange pumpkin for a ghoulish green variety, or try transforming a watermelon. The process is the same, but it will certainly make your neighbours look twice!
15. Happy messages pumpkin
Add some positivity to your Halloween celebration with this inspirational pumpkin design. Carve a nice message accompanied by flowers, peace signs or happy faces for a more optimistic Halloween message.
How long do carved pumpkins last?
Once carved, most pumpkins will generally last between three and five days before they start to decompose, but it depends on the conditions they are kept in. Exposure to more direct sunlight or moisture will cause them to degrade quicker, as will keeping them indoors at room temperature.
Tips for making your pumpkin last longer
To help your pumpkins last longer, store them in the fridge when you aren’t displaying them. If you display your pumpkin outside, ensure it is protected from the elements. Also, applying a thin layer of Vaseline (petroleum jelly) along the cut edges of your pumpkin will prevent them from drying out too quickly.
Enjoyed these fun pumpkin ideas? Try our top Halloween recipes and activities…
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What’s your favourite pumpkin design? Leave a comment below…