Learn how to carve a pumpkin for this year’s spooky Halloween decorations. Follow this easy step-by-step guide for jack-o’-lantern success. Tips for the best way to cut, design, store, and enjoy tasty pumpkin seeds.
Table of Contents
Did you visit your local pumpkin patch or store and pick out the perfect specimen to carve this year? I share some essential tips to make the process easy and fun. If you plan to light up the hollow center, I’ll show you the best way to cut and clean.
Picking out the design is always a tough choice. However, once you make it, I like the pinprick method to transfer the image onto the pumpkin. I share my favorite tools for carving and creating more intricate patterns. And knowing just the right time to cut ensures preserving the pumpkin for fall festivities.
Gather tools and set up the workspace
After years of frustration, I finally ditched my flimsy knife set and purchased some qualitypumpkin carving tools. I’m thankful I did. The blades are sturdier, sharper, and the time it takes to carve is faster. There are also more options for etching and doing fancier designs.
Find a sturdy table or counter, then place a cutting board on top. Alternatively, you can cover the surface with paper or plastic trash bags, especially if you are working outdoors.
Cut the pumpkin lid
Cut the bottom of the pumpkin instead of the top around the stem. This area keeps the pumpkin design cleaner and the top from drying out and falling inside over time.
I cut at a 45-degree angle in a circle that is just large enough to fit the scraper tool and your fist. The angled cut also makes it easier for the pumpkin to sit on top with a better seal on the bottom if using.
Remove the pumpkin seeds and guts
There will be a bunch of pulp, fibers, and seeds inside the pumpkin that needs to be removed. Use the scraper tool, ice cream scoop, or large spoon and brush the interior walls in a spiral motion. Once you do that, you can use your hands to pull out the goop. Wipe the outside of the pumpkin with a kitchen towel to clean and dry the surface.
Don’t throw away the seeds! It’s easy toroast the pumpkin seedsfor a healthy snack.
Transferring the design
There are various pumpkin design options; draw a custom image or use a printed pattern. From there, tape the design on the flattest part of the pumpkin. I like to use a tool that has a needle tip or pushpin would work to pierce holes through the paper, about ⅛-inches apart.
Remove the paper, and you can start carving along the dots. However, you can connect the dots with an erasable marker for more intricate designs, which is easy to wash off the surface. I also like to use a paring knife to make a shallow cut to refine the design, making it easier for etching. Don’t forget to save the design for reference.
Another option is to cut the portions of the design to make a stencil. Then draw the image onto the pumpkin. I also taped an image on the pumpkin and then tightly placed plastic wrap around to secure it. This technique makes it waterproof, and easier to carve.
Recipe Resources
Health Notes
5 Health Benefits of Pumpkin
Ingredient Guides
Types of Edible Pumpkins
Tools
Pumpkin Carving Tools
Cut out the design
使用最为看到剪出形状,straight cuts into the flesh. Then discard those pieces. I typically start at the top of the design, with the smallest cuts first, then move down to the more significant designs. This keeps the shell sturdy until the last cuts are made.
You can also etch, removing just the dark orange skin for contrast in colors and textures, or sculpt the flesh for intricate details. You can refine the design using a paring knife, X-ACTO knife, or clean up tools in your kit.
Pumpkin Carving Kit
Light up the pumpkin
If using a votive candle, place it inside, then place the pumpkin on top. The pumpkin won’t last as long because the heat will gradually soften the flesh over time. Other good options are battery-operated votive candles or small LED string lights.
Don’t forget to blow out any real candles or turn off the lights at the end of the night.
How do you keep a carved pumpkin from quickly rotting?
- After cutting, you can spray the inside and outside with some bleach cleaner. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes, then wipe down the outside of the pumpkin. The bleach kills surface bacteria and organisms for a short period, but not completely.
- You can also rub some petroleum jelly on the cut areas. This method will create a barrier to oxygen in the air and locks in some of the flesh’s moisture.
- The pumpkin can also be refrigerated during the day. Cover the carved areas with plastic wrap to keep them moist, then take it out when displaying at night.
How long do carved pumpkins last?
To keep the carved sections and design fresh, I recommend carving your pumpkin no more than 3 days before Halloween or when you plan to display the jack-o’-lantern. Depending on the outside temperature conditions, a carved pumpkin can last from 5 to 10 days. The moment the skin and flesh are cut, the natural rotting process will begin. This is due to the fruit’s oxidation, moisture loss, organisms and insects breaking down the flesh. High heat can accelerate the spoiling.
How to Carve a Pumpkin
Ingredients
- 1largepumpkin
Instructions
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Set up a workspace –Find a sturdy table or counter, then place a cutting board on top. Or you cover the surface with paper or plastic trash bags, especially if working outdoors. Gather carving tools, a kitchen towel for cleaning, a bowl for the pumpkin seeds, and a trash can.
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Cut the pumpkin lid –Use a carving saw to cut the bottom at a 45-degree angle in a circle. Make the lid large enough to fit the scoop and your fist. Keep the lid, or discard it depending on how you plan to light up the pumpkin.
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Remove the seeds and guts –Use a scraper scoop or large spoon to scrape the inside walls in a spiral motion. Remove the goop with a spoon or your hands. Use the spoon to further scrape and clean the walls. Wipe the outside with a kitchen towel to clean and dry the surface.
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Transfer the design –Tape the design on the flattest part of the pumpkin. Use a tool that has a needle tip or pushpin to pierce holes through the paper, about ⅛-inches apart. Remove the paper and use a marker to connect the dots. A paring knife can also be used to make a shallow cut to trace the design. Don’t forget to save the design for reference. Alternatively, cut the portions of the design on the paper to make a stencil and then draw the image on. You can also tape the picture onto the pumpkin, then tightly wrap plastic around it to secure the image.
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Cut out the design –使用最为看到剪出形状,straight cuts into the flesh, then discard those pieces. Start at the top of the design, with the smallest cuts first, then move down to the bigger designs. This keeps the shell sturdy until the last cuts are made. You can etch, removing just the dark orange skin for contrast in colors and textures, or sculpt the flesh for intricate details. Refine the design using a paring knife, X-ACTO knife, or clean-up tools in your kit.
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Light up the pumpkin –If using a candle, place it in a votive, light it, then place the pumpkin on top. Alternatively, add battery-operated votive candles, tea lights, or small LED string lights. Make sure to blow out the candle or turn off the lights at the end of the night.
Equipment
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Tape
Notes
- When to Carve:It’s best to carve the pumpkin 3 days before Halloween or displaying for the freshest appearance. Although it can last about 5 to 10 days, it will break down over time, especially in warmer weather.
- Preserving the Carved Pumpkin:Rub petroleum jelly on the cut areas. Or lightly spray with cleaning bottles containing bleach, and allow to dry for 5 minutes before wiping the outer surface. The pumpkin can be covered with plastic on the cut areas, then refrigerated until displaying in the evening.
- Save the Seeds:Don’t through away the seeds.Roast themfor a fantastic treat.
Nutrition Facts
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000-calorie diet. All nutritional information is based on estimated third-party calculations. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.
Shelleysays
Would you please share the design with me? This is the cutest pumpkin ever!
Chucksays
I’ve found that a drywall saw, similar to the carving tool in your photo above works really well for the larger cuts and is more sturdy than the typical pumpkin carving tool. It has a pointed tip to get through the thick parts of the pumpkin and has enough flexibility to make curved cuts without snapping in half (I’ve broken a few pumpkin carvers in my day) !!
JJsays
我从来没有过多关注南瓜雕刻…not big on Halloween when Tgiving is only three weeks after. But this looks like a great fun activity to wow my little grand kids…especially if they can help the design of the face. Like the idea of the LED lights, and all the ways to preserve the flesh along the way. Nice article!