Make your stencil above, then read on before you pick up a knife.
How to use a pumpkin stencil
Pick a fresh pumpkin with a smooth, fairly flat face and a firm green stem. Cut an opening in the back or bottom rather than the top: the face stays intact, the pumpkin keeps its strength, and you can lower it over a candle or LED light. Scoop out the seeds and scrape the inside wall of the carving side down to about 2–3 cm (an inch) thick so it is easier to cut. Then print your stencil from PumpkinStencil and tape it to the pumpkin, snipping the paper edges so it bends around the curve.
Transferring the design
Use a pin, a poker tool or a thin skewer to prick holes along every outline, about 3 mm apart. Remove the paper and you have a dotted guide on the skin. Rubbing a little flour over the dots makes them easier to see. If you prefer, cut the shapes out of the paper and trace around them with a washable marker.
Cutting order and 3-tone stencils
Cut the smallest and most detailed shapes first, working from the middle outwards, while the pumpkin wall is still strongest. Use a small serrated saw held straight, with short up-and-down strokes, and push the pieces out from the inside. In a 3-tone stencil the orange areas are not cut: shave away the outer skin with a lino cutter or loop tool so the flesh is thinner there and glows softly when lit. This is how photo stencils show faces and fur without falling apart.
Getting a good photo stencil
Choose a photo with strong contrast and a plain background. Move the dark cut-off slider until the main features read clearly, add a little smoothing, and raise speck removal to get rid of tiny islands. Check that every white (kept) area connects to the rest of the pumpkin; a floating island will simply fall out when you cut around it. The Auto threshold button finds a reasonable starting point.
Making it last
Carved pumpkins dry out and soften within a few days. Keep them cool and out of direct sun, bring them in on frosty nights, and wipe the cut edges with a little petroleum jelly or vegetable oil to slow moisture loss. Battery LED lights are safer than candles and do not cook the pumpkin from the inside. Always supervise children around knives, and let them draw, scoop and decorate while an adult cuts.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I cut the lid?
Cutting a hole in the back or bottom keeps the face intact and makes lighting easier.
How long does a carved pumpkin last?
Often three to five days outdoors, longer if it is kept cool and out of the sun.
What should I cut first?
Cut the smallest, most detailed parts first while the pumpkin is strongest.
Is PumpkinStencil free?
Yes, with no sign-up or ads.
Are my settings saved?
Your face and slider settings are saved in this browser. Photos are not stored.