No matter how old you are, carving a pumpkin makes you feel like a kid again! It ushers in the spooky season of Halloween and makes the ultimate outdoor decoration. Plus, it gives you a chance to get creative, even if you're not particularly artsy. "Anyone can do it, and not every pumpkin has to be a work of art," says expert carver Marc Evan, co-founder of Maniac Pumpkin Carvers in New York City.
And he's so totally right! But if you're wondering how to carve a pumpkin that'll make you proud this October (and maybe impress your neighbors, too!), we've got some expert tips for you right here. Follow along with our step-by-step guide and get ready for some gourd-geous results. And remember Evan's advice: "Just have fun with it and play with the design. Pumpkin carving is meant to be enjoyed in the moment. The results are ephemeral, like a bouquet that only lasts a short time." We couldn't have said it better ourselves!
Step 1. Pick the perfect pumpkin.
Almost any type of pumpkin or gourd will do, but if you're set on carving the iconic jack-o'-lantern style, stick with an orange pumpkin for its classic appearance. Also, rounder pumpkins with a flatter bottom will be easier to carve and display. But feel free to choose whatever shape or type appeals to you—just be sure to pick pumpkins with no cuts or mushy areas.
"Make sure the stem is green, which indicates a fresh pumpkin," says Evan. If you select one with soft spots or a dry, brittle stem, your pumpkin is past its prime and will not last long. It also may have decay inside once you open it up.
Step 2. Clean your pumpkin and prep the work area.
Wash your pumpkin with plain soap and water; a bleach bath isn't necessary and actually may start to degrade the pumpkin's structure, Evan explains. Clear off your table so you have room to work, and keep plenty of rags or paper towels nearby to sop up the gloppy mess.
Step 3. Line up your tools.
Surprisingly, Evan says the best tools to use for jack-o'-lanterns are the inexpensive pumpkin carving sets you see sold everywhere in the fall. "The little serrated saws are great for cutting through rinds because they flex a little, and the orange plastic rounded scoop is perfect for removing the pumpkin guts," he says.
In a pinch, a paring knife and large serving spoon should work, too. And if you’re willing to experiment a little, a linoleum cutter or ribbon clay loop, which is used for sculpting, will allow you to remove skin to get a translucent effect or alter how deep you can make cuts. This is a fun and easy way to create details without carving!
Step 4. Cut out a lid.
For the classic jack-o'-lantern, cut a lid out of the top. But if you're doing a more intricate design, you may want to carve a window in the back instead. "It's more aesthetically pleasing for complex designs and the light doesn't bleed through the top, distracting the eye," says Evan. But avoid cutting out the bottom because the pumpkin will just leak juice all over your table.
Although many people like a zig-zag or round lid, Evans suggests making a hexagonal shape, which makes it easier to fit the lid in place. As you're cutting, don't slice through vertically; angle the knife slightly inward towards the center of the pumpkin to create a little "shelf" the lid can sit on. Also, wiggle the knife a little in the corners of the lid to ensure it's a clean cut.
Step 5. Scoop and scrape.
Now it's time to get all the goop out of there. "If it has a very thick rind, whittle the inside down a bit so you can carve through it more easily," says Evan. Aim for about one-inch thick. Make sure you remove every stringy, gloppy bit, then rinse and dry the exterior. You can even try this TikTok hack to make the process faster. And don't forget to save the pumpkin seeds to make roasted pepitas for a snack!
Step 6. Draw out your design on paper.
This step allows you to visualize how the finished product will look. Try sketching out decorative or floral designs—because not every pumpkin has to be spooky! Next, mark the design directly on the dry pumpkin with a ballpoint pen, which works best because it's easy to clean off the final product with a scrubbing sponge.
Now, you're ready to carve! Just be sure to dry your hands and the tools frequently so the knife doesn't slip. Use up-and-down motions to carve, rather than diagonal for cleaner cuts. Get the large chunks out of the way first and then you can go back and adjust the finer details.
Step 7. Add a light.
Once you've completed your masterpiece, set a battery-powered LED light inside your pumpkin. Of course, you can use a votive candle or tea light, but an LED is extra bright, safer, and longer-lasting, Evan says.
Step 8. Enjoy your pumpkin while it lasts.
Here's the sad truth: Your pumpkin won't last forever. "No matter what you do, it will rot eventually," says Evans. "We've experimented with different sprays and solutions to make them last, but the results are always unpredictable. At most, you're going to get a few days to week out of your carved pumpkin."
There are a few ways to keep your pumpkin from rotting. Your best bet is to carve just a day or two before Halloween, then keep it in a cool (but not freezing) area. If you're really attached to your pumpkin, wrap it in plastic and refrigerate every night or try giving it an ice water bath to revive. Don't forget to take plenty of photos so you'll always remember this year's masterpiece!
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Arricca Elin SanSone has written about health and lifestyle topics for Prevention, Country Living, Woman's Day, and more. She’s passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
