Holidays & Entertaining Halloween Pumpkin Carving Patterns & Templates Our Top Halloween Pumpkins: From Stencils to Carvings By Sarah Martens Sarah Martens Instagram Sarah Martens is the Senior Editor overseeing food at Better Homes & Gardens digital. She has been with the BHG brand for over 8 years. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on June 22, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Carson Downing Finally, a great way to select a pumpkin carving pattern. Browse our stencils, then move from each to the next slide to see the finished pumpkin. To make a stencil, print the PDF, then, if needed, size the pattern on your copier. Tape it to your pumpkin and outline the pattern with pinpricks before carving your masterpiece. Discover these fun, easy pumpkin carving ideas, and learn how best to use your tools. 01 of 26 Owl Pumpkin Stencil Get the owl pumpkin stencil Jay Wilde Carve this woodland stencil into your pumpkin. It's one of our favorite and easiest pumpkin carving ideas. 02 of 26 Owl Pumpkin Get the owl pumpkin stencil Adam Albright Display your finished owl pumpkin with a couple of carved mice pumpkins and colorful seasonal gourds. 8 Tips for Making Your Halloween Pumpkins Last Longer 03 of 26 Haunted Mansion Stencil Get the Haunted Mansion stencil Illustration by Glenda Aldrich You'll carve the moon and windows from this eerie structure. Just print our free pumpkin carving patterns and you're good to go. 04 of 26 Carved Haunted Mansion Get the haunted mansion stencil Andy Lyons Black marker provides the mansion silhouette; your carving does the rest. 05 of 26 Cute Owl Pumpkin Get the cute owl pumpkin stencil This adorable owl pumpkin is a great fall project for advanced Halloween pumpkin carvers. You'll need an etching tool and a cutting knife. We found it was easiest to use a rotary tool ($74, Lowes) to etch all the details. 06 of 26 Owl Pumpkin Get the cute owl pumpkin stencil Brie Passano Although this stencil takes some time to carve, the resulting pumpkins are stunning. How to Carve a Craft Pumpkin That Looks Just Like the Real Thing 07 of 26 Frankenstein Stencil Get the Frankenstein stencil Look no further for pumpkin carving ideas—You should bolt to the pumpkin patch to pick up the perfect gourd to carve Frank's face. 08 of 26 Carved Frankenstein Get the Frankenstein stencil Carson Downing This monster's all a-glow in your display. Place the carved pumpkin in a wood crate and surround it with seasonal gourds and fall leaves. 09 of 26 Scarecrow Stencil Get the scarecrow pumpkin stencil Jay Wilde A carved scarecrow pumpkin is sure to turn your yard into a frightening gathering ground for trick-or-treaters. 10 of 26 Scarecrow Pumpkin Get the scarecrow pumpkin stencil Jason Donnelly Carving out a moon behind the scarecrow design makes this easy Halloween pumpkin really glow. Try etching the teeth, rather than carving, for a creative display. 11 of 26 Nervous Face Stencil Get the Nervous Face stencil These nervous pumpkin stencils will leave guests wary of what might be lurking in the shadows. There's no etching required for this fun Halloween pumpkin design. 12 of 26 Carved Nervous Face Get the Nervous Face stencil Carson Downing This guy is even more expressive when he's carved. Display him on your front porch with a battery-operated tea light candle, ($27, The Home Depot). 13 of 26 Deer Pumpkin Stencil Get the deer pumpkin stencil Jay Wilde This deer pumpkin stencil doesn't require any carving at all. Simply etch away the pumpkin's skin to reveal the design. 14 of 26 Deer Pumpkin Carved Get the deer pumpkin stencil Carson Downing To keep your carved deer pumpkin fresh, try rubbing the etched flesh with petroleum jelly ($2, Target). It'll help the pumpkin last longer. 15 of 26 Sugar Skull Pumpkin Stencil Get the sugar skull stencil Greet guests with these festive carved sugar skull pumpkins—guaranteed to give a fright. This is a great Halloween decor project for advanced carvers. 16 of 26 Sugar Skull Pumpkin Carved Get the sugar skull stencil Carson Downing Mini pumpkins placed on tall candleholders help create a festive pumpkin display. How to Decorate a Sugar Skull Pumpkin 17 of 26 Zombie Pumpkin Stencil Get the zombie pumpkin stencil Serve up a little spookiness with this carved zombie pumpkin. Etched grass and crows help set the eerie scene. 18 of 26 Carved Zombie Stencil Get the zombie pumpkin stencil Jason Donnelly No need for elaborate pumpkin carving ideas. The zombie hand reaching out of the earth really stands out in the finished pumpkin carving. 19 of 26 Haunted Tree Stencil Get the Haunted Tree stencil This tree is so creepy even the bats don't want to hang from its branches. 20 of 26 Carved Haunted Tree Get the Haunted Tree stencil Bill Hopkins Detailed, thin lines make this carving a bit time-consuming, but end result is worth it. 21 of 26 Angry Face Stencil Get the Angry Face stencil An angry pumpkin face will have trick-or-treaters approaching the front door with caution. 22 of 26 Carved Angry Face Stencil Get the Angry Face stencil Glaring eyes glow when you put a candle inside this jack-o'-lantern. 23 of 26 Trick-or-Treat Stencil Get the Trick-or-Treat stencil This pumpkin will leave kids wondering whether they're in for a trick or a treat. 24 of 26 Carved Trick-or-Treat Get the Trick-or-Treat stencil Perry L. Struse The message really pops after you've finished carving. The stars also add a nice glowing effect. For some fun pumpkin decorating ideas, place these at your doorstep to welcome trick-or-treaters. 25 of 26 Witch Stencil Get the Witch stencil Carved pumpkins don't get creepier than this. Use your carving tools to bring this witchy pumpkin to life. She'll evoke a cackling good mood for Halloween night. 26 of 26 Carved Witch Get the Witch stencil Bill Hopkins Bet your trick-or-treaters will love this glowing witch face on your doorstep. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit