Our Top Halloween Pumpkins: See Them From Stencils to Carved

By BH&G Holiday Editors
Updated September 29, 2020
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Carson Downing
Finally, a great way to select a pumpkin carving pattern! See our pumpkin stencils, then go to the next slide to see the actual carved pumpkins. To make, print the PDF, then size the pattern on a copier if needed. Tape it to your pumpkin and outline the pattern with pinpricks before carving your masterpiece. Discover fun, easy pumpkin carving ideas, and learn the best ways to use your pumpkin carving tools.
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Owl Pumpkin Stencil

Credit: Jay Wilde
Get the owl pumpkin stencil

Carve this woodland stencil into your pumpkin to set a spooky Halloween mood. It's one of our favorite easy pumpkin carving ideas!

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Owl Pumpkin

Credit: Adam Albright
Get the owl pumpkin stencil

Display your finished owl pumpkin with a couple of carved mice pumpkins and colorful seasonal gourds.

Related: 8 Tips for Making Your Halloween Pumpkins Last Longer

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Haunted Mansion Stencil

Credit: Illustration by Glenda Aldrich
Get the Haunted Mansion stencil

You'll carve the moon and windows from this eerie structure. Just print our free pumpkin carving patterns and you're good to go.

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Carved Haunted Mansion Stencil

Credit: Andy Lyons
Get the haunted mansion stencil

Black marker provides the mansion silhouette; your carving does the rest.

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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 ($70, Lowes) to etch all the details.

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Owl Pumpkin

Credit: Brie Passano
Get the cute owl pumpkin stencil

Although this stencil takes some time to carve, the resulting carved pumpkins are stunning.

Related: How to Carve a Craft Pumpkin That Looks Just Like the Real Thing

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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.

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Carved Frankenstein Stencil

Credit: Carson Downing
Get the Frankenstein stencil

This monster's all a-glow in your display of carved pumpkins. Place your carved pumpkin in a wood crate and surround it with seasonal gourds and fall leaves.

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Scarecrow Stencil

Credit: Jay Wilde
Get the scarecrow pumpkin stencil

A carved scarecrow pumpkin is sure to turn your yard into a frightening gathering ground for trick-or-treaters.

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Scarecrow Pumpkin Stencil

Credit: Jason Donnelly
Get the scarecrow pumpkin stencil

Carving out a moon behind the scarecrow design makes this easy Halloween pumpkin really glow. Try etching the teeth instead of carving for a creative display.

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Nervous Face Stencil

Get the Nervous Face stencil

These nervous pumpkin stencils will make guests wary of what might be lurking in the shadows. There's no etching required for this fun Halloween pumpkin design.

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Carved Nervous Face Stencil

Credit: Carson Downing
Get the Nervous Face stencil

This guy gets even more expressive when he's carved. Display on your Halloween front porch with a battery-operated tea light candle ($17 for 4, The Home Depot).

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Deer Pumpkin Stencil

Credit: Jay Wilde
Get the deer pumpkin stencil

This deer pumpkin stencil doesn't require any carving at all! Simply etch the pumpkin's skin to reveal the design.

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Deer Pumpkin Stencil

Credit: Carson Downing
Get the deer pumpkin stencil

To keep your carved deer pumpkin fresh, try rubbing the etched flesh with petroleum jelly ($2, Target). This will help the pumpkin last longer.

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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.

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Sugar Skull Pumpkin Stencil

Credit: Carson Downing
Get the sugar skull stencil

Mini pumpkins placed on tall candleholders help create a festive pumpkin display.

Related: How to Decorate a Sugar Skull Pumpkin

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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.

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Carved Zombie Stencil

Credit: Jason Donnelly
Get the zombie pumpkin stencil

No need for elaborate pumpkin carving ideas. The reaching zombie hand really stands out in the finished pumpkin carving.

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Haunted Tree Stencil

Get the Haunted Tree stencil

This tree is so creepy even the bats don't want to hang from the branches.

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Carved Haunted Tree Stencil

Credit: Bill Hopkins
Get the Haunted Tree stencil

Detailed, thin lines make this carving a bit time-consuming, but the carved pumpkins are worth it.

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Angry Face Stencil

Get the Angry Face stencil

An angry pumpkin face will have trick-or-treaters approaching the front door with caution.

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Carved Angry Face Stencil

Get the Angry Face stencil

Glaring eyes become glowing when you put a candle inside this jack-o'-lantern.

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Trick-or-Treat Stencil

Get the Trick-or-Treat stencil

This pumpkin will have kids wondering if they're in for a trick or a treat.

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Carved Trick-or-Treat Stencil

Credit: Perry L. Struse
Get the Trick-or-Treat stencil

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.

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Witch Stencil

Get the Witch stencil

Carved pumpkins don't get creepier than this! Use your pumpkin carving tools to bring this witchy pumpkin to life. She'll evoke a cackling good mood for Halloween night.

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Carved Witch Stencil

Credit: Bill Hopkins
Get the Witch stencil

Bet your trick-or-treaters will love this glowing witch face on your doorstep. They'll love this spooky pumpkin decorating idea.

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By BH&G Holiday Editors