How to Remove the Top of Halloween Pumpkins

People select the perfect pumpkin for their Halloween jack-o-lantern every year. That's the easy part. It is a little more difficult to prepare a pumpkin for carving. First thing's first, and that means cutting the top off of the pumpkin.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pumpkin
• Knife
• Newspapers
• Large container

1. Decide whether to remove the top or bottom of the pumpkin. Remove the bottom of a wobbly pumpkin for more stability and easier candle insertion. Many people prefer the traditional top opening.

2. Draw a lid shape a few inches from the stem. Use a geometric shape instead of a circle for ease of cutting. This also makes it easier to find the way the top fits back on.

3. Spread out plenty of newspapers on a flat surface for easy cleanup. Set the pumpkin in a large container to help keep it steady.

4. Use a sharp knife to begin cutting the lid. Cut at an angle with the tip of the knife going in towards the center. This will make the top wider than the bottom and give the lid a rim to rest on. Use gentle pressure and go slowly.

5. Remove the lid. Wipe off the drawn-on outline with a damp sponge. Place the lid on the newspapers.

6. Slice off the seeds and string as well as part of the meat. This makes the lid thinner.

7. Cut a small notch in the side of the lid. The notch lets candle smoke out.

Tips & Warnings

• A dry erase marker is easy to remove from pumpkin skin.

Resources

• Pumpkin Carving Patterns