How to Carve Patterns In Pumpkins

Use patterns to guide your pumpkin carving and your jack-o'-lanterns will be the envy of the neighborhood. The best thing to do is to come up with your pattern before you start carving rather than winging it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Cut out a lid in the top of the pumpkin large enough to fit your hand and a spoon inside.

2. Add a small notch in the back of the lid. The notch will remind you how the lid is positioned, allow smoke and heat to escape, and ensure that the candle receives enough air to remain lit.

3. Scoop out the pulp and seeds. (Retain the seeds for roasting.)

4. Scrape the inside of the pumpkin in the area where you'll be using the pattern, until that area is about 1 inch thick.

5. Trim and make small incisions in your pattern so that it lies flat on the face of the pumpkin. Tape the edges of the pattern to the pumpkin.

6. Transfer the pattern by poking small holes along the pattern lines with a drill tool or needle.

7. Remove the pattern.

8. Saw carefully along the dotted lines. Gently push the pieces through with your fingers.

9. Create a glow effect by scraping designs into the shell of your pumpkin with a melon baller, wood gouge or linoleum cutter.

10. Anchor a candle in the bottom of the pumpkin and light it. You're now ready to display your best jack-o'-lantern ever!

Tips & Warnings

• When you're cutting out the lid, angle the saw blade toward the center of the pumpkin. This will create a ledge for the lid to sit on so that it doesn't fall into the pumpkin.
• Keep your transfer dots close together. If the dots are hard to see, rub flour over them to make them more visible.
• If your jack-o'-lantern starts to shrivel, soak it in water for several hours to freshen it.
• It's much safer to use a pumpkin-carving tool than a knife - consider picking up a pumpkin-carving set to get the job done right.

Resources

• Halloween Pumpkin Carving Patterns