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Get Your Spook On: A Step-by-Step Guide to Pumpkin Carving

Halloween is just around the corner, and there is no better way to get into the spooky spirit than carving the perfect pumpkin.

Whether you’re a pro pumpkin carver or a complete beginner, this guide will walk you through how to carve a pumpkin step by step, creative carving ideas to wow your neighbours and the best pumpkin recipes to turn any leftover scraps into delicious treats.

 

What You Need to Get Started

Before we start you need to gather a few tools from around the house to make the process easier. You will need:

  1. A sharp knife (and a responsible adult!) — a serrated edge can help keep your pumpkin carving design as neat as possible.
  2. Pumpkin carving tools — most shops sell a handy pack with all the scoops, small saws and detailing tools needed. But if you don’t have this, you can also use an array of kitchen knives, spoons or even an ice cream scoop.
  3. A pen or stencil — so you can mark your designs onto the pumpkin first. 
  4. Your spookiest Halloween costume — whether it’s vampire fangs or a witch hat, it’s always fun to dress the part for pumpkin carving.

 

Choosing the Perfect Pumpkin

It’s time to choose your pumpkin! For beginners, it's best to choose a pumpkin that is firm, smooth and has a flat bottom so it doesn’t roll around while you’re carving. Larger pumpkins offer a bigger surface area for intricate designs, but smaller pumpkins might be easier to carve for kids or first-timers.  

 

Preparing Your Pumpkin

Now that you have found your perfect pumpkin, you must prepare it. Begin by cutting off the top of the pumpkin to create an opening wide enough to scoop out the insides (keep the cut-off pumpkin top to hand — you’ll need it later). Use your spoon or scoop to remove the seeds and stringy pulp until the pumpkin is hollow. The cleaner the inside is, the easier the pumpkin will be to carve for beginners. 

 

Designing Your Pumpkin Face

Feeling stuck for pumpkin carving ideas? For a classic Halloween pumpkin face, you can’t go wrong with a spooky grin and triangular eyes. If you’re feeling creative you could try carving a ghost, bat or your favourite Halloween character. 

 

Step-by-Step Carving Instructions

Now the fun part! Whether you’re going for a classic jack-o’-lantern or have a few more detailed pumpkin carving ideas up your sleeve, let’s get into how to bring your design to life:

  1. Draw or trace your design onto the pumpkin face.
  2. Start carving - begin with the biggest section of your design. Use a serrated knife and gentle sawing motions but be very careful and keep your hands away from the knife at all times.
  3. Add the finishing touches — use your smaller tools to add detail or carve thin lines for facial features. 
  4. Add your tea light candle — place the candle at the base of the pumpkin and light it carefully.
  5. Add the pumpkin lid back on — the top of the pumpkin will help keep the flame alight and make it shine out through your design. 
  6. Place the pumpkin by your front door and don’t forget the sweet treats for your trick-or-treaters!

 

Carving Techniques for Different Designs

The traditional pumpkin carving method is called cut-out carving and involves fully removing chunks of the pumpkin so the candle can shine through.  Etching involves using smaller tools to carve the pumpkin without cutting all the way through to create intricate designs and a subtle glow.

 

Creative Ways to Use Pumpkin Food Waste

Don’t let those pumpkins go to waste! Beyond fun carving activities, pumpkins are also packed with nutrients. Here’s how you can put the off-cuts to use to feed the family:

 

Delicious Recipes Using Pumpkin Seeds

Roasted pumpkin seeds are a delicious and healthy snack. Simply clean the seeds, toss them in olive oil and your favourite seasoning and roast for 10-15 minutes at 180° until golden brown.

 

Turning Pumpkin Flesh into Tasty Dishes

The flesh is also a great ingredient for pumpkin recipes. Use it to make pumpkin pie, winter-warmer soups or even swap out carrots or squash for pumpkin in your next Sunday nut roast. Check out our recipes for more inspiration!

 

Tips for Making Your Carved Pumpkin Last Longer

Hate when Halloween is over? Apply petroleum jelly or coconut oil to the carved edges to seal in moisture and then keep the pumpkin out of direct sunlight to keep your spooky season decorations for as long as possible.

 

Explore More Creative Ideas Here…

Now you know how to carve a pumpkin step by step, you’re all ready for the spooky season…

Don't forget to check out our blog for more recipes, decoration tips and seasonal inspiration. Happy Halloween!