The fall season brings with it plenty of cozy family traditions, like apple picking, hayrides, and harvest festivals. But, without a doubt, one of the most memorable is pumpkin carving. From choosing just the right pumpkin to lighting up the final creation on Halloween night, it’s an activity that’s creative, messy, and full of fun.
Whether you’re carving with little ones or looking to have a little decorating competition with your friends, these pumpkin carving hacks will help you turn ordinary pumpkins into glowing works of art.
14 Tips for Carving the Perfect Pumpkin
1. Pick the Right Pumpkin
Start with a good foundation. Look for pumpkins with a flat bottom as they won’t wobble as much when you’re carving. Then, give the pumpkin a good tap. Hollow-sounding pumpkins are easier to carve than dense, overripe ones. Visiting a local pumpkin patch makes the experience even more special (and supports local farmers!).
2. Make Cleanup Simple
Spread out a cheap plastic tablecloth before you start. When the fun is over, just roll everything up — pumpkin guts and all — for a stress-free cleanup.
3. Use a Dry-Erase Marker for Designs
Skip the permanent marker! A dry-erase marker lets kids sketch, erase, and re-draw designs until they’re happy. As a bonus, it also makes cleaning up much easier.
4. Transfer Designs with a Thumbtack
For more detailed patterns, print out a coloring page, tape it to the pumpkin, and poke small holes with a thumbtack along the lines. You’ll end up with a perfect outline to follow with your carving tools.
5. Cut Smart
Angle your knife when cutting the top of your pumpkin so the lid sits securely without falling in. For easier scooping, cut a slightly larger opening toward the back of the pumpkin.
6. Scoop Smarter
An ice cream scoop or large serving spoon works wonders for scraping out pumpkin guts. And don’t toss those seeds! Save them for roasting (scroll down to tip #14 for a quick guide).
7. Light Safely
Instead of candles, opt for glow sticks or battery-operated LED lights. They’re safer for kids, provide a consistent glow all evening, and you won’t wake up in a panic in the middle of the night wondering if you remembered to blow out the flame.
8. Try Cookie Cutters
Kids can help press cookie cutters into the pumpkin (with a little assistance or a gentle tap from a rubber mallet). It’s a safe way to create fun shapes without involving sharp objects.
9. Paint Instead of Carve
For very young children, painting pumpkins with acrylics is a fun, safe alternative. From silly faces to favorite characters, painted pumpkins can be just as festive as carved ones.
10. Experiment with Tools
Older kids or adults can use power tools like a Dremel or drill for unique effects. For example, drilling small holes can create a constellation or ghostly dotted design.
11. Preserve Your Pumpkin
Spritz carved pumpkins with water mixed with lemon juice to keep them looking fresh longer. If you plan on keeping your pumpkins outside, place them in a dry, shaded spot to avoid over-exposure to the sun and to keep them nice and dry for all your Halloween events.
12. Get Creative with Lighting
Try solar lights, color-changing LEDs, or even light your pumpkin from the bottom for a spooky, unexpected glow.
13. Make It Into a Tradition
Turn carving into a family contest or plan a whole pumpkin-carving party for your friends and neighbors. It’s a festive way to celebrate the upcoming holiday and get everyone involved in the festivities.
14. Roast Those Pumpkin Seeds
Don’t forget the best snack of the season! Here’s a quick guide to roasting your own pumpkin seeds:
- Scoop and separate seeds from the pumpkin flesh.
- Rinse with water then spread on paper towels to dry.
- Toss with oil, salt, or your favorite seasonings.
- Spread the seeds out in an even, single layer on a lightly greased baking sheet. Roast at 300°F for 20–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and crispy.
- Let cool completely before serving or store in an airtight container.
What’s the Bottom Line?
Pumpkin carving is more than just a holiday craft; it’s a way to bring the family together, share laughter, and create glowing memories. With these easy hacks, you’ll spend less time stressing and more time enjoying the fun. So, grab your pumpkins, roll up your sleeves, and let your creativity shine this Halloween!
Want more baking tips and tricks? Follow Dutch Apron® Bakery for all the latest recipe trends and kitchen techniques that are guaranteed to add a little extra sweetness to your life.
About the Author:
Jess Shirk is the genius behind many of the Dutch Apron® Bakery recipe blog posts. She joined the team back in 2022 as a social media manager, and, since then, she has become the brand’s resident photographer and baker. When she’s not perfecting pictures for Dutch Apron® Bakery’s social media feeds, she can be found spending time in nature with her two dogs, going on bike rides with her family, and trying new bread recipes.
