About Free Pumpkin Carving Stencils: Printable Easy to Hard Templates
Yes. Every stencil is free to print, with no sign-up.
By the ToolFluency team · Updated October 2026
Free printable pumpkin carving stencils in three levels. Easy stencils are jack-o'-lantern faces with big simple shapes, good for a first pumpkin. Medium stencils are one bold shape, like a bat, a ghost or a cat. Hard stencils are scenes against a full moon, such as a haunted house, a howling wolf or a witch on her broom. Black is the part you cut out and white stays on the pumpkin, and every stencil is checked before it goes up so that no piece of pumpkin is left floating, which would fall out when you cut it. Pick your pumpkin size and the stencil prints at the right width, with the carving steps on the same sheet.
How to carve a pumpkin with a stencil
- Pick a level: Easy for a first pumpkin or carving with children, Medium for one bold shape, Hard for a moonlit scene.
- Measure the flattest side of your pumpkin and choose the Pumpkin size: the stencil prints at that width.
- Tick the stencils you want and press Print ticked stencils, or press Print now under one. Each prints on its own sheet with the steps.
- Cut a lid round the stem, angled inward so it does not fall in, and scoop the pumpkin out. Thin the carving side to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from inside.
- Trim the paper and tape it flat to the pumpkin, snipping the edges so it lies smooth.
- Poke holes along every edge of the black shapes with a pin or poker tool, about 1/8 inch (3 mm) apart, then peel off the paper.
- Cut along the dots with a small pumpkin saw held straight, the middle shapes first, and push the pieces out from inside.
Examples
Tips for a clean carve
- Carve the smallest and middle shapes first; the pumpkin is strongest while the big cuts are still uncut.
- Use a small serrated pumpkin saw with a gentle up-and-down motion rather than a kitchen knife: it is safer and follows curves.
- Rub petroleum jelly on the cut edges to slow drying, and keep the pumpkin cool and out of the sun.
- An LED light or battery candle is safer than a real candle and does not cook the lid.
- Children can draw the stencil, tape it on and poke the dots; an adult does the cutting.
Frequently asked questions
Are these pumpkin carving stencils free?
Yes. Every stencil is free to print, with no sign-up.
What does black mean on a pumpkin stencil?
Black is the part you cut out, so light shines through it. White is the pumpkin skin you leave on.
Will any pieces fall out?
No. Every stencil is checked so that every part you leave on is joined to the rest of the pumpkin. On the hard scenes, thin parts like a broom or a branch are what hold the picture in, so cut slowly near them.
How do I print a stencil the right size?
Measure the flattest side of your pumpkin and pick the matching size: small (4 inches wide), medium (5.5), large (7) or extra large (7.5). Print at 100% scale, not fit to page.
What age is pumpkin carving for?
Children of any age can choose a stencil, tape it on and poke the dots. Cutting with a saw is for older children with an adult, and young children are best left to scoop and decorate.
Part of ToolFluency’s library of free online tools for Printables. No account needed, no data leaves your device.