Pumpkin Carving

Oct 26, 2026

It’s of course pumpkin season, which means it’s time for some spooky creativity! Carving a pumpkin is a cherished autumn tradition for most families celebrating Halloween. We've included some helpful tips & tricks in this article to get you started!

Let's start with the tools

You'll need:

A serrated knife
A large spoon or ice cream scoop
A smaller knife
A marker
A stencil (optional)

Child lifting the lid from a carved pumpkin

Let's get cutting!

1. Choose the right pumpkin

Pick a pumpkin that’s fresh, has a sturdy stem, and is free of soft spots. A smooth surface can make carving easier, especially if you’re working on a detailed design.

2. Cut off the lid

Use a serrated knife to cut a lid around the stem. Angle the knife slightly inward so the lid will rest securely on top without falling inside. This also makes it easier to replace when you’re done.

3. Scoop out the insides

With a large spoon or scoop, scrape out the seeds and fibers from the inside of the pumpkin. Try to scrape the walls as smooth and thin as possible, especially on the side you’ll be carving.

4. Draw or tape on your design

Use a marker to draw your design on the pumpkin. If you prefer a specific pattern, print a stencil and tape it onto the pumpkin.

5. Start carving

Using a small, serrated knife, carefully follow the outline of your design. Start with larger shapes first and work towards the smaller, more detailed areas.

6. Add lighting

Once your design is complete, place a tea light, LED candle, or battery-operated light inside. This will illuminate your carving and bring your pumpkin to life.

Check out our Cookidoo article on pumpkin carving!

Now for the leftovers!

Once you've created your spook-tacular masterpiece, there’s always one question: What to do with all that leftover pumpkin? Instead of throwing it away, make the most of your pumpkins with these easy, delicious recipe ideas:

If you’ve never tried cooking pumpkin before, you’re in for a real treat (or should we say trick?)! After all the fangtastic fun of pumpkin carving, it’s time to put that leftover flesh to good use in the kitchen. From hearty mains to indulgent desserts, here are some of our favourite pumpkin recipes to warm up your autumn evenings: