19 Pumpkin Carving Stencils for the Best Jack-o'-Lanterns on the Block

Fear not—these easy pumpkin carving templates are nearly fool-proof.

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Photo: Getty Images

What's Halloween without a carved jack-o'-lantern-style pumpkin? Most of us don't know how to carve a pumpkin freehanded and need a little extra help getting the job done. So take a shortcut and print out one of these simple pumpkin carving stencils—no design degree required.

Here's how to get started:

  • Print the stencil.
  • Hollow out your pumpkin.
  • Cut out the black pieces using scissors or a craft knife.
  • Tape the stencil onto the pumpkin and use a black marker to trace the lines.
  • Use a sharp paring knife to cut lines onto the pumpkin according to the stencil instructions.

If you're still intimidated by your knife-carving skills or have young kids, no-carve pumpkin ideas are also an easy win (and they tend to last longer than carved pumpkins).

01 of 19

Ghost Emoji Pumpkin Carving Stencil

Pumpkin carving stencil - emoji ghost template print-out
RealSimple.com

Take your pumpkin carving to the 21st century with this template, which is more funny than frightening—and completely adorable.

02 of 19

Witch on a Broomstick Pumpkin Carving Stencil

Pumpkin carving stencil: Witch on a Broom template print-out
realsimple.com

Nothing says Halloween like a witch. Carve this wicked lady onto your pumpkin for a super spooky effect.

03 of 19

Classic Jack-o'-Lantern Pumpkin Carving Stencil

Jack-o-Lantern Pumpkin Stencil
realsimple.com

If you're looking for a classic, easy-to-carve design, this stencil is your best bet. The face won't scare young children—even though it has a slightly ominous grin.

04 of 19

Witch's Magic Wand Pumpkin Carving Stencil

Witch's Magic Wand Template
realsimple.com

Go more magical than wicked with this cute pumpkin design. Bonus: It should be pretty easy to carve.

05 of 19

Vampire Ghost Pumpkin Carving Stencil

Pumpkin carving stencil - vampire ghost template print-out
realsimple.com

Somehow, the fangs just make this ghost pumpkin design more adorable. Use this template with kids who like the idea of pumpkin carving but are not masters just yet.

06 of 19

Bats Pumpkin Carving Stencil

Pumpkin carving stencil: Bats template print-out
realsimple.com

Here's hoping the only cloud of bats you see on Halloween night are the ones carved into the pumpkins on your front stoop.

07 of 19

Spider Pumpkin Carving Stencil

Pumpkin carving stencil: Spider template print-out
realsimple.com

This eight-legged monster—and some fake cobwebs—will turn your porch into a haunted house.

08 of 19

Ghost Pumpkin Carving Stencil

Ghost pumpkin stencil template - free print-out stencil
realsimple.com

While we're used to seeing ghosts roaming the streets on Halloween, there's no reason they can't take their place on a pumpkin, too. With this stencil you can carve out a ghoulish ghost that will give off a spooky glow.

09 of 19

Cat Pumpkin Carving Stencil

Pumpkin carving stencil: Cat template print-out
realsimple.com

Easily spooked by ghouls, goblins, and all things Halloween? Opt for this cat stencil, which is more cute than creepy.

10 of 19

Witch's Profile Pumpkin Carving Stencil

Pumpkin carving stencils - Witch’s Profile template print-out
realsimple.com

For intermediate pumpkin carvers, this template poses a few challenges, but the final result—a perfect witch pumpkin—is worth the effort.

11 of 19

Classic Ghost Pumpkin Carving Stencil

Pumpkin carving stencil - classic ghost template print-out
realsimple.com

Go classic with this simple pumpkin design: The ghost is cute and creepy in equal measure.

12 of 19

Skull Pumpkin Carving Stencil

Pumpkin Template: Skull pumpkin carving stencil
realsimple.com

If the jack-o'-lantern design is just too tame, try this grimacing skull for an extra eerie effect.

13 of 19

Tombstone Pumpkin Carving Stencil

Pumpkin carving Template: Tombstone stencil printout
realsimple.com

The best way to decorate your house for Halloween is to pick a theme and stick to it. Turn your porch or lawn into a graveyard by using this stencil to carve tombstones onto a few pumpkins.

14 of 19

Fiery Ghost Pumpkin Carving Stencil

Pumpkin carving stencil - fiery ghost template print-out
realsimple.com

If you want to take the spooky route, try this fiery skull, which is plenty spooky—and a good challenge for anyone looking to upgrade their pumpkin carving abilities.

15 of 19

Witch's Brew Pumpkin Carving Stencil

Pumpkin carving stencils - witch's brew template print-out
realsimple.com

Witch-themed and easy, this template offers an alternative to the classic witch imagery without leaving Halloween territory all together.

16 of 19

Spooky Ghost Pumpkin Carving Stencil

Pumpkin carving stencil - spooky ghost template print-out
realsimple.com

Consider this an intermediate pumpkin design: This ghost pumpkin is dark and spooky but will make any visitor or passerby remark on your carving skills.

17 of 19

Witch's Hat Pumpkin Carving Stencil

Witch pumpkin carving stencil - witch hat template print-out
realsimple.com

The straight lines in this witch design make for an easy pumpkin carving experience. The spider may pose some challenges, but you can always leave it out for a simpler jack-o'-lantern.

18 of 19

Surprised Ghost Pumpkin Carving Stencil

Pumpkin carving stencil - surprised ghost template print-out
realsimple.com

Kids will love the shocked expression on this ghost pumpkin design. Take extra care when carving out the fingers—and if they seem too challenging, you can always forgo the arms all together for a more classic ghost silhouette.

19 of 19

Witch's Shoes Pumpkin Carving Stencil

Pumpkin carving stencil - witch shoes template print-out
realsimple.com

Subtle and a little artsy, this witch pumpkin design has some major Wizard of Oz vibes. Best of all, it's relatively simple to carve.

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