Holidays & Entertaining Holidays Halloween 19 Pumpkin Carving Stencils for the Best Jack-o'-Lanterns on the Block By Real Simple Editors Real Simple Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter An article attributed to "Real Simple Editors" indicates a collaborative effort from our in-house team. Sometimes, several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The REAL SIMPLE team strives to make life easier for you. They are experts in their fields who research, test and clearly explain the best recipes, strategies, trends and products. They have worked for some of the most prestigious brands in lifestyle journalism, including Apartment Therapy, Better Homes & Gardens, Food & Wine, the Food Network, Good Housekeeping, InStyle, Martha Stewart Living, O: The Oprah Magazine, Parents, POPSUGAR, Rachel Ray Every Day, and Vogue. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on October 26, 2021 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Getty Images No-carve pumpkin ideas are always an easy win, but for those seeking the classic jack-o'-lantern look this Halloween, it's time to plan a pumpkin carving session. Intimidated? Don't be. First, brush up on how to carve a pumpkin. Then browse this collection of the best pumpkin carving stencils and templates (which will turn any ordinary pumpkin into a work of art—no design degree required). Finally, pick a few designs that match your outdoor Halloween decorations, hit print, and get carving. How Long Do Carved Pumpkins Last? 01 of 19 Ghost Emoji Pumpkin Carving Stencil Print This Stencil 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 Print This Stencil 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 Print this 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 print this stencil 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 print this stencil 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 print this stencil 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 print this stencil 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 print this 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 print this stencil 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 print this stencil 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 print this stencil 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 print this 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 print this stencil realsimple.com 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 print this stencil 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 print this stencil 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 print this stencil 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 print this stencil 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 print this stencil 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 print this stencil 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. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit