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  5. 19 Pumpkin Carving Stencils for the Best Jack-o'-Lanterns on the Block

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

Real Simple Author
By Real Simple Editors Updated October 26, 2021
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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.

RELATED: How Long Do Carved Pumpkins Last?

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Ghost Emoji Pumpkin Carving Stencil

Pumpkin carving stencil - emoji ghost template print-out
Credit: RealSimple.com
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Take your pumpkin carving to the 21st century with this template, which is more funny than frightening—and completely adorable.

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Witch on a Broomstick Pumpkin Carving Stencil

Pumpkin carving stencil: Witch on a Broom template print-out
Credit: realsimple.com
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Nothing says Halloween like a witch. Carve this wicked lady onto your pumpkin for a super spooky effect.

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Classic Jack-o'-Lantern Pumpkin Carving Stencil

Jack-o-Lantern Pumpkin Stencil
Credit: realsimple.com
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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.

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Witch's Magic Wand Pumpkin Carving Stencil

Witch's Magic Wand Template
Credit: realsimple.com
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Go more magical than wicked with this cute pumpkin design. Bonus: It should be pretty easy to carve.

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Vampire Ghost Pumpkin Carving Stencil

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

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Bats Pumpkin Carving Stencil

Pumpkin carving stencil: Bats template print-out
Credit: realsimple.com
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Here's hoping the only cloud of bats you see on Halloween night are the ones carved into the pumpkins on your front stoop.

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Spider Pumpkin Carving Stencil

Pumpkin carving stencil: Spider template print-out
Credit: realsimple.com
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This eight-legged monster—and some fake cobwebs—will turn your porch into a haunted house.

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Ghost Pumpkin Carving Stencil

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

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Cat Pumpkin Carving Stencil

Pumpkin carving stencil: Cat template print-out
Credit: realsimple.com
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Easily spooked by ghouls, goblins, and all things Halloween? Opt for this cat stencil, which is more cute than creepy.

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Witch's Profile Pumpkin Carving Stencil

Pumpkin carving stencils - Witch’s Profile template print-out
Credit: realsimple.com
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For intermediate pumpkin carvers, this template poses a few challenges, but the final result—a perfect witch pumpkin—is worth the effort.

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Classic Ghost Pumpkin Carving Stencil

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

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

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Skull Pumpkin Carving Stencil

Pumpkin Template: Skull pumpkin carving stencil
Credit: realsimple.com
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If the jack-o'-lantern design is just too tame, try this grimacing skull for an extra eerie effect.

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Tombstone Pumpkin Carving Stencil

Pumpkin carving Template: Tombstone stencil printout
Credit: realsimple.com
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Turn your porch or lawn into a graveyard by using this stencil to carve tombstones onto a few pumpkins.

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Fiery Ghost Pumpkin Carving Stencil

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

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Witch's Brew Pumpkin Carving Stencil

Pumpkin carving stencils - witch's brew template print-out
Credit: realsimple.com
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Witch-themed and easy, this template offers an alternative to the classic witch imagery without leaving Halloween territory all together.

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Spooky Ghost Pumpkin Carving Stencil

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

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Witch's Hat Pumpkin Carving Stencil

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

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Surprised Ghost Pumpkin Carving Stencil

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

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Witch's Shoes Pumpkin Carving Stencil

Pumpkin carving stencil - witch shoes template print-out
Credit: realsimple.com
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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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    1 of 19 Ghost Emoji Pumpkin Carving Stencil
    2 of 19 Witch on a Broomstick Pumpkin Carving Stencil
    3 of 19 Classic Jack-o'-Lantern Pumpkin Carving Stencil
    4 of 19 Witch's Magic Wand Pumpkin Carving Stencil
    5 of 19 Vampire Ghost Pumpkin Carving Stencil
    6 of 19 Bats Pumpkin Carving Stencil
    7 of 19 Spider Pumpkin Carving Stencil
    8 of 19 Ghost Pumpkin Carving Stencil
    9 of 19 Cat Pumpkin Carving Stencil
    10 of 19 Witch's Profile Pumpkin Carving Stencil
    11 of 19 Classic Ghost Pumpkin Carving Stencil
    12 of 19 Skull Pumpkin Carving Stencil
    13 of 19 Tombstone Pumpkin Carving Stencil
    14 of 19 Fiery Ghost Pumpkin Carving Stencil
    15 of 19 Witch's Brew Pumpkin Carving Stencil
    16 of 19 Spooky Ghost Pumpkin Carving Stencil
    17 of 19 Witch's Hat Pumpkin Carving Stencil
    18 of 19 Surprised Ghost Pumpkin Carving Stencil
    19 of 19 Witch's Shoes Pumpkin Carving Stencil

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