Pumpkin Carving Tips and Tricks

Halloween is here! Carving a pumpkin can be difficult, but our tips and tricks help make it easier. We can help you make your jack-o’-lantern the best on the block! You can’t go wrong choosing a pumpkin from Publix, but remember – not all pumpkins are created equal. So how do you and your family get the perfect one for carving? Here are some tips to find the perfect one:

• Select a firm pumpkin free of bruises and cuts. A blemished pumpkin won’t last as long, and you may have difficulty carving it.
• Bring your pattern with you to your Publix – this will help you choose the best pumpkin to match your stencil. Some patterns are more suited for tall, skinny pumpkins; others look best on short, squatty ones. Don’t be scared to choose a pumpkin that may be misshapen or looks imperfect.
• Make sure the pumpkin you choose will fit where you want to display it.
• If you’re going to cut the top off and put a candle or light inside, find a pumpkin that has a stem long enough and strong enough to use as a handle.
• Working with your kids? Choose a lightweight pumpkin with a smooth exterior, as those are the easiest to carve. Always supervise children while they carve their pumpkins.

Step 1: Gather your tools

There’s no need to get fancy with your pumpkin-carving tools. Special kits for carving pumpkins are easy to find, or you can use a sufficiently sharpened kitchen knife; serrated knives may work best as they are less likely to slip. To minimize the mess and make carving easier, use the following tools:

• Newspapers to cover your work surface
• Bowl or plastic bag for seeds and pulp
• Sharp knife or small saw
• Spoon or ice cream scoop
• Pumpkin stencils
• Knitting needle
• Marker or felt-tip pen
• Small tealight candle to illuminate your carving when finished (or use a battery-operated electric version)
• Pumpkin-carving kit (includes saw, carving knife, scoop, stencil poker and stencils) (optional)
• Grapefruit spoon, rounded gouge, wood chisel or crafts knife (optional)

Step 2: Draw and carve the lid

Time to get started! Grab some gloves if you want to keep your hands clean.

• Remove soil or other debris from the surface of the pumpkin with a moist, soft cloth.
• Draw an outline of a lid around the stem (or cut a hole in the bottom of your pumpkin so you can simply place it over a light source).
• It’s helpful to draw a notch so you can easily tell where to replace the lid when you take it off.
• Make your pumpkin’s lid large enough to get your hand inside (and so you can place a light source inside).

Step 3: Remove the seeds and pulp

Get down to the nitty-gritty! Pumpkins have seeds and pulp that need to be removed before carving.

• Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to remove the seeds and pulp.
• Remove pulp until the inside walls are smooth and free of hanging pulp.

Step 4: Transfer the pattern

Using a template? Reduce or enlarge it to match the size of your pumpkin.

• Tape the corners of the template to the outside of the pumpkin, then use a poker tool (available in pumpkin-carving kits) or the pointed tip of a knitting needle to score the design onto the pumpkin.
• Score the design by punching guide holes through the paper (be sure not to push all the way through the wall of the pumpkin.)
• You can also draw your own design on the pumpkin with a marker or felt-tip pen if you do not want to use a stencil.

Stencils

Still not sure which pattern to choose for your pumpkin? To help create the best jack-o’-lanterns ever, we put together these stencils. Choose your favorite or mix and match parts of different patterns for a unique look. Print and transfer the designs onto your pumpkins.

Step 5: Cut out the pattern

Now, for the fun stuff! It’s time to get this pumpkin looking extra festive.

• Cut out the scored design with the mini-saw from a carving kit, or a small kitchen or paring knife.
• For small openings, use the fine-tooth saw from a carving kit.
• Gently saw in a continuous motion at a 90-degree angle from the pumpkin. Too much pressure could break the saw or pumpkin wall.
• When you reach a corner, remove the blade and insert it at the new angle. Don’t try to twist the blade.
• When finished carving the entire section or design, reach into the pumpkin and (gently) poke the pieces from the inside out of the pumpkin.
• If something gets stuck, go back with your tool and revisit the corners.
• If you need to take a break from carving, wrap your pumpkin tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it until you are ready to finish.

Step 6: Create special effects (optional)

If you want to try an advanced technique, remove the skin without cutting holes in the pumpkin. For this,

• Use a grapefruit spoon, rounded gouge, wood chisel or craft knife to remove the skin.
• Cut as much skin and pulp as necessary to obtain the look you desire.
• Remember, the more skin and flesh you remove, the more light will shine through.

Step 7: Illuminate your jack-o’-lantern

Now that it’s time to get that pumpkin ready for the world to see, let’s talk lights!

• Place a candle in the pumpkin once all the carving is complete.
• If the candle blackens or burns a spot inside the pumpkin, make a 1-inch-diameter hole in the darkened area to vent the heat.
• Make your jack-o’-lantern last longer by coating the cut edges with petroleum jelly. If your pumpkin starts to shrivel, revive it by soaking it in water for several hours.
• After you remove the pumpkin from water in the step above, keep it from rotting by letting it drain and dry.
• Safety tip: Never leave a burning candle unattended or in the reach of children. Consider using battery-operated electric candles.

Show us what you’ve got! Stop in, get started on those pumpkins and share them with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using #PublixPumpkins!