These 55 Printable Pumpkin Stencils Make Carving Easier Than Ever
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
While there are plenty of fun fall activities, few top the joy of bringing a pumpkin carving idea to life. It's a nostalgic, family-friendly tradition for all ages, whether you're setting out your glowing creation on the porch or enjoying the process of carving itself. To make things easier, our free and printable pumpkin stencils are perfect guides for creating stunning designs.
From simple patterns to more advanced, artistic options, there's a stencil for everyone. Classic Halloween themes like owls, cats, skulls and ghosts are great, while Disney-inspired stencils offer something fun for kids. These pumpkin carving ideas are perfect for families, friends or even for taking home the top prize at a local contest!
Ghost Moon
Just imagine the glow of a candle behind this creepy ghostly moon design as it sits out on your porch on Halloween night.
RELATED: Unique Ways to Deck Out Your Porch for Fall
Sad Heart Face
Pumpkins can be happy, scary and even sad, but with a matching pair of heart-shaped eyes it's also oh-so cute.
Witch Hat
Bubble, bubble boil and trouble, this design will easily bewitch any trick-or-treaters.
Smiley Classic Face
When in doubt, go with a classic smiling jack-o'-lantern. It's a favorite design that people do year after year for a reason.
RELATED: The Spooky Reason Black and Orange Became the Colors of Halloween
Owl in the Moon
Put your skills to the test with this unique stencil of an owl on the moon that will look absolutely gourd-dous when the sun sets and it glows with a candle from inside.
Silly Face
Just because it's Halloween doesn't mean everything needs to be scary, and this stencil is perfect for those who want their pumpkins to be the perfect blend of scary and silly.
Boo!
Short, sweet and spooky — what more could we want?
Grinning Face
Finally, a pumpkin with a face that matches ours as soon as we see the house that's giving out full-sized candy bars.
Bat
This design might look tricky, but it's actually quite doable, even if your carving skills are more beginner-level.
Crow Stencil
Fans of the Halloween horror The Crow might like paying homage to the cult classic with a matching pumpkin. Although this isn't necessarily a beginner-level carving, you'd be surprised how well you can achieve the creepy look yourself thanks to this easy-to-use stencil.
RELATED: Best Halloween Movies, From Old Classics to New Cult Favorites
Acorn Stencil
There will be a few squirrels a little disappointed to discover that this glowing acorn on your front porch is not, in fact, real. But it's still super cute, nonetheless!
Candle Stencil
If you're not the most skilled carver but want to try your hand at something a little trickier, then this stencil is perfect. The end result looks much cooler than a traditional jack-o'-lantern face.
Feather Stencil
Attention to detail is everything with this feather stencil. For something with this many tight edges, opt for a smaller, thinner knife to really nail the feather's border. If you find that you can't quite get them right, feel free to freestyle it a bit.
Flames Stencil
Want a one-of-a-kind decorating idea? Use this stencil on a bunch of pumpkins, pop some candles inside, then line your driveway or walkway with them so trick-or-treaters have a lit path straight to your candy. Not only will it look absolutely spooktacular, but it'll make your holiday decor stand out from the rest of the block.
Flower Stencil
This is what you would call a bold design but easy enough for carving newbies. If you really want to make a statement, create a "bouquet" of porch pumpkins by using the stencil on a variety of pumpkins of varying sizes.
Tombstone Stencil
Here lies one super cool pumpkin design. This expert-level design really shines once the sun sets and the candle is lit.
Cluster of Leaves Stencil
Two fall staples — leaves and pumpkins — all in one place! Those who consider themselves experienced carvers can try their hand at this detailed stencil. It might take some time, but think of how proud you'll be when it's all done.
Evil Queen Pumpkin Stencil
Snow White might be the star of the movie, but the Evil Queen from the Disney flick is just as fun to watch. This fierce face only looks scarier with a candle illuminating from behind.
Get the stencil at Creative-Type Dad
RELATED: Seriously Scary Halloween Costumes That Will Make You Sleep With the Lights On
Skeleton Stencil
Carvers at every level will be able to pull off this adorable (yet creepy) smiling face that you'll want to take a skel-fie with afterward.
Cat Stencil
Cute as a button and super creative, this one-of-a-kind stencil will look purrrr-fect on your pumpkin.
Two-Leaf Stencil
Like the look of the leaves but want something simpler than the previous slide? Here you go! Just think of how gorgeous this pumpkin will look once the sun sets and the candle inside it is lit.
Sunflower Stencil
Beginner carvers beware — this sunflower stencil is no joke. But if you have the time and patience to work on this for a few hours, the reward at the end will be worth it.
Single Leaf Stencil
If you have a bunch of other scary or silly jack-o-lanterns already designed, perhaps you want something simple like this to balance out your pumpkin display.
Lego Stencil
Whether you're a kid or a kid-at-heart, you're definitely familiar with Legos. Not only is this design full of nostalgia, but it will really glow once it gets dark outside.
Get the stencil at Mom and More
Minecraft Creeper Stencil
Calling all gamers! Trace this stencil to create this Minecraft Creeper design that will make your pumpkin look like it came straight out of the video game.
Get the stencil at Alpha Mom
Owl Stencil
Your Halloween party guests will definitely get a kick out of this one. Admittedly, this might be tough to do by yourself, so grab a friend or family member to help out with this challenging (but oh-so rewarding!) design.
Starry Night Stencil
Simple, elegant and classic. Who knows, maybe this starry night stencil will channel the ideal trick-or-treating weather come Halloween night.
Grumpy Monster Pumpkin Stencil
Hey, not every pumpkin can be a cheerful one. Beginners and experienced carvers will have no trouble using this easy stencil to create the cutest grumpy monster pumpkins.
Clustered Polka Dots Stencil
We promise no one else will have a design like this sitting on their front porch. If you have a drill and the whole family helping out, this pattern will be a breeze to complete.
Simple Polka Dots Stencil
Sometimes, a simple design is the best one to go with — and with this one, you don't even need a knife. Use a screwdriver or drill to get those perfectly circular dots and minimize the clean-up effort.
Polka Dot Pattern Stencil
Although this polka dot stencil is not the ideal pattern for those who want a quick carving activity, the gorgeous end result makes the long task of poking all the holes well worth it.
RELATED: Fun Pumpkin Carving Ideas to Put Your Creativity and Halloween Spirit to the Test
Starburst Stencil
A pretty pattern that's easy to do and won't take all afternoon to complete? Sounds like an easy choice to us.
Branch of Leaves Stencil
Here's an idea: If you're really into the leaf theme, carve each of your pumpkins with a different leaf pattern from this list and then group them together on your porch for the full fall effect.
RIP Skull and Crossbones Stencil
The perfect not-too-complicated design that describes exactly how our stomachs will feel after we dig into our kid's Halloween candy stash once they go to bed.
Creepy Witch Stencil
This creative design will bewitch any partygoers or trick-or-treaters that stumble upon it.
RELATED: Best Witch Quotes for a Magical and Enchanting Halloween
RIP Tombstone Stencil
Skip the tombstone decor this Halloween and use your pumpkins instead. Better yet, make your display more spooky by adding some creepy jack-o-lanterns and witch-decorated pumpkins on either side.
Maple Leaf Stencil
You better be-leaf there's another leaf stencil on our list. They just look so stunning and are perfect for pumpkins of every size and shape. Depending on how big your pumpkin is, you could even do multiple maple leafs on one.
Pumpkin Leaf Lanterns Stencil
Create some gorgeous glowing pumpkin lanterns with this pretty leaf stencil that will bring a warm and rustic glow to your front porch this fall.
Boo to You Stencil
This stencil is simply fa-boo-lous! All the guys and ghouls in the neighborhood will remember seeing this creatively carved pumpkin when they come by to trick-or-treat this Halloween.
Get the stencil at Woman's Day
RELATED: Seriously Funny Halloween Puns That All Your Ghouls Will Find Totally Eerie-sistible
Hobgoblin Pumpkin Stencil
You can't go wrong with a classic jack-o'-lantern face. But the fear factor will really skyrocket when you use this evil-looking hobgoblin stencil. If you're into the super-scary Halloween stuff, this might be the design for you.
Get the stencil at Woman's Day
Black Magic Witch Pumpkin Stencil
Beware of resting witch-face. Although it might look a little tricky, this wicked witch is easy to carve into any pumpkin. Simply start with the smaller details and work your way out.
Get the stencil at Woman's Day
Mickey Mouse Stencil
Mickey Mouse is always a good idea. Whether you use a plastic or real pumpkin in this DIY craft, we can guarantee this will turn out absolutely adorable. No one on your street will have anything like it.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY
RELATED: Easy DIY Disney Costumes Inspired by Your Favorite Disney Movies
"The Rocky Horror Picture Show" Lips Stencil
Who doesn't love a good pumpkin pop culture reference? Use this special stencil to carve the iconic lips from The Rocky Horror Picture Show into a big pumpkin. You won't be able to resist singing "Time Warp" as you work.
Haunted House Stencil
The golden glow of a candle or LED light behind this haunted house silhouette creates a truly creepy pumpkin design. If you're a beginner, you're likely better off opting for a simpler design... like the one on the next slide.
Family of Pumpkins Stencil
Create a pumpkin to represent every member of the family with these accessory stencils. The real question is... which member of your pumpkin family will be the best dressed?
Get the stencils at Woman's Day
'The Good Dinosaur' Stencil
A super easy stencil to use if you're carving alongside the kids. This Good Dinosaur-inspired stencil offers a super unique carving idea for kids and adults who are fans of the animated film or Disney.
Get the tutorial at A Sparkle of Genius
Zombie Stencil
This expert-level zombie design will make any pumpkin look "drop-dead" gourd-ous. Fair warning, this might be a tricky one to complete, so make sure to bring your patience.
Get the stencil at Woman's Day
RELATED: DIY Zombie Costume Ideas for Every Age
Jack Stack Pumpkin Stencil
These cute faces will warmly greet trick-or-treaters or partygoers come October. Who said pumpkins had to be scary?
Get the stencils at Woman's Day
Cupcake Stencil
So cute! This pumpkin is all treat, no tricks. Although when it comes to satisfying that Halloween sweet tooth, we strongly recommend you stick to candy.
Get the tutorial at Lindsay Ann Bakes
Zombie Hand Stencil
Something wicked is waking up — or at least, it looks that way thanks to this creative, intricate design that experienced carvers will love. Hey, zombies want to get in on that candy action too.
"Linus and the Great Pumpkin" Pumpkin Stencil
The classic movie It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown may have come out all the way back in 1966, but it still inspires us to this day. What better way to pay tribute to the Peanuts friends than with this nostalgic design.
Get the tutorial at Creative-Type Dad
Whoo Is the Wisest? Pumpkin Stencil
If you can believe it, this stencil only require five steps. Not to mention, whoooo could possibly compete with your pumpkin when it looks as eerie as this?
Get the stencil at Woman's Day
Plague Doctor Stencil
If the annual season of Halloween doesn't scare you a little bit each year, then this pumpkin definitely will. Heads up, this stencil is described as best for "intermediate" carvers, so might be best if the adults tackle.
Teen Scream Vampire Stencil
Watch out for Count Dracula — he looks like he really means business. Don't be scared at how complex this design looks, though. It's actually quite easy to do on your own.
Get the tutorial at Woman's Day
Baby Announcement (Pack of Six)
Announce your upcoming bundle of joy with one of the six stencils in this variety pack below. Patterns include baby feet, pacifier, baby bottle and more.
You Might Also Like
