Halloween Pumpkin Carving Contest Β· Starts October 1st Β· $500 in prizes

10 Unique Cool Pumpkin Stencils

We curated 10 of the very best unique cool pumpkin stencils so you can pick one and start carving in minutes.

  1. 1. Five Star Band and Ten Circles

    Five Star Band and Ten Circles pumpkin carving stencil

    Designed for a long pumpkin lying on its side, this pattern runs a band of five bold stars across the middle with ten round holes scattered above and below like floating orbs. Every star and circle is a simple cut-through, and the sideways layout makes it a fun tabletop centerpiece instead of an upright face. At medium difficulty the stars are the focus: poke each star's five points before cutting so the angles meet sharply.

    See template β†’
  2. 2. Six Stars and Seven Dots

    Six Stars and Seven Dots pumpkin carving stencil

    Six five-pointed stars and seven round dots scatter across the pumpkin like glowing confetti, wrapping around the sides rather than clustering on one face. Every star and dot is cut fully through, turning the whole pumpkin into a lantern that throws starlight in all directions. This medium all-over pattern is extra charming on a warty or bumpy pumpkin; drill the dots first, then cut each star point to point, rotating the pumpkin so you always saw at a comfortable angle.

    See template β†’
  3. 3. Running Dinosaur and Long Tail

    Running Dinosaur and Long Tail pumpkin carving stencil

    A velociraptor sprints across the pumpkin in full silhouette, head low, clawed legs mid-stride, and its long tail sweeping behind for balance. The entire dinosaur cuts through as one glowing shape, with the narrow tail and slim legs providing the medium challenge. Carve the thin tail and leg sections first in short segments, then remove the large body last so the delicate extremities are never left unsupported.

    See template β†’
  4. 4. Three Fish Above Two Waves

    Three Fish Above Two Waves pumpkin carving stencil

    Three fish swim in a loose diagonal school above two rolling wave bands, with a trail of round bubbles rising toward the stem. Every element is cut through: fish bodies with notched tails, the long curved waves, and the bubble dots all become glowing openings. The waves are the longest cuts, so brace the pumpkin and saw them in smooth continuous strokes; poke the bubbles out first with a round tool while the wall is solid.

    See template β†’
  5. 5. Curled Dolphin Profile

    Curled Dolphin Profile pumpkin carving stencil

    A leaping dolphin caught mid-arc, its curved body, pointed snout, dorsal fin, and sweeping tail all glowing through one sculpted cut-through opening, with an intact rind island shaping the pectoral fin and belly. The interior island is the key feature: cut the outer outline in sections and leave the connecting bridges to the island untouched until the very end, then trim them carefully to final width.

    See template β†’
  6. 6. Eight Teardrops Around Circle

    Eight Teardrops Around Circle pumpkin carving stencil

    Eight teardrop petals radiate around a central circle cutout, like a glowing daisy or sunburst wheel. Every teardrop and the center are pierced clean through, turning the pumpkin into a lantern that throws petal-shaped light across the porch. Cut the center circle first as your anchor point, then work around the ring, alternating sides so the wall stays balanced as you go.

    See template β†’
  7. 7. Plain Thumbs Up Relief

    Plain Thumbs Up Relief pumpkin carving stencil

    The classic thumbs-up hand, thumb raised high over four curled fingers, presented as a bold etched panel on the pumpkin's face. No holes are pierced; you shave the outer skin inside the hand outline so the pale flesh forms the gesture, leaving thin rind lines to separate the fingers. Keep the shaved depth even and stop at each finger line so the knuckle ridges stay dark and readable.

    See template β†’
  8. 8. Crossed Sticks and Three Dots

    Crossed Sticks and Three Dots pumpkin carving stencil

    Two hockey sticks cross in a bold X with their curved blades flaring outward at the bottom, a round puck resting between them, and three small dots arcing above like arena lights. The sticks, puck, and dots are all pierced through, leaving a crisp diamond of pumpkin at the center of the X. At medium difficulty that center diamond is the fragile piece, so cut the four stick channels one at a time and never lever the knife against it.

    See template β†’
  9. 9. Star Above Two Chevrons

    Star Above Two Chevrons pumpkin carving stencil

    A six-point badge star shines above two stacked chevron stripes, with three small dots arcing over the top like a crest. Every shape is cut fully through the wall, giving the design the crisp look of a service badge or rank insignia glowing on the porch. Cut the chevrons from their outer ends toward the center points, and keep the rind strip between the two stripes intact for a clean military edge.

    See template β†’
  10. 10. Four Sails Above Three Waves

    Four Sails Above Three Waves pumpkin carving stencil

    A pirate ship rides three rolling waves, its mast carrying four billowing sail panels and a small flag snapping at the top. The sails, hull, flag, and waves are all cut through, while the mast and yard lines are strips of rind left between the openings to hold the rigging together. Those mast strips make it a medium carve: cut the four sail windows one at a time, always slicing away from the mast strip so you never lever against it.

    See template β†’

Pick one, print it, carve it. 10 unique cool pumpkin stencils should be enough for any porch.

Browse all pumpkin stencils β†’
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