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

25 Homemade Cool Pumpkin Templates

Explore 25 distinct homemade cool pumpkin templates from the stencil library.

  1. 1. Wisconsin Pumpkin Stencil

    Wisconsin Pumpkin Stencil pumpkin carving stencil

    Wisconsin's distinctive outline fills the center of this pumpkin stencil, its jagged northern coastline and small Door Peninsula peninsula cut cleanly away to glow as a single solid state shape when lit. The entire interior of the state boundary is pierced through, casting a bold Wisconsin silhouette in light against the dark pumpkin. Score the sharp indentations along the Lake Superior shoreline slowly, since those tight interior corners are where the blade most easily wanders and widens the cut.

    See template β†’
  2. 2. Winged Heart Pumpkin Stencil

    Winged Heart Pumpkin Stencil pumpkin carving stencil

    A large heart with feathered wings spread wide anchors this hard pumpkin stencil, with a scrolling banner ribbon below carrying decorative curl accents. The heart is kept solid as pumpkin flesh while the wing feather gaps and banner interior are cut through, creating a tattoo-style composition that glows with intricate layered detail. The individual feather separations along each wing are narrow and numerous; carve them starting at the outermost wingtip and working toward the heart so the wing stays attached to the body of the pumpkin longest.

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  3. 3. Rocket and Stars Pumpkin Stencil

    Rocket and Stars Pumpkin Stencil pumpkin carving stencil

    A retro rocket ship blasting diagonally upward through a field of five-pointed stars fills this easy pumpkin stencil. The rocket body is a large solid pierce-through with a small circular porthole cut from its center, and two swept fins angle beneath it; six stars of varying sizes are scattered across the field. Lit from within, the rocket and stars all glow as bright cut-out shapes. Cut the small circular porthole in the rocket body before removing the rocket silhouette itself, since that circle is far easier to score cleanly while the surrounding wall has full support.

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  4. 4. Tiger Face Pumpkin Stencil

    Tiger Face Pumpkin Stencil pumpkin carving stencil

    A full-face tiger portrait stares forward from this expert-level pumpkin stencil: the broad round head is ringed by a jagged fur ruff, two triangular ears with inner cutouts peek from the top corners, and the face is built from dozens of interlocking stripe-shaped cutouts that form the eyes, nose bridge, muzzle, and whisker spots. The lit result shows a photorealistic tiger rendered entirely in positive pumpkin bridges and negative glowing gaps. Work from the center of the face outward, cutting the small eye-iris pieces first before tackling the radiating stripe cuts that hold the whole design together.

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  5. 5. Male Portrait Pumpkin Stencil

    Male Portrait Pumpkin Stencil pumpkin carving stencil

    A male portrait rendered in spare, angular linework fills this hard pumpkin stencil: a large angular head shape, a distinctive widow's peak hairline, deep-set eye sockets with small cutout irises, a long straight nose, and a square jaw with a chin dimple. The design uses wide open negative shapes separated by just a few thin structural bridges, so the lit portrait reads as a bold, high-contrast face. The narrow bridge between the nose and the upper lip is the most vulnerable point, so score it lightly before making any cuts on either side of it.

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  6. 6. Farm Tractor Pumpkin Stencil

    Farm Tractor Pumpkin Stencil pumpkin carving stencil

    A side-view farm tractor fills this hard-level pumpkin stencil: a large rear wheel with a circular hub and cross-spoke cutouts, a small front wheel with a curved fender, a boxy cab section with cut-out windows, a squared hood, and a vertical exhaust stack. The rear wheel dominates the lower half of the composition and has the most intricate internal detail. Cut the cab windows and exhaust stack openings first while the pumpkin is still fully intact, then work on the large rear wheel spokes last, since removing them will flex the surrounding skin considerably.

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  7. 7. Pirate Pumpkin Stencil

    Pirate Pumpkin Stencil pumpkin carving stencil

    A grinning pirate face topped by a tricorn hat is the subject of this hard pumpkin stencil: a skull-and-crossbones badge on the hat brim, a round-brimmed hat spreading wide, a leather eye patch over one eye, a weathered face with deep laugh lines, a broad toothy smile, and a pointed goatee at the chin. The lit design reveals a cheerful swashbuckler portrait full of character. Cut the small skull-and-crossbones elements on the hat first while the surrounding skin is firm, then work down through the face, saving the wide hat brim last.

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  8. 8. Monster Truck Pumpkin Stencil

    Monster Truck Pumpkin Stencil pumpkin carving stencil

    A side-view monster truck with massive knobby tires dominates this expert pumpkin stencil: two oversized wheels with five-spoke rims, a high-clearance suspension chassis visible between the tires, a boxy cab with window cutouts, a wide front bumper, and flame or dragon graphics on the door panel. The many narrow bridges connecting the chassis rails and the spoke details inside each wheel make this a demanding carve. Cut the interior cab windows and bumper slots first, then tackle the five spokes of each wheel one at a time, always working away from the thin axle hub at the center.

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  9. 9. Ninja Warrior Pumpkin Stencil

    Ninja Warrior Pumpkin Stencil pumpkin carving stencil

    A stocky ninja warrior in a fighting stance holds a broad katana raised overhead in this easy pumpkin stencil. The figure is nearly a solid silhouette pierce-through, with just a few interior slots carved at the belt sash and the chest opening to add definition. The diagonal sword blade extends well above the head, making it the widest point of the design. Transfer the sword line with care and cut it in a single continuous stroke so the blade stays perfectly straight when lit.

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  10. 10. Bearded Man Portrait Pumpkin Stencil

    Bearded Man Portrait Pumpkin Stencil pumpkin carving stencil

    A bearded man shown from chest up is rendered in this expert pumpkin stencil with fine portrait linework: tousled spiked hair, narrow cut-out lines for expressive eyes with visible irises, a trimmed goatee built from small isolated patches, an open jacket collar, and a table or surface line at the bottom. The face relies on dozens of thin pumpkin bridges to hold the portrait together, creating a detailed likeness when lit. Carve the small goatee patches and eye details first, before the larger jacket and background cuts are made, to keep the face area stable throughout.

    See template β†’
  11. 11. Man Portrait Pumpkin Stencil

    Man Portrait Pumpkin Stencil pumpkin carving stencil

    A scowling man's portrait rendered in tight linework stares out from this expert pumpkin stencil, one hand raised in a defiant gesture with a skeleton hand overlaid on it, the figure's jacket and muscular build conveyed through angled slash cuts below the face. The design relies on many small interior cuts to build the facial features, making it a demanding carve. Tackle the densely detailed face first, cutting the brow wrinkles, nostril, and lip cuts before opening any of the larger torso voids.

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  12. 12. Peace Sign Pumpkin Stencil

    Peace Sign Pumpkin Stencil pumpkin carving stencil

    A large peace sign fills the pumpkin face in this easy pumpkin stencil: a bold outer ring interrupted by four gaps, a vertical center bar, and two diagonal lower bars all pierced through, with the spaces between them staying solid. When lit, the candlelight glows through the ring segments and the three bar slots, mapping the familiar peace symbol in orange light. Because the ring has four gaps that nearly isolate four arc sections, cut the two lower arcs last to keep them braced while the upper cuts are made.

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  13. 13. Pirate Skull Pumpkin Stencil

    Pirate Skull Pumpkin Stencil pumpkin carving stencil

    A grinning pirate skull wearing a broad tricorn hat dominates this expert-level pumpkin stencil, with a second miniature skull-and-crossbones badge emblazoned on the hat brim. Dense cutwork in the teeth row, eye sockets, and hat badge creates many small isolated pieces held together by narrow bridges of pumpkin flesh. Begin with the tiny crossbone details on the hat badge while your hands are freshest, then move to the eye sockets and finally the toothed lower jaw.

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  14. 14. Rainbow Arch Pumpkin Stencil

    Rainbow Arch Pumpkin Stencil pumpkin carving stencil

    Five concentric rainbow arcs are centered on this pumpkin stencil, each band separated by a narrow uncut strip so the finished jack-o-lantern glows with layers of orange between bands of dark. The arcs are wide and smoothly curved, making every cut a long gentle sweep with no tight corners. To keep all five bands from sagging after carving, work from the innermost arc outward so the outer wall stays thick and supportive while you remove each layer.

    See template β†’
  15. 15. Pirate Skull with Parrot Pumpkin Stencil

    Pirate Skull with Parrot Pumpkin Stencil pumpkin carving stencil

    A weathered pirate skull in a battered tricorn hat stares out from this expert pumpkin stencil, a parrot perched on the skull's head and tattered coat lapels framing its hollow cheeks. The skull-and-crossbones badge on the hat, individual finger bones along the bottom, and ragged coat edges create dozens of intricate cut sections. Carve the small hat badge first, then the interior face hollows, before moving outward to the flowing coat edges where the thinnest bridges live.

    See template β†’
  16. 16. Lion Head Pumpkin Stencil

    Lion Head Pumpkin Stencil pumpkin carving stencil

    A majestic lion's head fills this pumpkin stencil from edge to edge, its full flowing mane rendered in sweeping curved cuts that radiate outward like flames, with the face centered and features defined by pierced nostrils, brow lines, and an open lower jaw. Lit from inside, the solid orange pumpkin forms the mane and facial structure while the cut gaps create the dramatic shading between mane locks. Begin carving in the outermost mane tips, where cuts are shortest, and work inward toward the face so the central wall remains stable while you navigate the most intricate facial detail cuts.

    See template β†’
  17. 17. Queen Portrait Pumpkin Stencil

    Queen Portrait Pumpkin Stencil pumpkin carving stencil

    An elderly queen in full regalia looks forward from this pumpkin stencil, her curly hair framing a detailed face with distinct brows, eyes, and lips, topped by an ornate crown bearing a cross, leaf shapes, and decorative elements. The portrait is built from dozens of small and medium cut sections across the hair, face, and jeweled bodice, with thin orange bridges holding the likeness together. Begin with the smallest crown ornament shapes at the very top before moving to the face, since removing the large hair sections early would flex the wall and risk tearing the delicate facial bridges.

    See template β†’
  18. 18. Motorcycle Pumpkin Stencil

    Motorcycle Pumpkin Stencil pumpkin carving stencil

    A side-profile motorcycle fills this hard pumpkin stencil with mechanical detail: the front fork and handlebars, a sculpted fuel tank, streamlined seat fairing, and two large concentric-ring wheels. The design uses a mix of solid pumpkin bridges and open cut areas so the bike reads as a crisp silhouette when the jack-o-lantern is lit. The thin fork tubes and the thin strip separating the seat from the rear fairing are the most fragile elements. Carve the two large wheel ring sections first to establish the bottom of the composition before working inward through the frame details.

    See template β†’
  19. 19. Great Horned Owl Face Pumpkin Stencil

    Great Horned Owl Face Pumpkin Stencil pumpkin carving stencil

    A fierce great-horned owl face looms forward in this expert pumpkin stencil, with two large almond-shaped eye cavities framed by heavy curved brow ridges, a sharp pointed beak at center, ear tufts sweeping upward and outward, and dense spiky feather tips radiating outward from the face. The background within each eye cavity and around the brow is cut away in multiple sections, while the beak, brow ridges, and outer feather spikes stay solid as orange bridges. Begin with the eye cavities early to anchor symmetry, then cut the spiky outer feather tips last since they are the most likely to snap.

    See template β†’
  20. 20. Handlebar Mustache Pumpkin Stencil

    Handlebar Mustache Pumpkin Stencil pumpkin carving stencil

    A wide, curling handlebar mustache is the sole design element of this introductory pumpkin stencil, carved as a single large open shape that sweeps across the pumpkin face. The ends curl upward and outward in tight spirals, while the center dips in a gentle U. The entire mustache is pierced through as one connected opening, so the glow reads as a bold, immediately legible silhouette. Because the cut is one continuous piece, score the center dip first and work outward toward each curled tip to keep the shape from shifting as material is removed.

    See template β†’
  21. 21. Cruise Ship Pumpkin Stencil

    Cruise Ship Pumpkin Stencil pumpkin carving stencil

    A large cruise ship viewed from a slight bow-angle fills this hard pumpkin stencil. Four tall rectangular smokestacks rise from the upper deck, the bridge superstructure runs along the top, and five circular portholes line the hull below the waterline. The design reads as a series of rectangular and circular cutouts separated by solid pumpkin strips. When lit, the port holes and superstructure windows glow individually like a ship at sea. Carve the five round portholes first since circular cuts benefit most from a fresh blade, then work upward through the rectangular deck openings.

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  22. 22. Flying Saucer Pumpkin Stencil

    Flying Saucer Pumpkin Stencil pumpkin carving stencil

    A classic flying saucer seen from a three-quarter angle fills this hard space pumpkin stencil. The domed cockpit on top, the wide flat disc with a raised rim, three small round indicator lights on the underside, and three diverging tractor-beam rays below all read clearly as carved shapes. The beam rays are solid pumpkin strips between large open triangular cutouts, so lit from inside the beam glows as three bright triangular shafts pointing downward. Carve the three beam triangles first since they are the largest open areas, then work upward through the disc details and finish with the small circular indicator lights.

    See template β†’
  23. 23. Maryland Pumpkin Stencil

    Maryland Pumpkin Stencil pumpkin carving stencil

    Maryland's instantly recognizable outline appears as a single cut-through silhouette on this pumpkin stencil, showing the state's wide rectangular body, the deeply indented Chesapeake Bay notch along the right side, the narrow Eastern Shore peninsula, and the small western panhandle extending to the left. Because the Bay notch splits the right edge into two separate lobes, the wall between them is slender. Cut the inner Bay-notch corners first using a pointed blade so that delicate section doesn't flex and tear while you remove the larger open areas.

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  24. 24. Rearing Horse Pumpkin Stencil

    Rearing Horse Pumpkin Stencil pumpkin carving stencil

    A powerful horse rears up on its hind legs in this detailed pumpkin stencil, its flowing mane and arched neck rendered in sweeping cut-through lines while the body remains largely solid orange. Thin bridges of pumpkin between the leg cuts and the belly keep the composition intact, so light escapes in dramatic slashes rather than one big opening. Cut the fine mane strands at the top first before tackling the larger body sections, to avoid flexing those delicate cuts while the rest of the work is underway.

    See template β†’
  25. 25. LGBTQIA2S+ Heart Pumpkin Stencil

    LGBTQIA2S+ Heart Pumpkin Stencil pumpkin carving stencil

    A large bold heart silhouette is the main shape, with the text "LGBTQIA2S+" set in thick stencil letters running horizontally across the heart's center. The heart is cut in two halves separated by the text band, which itself is cut through except for the letter bridges. Lit from inside, the whole heart glows with the text reading as solid orange stripes across the opening. Carve the upper and lower heart halves before the text strip to keep the letter bridges from tearing while the wall is still reinforced.

    See template β†’

25 down β€” and there are dozens more pumpkin templates in the full library if you want to keep browsing.

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