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

50 Unique Pumpkin Templates

We curated 50 of the very best unique pumpkin templates so you can pick one and start carving in minutes.

  1. 1. Plain Cross with Nine Rays

    Plain Cross with Nine Rays pumpkin carving stencil

    A plain cross stands at the center while nine tapered rays of light fan outward around it, like a sunburst breaking through. This shaded design is carved on a continuous wall, shaving the skin away so the cross and rays glow warmly with no pierced openings, which suits a reverent, softer look. Shave the cross to an even depth first, then taper each ray shallower toward its tip so the light appears to fade outward.

    See template β†’
  2. 2. West Virginia Heart Lettering

    West Virginia Heart Lettering pumpkin carving stencil

    Bold serif letters spell out I, a big solid heart, then W and V stacked below, the classic hometown-pride message carved in light. Each letter and the heart are cut fully through, glowing like marquee type against the dark pumpkin. Serif letters have thin corner strokes, so cut the serifs first with the knife tip before opening the thick strokes, and keep the wall between W and V at least a half inch wide.

    See template β†’
  3. 3. Staring Eyes and Eight Wedges

    Staring Eyes and Eight Wedges pumpkin carving stencil

    Two enormous staring eyes dominate this design, each with a pupil tab left attached at the bottom rim, a curved brow arcing above, and short wedge-shaped rays radiating around the outside like a nervous twitch of light. There is no mouth, which makes the gaze even more unsettling. In this medium carve the pupil tabs are the key detail; cut around each pupil carefully so its bridge to the lower eyelid stays at least a half inch wide.

    See template β†’
  4. 4. Fan Tail Fish with Low Notches

    Fan Tail Fish with Low Notches pumpkin carving stencil

    A plump fantail goldfish glides across the pumpkin as one big glowing silhouette, with a rounded body, sweeping double tail, and small notched fins along the belly. The entire fish is pierced through in a single connected shape, so it lights up like an aquarium at night. At medium difficulty the low fin notches are the detail work; cut the broad body and tail first, then nick out the small fin points with short careful strokes.

    See template β†’
  5. 5. 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†’
  6. 6. Wide Wings and Notched Tail

    Wide Wings and Notched Tail pumpkin carving stencil

    A bird bursts forward with both wings spread wide, every flight feather notched along the wing edges, above a fanned notched tail. The whole spread-wing shape is one dramatic cut-through, so the bird blazes as a single figure of light. Rated medium because of the many feather notches along the wingtips; cut the main body opening first, then nibble out each feather notch with short strokes so the points stay defined.

    See template β†’
  7. 7. 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.

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  8. 8. Seated Rabbit with Split Ears

    Seated Rabbit with Split Ears pumpkin carving stencil

    A seated rabbit in profile with two tall split ears, a rounded back, and tucked front paws, cut through as a nearly single silhouette with slim gaps defining the ears and feet. The shell around the bunny stays whole so the glowing shape reads crisply from a distance. Carve the narrow gap between the ears first; it is the finest cut on an otherwise smooth outline.

    See template β†’
  9. 9. 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†’
  10. 10. 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†’
  11. 11. Bone Below Two Paw Prints

    Bone Below Two Paw Prints pumpkin carving stencil

    A large dog bone glows across the lower face of the pumpkin with two paw prints stamped above it, each paw built from a rounded pad and four little toes. All pieces are cut fully through, so the bone and paws shine like a porch sign for the neighborhood's favorite dog. A gentle medium carve; punch out the sixteen small toe and pad holes first, then saw the bone in halves, meeting in the middle.

    See template β†’
  12. 12. Large Heart and Two Paw Prints

    Large Heart and Two Paw Prints pumpkin carving stencil

    A large heart glows at the center flanked by a full paw print on each side, every pad and toe pierced clean through the wall. It is a natural fit for pet lovers, veterinary clinics, and rescue fundraisers. Cut the eight small toe ovals first while the shell is sturdy, then the two big pads, and finish with the heart, easing around its top notch so both lobes stay symmetrical.

    See template β†’
  13. 13. Six Hearts and Tiny Top Heart

    Six Hearts and Tiny Top Heart pumpkin carving stencil

    Six hearts arranged in a ring point inward toward the center, with a tiny seventh heart crowning the top and small round dots filling the gaps between them like beads on a wreath. Every heart and dot is cut fully through, creating a lantern that throws a circle of glowing hearts across the porch. For this medium carve, poke a starter hole in each heart and cut the notch last; the dots are quick work with an apple corer or drill bit.

    See template β†’
  14. 14. 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†’
  15. 15. 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†’
  16. 16. Seven Hearts in a Tall Zigzag

    Seven Hearts in a Tall Zigzag pumpkin carving stencil

    Seven hearts zigzag down the front in an alternating left-right column, with small round dots sprinkled between them for sparkle. Each heart and dot cuts fully through, and the vertical layout is made for tall, skinny pumpkins and gourds. A medium carve mostly for the layout; tape the stencil straight down the tallest face before transferring, and carve from the top heart downward so shavings fall clear of finished cuts.

    See template β†’
  17. 17. Eight Hearts and Eight Dots

    Eight Hearts and Eight Dots pumpkin carving stencil

    Eight hearts arranged in a ring, each one pointing outward like petals on a wreath, with eight small round dots glowing in the gaps between them; the center of the pumpkin stays solid. Every heart and dot is cut through, turning the whole design into a radiant circular pattern. A medium carve that rewards accuracy: trace the stencil carefully so the ring stays even, and drill the dots before sawing the hearts around them.

    See template β†’
  18. 18. Eight Petals and Three Seeds

    Eight Petals and Three Seeds pumpkin carving stencil

    Eight oval petals radiate from a dotted center like a stylized sunflower, with three small seed holes in the middle and a leafy stem opening anchoring the bloom below. Each petal is a pierced oval, and the skin spokes left between them hold the flower together while letting light pour through. Cut opposite petals in pairs, top then bottom, left then right, so the spokes never take uneven strain.

    See template β†’
  19. 19. 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.

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  20. 20. 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†’
  21. 21. Split Tooth and Two Sparkles

    Split Tooth and Two Sparkles pumpkin carving stencil

    A giant molar with a split between its two roots gleams at the center, flanked by a four-point sparkle on each side and two small dot accents. The tooth outline is cut through around its lobed crown and twin roots, and the sparkles and dots are pierced as well, making a bright emblem any dentist would love. At medium difficulty, the pinch between the roots is the tightest cut, so saw into that notch from both sides and go slow.

    See template β†’
  22. 22. Sleepy Eyes and Eight Lashes

    Sleepy Eyes and Eight Lashes pumpkin carving stencil

    Two closed crescent eyes with four little lashes apiece rest above a small oval mouth, while round dots on each side form rosy cheeks for a sweetly sleeping face. Every crescent, lash, dot, and the mouth is pierced through, so the tiny lash cuts do the expressive work. Cut the two big crescents first, then add the short lash strokes with a fine saw, keeping each one clear of its neighbor.

    See template β†’
  23. 23. Wink and Five Rounded Gaps

    Wink and Five Rounded Gaps pumpkin carving stencil

    One eye is a jaunty upswept crescent wink while the other stays a wide triangle, set over a small diamond nose and a lopsided grin broken into five rounded gaps by chunky teeth. The eyes, nose, and mouth gaps are cut through, leaving the tooth shapes as attached skin between them. A medium carver should cut the five mouth gaps individually rather than one big mouth, which keeps every tooth solidly connected and the crooked smile intact.

    See template β†’
  24. 24. Two Fish and Six Bubbles

    Two Fish and Six Bubbles pumpkin carving stencil

    Two plump fish swim toward each other with a rising trail of six bubbles between them and two wavy water slots rippling underneath. The fish bodies, bubbles, and wave lines are all cut through, turning the pumpkin into a glowing underwater scene. A relaxed medium carve for anglers and lake families; drill the bubbles in ascending size order, then saw the fish, and finish with the long shallow wave curves.

    See template β†’
  25. 25. Curved Ball and Two Stars

    Curved Ball and Two Stars pumpkin carving stencil

    A giant tennis ball dominates the pumpkin, its two big panels pierced through and separated by the signature curved seam left as an attached band of shell, with a small star cut on either side. The sweeping seam is the make-or-break piece, so cut both panel edges toward the seam rather than across it and keep the band at least a finger wide for strength.

    See template β†’
  26. 26. Mortar and Two Split Capsules

    Mortar and Two Split Capsules pumpkin carving stencil

    A classic mortar bowl with its pestle angled out of the top sits above two capsule shapes, each crossed by a diagonal dividing bar. The bowl, pestle, and pill halves are cut through, with the capsule bars left as solid rind strips. This medium design makes a fun nod to a pharmacist or nurse; carve each capsule as two small windows so the center bar stays firmly attached.

    See template β†’
  27. 27. Heart Cheeks and Eight Dots

    Heart Cheeks and Eight Dots pumpkin carving stencil

    An irresistibly cute kawaii face: two tall oval eyes, a tiny curved smile, a heart-shaped blush on each cheek, and eight little sparkle dots scattered around the edges. Every element is a small pierced opening, and the wide spacing across a squat pumpkin gives it that classic sticker-art charm. At medium difficulty the hearts and dots demand patience; use a drill bit or apple corer for the round sparkles to keep them perfectly circular.

    See template β†’
  28. 28. Unequal Eyes and Six Slashes

    Unequal Eyes and Six Slashes pumpkin carving stencil

    A menacing sneer built from two uneven glaring eyes, a small skull-like nose, a crooked mouth of jagged teeth, and three claw-slash marks raking each side of the face. All shapes pierce through, and the mismatched features do the intimidating. A medium carve; cut the six narrow slashes first with single confident strokes, then work the mouth teeth before opening the larger eye shapes.

    See template β†’
  29. 29. Winking Seven-Tooth Grin

    Winking Seven-Tooth Grin pumpkin carving stencil

    A goofy winking jack-o'-lantern with one wide round eye, one squinting wink, a triangle nose, and an enormous grin broken up by a jumble of square and pointed teeth along both lips. Every feature is cut clean through so the mismatched expression beams from the whole face. At medium difficulty the mouth is the main event; cut the grin outline first, then shape each tooth individually, alternating sides so the lip strips stay supported.

    See template β†’
  30. 30. Cyclops Eye and Five Teeth

    Cyclops Eye and Five Teeth pumpkin carving stencil

    A goofy cyclops with one giant round eye under a curly brow, a small triangle nose, freckle dots on each cheek, and a huge laughing mouth with five stubby teeth. The features are cut through, and the pupil stays in place as an attached tab hanging inside the enormous eye. That pupil bridge is the medium-level test; cut both sides of the tab before freeing the rest of the eye circle.

    See template β†’
  31. 31. Wink and Barred Square Grin

    Wink and Barred Square Grin pumpkin carving stencil

    One huge round eye stares while the other squeezes into a curled wink above a giant open grin packed with blocky square teeth, and freckle dots sprinkle each cheek. The eyes, mouth, and freckles all cut through the wall, with skin bridges left in place to form the teeth. Cut the mouth's outer outline first, then remove the gaps between teeth one at a time so each block stays anchored.

    See template β†’
  32. 32. Crossed Eyes and Buck Teeth

    Crossed Eyes and Buck Teeth pumpkin carving stencil

    Huge crossed googly eyes sit under raised brow slots while a gaping oval mouth shows off two goofy buck teeth, with freckle dots on each cheek. The eyes, brows, mouth, and dots are all pierced through, and the dark pupils and teeth are rind left attached inside the openings. Those attached pupils and teeth are the tricky bit; cut around them slowly and leave their connecting bridges generously wide.

    See template β†’
  33. 33. Angry Eyes and Five Mouth Gaps

    Angry Eyes and Five Mouth Gaps pumpkin carving stencil

    A grumpy jack-o'-lantern scowls with slanted, brow-slit eyes, a small triangle nose, angled cheek slashes, and a downturned mouth broken into square gaps. Every element is cut through, with the mouth's rind bridges creating the clenched, gritted-teeth effect. The thin brow and cheek slits earn the medium rating: make each slit with two close parallel cuts and pop the sliver out from inside the pumpkin, since pushing from outside can crack the narrow channel wider.

    See template β†’
  34. 34. Teardrop Eyes and Three Stars

    Teardrop Eyes and Three Stars pumpkin carving stencil

    Two enormous teardrop eyes dominate this quirky alien mug, floating above a tiny triangle nose and a crooked grin made of separate oval mouth slots, with three little stars sprinkled around the face. Every eye, slot, and star is cut through, giving the pumpkin a goofy otherworldly stare. At medium difficulty, carve the huge eyes last since removing that much wall weakens the face, and keep the small oval grin slots evenly spaced.

    See template β†’
  35. 35. Eight Curved Basketball Wedges

    Eight Curved Basketball Wedges pumpkin carving stencil

    Eight curved wedge openings radiate from the center of the pumpkin, separated by ribs of shell that mimic the seams of a basketball. The wedges are all cut through, so the pumpkin itself becomes a glowing ball when lit. Keep the seam ribs a consistent width as you saw each wedge, and remove the wedge pieces gently by pushing from inside so the long curved ribs are not stressed.

    See template β†’
  36. 36. Six Curving Volleyball Windows

    Six Curving Volleyball Windows pumpkin carving stencil

    Six long curving windows sweep around a central hub, recreating the swirling panel seams of a volleyball across the pumpkin's face. The curved slots are cut through while the seam lines between them stay as bold ribs of skin, so the lit pumpkin reads as a glowing ball. On this medium carve, remove the slots one at a time and alternate sides as you go, keeping stress on the curved ribs balanced until the last piece comes out.

    See template β†’
  37. 37. Fire Helmet Above Three Flames

    Fire Helmet Above Three Flames pumpkin carving stencil

    A classic firefighter helmet, complete with front shield and wide brim, glows above three dancing flames in this tribute design. The helmet crown, brim, and each flame are separate cut-through openings, with skin bridges keeping the helmet's shield outline dark against the light. At medium difficulty, the flame tips are the fussy part; saw each flame from its wide base up toward the point, and cut the helmet's thin brim opening last when you can support the wall from inside.

    See template β†’
  38. 38. Three Flames and Three Embers

    Three Flames and Three Embers pumpkin carving stencil

    Three teardrop flames of different heights rise across the pumpkin, with three small round embers floating above them like drifting sparks. Every flame and ember is cut fully through, so a candle inside makes the whole design flicker like real fire. Cut each flame from its rounded base up to the curved tip in one flowing motion, and drill-start the little ember dots so they come out perfectly round.

    See template β†’
  39. 39. Seven Unequal Honeycomb Cells

    Seven Unequal Honeycomb Cells pumpkin carving stencil

    Seven hexagonal honeycomb cells of slightly different sizes cluster together, each one a glowing six-sided window separated by thick shared walls. Every cell is cut fully through, and those chunky connecting walls are what keep the pumpkin strong, so resist the urge to slim them down. Cut each hexagon side as its own straight stroke, finishing the corners cleanly with the knife tip, and start with the center cell to anchor the layout.

    See template β†’
  40. 40. Three-Horn Dino and Tall Frill

    Three-Horn Dino and Tall Frill pumpkin carving stencil

    A friendly triceratops in full profile, cut through as one connected silhouette with its tall neck frill, three horns, sturdy legs, and thick tail all glowing. The single-opening design keeps things straightforward despite the detailed outline. The horns and the gaps between the legs are the trickiest spots; drill small relief holes at each tight corner so your saw can turn without tearing the rind.

    See template β†’
  41. 41. Raised Brows and Four Tears

    Raised Brows and Four Tears pumpkin carving stencil

    A theatrically miserable pumpkin with worried brows arched high, drooping oval eyes, four teardrops sliding down the cheeks, and a deep downturned frown showing a hint of teeth. Every brow, eye, tear, and the big frown is cut through so the whole sob story glows. A medium carve that lands the joke best when the tears line up; cut the small teardrops first, then the eyes, saving the wide mouth for the end.

    See template β†’
  42. 42. Oval Eyes and Crescent Cheeks

    Oval Eyes and Crescent Cheeks pumpkin carving stencil

    This delighted face beams with two big oval eyes, a small triangle nose, crescent-shaped cheek accents, and an open grin showing a pair of stubby teeth, all dusted with tiny freckle holes. Every shape is pierced through, with the teeth left attached to the upper lip. Cut the delicate crescent cheeks with the tip of your saw only, since their thin curves are the easiest pieces to crack.

    See template β†’
  43. 43. Triangle Eyes and Six Diamonds

    Triangle Eyes and Six Diamonds pumpkin carving stencil

    This elevated take on the traditional face pairs slanted triangle eyes topped with thin brow slits, a triangle nose, and a deep zigzag grin, then adds three small diamond cutouts on each cheek for extra sparkle. Every element is pierced through the wall. The brow slits and little diamonds are what push it to medium; cut the big shapes first, then handle each diamond with a narrow saw, working point to point so they stay crisp.

    See template β†’
  44. 44. Wide Eyes and Eight Cheek Dots

    Wide Eyes and Eight Cheek Dots pumpkin carving stencil

    Raised eyebrow slivers arc over two huge oval eyes, while a big O shaped mouth gasps below and four round dots freckle each cheek. All the openings are simple pierced shapes, but their sheer number bumps this into medium territory. Drill or core the eight cheek dots first while the wall is still strong, then cut the large eyes and mouth so the face keeps its comic shocked stare.

    See template β†’
  45. 45. Tall Dino and Three Leaves

    Tall Dino and Three Leaves pumpkin carving stencil

    A long-necked brachiosaurus stretches up toward three tropical leaves floating above it, its full body cut through as one flowing silhouette from tail tip to tiny head. The leaves are separate cutouts with notched edges that add extra glow around the dino's snack. Cut the leaves first for practice, then work the dinosaur from the tail forward, saving the slender neck for careful final strokes.

    See template β†’
  46. 46. Deer Head with Eight Tines

    Deer Head with Eight Tines pumpkin carving stencil

    A buck's head glows from the pumpkin with a full eight-tine rack of antlers, alert ears, and a rounded muzzle, all carved as connected pierced openings. The antler beams branch symmetrically above the head, throwing dramatic spiky light. The narrow antler tines are the challenge here; saw each tine from its tip down toward the main beam and avoid twisting the blade so the slender channels stay clean.

    See template β†’
  47. 47. Witch on a Left-Brushed Broom

    Witch on a Left-Brushed Broom pumpkin carving stencil

    A witch in a pointed hat rides her broom across the pumpkin, cloak trailing and broom bristles brushed out to the left as one bold glowing silhouette. The entire figure is cut through as a single connected opening, so the drama comes from the outline rather than fine interior detail. For this medium carve, start with the big body mass and work outward, cutting the hat point and individual bristle tips last so the surrounding rind supports your blade the whole way.

    See template β†’
  48. 48. Gecko with Thirteen Toe Tips

    Gecko with Thirteen Toe Tips pumpkin carving stencil

    A gecko sprawls diagonally across the pumpkin as one bold silhouette, splayed toes gripping and its thick tail curving away. The entire lizard is a single cut-through aperture, so the whole body glows as one connected shape with those distinctive rounded toe pads catching the light. At medium difficulty, the toes are the trick: cut each tiny pad by connecting it to its leg with a short channel, and remove the big body piece last.

    See template β†’
  49. 49. Oval Eyes and Eight Cheek Dots

    Oval Eyes and Eight Cheek Dots pumpkin carving stencil

    Big oval eyes sit under arched brows above a round button nose and a broad smile showing four blunt square teeth, with four freckle dots sprinkled on each cheek. The eyes, brows, nose, mouth, and dots are pierced through while the tooth bridges stay connected. Poke the eight small cheek dots first, then cut the large features, leaving the tooth bars until the end so they keep support.

    See template β†’
  50. 50. Two Hoofprints and an Oak Leaf

    Two Hoofprints and an Oak Leaf pumpkin carving stencil

    Two split deer hoofprints, each with a pair of dewclaw dots beneath, share the pumpkin with a lobed oak leaf and a few scattered accent dots for a woodsy, cabin-porch feel. Every track, dot, and the leaf is fully cut through with plenty of solid skin between elements. It is a comfortable medium carve; poke a starter hole in each small dot and cut those first, since tiny circles are easiest while the surrounding wall is still rigid.

    See template β†’

That's our list of 50 unique pumpkin templates. Print your favorite and tag us when you're done.

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50 Unique Pumpkin Templates | PumpkinCarvingIdeas.com