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View all stencils →About this stencil
Download the Flying Saucer pumpkin stencil as a free printable PDF, then tape the pattern to your pumpkin and trace the lines. A flying saucer pumpkin stencil with a domed upper hull made of stacked horizontal band segments separated by narrow orange ribs, creating a layered effect that suggests a ringed spacecraft in profile. The bands alternate between cut and solid, so when lit the saucer appears to glow with horizontal light stripes rather than as a flat shape. Cut the widest central band first to anchor your position, then work upward band by band toward the dome, keeping each thin rib intact so the layers do not collapse mid-carve. It works as a carving template for a Halloween jack-o'-lantern or a fall porch display. It is rated Expert / Pro. Actual time varies with preparation, pumpkin size and experience. Intricate details and fragile supports need patience. Technique depends on the design; follow its PDF rather than assuming multiple depth layers.
Pumpkin size guide
- 🎃 Small (5 to 7"): print at 80%
- 🎃 Medium (7 to 10"): print at 100% (recommended)
- 🎃 Large (11 to 13"): print at 130%
- 🎃 Giant (14"+): print at 150% on tabloid paper
Frequently asked questions
Can I resize this stencil?▾
Yes. The PDF is vector so it scales cleanly. Print the pattern at 100% for a 7 to 10 inch pumpkin, 130% for 11 to 13 inch, or 150% for a giant. Use your printer's "Fit to page" or "Custom scale" setting.
What kind of paper works best?▾
Standard 20 lb letter or A4 printer paper is fine. Heavier paper is harder to bend around the pumpkin curve. If your printer supports it, set the quality to 'best' so the lines are crisp.
How long will the carved pumpkin last?▾
Usually 5 to 10 days. Coat all cut surfaces with petroleum jelly and store the pumpkin somewhere cool overnight. Avoid direct sun. Battery LED pumpkin lights produce no heat and help it last longer.
Can I sell pumpkins carved with this stencil?▾
Yes, the carved pumpkin you make is yours. The license covers personal and small-scale commercial carving (selling carved pumpkins, photographing them, posting on social). You may not resell the PDF file itself.
What if my printer doesn't print the whole stencil?▾
Set 'Page scaling' to 'Fit' in the print dialog and uncheck 'Auto-rotate'. If it still cuts off, the design includes 0.25" of safe-area margin so a small crop won't ruin it.
How to carve this stencil
- Transfer the stencil and label each horizontal band 1 through 7 from bottom to top so you can track progress.
- Start with the widest band near the center of the saucer hull; this gives you the largest working space first.
- Cut each band in one smooth arc, moving from left to right; a flexible linoleum cutter works better than a straight saw for curved segments.
- After each band is removed, check that the narrow ribs above and below are still firmly attached before moving on.
- Work upward band by band toward the small dome cap, leaving the tiny dome arc for last.
- The undercarriage detail below the widest band has small notched shapes; cut those with a craft knife rather than a saw to avoid splitting the thin pieces.
Tools you'll need
For a expert / pro carve like this you'll want a fine-detail pumpkin saw, spoon / scoop, pin transfer tool, and detail gouges if the pattern includes shading. Here's the kit we reach for, but start with whatever you already own.
Elmchee Pumpkin Carving Kit
13-piece kit with carrying case
Saws for the larger cutouts, plus a scoop for hollowing. Covers both jobs in one kit.
View on Amazon ↗
HOME MOST LED Pumpkin Lights
4-pack, battery operated, with remote + timer
Orange glow made for jack-o'-lanterns. The remote and timer light the pumpkin every evening without reaching inside.
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Speedball 4131 Lino Cutter Set
Handle + 5 interchangeable cutters
Interchangeable cutters for peeling and shading the face. Useful for the finer details.
View on Amazon ↗
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