About this stencil
The Headless Horseman pumpkin stencil is a free printable PDF template. Print it, tape the pattern on, and trace it onto your pumpkin. A headless horseman gallops across this pumpkin stencil: a rearing horse with flowing tail and mane, a cloaked rider holding a jack-o-lantern aloft in one outstretched hand, all cut as a silhouette composition with open negative space between the horse's legs and between the rider's cape and the horse's back. The carved jack-o-lantern in the rider's hand is its own small cutout with jagged eye and mouth slits. Carve the jack-o-lantern's tiny face cuts first, since that elevated detail is the easiest to lose if the surrounding wall shifts. It makes a fun jack-o'-lantern design for Halloween night. It is rated Advanced. Actual time varies with preparation, pumpkin size and experience. Fine details and narrow supports need careful planning. Follow the cutting and shading key in this design’s PDF.
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 fully, noting the small jack-o-lantern shape held in the rider's raised hand.
- Carve the tiny jack-o-lantern face first (eyes and mouth slits) while the pumpkin wall around it is completely solid.
- Cut the flowing horse tail, then the mane strands along the neck.
- Remove the negative space between the horse's legs and between the rider's cape and the horse's back.
- Cut the cloak outline and the outstretched arm, leaving the connection between the hand and the carved pumpkin until last.
- Use a candle inside so the glowing pumpkin-in-hand detail echoes the real light source.
Tools you'll need
For a advanced carve like this you'll want a fine-detail pumpkin saw, spoon / scoop, pin transfer tool, and small gouge 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.
View on Amazon ↗
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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