About this stencil
Download the Lion Head pumpkin stencil as a free printable PDF, then tape the pattern to your pumpkin and trace the lines. 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. 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 every mane line and facial feature before removing the stencil paper.
- Cut the outermost mane tip shapes first, working around the perimeter with short outward strokes.
- Move inward layer by layer through the mane, keeping each curved bridge between locks intact.
- Cut the brow and eye-socket shapes in the face, using a fine blade for the small eyebrow arcs.
- Remove the nostril shapes and the lower jaw gap, which anchors the face composition.
- Step back and view from arm's length with a candle inside to check that all mane layers read as separate locks before finishing any edges.
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.
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 ↗
Reviews from carvers
Every rating comes from a written review by someone who downloaded this stencil.
Carved this one?
Reviews are open to carvers who downloaded the stencil. Grab the free PDF, then come back and tell everyone how it went.
- A carverDownloaded itShowstopper · Nov 1, 2026
Printed clean at letter size and taped on with no fuss. The carve took me about an hour; the tight spots were Lit up with a candle it looked
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