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Download the Tiger Face pumpkin stencil as a free printable PDF, then tape the pattern to your pumpkin and trace the lines. 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. 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 all lines carefully with a stylus; the stripe pattern requires every line to be accurate before any cutting begins.
- Cut the two iris-and-pupil shapes in the center of each eye first, as these small pieces are the hardest to control once surrounding skin is removed.
- Work outward from the eyes, cutting the brow stripe cutouts and the cheek stripe sections in order from center to outer edge.
- Cut the nose and upper-lip area next, taking care around the thin pumpkin bridge between the two muzzle halves.
- Tackle the outer fur-ruff spikes last; each tip is a narrow point of skin, so use short strokes and light pressure.
- Display with a single bright LED inside so the many small cutouts create a glowing mosaic rather than one flat light source.
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.
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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.
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