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View all stencils →About this stencil
Download the Witch with Staff pumpkin stencil as a free printable PDF, then tape the pattern to your pumpkin and trace the lines. A robed witch stands arms wide inside a large circular moon, gripping a tall staff crowned with a starburst, while jagged flame shapes rise from the ground at her feet in this expert-level witch pumpkin stencil. The large moon disc is pierced open, and the witch figure is left as a solid pumpkin-skin silhouette within it, creating a glowing halo effect around her when lit. The staff is the most isolated element, connected to the composition only by a thin wrist bridge, so leave it uncut until every surrounding section is finished. 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
- Cut the large circular moon opening first, working in a single continuous arc to keep the cut smooth and even.
- Carve the flame shapes at the base, making short plunge cuts at each pointed tip before connecting them with a sweeping stroke.
- Cut the open negative spaces flanking the witch's robe on each side of her body.
- Carefully cut around the witch's hat, face profile, and curling robe hem, leaving her as a solid skin island inside the moon.
- Finish with the staff: cut the starburst head of the staff first, then trace down the narrow shaft, preserving the thin wrist connection until last.
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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