Pumpkin Carving How-to Videos

Learn to Carve Like a Pro!

Halloween is right around the corner, and there is nothing quite like the magic of bringing a fresh pumpkin to life. Whether it is your very first time picking up a carving tool or you are looking to perfect your advanced shading skills, you have come to the right place.

We have officially opened up the Pumpkin Lady Video Archives to bring you our most requested, tried-and-true tutorials all on one page.

While these classic videos have been a staple of our site for 15+ seasons, the art of carving a true masterpiece never goes out of style. The techniques and tips you will learn in these videos are just as relevant and foolproof today as they were when we first filmed them.

In this complete, step-by-step video guide, we will walk you through the entire carving process. From picking the absolute best pumpkin in the patch to safely lighting up your finished jack-o’-lantern on the front porch, we have you covered.

Grab your carving tools, lay down some newspaper, and scroll down to start your carving journey. Don’t forget to bookmark this page so you can easily find it again next Halloween!

Part I: Preparation

Video 1: How to Pick the Perfect Pumpkin for Carving

A great jack-o’-lantern starts at the pumpkin patch, but not just any gourd will do. In this video, we show you exactly what to look for when choosing a carving pumpkin, from checking for a sturdy stem to finding the perfect flat surface for your chosen design.

Video 2: The Easiest Way to Clean and Hollow Out a Pumpkin

Scooping out the pumpkin guts does not have to be a messy, frustrating chore. Watch our quick method for cleaning and hollowing out your pumpkin in record time, including the secret to scraping the inner walls perfectly smooth for a longer-lasting carving.

Part 2: The Pumpkin Carving Process

Video 3: How to Transfer a Pumpkin Carving Pattern or Stencil

Got your favorite Pumpkin Lady stencil printed and ready to go? Getting the design from paper to pumpkin is a crucial step, and this tutorial breaks down the most accurate way to transfer a pattern, so your guidelines are crisp, clear, and ready to cut.

Video 4: Step-by-Step Pumpkin Carving Tutorial for Beginners

If you are new to the craft, this beginner-friendly tutorial walks you through the actual carving process step-by-step. Learn how to properly angle your saw, safely cut out intricate shapes, and easily pop out the pieces without breaking your pumpkin.

Part 3: Finishing & Advanced Techniques

Video 5: Best Ways to Light a Pumpkin: Candles vs. Battery Lights

Once your masterpiece is finished, it is time to make it glow on the front porch. In this video, we compare traditional tea lights with battery-operated LED lights to help you choose the best, safest way to illuminate your pumpkin design all night long.

Video 6: Advanced Pumpkin Carving: How to Shade and Etch

Ready to take your Halloween crafting skills to the next level? Dive into the art of advanced shading and etching as we teach you how to carefully peel back the pumpkin skin to let different levels of light shine through, creating a stunning 3D effect.