Assemble Your Tools

You can carve your pumpkin with common household items or purchase an inexpensive kit under $10. Either way, you'll want some version of the following tools:

• Cutting tool. A sharp, serrated steak knife is suitable for straight cuts and gentle curves. If you want your kids to help with the cutting, buy a pumpkin carving kit with one or more small -- and much safer -- saws. These saws are also better for cutting small or intricate shapes.
• Scraper. A kitchen spoon or jar lid makes a good tool for scraping out the seeds.
• Punch. Use a nail or awl to transfer a paper pattern to the pumpkin.
• Pattern. Whether you create your own design or use a commercial pattern, it's best to have your design on paper rather than draw it directly on the pumpkin. That way, you can change your design easily without trying to erase marks on the pumpkin.
• Tape. Use adhesive tape to attach your pattern to the pumpkin.
• Table covering. To protect your work surface from mess, cover it with newspaper or an old table cloth.

More advanced pumpkin carvers might consider adding these tools:

• Gouges. These sharp tools, often used to carve linoleum blocks, come in many sizes and profiles. Use them to create shapes by removing the outer skin of the pumpkin.
• Electric drill. Create "dots" in your design with a bit that's 1/4-inch or larger.

For extra tips and photos of some of the steps described in our guide, view our pumpkin carving slideshow.

More Pumpkin Fun

• More Pumpkin Crafts
• More Pumpkin Carving
• Halloween Crafts
• Thanksgiving Crafts