5 Tips for Perfect Jack-o’-Lanterns

You’ve got your pumpkins and you’re ready to make some festive jack o’lanterns—but where to start? Read these 5 tips from Taste of Home on how to make your jack-o’-lanterns perfect.

1. Wash the exterior of the pumpkin before carving. Use a solution of 1 gallon water and 1 teaspoon chlorine bleach. This will help prevent mold.

2. Draw your pattern on paper or use a pumpkin-carving template. This is easier and cleaner than drawing right on the pumpkin and makes revisions a snap.

3. To transfer a template to the pumpkin, enlarge it, cut it out and adhere it to the pumpkin with masking tape. Then either use pinpricks to mark the shapes and lines on the pumpkin or use a craft or utility knife and cut through the design to score it on the surface.

Get some beginner pumpkin carving templates from HGTV here.

4. Consider buying a pumpkin-carving kit. Often they can be found for just a few dollars. Kits usually contain small scoops and serrated saws that aren’t commonly found in the typical toolbox. They’re great for detailed carving work.

5. When cutting out your shapes, always use a sawing motion. Go slowly and gently. A small serrated saw is best for the detail work. Never try to forcefully cut your pumpkin with a straight-edge razor—you’ll damage the pumpkin, hurt the knife and possibly cut yourself!

Read more tips from Taste of Home on how to store your pumpkins here.

Read Also:Your Guide to Local Pumpkin Farms