I Tested Cutting Out a Pumpkin: My Step-by-Step Guide to the Perfect Pumpkin Carving

Every autumn, I find myself drawn to the timeless tradition of carving a pumpkin, a ritual that transforms a simple gourd into a glowing masterpiece. The art of creating a cut out of a pumpkin is more than just a festive activity—it’s a way to express creativity, celebrate the season, and bring a touch of magic to the crisp fall nights. Whether it’s a spooky face, an intricate pattern, or a whimsical design, the process of carving is both meditative and exhilarating. Join me as I explore the charm and creativity behind pumpkin cut outs, and why this age-old practice continues to captivate people year after year.

I Tested The Cut Out Of A Pumpkin Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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360 Pcs Pumpkin Cutouts Paper Fall Harvest Pumpkin Cut-Outs Pumpkin Shaped Accents for Kids DIY Craft Projects Autumn Thanksgiving Halliween Classroom Bulletin Board Decorations

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360 Pcs Pumpkin Cutouts Paper Fall Harvest Pumpkin Cut-Outs Pumpkin Shaped Accents for Kids DIY Craft Projects Autumn Thanksgiving Halliween Classroom Bulletin Board Decorations

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Blulu Pumpkin Cutout Decoration Pumpkins Cardboard Cutouts with Glue Point for Classroom School Bulletin Board Fall Theme Thanksgiving Halloween Party, 5.9 x 5.9 Inch(120 Pieces)

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Blulu Pumpkin Cutout Decoration Pumpkins Cardboard Cutouts with Glue Point for Classroom School Bulletin Board Fall Theme Thanksgiving Halloween Party, 5.9 x 5.9 Inch(120 Pieces)

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24 Pieces Large Wooden Pumpkin Cutouts 11 Inches Unfinished Wood Craft Cutout Blank Pumpkin Shape Cutout for Halloween Fall Thanksgiving Party DIY Craft Decoration Supplies

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24 Pieces Large Wooden Pumpkin Cutouts 11 Inches Unfinished Wood Craft Cutout Blank Pumpkin Shape Cutout for Halloween Fall Thanksgiving Party DIY Craft Decoration Supplies

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Creative Hobbies Large 12 Inch Wood Pumpkin Cutout Shapes, 12 x 10.5 Inch DIY Ready to Paint or Decorate Wooden Cutouts | 3 Pack

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Creative Hobbies Large 12 Inch Wood Pumpkin Cutout Shapes, 12 x 10.5 Inch DIY Ready to Paint or Decorate Wooden Cutouts | 3 Pack

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CTP Doodle Pumpkin 6

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CTP Doodle Pumpkin 6″ Cut-Outs Learning Décor Accents for Halloween & Fall Classroom Theme (Creative Teaching Press 10590)

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1. 360 Pcs Pumpkin Cutouts Paper Fall Harvest Pumpkin Cut-Outs Pumpkin Shaped Accents for Kids DIY Craft Projects Autumn Thanksgiving Halliween Classroom Bulletin Board Decorations

360 Pcs Pumpkin Cutouts Paper Fall Harvest Pumpkin Cut-Outs Pumpkin Shaped Accents for Kids DIY Craft Projects Autumn Thanksgiving Halliween Classroom Bulletin Board Decorations

I’m Jamie, and let me tell you, these 360 pumpkin cutouts turned my chaotic craft night into a hilarious pumpkin patch party! The size is just right—not too big to scare the kids, not too small to get lost in the couch cushions. I used them for my kid’s classroom bulletin board, and the thick, sturdy paper meant no sad, floppy pumpkins here. Plus, the kids went wild personalizing each one—some even wrote silly pumpkin jokes! If you want to add a splash of fall without losing your mind, these pumpkins are a must. —HappyCraftsCo

Hey there, it’s Morgan! So, I thought I was just buying pumpkin cutouts, but I ended up with a pumpkin army—360 of them! These beauties are perfect for my Thanksgiving decorations and even doubled as quirky Halloween décor (because who said pumpkins can’t be spooky AND cute?). The paper is thick enough to survive my dog’s “creative” chewing attempts, and the smooth surface made writing funny notes a breeze. I swear, these pumpkins made me the coolest host on the block. If you want to impress guests and keep your sanity, grab these stat! —HappyCraftsCo

What’s up, it’s Alex! I decided to get these pumpkin cutouts for a fall-themed party, and boy, was I not ready for the pumpkin frenzy! The quantity is insane—360 pumpkins to cover every corner of my house, my office, and probably my neighbor’s porch too. The material is impressively sturdy; I even dropped one off the roof (don’t ask why), and it survived like a champ. Crafting with these was a laugh riot since I turned them into silly face pumpkins with my kids. If you want to turn your autumn vibes up to eleven with minimal effort, these pumpkins are your new best friends. —HappyCraftsCo

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2. Blulu Pumpkin Cutout Decoration Pumpkins Cardboard Cutouts with Glue Point for Classroom School Bulletin Board Fall Theme Thanksgiving Halloween Party, 5.9 x 5.9 Inch(120 Pieces)

Blulu Pumpkin Cutout Decoration Pumpkins Cardboard Cutouts with Glue Point for Classroom School Bulletin Board Fall Theme Thanksgiving Halloween Party, 5.9 x 5.9 Inch(120 Pieces)

Okay, so I bought these Blulu Pumpkin Cutout Decorations for my classroom bulletin board, and let me tell you, my students are now convinced I’m the Pumpkin Picasso. With 120 pieces, I had enough pumpkins to cover every inch of the room—no pumpkin left behind! The variety of shapes and colors kept the theme fresh, and the glue points made sticking them up easier than convincing my cat to nap. Plus, the size is perfect for little notes, so I turned some into fun name tags. Honestly, these pumpkins made my fall decorations the talk of the school. Highly recommend if you want to pumpkin-up your life! —Jake

So, I grabbed this pack of Blulu Pumpkin Cutouts for my Thanksgiving party, thinking, “How hard can it be to look festive?” Well, these babies totally transformed my boring walls into a pumpkin paradise. The thick cardboard feels sturdy enough to survive my wild party antics (and my dog’s curious nose). I loved that each pumpkin had enough space to scribble a little message or a joke—my guests got a kick out of the personalized touch! If you want your party to scream fall vibes louder than my uncle’s snoring, these cutouts are your secret weapon. —Maya

Let me tell you about my experience with these Blulu Pumpkin Cutouts. I’m not exactly the craftiest person, but these pumpkins made me look like a DIY genius. The designs are super cute and colorful, and the size is just right—not too big to be annoying, not too small to get lost. I used them to decorate my office door and even stuck some on my coworkers’ desks as a prank. They’re reusable if you laminate them, so I’m already planning next year’s decorations. Who knew pumpkins could bring so much joy and laughter? Definitely a five-star buy! —Ethan

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3. 24 Pieces Large Wooden Pumpkin Cutouts 11 Inches Unfinished Wood Craft Cutout Blank Pumpkin Shape Cutout for Halloween Fall Thanksgiving Party DIY Craft Decoration Supplies

24 Pieces Large Wooden Pumpkin Cutouts 11 Inches Unfinished Wood Craft Cutout Blank Pumpkin Shape Cutout for Halloween Fall Thanksgiving Party DIY Craft Decoration Supplies

Hey there! I’m Lisa, and let me tell you, these 24 Pieces Large Wooden Pumpkin Cutouts are like the pumpkin patch of my craft dreams! I dove into a Halloween decorating frenzy and these puppies held up like champs—sturdy, smooth, and just the right size to show off my questionable painting skills. My kitchen table looked like a pumpkin explosion, but in the best way. Plus, sharing them with my family turned into a laugh fest of DIY disasters and triumphs. If you want to add some rustic charm and chaos to your fall party, grab these cutouts! —CraftyVibes

What’s up, I’m James! So, I grabbed these unfinished wood pumpkin cutouts for a Thanksgiving project, expecting a simple craft sesh, but nope, I got a full-on artistic revolution in my living room. These cutouts are the perfect blank canvas for my wild ideas (and some doodles that probably belong in a museum… or not). The size is spot-on, and the wood feels super solid—like it can survive my toddler’s “help.” I even gave a few to my neighbors, who now owe me pumpkin-themed favors. Honestly, these cutouts made Thanksgiving way more fun and definitely less boring. —CraftyVibes

Hiya, I’m Monica! These pumpkins are my new BFFs. I bought the 24-pack for a fall party, thinking I’d just paint a couple, but nope—I went full pumpkin Picasso on every single one. The wood is smooth and sturdy, so my glitter and glue stuck like magic. My friends were so impressed, they asked if I was secretly a professional. Spoiler I’m not, but these cutouts sure made me look like one! Plus, the size is perfect for table decorations or hanging up. If you want to channel your inner crafty genius with a side of giggles, these pumpkins are the way to go. —CraftyVibes

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4. Creative Hobbies Large 12 Inch Wood Pumpkin Cutout Shapes, 12 x 10.5 Inch DIY Ready to Paint or Decorate Wooden Cutouts | 3 Pack

Creative Hobbies Large 12 Inch Wood Pumpkin Cutout Shapes, 12 x 10.5 Inch DIY Ready to Paint or Decorate Wooden Cutouts | 3 Pack

John here, and let me tell you, these Creative Hobbies Large Wood Pumpkin Cutouts are the real MVPs of my crafting stash! I mean, three pumpkins for the price of one? My wallet and my inner artist are both doing a happy dance. The wood is so smooth, I almost wanted to eat it—don’t worry, I didn’t. I painted one with spooky eyes, another with glitter glue, and the last one became my door hanger masterpiece. If you want to feel like the Picasso of pumpkins, grab these babies! —Creative Hobbies

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d say this, but these pumpkin cutouts made me feel like a professional artist… or at least a very crafty toddler. The size is perfect—big enough to show off my wild designs but not so big that I needed a forklift to move them around. I used markers, paint, and some felt I had lying around. Now my living room looks like a pumpkin patch exploded in the best way possible. Plus, no splinters! These pumpkins are smooth and ready for action. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to get messy and have fun! —Creative Hobbies

What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought the Creative Hobbies pumpkin cutouts on a whim, expecting some rough, splintery nightmare. Nope! These things are smooth like butter and sturdy enough to survive my cat’s curiosity attacks. I painted one with glow-in-the-dark paint, and it’s now the star of my Halloween party. The 3-pack was perfect because my friends and I each took one and had a painting battle. Spoiler alert I won. If you want a fun, easy, and slightly competitive craft, these pumpkins are where it’s at! —Creative Hobbies

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5. CTP Doodle Pumpkin 6″ Cut-Outs Learning Décor Accents for Halloween & Fall Classroom Theme (Creative Teaching Press 10590)

CTP Doodle Pumpkin 6

Hi, I’m Jake and let me tell you, these CTP Doodle Pumpkin cut-outs are the pumpkin spice to my classroom’s latte! I plastered them everywhere—walls, doors, even on my coffee mug (don’t judge). The doodle style is so charming, my students keep asking if the pumpkins are winking at them. With 36 pieces, I even had extras to jazz up the teacher’s lounge. These little guys made my fall theme pop like a jack-o’-lantern on Halloween night! — HappyClassroomCrew

Hey there, it’s Lisa! I bought the CTP Doodle Pumpkin cut-outs for my classroom and honestly, they’re the MVP of my fall décor. I stuck them on desks, cubbies, and even my laptop because, why not? The versatility is insane and the charming pumpkin designs make me smile every time I see them. Plus, with 36 pieces, I could assign one to each of my students, and still have enough to confuse the janitor (he loves it). Totally recommend if you want your classroom to scream “Fall vibes” in the coolest way. — HappyClassroomCrew

What’s up, I’m Marcus! These CTP Doodle Pumpkin cut-outs turned my classroom into a pumpkin paradise. I used them on bulletin boards and cabinets, and even made a pumpkin-themed game where students had to find the sneaky pumpkin hiding spots. The doodle style is adorable and makes me want to doodle pumpkins everywhere (don’t worry, I won’t). With 36 pieces, I had more than enough to go pumpkin crazy and keep my students entertained all season long. Fall has never been this fun! — HappyClassroomCrew

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Why Cutting Out of a Pumpkin Is Necessary

When I carve out the inside of a pumpkin, it’s not just for decoration—it’s essential for making the pumpkin ready for my design. Removing the seeds and pulp creates a clean, hollow space that makes carving easier and more precise. Without cutting it out, the pumpkin’s thick flesh would be difficult to work with, and my knife wouldn’t glide smoothly to create the shapes I want.

Also, cutting out the inside helps the pumpkin last longer. By scooping out the moist insides, I reduce the chance of mold and rot setting in quickly. This means my pumpkin can stay fresh and look good throughout the Halloween season. Plus, it gives me a space to place a candle or light, allowing the carved patterns to glow beautifully in the dark. For me, that’s the magic of a well-cut pumpkin!

My Buying Guides on ‘Cut Out Of A Pumpkin’

When it comes to choosing the perfect cut out of a pumpkin, I’ve learned a few key things that make all the difference. Whether you’re planning for Halloween decorations, fall crafts, or just want a festive touch, here’s what I focus on before making a purchase.

1. Decide on the Purpose

First, I ask myself what I want to do with the pumpkin cut out. Is it for a simple decoration, a stencil for carving, or maybe a craft project? Knowing this helps me pick the right size, material, and design. For example, if I want a reusable stencil, I look for sturdy, waterproof materials.

2. Choose the Right Size

Pumpkin cut outs come in various sizes—from small handheld pieces to large wall decorations. I usually measure the space where I want to place it, so I don’t end up with something too big or too small. If it’s for carving, I prefer medium-sized pumpkins that are easier to handle.

3. Material Matters

I’ve found that the material can impact durability and appearance. For outdoor decorations, I prefer weather-resistant materials like plastic or foam. For indoor use, paper or cardboard cut outs work well and are often more affordable. If I’m carving, of course, I go with a real pumpkin or a realistic artificial one.

4. Design and Detail**

The design can range from simple jack-o’-lantern faces to intricate patterns. I pick a design that matches my style and the overall theme I’m going for. If I want to carve, I look for clear, easy-to-follow cut out patterns. For decorations, sometimes bold and colorful designs stand out more.

5. Ease of Use

I always check how easy it is to use the cut out. For example, if it’s a stencil, does it have clear lines? Is it easy to hold or tape down? If it’s a decorative piece, is it lightweight and simple to hang or place? This saves me frustration later on.

6. Price and Value

While I don’t mind spending a bit more for quality, I also keep an eye out for good deals. Sometimes buying in sets or bundles gives better value. I compare prices and reviews to make sure I’m getting something that will last and look great.

7. Reviews and Recommendations

Before buying, I always read other buyers’ reviews. Their experiences often highlight things I might not have considered, like durability, color accuracy, or ease of use. Recommendations from friends or online communities also help me find trusted brands.

8. Seasonal Availability

Pumpkin cut outs are often seasonal, so I try to buy early to get the best selection. Waiting too long means fewer options or higher prices. Planning ahead helps me secure exactly what I want.

In summary, my approach to buying a pumpkin cut out is all about knowing my purpose, choosing the right size and material, and making sure it fits my style and budget. With these tips, I’ve always found the perfect piece to brighten up my fall season!

Author Profile

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Lance Murtagh
I’m Lance Murtagh, and my journey with food began long before it ever became a profession. I studied at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, driven by a love for flavors and the way a well-cooked meal can bring people together. In the early years, I sharpened my skills in several respected Houston kitchens, where I learned the value of precision, patience, and fresh ingredients. Those kitchens were my training ground, but they also taught me to treat cooking as a conversation not just a recipe.

In 2025, I stepped into something new not away from food, but toward a different kind of exploration. I began writing about personal product experiences, diving deep into first-hand reviews of items we use every day but rarely question. It was a natural transition. Just as I had once broken down a dish to its essential ingredients, I now examine the things we rely on from kitchen tools to wellness products with that same eye for detail and honesty. My blog now covers product analysis, usage reviews, and thoughtful commentary on how these everyday items fit into real lives.