43 Free Printable Pumpkin Stencils So You Can Create a Halloween Masterpiece

There's nothing that says Halloween quite like carving a pumpkin. Choosing the perfect pumpkin from the pumpkin patch, picking a pumpkin carving stencil or design, and even discussing some of the traditions and history of Jack-O-Lanterns can make for a quintessential fall date night or family activity. Add some delicious fall recipes to the mix and you have all the makings of a memorable evening. But knowing exactly how to carve your pumpkin? That can be a little more tricky. But just like there are tricks and tips for preserving pumpkins, there are also shortcuts you can take to make your Jack-O-Lantern the very best-looking gourd on the block.

No matter how elaborate, creative, or simple you're trying to make your pumpkin's design, using a stencil can ensure that your pumpkin will impress each and every trick-or-treater on October 31 (and throughout the month of October). Stencils can make the process less stressful and eliminate some of the most common mistakes and frustrations when it comes to pumpkin carving. Of course, pumpkins are nice to look at without doing anything to them at all. But maybe you've already experienced with no-carve pumpkins or painted pumpkins and are looking to go more traditional this year. Peruse these 43 pumpkin starving stencils to add some fun to your Halloween traditions and decor this year.

You can't go wrong with a classic scary pumpkin face! And this grinning prankster is one of our easiest Jacks to tackle — just transfer the pattern, carve out the eyes, and finish with the jagged smile.

Get the Hobgoblin Pumpkin stencil.

RELATED: How to to Make Carved Pumpkins Last Longer

There's something so spooky about this witch cutout that can be illuminated with candles or LED lights. Crazy hair and a curvy hate frame, a warty nose, and hairy chin — carve those ugly features first then work out from the center 'til you reach the stars.

Get the Black Magic Pumpkin stencil.

Whoooo goes there? Hopefully, just lots of kids looking for treats at your front door. Choose an oval pumpkin with a wide base, then follow the pattern to carve out feathers, beak, and eyes. Shape the areas inside the O's, then carefully remove the background around the owl, carving it into smaller pieces to make things easier.

Get the Whoo Is the Wisest? Pumpkin stencil.

What's spookier than one black cat? Twice the trouble!

Get the Dirty Duo stencil.

Follow the stencil pattern to carve out a spooky one-eyed mummy.

Get the All Wrapped Up Mummy Pumpkin stencil.

A tall, narrow pumpkin is the proper setting for this friendly ghost. Using the pattern, start with eyes and mouth, then carve inside the letters B-O-O. Remove the large area to the right of the figure, being particularly careful around the fingers and “tail.” Finally, carve the small area to the left of your ghost.

Get the Boo to You stencil.

On a tall pumpkin, start by carving out this vampire's hair and cape, then finish off with the delicate eyes, mouth, and ears.

Get the Teen Scream stencil.

A simple but effective reminder about what Halloween is truly all about.Carve out the letters, then light with a candle as usual or tape colored construction paper behind the words to creative a festive spotlight

Get the Tricks and Treats Pumpkin stencils.

This bat takes flight with the aid of a U-shaped woodcarving tool and a little patience. After applying the pattern, use a utility knife to trace lightly around the letters — you want to shave off the top layer of skin and flesh, not carve all the way through, using the woodcarving tool to gently gouge out the word. Carve out the bat shape, and you're ready for takeoff.

Get the Fly a Kite Bat stencil.

Your neighbors will get a hoot out of these cute little pumpkins. Make sure to pick up a variety of sized pumpkins so you can create the entire owl family.

Get the Baby Owl, Mama Owl, and Daddy Owl stencils.

This simple pumpkin pattern is a great option for beginners.

Get the Simple Bat stencil.

Statement accessories give this trio of pumpkins some real Halloween flair.

Get the Pumpkin Family stencils.

A graduated tower of pumpkins, from big and squat to small, makes a dramatic display of smiles. Carving holes in the tops of the respective pumpkins allows light to pass up through from the base. The lanterns themselves are an easy matter of removing nose, eyes, and mouths.

Get the Jack Stack stencils.

Once the sun goes down, these illuminated pumpkins make it look like the dead is rising up out of the ground to party on Halloween.

Get the skeleton hand and arm stencils.

This one may look easy, but it'll take some delicate carving to get the details right.

Get the Raven stencil.

Add a playful touch to you porch with these fun witchy feet.

Get the Witch Legs stencil.

As you gear up for Halloween, celebrate all things spooky with this wickedly fun stencil both you and your little ones can enjoy.

Get the Monster Jack Pumpkin stencil.

This friendly monster is just the right about of spooky and cute.

Get the Frankenstein Jack-o'-Lantern stencil.

Use our happy Jack-o'-lantern stencil (cut out and trace it onto your pumpkin) to dazzle trick-or-treaters throughout the evening.

Get the Happy Pumpkin stencil.

A simple stencil that's ideal for little hands to (safely) carve.

Get the Funny Face Pumpkin stencil.

After carving this sweet pup onto your pumpkin, craft a couple pieces of felt into floppy ears and hot-glue on to finish the look.

Get the Puppy Pumpkin stencil.

A Halloween classic, you can't go wrong with a menacing pumpkin grin.

Get the Scary Pumpkin Face stencil.

With this fun and easy pumpkin stencil, no one will be boo-hooing this Halloween.

Get the Boo Face Pumpkin stencil.

Trace a few of these stars around the perimeter of your pumpkin for a dazzling 360-degree look.

Get the Star Pumpkin stencil.

Although this tutorial is not for DIY beginners, this carved diorama makes a great porch decoration or table centerpiece. Use the stencils for the tree-framed opening and moon at the back, then decorate with a wolf figurine and materials from your yard.

Get the Pumpkin Diorama stencils.

An adorable pumpkin that doubles as a game? It doesn't get better than that.

Get the Bean Bag Toss stencils.

These templates give you ways to transform your pumpkins into the perfect fall decor that works for September, October, or November.

Get the Sunflower Pumpkin stencils.

Let these jack-o'-lanterns light the way for trick-or-treaters.

Get the Night Lights Lanterns stencils.

Something about this is so cozy! This DIY stove pumpkin is right up your alley if you're looking for something more challenging to do this year.

Get the Wood-Burning Stove stencil.

Use the stencil to gently trace a leaf shape onto silver Fanci-Foil Wrap, then cut out and repeat (or fold foil first to cut multiple leaves at once). Use Mod Podge to adhere leaves onto a painted pumpkin.

Get the Falling Leaf stencil.

Nothing sinister here! Carve a variety of funny and happy faces on your jack-o-lanterns this Halloween for a look that will still wow your neighbors.

Get the Groovy Gourds tutorial.

This warm and elegant design is great for welcoming guests inside this season. And if you're lucky, these pumpkins can last and fit in with the season well into November.

Get the tutorial and stencil at Good Housekeeping.

Create this Lite-Brite look in no time with this stencil and a drill bit. It's so simple yet looks so professional and elegant.

Get the stencil and tutorial at Country Living.

Who says the only treats on Halloween have to be in the trick-or-treat bags? Carve this cupcake onto your pumpkin of choice to really "bake" an impression.

Get the stencil at Lindsay Ann Bakes.