Wanting a personalized pumpkin carving design but not exactly an artist?? Same here. I really wanted to do a monogrammed design when we carved pumpkins this weekend but I had zero interest in free-handing it. Luckily, I came across a quick and easy way to print your own template for carving! Read this post to find out how and for some tips that will make this project a breeze!!

Supplies

Printer + Computer + Internet Access
Paper
Scissors
Pumpkin Carving Kit (including wipeable markers)
Damp Paper Towel
Pumpkin
Push Pins

How to Make a Free Monogram Design for Your Pumpkin

1. Visit Chicfetti’s Monogram Maker. Click each letter and edit to reflect your monogram. You can choose different styles but let me just say from experience that the thick block letters were difficult enough so more power to you if you want to attempt a scripty design but I honestly just don’t know how well it will work.

2. Download/save as a PDF. Print the PDF. You can play around with the size of the printed monogram in the print screen. I printed out a few options to consider. The size of your pumpkin will dictate the size of your design.

3. Carefully cut out each letter.

How to Carve a Monogrammed Pumpkin

1. Visit Chicfetti’s Monogram Maker and create your monogram. Follow the steps above to help you create the perfect template.

2. Wipe any dirt off of your pumpkin using a damp paper towel. Make sure the pumpkin is dry and that you’ve prepped an area for scooping out the seeds. We like to roll out craft paper to prep the work surface for easier clean up.

3. Cut the “lid” for your pumpkin at an angle so it doesn’t fall through. Scoop out seeds/”guts” and toss.

4. Once you design, print and cut out the letters, use push pins to determine the spacing and placement of the monogram. If you do the circle block letter monogram like I did, I highly suggest spacing out the letters a bit to ensure the pumpkin has enough space to maintain shape when you start punching out giant cuts. Don’t space it so far that the circle looks weird, but be cognizant of the pumpkin’s structure in relation to the amount of pumpkin “wall” that will be removed!

5. Slowly trace the template with a wipeable carving pumpkin marker. You’ll likely need to use your fingers to hold the letters down in areas where the pumpkin curves so your letters don’t end up warped. Be careful not to smudge your tracings when working on the other letters! ;)

6. Remove the push pins and template from one of the outer initials. Using the carving knife intended for more detailed work, carve the first letter. Once the letter is carved, gently push it out from the inside of the pumpkin. You may have to revisit some corners of the letters to loosen them from the pumpkin.

7. Repeat with the remaining letters, being sure to only remove the push pins from one letter at a time so that the markings aren’t smudged and mess up your spacing.

8. Wipe off any remaining marker with a damp paper towel. You might need to clean up the inside of the pumpkin if any stringy insides are cluttering the carved letters. Place the light inside and display! :)

I’ve linked the tools we used below:

Check out some of the pics from our pumpkin carving fun with Darrell’s little brother!