Using the rotary pumpkin-carving tool or a wood-carving tool, slowly shave off the top layer of the pumpkin’s skin between the taped lines. Continue from top to bottom until all that remains of the pumpkin’s skin are the areas that were protected by tape. Carefully remove the tape.
How do you scrape a design on a pumpkin?
To carve a design in relief, first clean your pumpkin and cut out a lid. Remove the pulp from the pumpkin and scrape the inside. Then, draw your design on your pumpkin using avgrease pencil or dry-erase marker. You may also want to cut along your design using a utility or craft knife.
What kind of knife is best for carving pumpkins?
To carve your pumpkin, and especially for the part where you cut the top off, you’re going to need a good, sturdy serrated knife. We like this one from OXO that’s likely to be stronger and sharper than anything you’ll get in a plastic carving kit.
What knife do you use to carve a pumpkin?
For effective pumpkin carving, use a serrated bread knife, a jab saw (used to cut drywall), or a purpose-made serrated knife taken from a pumpkin-carving set. If you do not have a serrated knife, or if you prefer to use a straight-edged blade, opt for a paring knife or a fillet knife.
How do I clean a pumpkin?
Once you’re finished carving, rinse the pumpkin inside and out with water. Soak the entire jack o’ lantern in a solution of 1 gallon water to 1 tablespoon bleach for 15 minutes. Remove and allow the pumpkin to air dry. Coat the interior with vegetable oil or petroleum jelly to prevent mold and dehydration.
How do you soften a pumpkin for cutting?
Bake or microwave it
For all large, difficult-to-cut squash and pumpkins (or a recipe where you’re keeping the squash mostly whole, like this one), giving the whole thing a quick zap in the microwave or the oven is an insanely easy trick for softening the skin just enough to make cutting easier.
How do you keep a pumpkin from rotting?
After you’ve found the perfect pumpkin, keep these tips in mind:
Clean the inside. Give it a bleach-water bath after you carve it. Apply petroleum jelly. Rehydrate the pumpkin daily. Store it in the fridge overnight. Give it an ice bath. Don’t use real candles to light it. Display it in a stable temperature.
How do you cut a pumpkin with lids?
Cut out the pumpkin lid: With a slim pumpkin carving knife (the carving tool with a toothed blade like a mini-saw) or serrated knife, cut along the outline of your pumpkin lid. Make sure you slice through the pumpkin at a 45-degree inward angle, so you’ll be able to replace the lid without it falling in.
