You're going to be creating a work of art and you want it to be displayed at it's best. Look for a pumpkin with a flat bottom, a strong, sturdy stem and bright orange color.
When you pick up your pumpkin give it a little shake. If you can hear or feel anything sloshing around inside, put it back. A pumpkin should feel solid and be silent when shaken.
All pumpkins will have some imperfections, which you can always work into your design. The skin of a pumpkin protects it from bacteria. If the skin has lots of nicks, dents and deep cuts bacteria can get in and often the pumpkin won't last as long.
Once you get your pumpkin home wash it with a damp cloth and wipe it dry. A carved pumpkin typically lasts, between 2 - 7 days depending on weather conditions. So choose your carving date accordingly.
Tab browsing is the easiest way to view and open the links below. Simply right click on the link and select "open a new tab.". This will open the web page in a separate tab while keeping this page open. It's a great way to view multiple sites at once.
BHG.com
I'm not a big fan of the Better Homes & Garden site because they have pop ups and often require registration before you can use some of their offerings, but they do offer a nice selection of patterns. The site offers 38 Printable Stencils, The Pumpkin Stencil Maker, Creative Carving Ideas and More Stencils to Carve. Cats are everywhere at Halloween, if you think fido is feeling leftout here are some Dog Breed Stencils over 26 breeds from Boxer to Retriever.
Cartoonjr.com
Hello Kitty Patterns
Disney Princesses and Villians
Classic Disney Patterns
Star Wars
Traditional Patterns
CyberHaunt.com
A Variety of traditional pumpkin faces and standard Halloween themes.
DLTK.com
Large selections of carving patterns geared specifically toward children. In addition to the typical patterns of bats, spiders, witches and ghosts, this site also offers patterns for Thomas the Tank, Blues Clues, Sponge Bob and Scooby-Doo.
ehow.com
Here are a variety of templates, both scary and cute. If you want to skip the scary and personalize your pumpkin with a simple monogram, this site offers letter templates.
FamilyFun.com
This site offers a nice variety of pumpkin patterns. The "Goodnight Moon" pumpkin pattern is a lovely pattern of the stars and moon with a face, but definitely not for the beginning carver. The "Oh, No!" pumpkin is great if you're tired of a traditional pumpkin face, but don't have the time or talent to carve an elaborate design.
FantasyPumpkins.com
You can find angry birds and angry pigs, but the fantasy patterns are out of this world. Very detailed patterns for the fantasy, scifi, horror and even cartoon fan.
Herseys.com
Twenty-three great templates are offered for beginner, intermediate and advance carvers.
Hgtv.com
Say "Boo" or carve up a flying witch, a cat, a bat or some pumpkin faces complements of HGTV. The above links to the simple patterns, there is a link to advanced templates at the bottom.
History.com
Use your pumpkin to shine a light on history with one of these great carving patterns of George Washington, Ben Franklin or Lady Liberty. A selection of traditional jack-o-lantern patterns are also included, along with some Thanksgiving themed patterns.
Hp.com
Eerie Animals
Spooky Templates
Spooky Templates part 2
Kraftfoods.com Pumpkin Place
Kraft offers six basic, easy to carve pumpkin face templates, along with some great recipes.
MarthaStewart.com
Fifty-two imaginative and fun carving patterns.
Nickjr.com
Carve out you child’s favorite Nickolodeon character with these patterns for Dora, Moose, Uniqua, Blue, Broobee, Diego, Foofa, Pablo, Swiper and Wubbzy.
OrangeandBlackPumpkins.com
Over 75 patterns to choose from. Nice selection of intermmediate templates.
PostCresent.com
Really fun pumpkin faces, very cartoonish.
PumkinGlow.com
Here are eight patriotic carving patterns: American Flag, Liberty Bell, Lincoln Memorial, Statue of Liberty, American Eagle, George Washington, Mt. Rushmore, and The Patriot. This site also offers a nice selection of celebrity and animal pumpkin patterns.
Pumpkin Masters.com
4 Great carving patterns: Flack Jack, Icabod’s Fate, Good Bite Moon and Grim Creeper.
PumpkinPile.com
Hundreds of free patterns.
ReadersDigest
Cute and simple stencils, great for kids or adults.
SheKnows.com
Great variety of pumpking faces, everything from melting face to squishy face, along with traditional Hallowen themes.
SouthernLiving.com
Ten easy printable pattersn, ghosts and leaves.
Spookmaster.com
Easy, fun, but still spooky.
ZombiPumpkins
Must register to access the patterns, but they have 275 patterns, so it may be worth it.
