Free Harry Potter Pumpkin Template: Hogwarts Castle

If you look at the top of this article you should see a sketch of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry from the Harry Potter movies. This sketch of the castle can be used as a template for carving your pumpkin this Halloween. If you click on the image you will be taken to a separate page where you can enlarge and print the sketch to use as template for your Harry Potter pumpkin.

Where to Find Harry Potter Printable Pumpkin Templates

This sketch of Hogwarts is very detailed but there are some easier Harry Potter pumpkin templates available. SpookMaster has an assortment of free pumpkin carving templates. If you subscribe to the website then you can print out pumpkin patterns in either jpeg or as a PDF file.

You can also purchase Harry Potter pumpkin patterns at Ultimate Pumpkin Stencils or Stoneykins. Prices for these patterns range from $1.00-$4.95 depending on the detail and the pattern.

Pick the Best Pumpkin for Your Harry Potter Template

For the Hogwarts School template I would recommend a wider pumpkin as opposed to a tall pumpkin. The castle is spread out so a wider pumpkin would show more of the school.

If you are using one of the other templates, such as a portrait of Harry Potter then you should pick a taller pumpkin. A taller pumpkin will give you enough room to carve the details of Harry's head and scar.

Carving Equipment for Your Harry Potter Pumpkin

Carving a pumpkin from a template takes patience. You need the right equipment to carve your Harry Potter pumpkin. You could purchase a pumpkin carving kit, but I have found that the plastic accessories in those kits break easily.

Instead of a pumpkin carving kit, get a couple of straight pins or a stapler. You will also need a sharp carving knife and a nail.

How to Carve Your Harry Potter Pumpkin

Cut out the top of your pumpkin and scoop out the seeds.

Scrape the sides of the pumpkin if they are really thick. This will make the pattern easier to carve.

Use the straight pins or the stapler to attach your pattern to the pumpkin. Keep the paper as flat against the pumpkin as possible.

Use the nail to poke holes along the lines of the pattern. Poke them close together so that you will be able to connect the dots when you are ready to cut out the pattern.

Carve your pumpkin by running the knife along the dots. For the Hogwarts pattern, make sure you cut holes where the windows are so that the light can shine through.

Now you are ready to insert a pumpkin light.

Alternative Methods to Carving Your Harry Potter Pumpkin

You can iron a printed pattern onto your pumpkin. You have to be careful that your pattern lines up and that the iron doesn't get too hot. Once you iron the pattern on, then you can paint the pattern. Use glow in the dark paint for the moon and windows for a lighted affect.

Sources:

http://www.spookmaster.com/pumpkin-carving-patterns-freebies.htm

http://ultimate-pumpkin-stencils.com/2009/harry-potter-pumpkin-pattern

http://www.stoneykins.com/