How to Make a Pretty Fretwork Pumpkin

Looking for a new pumpkin-carving technique? Requiring just two different-sized drill bits, this sculptural and intricate design is easier to create than you may think.
Candlelight shines through the pumpkin's holes.

Pierced Pumpkin Halloween Decoration

Looking for a new pumpkin-carving technique? Requiring just two different-sized drill bits, this sculptural and intricate design is easier to create than you may think.

Related To:

Materials Needed:

  • pumpkin
  • household drill
  • large and small drill bits
  • sharp knife or pumpkin saw
  • large serving spoon
  • newspaper
  • painter's tape
  • paper towels
  • Q-tips
  • votive holder and votive or LED candle

Empty Out Pumpkin

Place pumpkin on several layers of newspaper. Using a kitchen knife or pumpkin saw, cut a large hole in the pumpkin's bottom. Use a serving spoon to remove all pumpkin flesh and seeds from inside.

Tip: Save the seeds to toast later for a healthy snack.

Hollow Out Pumpkin

Empty Out Pumpkin

Place pumpkin on several layers of newspaper. Using a kitchen knife or pumpkin saw, cut a large hole in the pumpkin's bottom. Use a serving spoon to remove all pumpkin flesh and seeds from inside. Save the seeds to toast later for a healthy snack.

Apply Tape

Attach a piece of painter's tape around the center of the pumpkin. Apply another row of painter's tape approximately 2 inches above the first piece of painter's tape.

Drill Holes Using Large Bit

Use a large drill bit to drill holes into the pumpkin just under the top piece of painter's tape. Drill another row of large holes all the way around the pumpkin, just above the bottom piece of painter's tape. Remove both pieces of tape and drill a third row of large holes directly above the top row of holes.

Drill Holes Using Small Bit

Replace the large drill bit with a much smaller one and proceed to drill smaller holes in between and above each of the large ones, all the way around the pumpkin. Drill one last row of small holes below the bottom row of large ones. The smaller holes should fall directly in between and above or below each of the larger holes.

Clean Up and Add Candle

Use a paper towel and Q-tips to remove excess pumpkin flesh and skin from drilled holes, then place the pumpkin over the top of a lit or LED votive candle.

Pierced Halloween Pumpkin

Candle Light through Pumpkin

Use a paper towel and Q-tips to remove excess pumpkin flesh and skin from drilled holes, then place the pumpkin over the top of a lit or LED votive candle.

Next Up

How to Make Foam Halloween Tombstones

These hand carved and painted tombstones are an inexpensive and easy way to create a personalized and creative outdoor Halloween display.

Goodbye Laundry, Hello DIY Costumes

Score points for the home team with these unique laundry basket costumes.

Don't Miss This: Halloween Costumes Are BOGO Half-Off at Target Right Now

Dress the whole family for a night of fun with Target's latest deals on adult, kid, toddler and baby costumes.

DIY Halloween Outdoor Decor That Will Have "All Eyes on Boo"

Create some Halloween curb appeal with a mischevious monster door. Inexpensive card stock, crepe paper and tape are a budget-friendly way to deck out your home before Halloween guests or trick-or-treaters arrive.

10 Fun Ways to Treat Your Favorite Pup This Halloween

Halloween isn't just for humans! Show your four-legged best friend some love with these festive dog treats, toys, accessories and costumes.

36 Last-Minute Halloween Costumes You Can Order Online

Are the holidays sneaking up on you? We've got you covered for the first one to hit the scene — Halloween — with costumes you can get delivered to your home in a matter of days.

10 Best Halloween Countdown Calendars

The countdown to Halloween is on! Start a fun new tradition with these festive calendars.

Halloween Party Recipes: Witches' Teeth and Custard Cups

Full of fall flavors, these treats are scary good!

15 Best Pop Culture Halloween Costume Ideas for 2022

Make an entrance (and earn a lot of laughs) with these Halloween costumes inspired by Stranger Things, Top Gun: Maverick, TikTok songs and other iconic 2022 moments.

Our Best Pumpkin-Carving Tips and Tools

Browse our tips for selecting the right tools, carving, preserving and illuminating a Halloween pumpkin.

More from:

Halloween Ideas

What's New in Handmade

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.