How to Carve Pumpkins with Tips, Tools and Ideas for Beginners Carving pumpkins have a thinner rind that's well suited for carving. They also have less flesh on the inside. Jack-O-Lantern pumpkins are the best, and most popular, type of pumpkins for carving. They have thin walls that make them easy to cut. Plus, they're readily available throughout the season at most grocery stores.