10 DIY Wood Carving Patterns You Can Create Today

Wood carving is a good leisure option and an excellent hobby for adults and kids. For many, this creativity becomes a great way to relax, relieve stress, and calm their thoughts after a hectic day.

Anyone can learn to carve wood. To do this, you do not need to sit for hours in a woodworking workshop with a bunch of tools and stacks of drawings. All it takes is some basic carving tools, a little diligence, practice, and easy-to-follow woodcarving patterns. 

You don't have to have a unique talent or college degree to learn how to make hand-carved wooden figurines for yourself or your friends. It is enough to choose good tools, come up with an idea and enjoy this exciting activity.

If you are an entry-level carver or hobbyist, it's better to start with simple whittling patterns for beginners. As your skills and experience grow, you can move on to more complicated wood carving projects with intricate designs.

Want to carve wood but need to figure out what? This article is for you. We have put together ten simple beginner wood carving projects with patterns on various topics – from whittling a Love Spoon out of wood to carving an awesome Minion figurine. So let's get started.

Spoon with Angel Wing Handle

A carved spoon is a beautiful decor and a practical kitchen accessory. It can make food tasty and healthy and fill the whole process with beauty.

Prepare patterns and templates in advance if you decide to try your hand at spoon carving. Clarity in the process is the key to success. You can either develop your own or use ready-made patterns from the Internet. The best solution for many is the printable wood carving patterns for beginners that you can get absolutely free.

Using the template, transfer your future carving design onto your wood blank and start working on a beautiful Love Spoon project that you can create today!

 

Motorbike

If you like speed and extreme sensations on par with wood crafts, try carving a Motorcycle out of wood. Kids and beginners can make a great-looking vehicle using this five-star motorcycle carving pattern.

A wooden motorcycle model consists of many large and small parts and elements. Therefore, you should carefully follow the pattern so that all the carving components ideally form a single composition. When finished, you can paint the motorcycle model in your favorite colors. This project is spectacular and exciting; you, your son, brother, or friend will definitely like it.

 

Spiderman

If you are a Marvel comics fan, then Spider-Man may be one of your favorite characters. Try wood carving this superhero with this easy Spider-Man wood carving pattern.

Maintain proportions precisely according to the pattern since the final result of your woodcarving will depend on the initial contours. Download, print, or redraw the design, check if it fits, and start creating! Believe us; this hand-carved Spiderman figure will be a wonderful gift for your kid and an adult fan of this character from the Marvel universe.

 

Check out all the 150+ free patterns: https://beavercrafttools.com/pages/patterns

Homer Simpson

If you don't know this character, are you from this universe? D'oh! (no offense :) Homer Simpson is one of the main characters in The Simpsons animated series. It is a widely recognizable, very specific, and charismatic cartoon image. The inspiring head of the family with a big belly contains kilotons of funny jokes and trolling.

If you want to have a great time creating this donut lover, download this free Homer Simpson carving pattern, jump into the fun, creative process, and learn how to easily make original hand-carved wood carvings with BeaverCraft.

 

Kuksa

Looking for a simple project to wind down on a Friday evening? Check out this Kuksa carving pattern to inspire you for a new creation.

Kuksa (or Guksi ) is a traditional cup with deep meaning, hand-crafted by the Sami people of northern Scandinavia.

This wonderful and convenient household item accompanies a person throughout life, which has a special meaning: for the Finns, Kuksa symbolizes a tight connection with their traditions and roots.

Enjoy our Kuksa carving pattern for beginners, and let's get crafty with BeaverCraft. If you want to experiment, you can add more details, change the design and implement your own Kuksa carving ideas to life.

 

Cat

Well, who doesn't love cats? If you are still looking for a way to learn how to carve a Cat out of wood, use this easy carving pattern to create your cat figure quickly and beautifully.

Carving cat sculptures out of wood is an interesting and exciting process. It does not require you to have impressive experience or deep woodcarving knowledge. For those afraid of «complicated» artistic carvings, a cat is one of the simplest wood carving projects you can start with. It fits all ages and skill levels.

 

Comfort Bird

The image of a bird has always been a symbol of comfort, stability, and peace. And the Comfort Bird is even more so!
If this is the first time you've heard of a beginner wood carving project like the Comfort Bird, we'll help you figure it out.

This small bird carving symbolizes love, support, and affection. The smooth and soft hand-carved bird figurine is so tiny that it fits perfectly in your hand, bringing just the right amount of comfort.

All you need to create this carving is a block of good wood, a whittling knife, and a Comfort Bird pattern with a step-by-step tutorial from BeaverCraft.

 

Gnome with Mushroom Hat

Carving gnomes out of wood is a fascinating pastime. These magical creatures symbolize wisdom, prosperity, wealth, and happiness. Folk fantasy describes them as bearded dwarfs with coarse and comical features and outstanding abilities.

So why not put a cute figurine of a funny Gnome with a Mushroom Hat in your house? Get a free whittling pattern and create a new project without limiting your creative impulse.

Why start with carving gnomes? It makes it easier to learn and understand the sizes of objects and what elements they consist of.

 

Minion

If you are tired of the same wood carving projects for beginners, BeaverCraft is here to help you. This DIY Minion carving pattern will be a treasured solution in search of inspiration.

With this cute full-size pattern, you can practice and develop your carving skills by working on the unique carving of your favorite fictional character. Whether you're looking to become a professional wood carver or want to learn how to make wood carvings for your kids, this easy-to-follow pattern will help you lay the foundation for developing your wood carving talent.

 

Snowman

Who didn't make a Snowman as a child? It's so much fun! If you are making your first attempts at wood carving, this easy pattern will help you to turn a block of wood into a bright symbol of the upcoming winter.

Carving Christmas ornaments looks up-to-date with the beginning of the holiday season – everything needs to be prepared in advance, especially DIY wooden Christmas decorations. Look at this Snowman wood craft pattern and get into a Christmassy mood with BeaverCraft.

Wood carving is a skill that you can learn even from scratch. Use these beginner-friendly patterns to download easy wood carving projects that delight kids and adults alike.

If this list of 10 DIY wood carving patterns is not enough, download the entire collection of 150+ wood carving patterns from BeaverCraft and choose the one that suits your skill level, taste, and thematic preferences.

DIY Wood Carving Patterns FAQ

What are some of the best DIY wood carving patterns for beginners?

Some of the best DIY wood carving patterns for beginners include geometric shapes, basic animal designs like birds and fish, lettering and signs, and simple figurines like angels or mushrooms. These patterns typically have simple shapes with few details, making them easy to carve.

What tools do I need to create these wood carving patterns?

You will need basic wood carving tools like a carving knife, chisel, and gouge to create these wood carving patterns. You may also need sandpaper, wood stain, and a carving mallet. Many of these tools can be found in beginner carving sets that are available at craft stores or online.

What types of wood are best for carving these patterns?

Softwoods like basswood, pine, and butternut are good choices for beginners as they are easy to carve and have a uniform texture. Hardwoods like oak, cherry, and walnut can also be used but require more skill to carve. You can find wood at a local lumberyard or woodworking store.

Are there any safety precautions I should take when carving wood?

Yes, wood carving can be dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. Always wear eye protection and gloves when carving, and make sure your work area is well-lit and free from clutter. Keep your tools sharp and in good condition to prevent accidents, and always carve away from your body. It's also important to take frequent breaks to avoid fatigue.

 

Author:

Roman Law

Wood carving guru


From a childhood enchanted by nature, my passion for wood carving guided me on a path of creativity. With a pocket knife, I uncovered the transformative power of my hands, breathing life into driftwood and forging a lifelong connection with the medium.