Whittling 2019: Volume 6

Whittling, a special issue of Woodcarving Illustrated, includes a variety of projects, patterns, and features, as well as interesting techniques. This issue is not a part of the regular magazine subscription. It is available from your favorite retailer or from Fox Chapel Publishing, foxchapelpublishing.com or 1-800-457-9112.

Scroll down for a sneak peek!

Click HERE to purchase the issue.

Starter Guide

Choosing a Whittling KnifeBy the Staff of Woodcarving Illustrated 

What to look for when selecting a folding knife

The Basics of SharpeningBy the Staff of Woodcarving Illustrated 

Properly prepare your knife for safe and enjoyable whittling

Whittling SafetyBy the Staff of Woodcarving Illustrated 

A few simple rules to prevent injuries

Basic Knife Cuts for WhittlingBy the Staff of Woodcarving Illustrated 

Complete most projects with four types of cuts

Teaching Kids to WhittleBy Mindy Kinsey

Simple suggestions make it fun and easy

Woodsy BearBy Janet Bolyard

Learning to whittle a simple soap bear can lead to a lifetime of pleasure

Beginning Carvers

Man in the MoonBy Dave Stetson

Clever carving uses just a knife and a scrap of basswood

Twisted Spiral OrnamentBy Carol Kent

Whittle this seemingly complex design in just eight steps

10-Minute DogsBy Tom Hindes

This pattern is fast and easy–and adaptable to any breed

Whimmy DiddleBy Chris Lubkemann

Turn a stick or two into an entertaining toy

Whittling a Tiny HippoBy Steve Tomashek 

Practice carving animal caricatures with this amusing miniature

Simple SantaBy Kathleen Schuck

Spread holiday cheer with this basic design

Slip-Bark WhistleBy Andrew Thomas-Price

This kid favorite is quick, easy, and really, really loud

Quick & Easy

Celtic KnotworkBy Dave Western

Simple design can be a brooch, pendant, or ornament

Bark Pine TreesBy Betsy Elswit

Use cottonwood bark scraps to create whimsical pine tree magnets

Caricature SnowmanBy Greg Young

Start your holiday early with this fun design

Letter Opener By Chris Lubkemann 

Four simple steps to a long-lasting tool

5-Minute WizardBy Tom Hindes

Beginner project is a great introduction to woodcarving

Whittling a Nuthatch By Glyn Cutts

Use a utility knife to carve a charming folk art bird

Wilma WitchBy Lori Dickie

Whittle a wacky witch from a basswood Santa blank

Miniature Gargoyles By Tom Hindes

Tiny but fierce figures to stand watch on your computer of coffee table

Weekend Projects

Cottonwood Bark ChainBy Rick Wiebe

Choosing a different type of wood makes it easier to join the “chain gang”

Whittling Java JohnBy Harley Refsal

Use large flat planes to emphasize exaggerated features

A Family of OwlsBy Steven Kulp

These watchful egg owls are a hoot to hold and to make

Classic Ball-in-CageBy Addison “Dusty” Dussinger

This old-time whittling project is a real attention-grabber

Americana Eagle Walking StickBy Shawn Cipa

Folk art hiking stick inspired by historic carvings. PLUS: Harvesting blanks for walking sticks

Whittle a Spoon Without a Hook KnifeBy Jon Mac

This surprisingly elegant rough-hewn spoon proves you can create curves by carving straight lines

Branch RoosterBy Chris Lubkemann

Turn a twig into a classic carving


Online Exclusives

Bonus Pattern

Download a free pattern for Mocha Mary (companion to Java John) HERE.

Video Extras

See how-to videos for Chris Lubkemann’s Letter Opener and Curl Technique.

Free Project Downloads

Find more free whittling projects and patterns in the How To section of our website HERE.


• CLICK HERE to purchase the issue.

• For more articles like this, subscribe to Woodcarving Illustrated magazine. Click here for more information.

• Plus! Get digital mini magazines in your e-mail between printed issues. Click here to subscribe to StropTalk, our e-mail newsletter.

Get the Latest Issue

For more articles like this, subscribe to Woodcarving Illustrated magazine.

Plus! Get digital mini magazines in your e-mail between printed issues.

Related Posts