Have you ever picked up a beautiful wooden spoon at a craft fair and wondered, "Could I make something like this?" The answer is absolutely yes – and it's probably easier than you think.

Spoon carving is one of the most accessible and rewarding forms of wood carving. Unlike complex woodworking projects that require expensive tools and years of experience, you can carve your first functional wooden spoon with just a few basic tools and a weekend afternoon.

In this guide, we'll walk you through absolutely everything you need to know to carve your very first wooden spoon, from choosing your first piece of wood to taking that satisfying first sip of soup with your handmade creation.

Why Spoon Carving is Perfect for Complete Beginners

If you've never carved wood before, spoon carving offers several unique advantages that make it an ideal starting point:

You'll Actually Use What You Make: Unlike decorative carvings that sit on a shelf, every wooden spoon becomes a useful kitchen tool. There's something magical about stirring your morning coffee with a spoon you carved yourself. That said, if you're anything like me, you might make a spoon or two that isn't necessarily functional, but looks cool enough to live on your mantle. I have a few spoons I've carved that I might not eat with, but I'm proud of them, and I think they look cool!

Quick Results Build Confidence: You can finish your very first spoon within just a few hours. Mine took 3-4 hours to complete – perfect for a weekend project. You'll see real progress every few minutes, which keeps motivation high as you learn.

Forgiving for Mistakes: Wood is surprisingly forgiving. Small slips or uneven cuts can often be sanded smooth or incorporated into the design. Your "imperfect" first spoon will likely become a cherished favorite.

Minimal Investment Required: You can start spoon carving for less than the cost of a nice dinner out. No workshop required – your kitchen table works fine.

Builds Fundamental Skills: The techniques you learn making spoons transfer directly to other wood carving projects. You're building a foundation for a lifetime hobby.

What You'll Actually Need to Get Started

Let's be completely honest about what you need (and what you don't) for your first spoon.

The Essential Spoon Carving Tools

You only need two tools to carve your first spoon:

1. A Straight Carving Knife This does 90% of your spoon carving work:

• Blade should be 2-3 inches long for good control
• Fixed blade (not folding) for safety and precision
• Comfortable handle that fits your hand well

2. A Hook Knife (Spoon Knife) This curved blade hollows out the spoon's bowl:

• Looks like a tiny curved scoop with a handle
• Available in right-handed and left-handed versions
• Essential for creating smooth, even bowl shapes

Our 3pc Whittling Knife Set includes a high-quality straight carving knife that's perfect for spoon carving. The ergonomic walnut handle feels great during longer carving sessions, and the high-carbon steel blade holds a sharp edge beautifully. The set even includes a spoon blank so you can start carving immediately. It also comes with a step-by-step video tutorial that will walk you through your first project. 

What You DON'T Need Yet:

• Carving gouges or chisels (optional, we'll get to that later)
• Power tools of any kind
• A dedicated workshop space
• Years of woodworking experience

Safety Gear (Non-Negotiable)

Cut-Resistant Gloves: While you're learning knife control, protect your hands with proper cut-resistant safety gloves. These aren't bulky work gloves – they're thin, flexible gloves that let you feel the wood while preventing serious cuts.

Protective Safety Tape: This comes with your tools, if you opt for the Schaaf Tools spoon carving set. 

First Aid Kit: Keep bandages nearby. Small nicks happen even to experts, and being prepared lets you focus on learning rather than worrying.

Your First Piece of Wood

For your very first spoon, use the spoon blank that comes with your beginner spoon carving set. If the set doesn't come with a spoon blank, buy a piece of basswood from a craft store or online supplier. You can find something called a "spoon carving blank" online, which means it has already been cut in the general spoon shape. For first timers, the spoon blank is a great place to begin.

If you're opting to get a piece of wood at a crafts store, here's exactly what to look for:

• Size: 6-12 inches long, 2 inches wide, 1 inch thick
• Wood type: Basswood (also called American Linden)
• Condition: Kiln-dried, not green wood
• Quality: No knots, cracks, or dark stains

Why Basswood? It's incredibly soft and forgiving. Your knife will slice through it like butter, which builds confidence as you learn. The light color shows pencil marks clearly, and it doesn't have strong grain patterns that fight your cuts.

Where to Buy: Most craft stores carry basswood blocks. Online suppliers like woodworking retailers offer better selection and prices if you plan to make multiple spoons. You can also buy in bulk for very cheap on Amazon. Just search "spoon carving blanks."

Understanding Your First Spoon Project

Before touching wood, let's set realistic expectations for your first spoon carving experience.

What Your First Spoon Will Look Like

Your first spoon will probably be:

• Slightly uneven (and that's perfectly fine)
• Simpler than spoons you see online (start basic)
• Unique to you (no two hand-carved spoons are identical)
• Completely functional for stirring and serving

Important: Don't aim for perfection. Aim to get comfortable using your tools. Aim to learn technique. Aim to have fun. And if you're having fun, aim for completion! Every expert carver's first spoon was imperfect, and many still treasure those early pieces. I certainly do! Here are some spoons from a beginner meetup we did in the park, all first timers, every spoon completely different (and some not quite finished).

Realistic Timeline Expectations

Plan for these time commitments:

• Setup and design: 30 minutes
• Rough shaping: 1-1.5 hours
• Hollowing the bowl: 1-1.5 hours
• Final shaping and smoothing: 45 minutes
• Sanding: 30 minutes
• Finishing: 15 minutes active time (plus drying)

Total active carving time: 3-4 hours, easily spread over a weekend. This is just an estimate. It might take some people less time, especially if you're starting from a spoon carving blank. For others, it may take longer. I know people that are still working on their first spoon, weeks after starting it, taking off a little wood here and there when they feel like it.

What You'll Learn

By completing your first spoon, you'll master:

• Basic knife safety and control
• How to work with wood grain
• Tool maintenance (keeping knives sharp)
• The satisfaction of creating something functional and beautiful

Step-by-Step: Carving Your Very First Spoon

Now for the exciting part – let's walk through every step of creating your first wooden spoon. This will give you a more detailed understanding of what's involved. Feel free to refer to these steps, or check out a video tutorial like the one below if you're more of a visual learner. 

Step 1: Design Your Spoon (30 minutes)

Draw a Simple Template

1. On paper, sketch a spoon roughly 10 inches long
2. Make the bowl about 3 inches long and 1.5 inches wide
3. Keep the handle simple – just a gentle taper from bowl to tip
4. The bowl should be about 1/3 of the total length

Transfer to Wood

1. Cut out your paper template
2. Trace around it on your basswood block with a pencil
3. Mark an arrow showing the wood grain direction
4. Double-check that your design fits within the wood block

Beginner Tip: Make your first spoon larger rather than smaller. Bigger spoons are easier to carve and more forgiving of mistakes.

Step 2: Rough Out the Basic Shape (1-1.5 hours)

Safety First: Put on your cut-resistant gloves and ensure you have good lighting.

Start with the Handle

1. Hold the wood firmly in your non-knife hand
2. Using your straight carving knife, start removing wood from the handle area
3. Make cuts that slice away from your body and hands
4. Take off small shavings – don't try to remove big chunks
5. Work all around the handle, turning the wood as you go

What "Small Shavings" Means: Each cut should remove a piece about as thick as a potato chip. Note - not as big as a potato chip. As thick as one. If you're struggling or the wood is splitting, you're likely trying to take too much at once.

Shape the Transition from Handle to Bowl

1. Gradually blend the handle into the wider bowl area
2. Keep turning the wood to work from all angles
3. Don't worry about making it perfect – just establish the basic shape
4. Step back frequently to check your progress

Common Beginner Mistake: Trying to make one side perfect before working on the others. Instead, work all around the spoon evenly, making small improvements with each pass.

Step 3: Hollow the Bowl (1-1.5 hours)

This is where your hook knife becomes essential. The hollowing process requires patience, but it's incredibly satisfying. If you're struggling to make the first cuts with your hook knife, that's okay - this is often the most difficult step for beginners and more advanced carvers alike. If it doesn't come naturally, definitely take a moment to check out the video for some helpful tips. 

Starting the Bowl

1. Mark the center of your bowl area lightly with pencil
2. Hold the spoon blank firmly against your work surface
3. Position the hook knife at the center mark
4. Make a small, shallow scoop – just barely breaking the surface

Building the Hollow

1. Work in a spiral pattern from the center outward
2. Each cut should overlap the previous one slightly
3. Keep all cuts very shallow – about 1/16 inch deep
4. Rotate the spoon frequently to work from different angles

Checking Your Progress Every few minutes, run your thumb around the bowl to check for:

• Even depth (should feel consistent)
• Smooth transitions (no sudden ridges or holes)
• Appropriate wall thickness (about 1/8 inch thick)

How to Know When You're Done

• The bowl should be about 1/4 inch deep at the center
• Walls should feel evenly thick when you pinch them
• The surface should be relatively smooth (sanding will perfect it later)

Beginner Troubles and Solutions:

• Cuts feel forced: Your hook knife needs sharpening
• Wood is tearing: You're cutting against the grain – try the opposite direction
• Uneven depth: Mark depth lines with pencil to guide your cuts
• Breakthrough: Don't panic – it's fixable with careful gluing or just embrace it as character - you're spoon just became a strainer!

Step 4: Refine the Overall Shape (45 minutes)

Return to your straight carving knife for final shaping.

Finalize the Handle

1. Check that the handle feels comfortable in your hand
2. Round off any sharp edges with careful slicing cuts
3. Taper the handle gradually from bowl to tip
4. Test the grip – it should feel natural to hold

Blend the Bowl Edges

1. Smooth the transition from the bowl's interior to exterior
2. Round over the rim slightly so it's comfortable on lips
3. Ensure the bowl sits level when placed on a flat surface
4. Remove any tool marks with light slicing cuts

Final Shape Check Walk away for 10 minutes, then come back and look at your spoon with fresh eyes:

• Does it look balanced?
• Are there any obvious lumps or flat spots?
• Does it feel good in your hand?

Make small adjustments as needed, but resist the urge to over-carve.

Check out this tutorial below in partnership with Carving is Fun if you are a visual learner.

 

Step 5: Sanding to Smooth Perfection (30 minutes)

Sanding transforms your carved spoon from rough to refined. This is an optional step. I don't always sand my spoons. That said, if you want to use it in the kitchen, it may be a good idea. 

Sanding Progression

1. Start with 120-grit sandpaper: Removes tool marks and major imperfections
2. Progress to 220-grit: Smooths the surface significantly
3. Finish with 320-grit: Creates the silky feel you want

Sanding Technique

• Always sand with the grain direction (follow the wood lines)
• Use light pressure – let the sandpaper do the work
• Clean dust frequently with a dry cloth
• Pay special attention to the bowl interior and handle

Sanding the Bowl Interior

• Wrap sandpaper around your finger or a small dowel
• Work in the same spiral pattern you used for carving
• Be extra gentle to avoid creating flat spots

When You're Done Sanding Run your hand over every surface. It should feel completely smooth with no catch points or rough areas.

Step 6: Food-Safe Finishing (15 minutes active time)

Unless you're creating a decorative spoon, your beautiful spoon needs protection to be safe for food use and to last for years.

Choose a Food-Safe Finish For beginners, we recommend:

• Mineral oil: Cheap, available at pharmacies, completely food-safe
• Walnut oil: Natural option that soaks in well (avoid if nut allergies in family)
• Specialized spoon finish: Available from woodworking suppliers

Learn more about finishes and sealants in our comprehensive guide, here: www.schaaftools.com/blogs/beginner-guides-fundamentals/wood-carving-finishes-and-sealants

Application Process

1. Ensure the spoon is completely dust-free
2. Apply finish with a clean cloth or paper towel
3. Work it into all surfaces, paying attention to the bowl interior
4. Let it soak in for 15-20 minutes
5. Wipe off any excess with a clean cloth
6. Allow to dry completely (usually 2-4 hours)

Why This Matters Unfinished wood can harbor bacteria and will absorb food odors and stains. A proper finish protects the wood and keeps your spoon safe for food use.

Troubleshooting Common First-Spoon Problems

Every beginner encounters challenges. Here's how to handle the most common issues:

"My Cuts Don't Feel Smooth"

Cause: Dull knife or cutting against the grain Solution: Learn to sharpen your tools (it's easier than you think) or try cutting in the opposite direction

"I Made the Bowl Too Deep"

Cause: Enthusiasm (we all do this!) Solution: Embrace it – deep bowls work great for soup. Just ensure the walls are thick enough (1/8 inch minimum)

"The Handle Feels Awkward"

Cause: Insufficient testing during carving Solution: Keep carving until it feels right in your hand. Handles can almost always be improved with more shaping

"I Have a Crack in My Wood"

Cause: Wood stress or going against the grain too aggressively Solution: Small cracks can be sanded out. Larger ones add character – Japanese art celebrates such "imperfections"

"My Spoon Doesn't Look Like the Pictures Online"

Cause: Unrealistic expectations Solution: Remember that those photos often show spoons made by carvers with years of experience. Your first spoon is supposed to look handmade

Caring for Your Handmade Wooden Spoon

Proper care ensures your first spoon lasts for decades.

Daily Use and Cleaning

• Hand wash only with warm soapy water
• Dry immediately – never let wooden spoons air dry or soak
• Store upright in a crock or drawer where air can circulate

Monthly Maintenance

• Re-oil monthly if used regularly (every few months if occasional use)
• Light sanding with 320-grit if the surface feels rough
• Check for cracks and address them promptly

When to Retire Your Spoon

• Deep cracks that could harbor bacteria
• Strong odors that won't wash out
• Excessive wear that makes it uncomfortable to use

Most well-made wooden spoons last 10-20 years with proper care.

What's Next After Your First Spoon?

 

Congratulations! You've just joined the ranks of woodworkers who create functional art with their hands. Here's how to continue your journey:

Your Second Spoon

Make another spoon, but this time:

• Try a slightly different shape or size
• Focus on one aspect you want to improve from your first attempt
• Experiment with the same wood type to build familiarity

Expanding Your Skills

Once you've made 3-4 spoons successfully:

• Try different wood types like walnut, cherry or maple
• Experiment with slightly more complex shapes
• Learn about other simple carving projects like comfort birds or simple bowls

Building Your Tool Collection

As your interest grows, consider adding:

• A small carving axe for roughing out blanks from larger pieces
• Additional knife profiles for different cutting needs
• Our 5pc Whittling Knife Set for more versatility

Joining the Community 

INSTAGRAM - CLICK HERE

 

 

TIKTOK - CLICK HERE

• Share your progress on social media using #SchaafSpoons
• Join local woodworking groups or carving clubs
• Consider taking an in-person class to refine your technique

Common Questions from First-Time Spoon Carvers

"How long does it take to get good at spoon carving?" Most people see significant improvement by their third spoon. By the time you've made 10 spoons, you'll have developed real skill and confidence.

"What if I don't have any artistic ability?" Spoon carving is more about patience and practice than artistic talent. The functionality matters more than perfect aesthetics, and handmade character is part of the appeal.

"Is spoon carving safe for beginners?" With proper safety gear and basic precautions, spoon carving is very safe. The cuts are controlled and deliberate, unlike power tool woodworking where accidents happen quickly.

"Can I make spoons if I live in an apartment?" Absolutely! Spoon carving is quiet and produces only fine shavings that are easy to clean up. Many carvers work at their kitchen table.

"How much should I spend to get started?" You can begin spoon carving for under $50 total – knife, wood, safety gear, and finishing supplies included.

Conclusion: Your Journey into Functional Art

Creating your first wooden spoon marks the beginning of something special. You've taken raw wood and transformed it into something both beautiful and useful through the work of your own hands.

This simple project teaches patience, develops hand skills, and connects you to generations of craftspeople who understood that everyday objects can be works of art. Every time you use your handmade spoon, you'll remember the satisfaction of creating something lasting and meaningful.

The skills you've learned carving this spoon form the foundation for virtually every other wood carving discipline. Whether you continue with more spoons, explore whittling, or eventually try relief carving with tools like our 12pc Beginner Set, you now have the basic knife control and wood understanding needed for success.

Most importantly, you've proven to yourself that you can create beautiful, functional objects with simple tools and patience. That's a confidence that extends far beyond woodworking.

Ready to carve your first spoon? Our 3pc Whittling Knife Set includes everything you need to get started, including a practice spoon blank. Add our Cut-Resistant Safety Gloves for safe learning, and you'll be ready to create your first handmade wooden spoon this weekend.

What will you stir first with your handmade spoon? Share your spoon carving plans and questions in the comments below!