animated series
The 1990s animated look
Tall and thin, with a wide brimmed hat, a stitched sack face, a ragged shirt and trousers, rope tied at the neck and wrists, and straw poking out everywhere. Keep the colors muted: tan, brown and gray.
The master of fear
Batman's Scarecrow costume: the villain look
Batman's Scarecrow is Dr. Jonathan Crane, a fear obsessed villain. To get the look you need a burlap sack mask with stitched seams, a ragged hat, a long tattered coat or a straitjacket style top, rope tied loosely at the neck or wrists, and straw spilling from the sleeves. Pick a version: the 1990s animated series, the live action movie look, or the video game look.
Who is the Scarecrow?
The Scarecrow is one of Batman's oldest villains, first appearing in DC comics in 1941. Under the mask he is Dr. Jonathan Crane, a psychologist who uses a fear toxin to turn people's worst fears against them. Over the years he has been drawn and filmed in many ways, but the key pieces stay the same: a stitched burlap face, ragged farm clothes, rope and straw.
We use the character's name only to describe the costume look. This guide is independent and shows no studio artwork.
Three ways to play the Scarecrow
Choose the version you remember best. Each one uses a few of the same core pieces.
live action
The movie look
A dark suit or long coat with a plain burlap sack mask pulled over the head. Simple, creepy and easy to take off between scares. A small canister prop in one hand finishes it.
video game
The video game look
A stitched hood with a gas mask style face, a straitjacket style top, a rope noose prop worn loose, and a glove with long needle fingertips made from craft foam. The most detailed and the most dramatic.
Building the sack mask safely
The mask is the whole character, so it is worth getting right.
- Buy or make. A ready made burlap scarecrow mask is the fastest route. To make one, use loose weave burlap fabric, not a feed sack, sewn or glued into a loose hood.
- Big openings. Cut the eye holes large and leave the mouth open or slit wide. You need side vision and easy breathing.
- Nothing tight at the neck. Never use a drawstring. Rope "nooses" are a prop: drape them loose over the collar, never knotted around the neck.
- Stitch details. Black embroidery floss in big crude stitches around the mouth and seams, or draw them with a fabric marker.
- Under the mask. Dark shadow around the eyes and a little gray paint help if any skin shows. See scary scarecrow makeup.
Fear gas, the safe way
Use a plastic canister or a spray bottle with a green glow stick inside. No real sprays, smoke or fog aimed at people.
Villain scarecrow checklist
The pieces that make the character read instantly.
Questions people ask
Who is the Scarecrow in Batman?
Dr. Jonathan Crane, a psychologist turned villain who uses fear toxin on his victims. He first appeared in DC comics in 1941.
What does the Scarecrow look like in Batman: The Animated Series?
A tall, thin figure in a wide brimmed hat with a stitched sack face, ragged clothes, rope tied at the neck and wrists, and straw coming out of the sleeves.
How do I make a Scarecrow mask from burlap?
Sew or glue loose weave burlap into a loose hood, cut large eye holes and a wide mouth opening, and add big black stitches with embroidery floss or a fabric marker. Keep it loose at the neck with no drawstring.
What goes with a Batman Scarecrow costume for a group?
A caped hero in black or gray, or other comic book villains. A friend dressed as a crow also works and needs no character costume at all.
Keep planning
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