Flannel, burlap and straw
DIY scarecrow costume: the 40 minute build
To make a scarecrow costume, put on a plaid flannel and old jeans or overalls, glue or pin on three fabric patches, tuck bundles of raffia into the cuffs, collar and hat, tie a rope belt, and paint a triangle nose and stitched smile. It takes about 40 minutes and no sewing.
What you need
From your closet
- A plaid flannel shirt, one size big if you have it
- Old jeans, overalls or canvas work pants
- A long sleeve tee or thermal to wear underneath
- Boots, and gloves if you have them
From the craft aisle
- Natural raffia, enough for 10 to 12 small bundles per adult
- Burlap, gingham or felt for patches
- Jute rope for the belt and jute twine for tying bundles
- A straw hat, or any floppy hat you can add straw to
- Face paint in black, orange and brown
Tools
- Scissors, fabric glue or a hot glue gun, large safety pins, a fabric marker
DIY shopping checklist
Tick what you have. Shop the rest.
- Shop (opens Amazon in a separate tab)
- Shop (opens Amazon in a separate tab)
- Shop (opens Amazon in a separate tab)
- Shop (opens Amazon in a separate tab)
- Shop (opens Amazon in a separate tab)
- Shop (opens Amazon in a separate tab)
- Shop (opens Amazon in a separate tab)
- Shop (opens Amazon in a separate tab)
- Shop (opens Amazon in a separate tab)
Step by step
Seven steps, about 40 minutes start to finish.
Choose the base 5 min
Pick a plaid flannel one size big and old jeans or overalls. Wear a long sleeve tee underneath so straw never touches your skin.
Rough it up 5 min
Snip the hems and pull a few threads so they fray. Rub the knees with sandpaper or a cheese grater. Skip this if you want to wear the clothes again normally.
Add the patches 10 min
Cut three to five squares of burlap, gingham or felt, each 3 to 5 inches. Glue them on a knee, a hip, an elbow and the hat. Draw big stitches around each edge with a fabric marker, or sew a loose running stitch with embroidery floss.
Make the straw bundles 10 min
Cut raffia into 8 inch lengths. Gather 15 to 20 strands, fold, and tie the top with twine. Safety pin the tied end inside each cuff, each ankle and the collar so the straw fans out. Tuck a few loose pieces into the pockets.
Tie the rope belt 2 min
Thread jute rope through the belt loops, or wrap it at the waist, and tie a square knot with long hanging ends.
Finish the hat 5 min
Glue small bunches of raffia under the brim every couple of inches, add a patch to the crown, and pin on a sunflower or a small fake crow.
Paint the face 10 min
Bronzer or tan paint as a base, an orange triangle nose, round rosy cheeks, freckles, and a stitched smile from the corners of the mouth. Full steps are in the scarecrow makeup guide.
Which straw should you use?
Raffia is the best all round choice: soft, cheap, and it sheds far less than real straw. Use the others when you have a reason to.
| Straw | Good | Watch out |
|---|---|---|
| Raffia Shop (opens Amazon in a separate tab) | Soft, looks right, easy to bundle | A little shedding on the first wear |
| Yellow felt strips Shop (opens Amazon in a separate tab) | No shedding, no itch, washable | Looks flatter up close |
| Yarn Shop (opens Amazon in a separate tab) | Soft, good for babies when sewn down | Can look like a wig if too long |
| Paper crinkle shred Shop (opens Amazon in a separate tab) | Cheap and full | Crushes and tears quickly |
| Real hay or straw | The most realistic texture | Sheds everywhere, scratches, not for indoors |
Making it scary instead
Swap red plaid for muddy browns and grays. Rub the clothes with a little brown face paint or coffee for grime. Add a long coat, dirty up the straw, and use the scary face in the makeup guide.
A burlap sack mask is the classic scary piece. If you make one, cut the eye openings large, leave the mouth open or cut a wide slit, keep it loose at the neck, and never tie a drawstring there. Test your vision in the dark before you head out. Skip masks entirely for young kids.
Shop burlap scarecrow masks (opens Amazon in a separate tab)
Questions people ask
How do you make a scarecrow costume without sewing?
Use fabric glue or hot glue for patches, draw the stitches with a fabric marker, and attach straw bundles inside the cuffs and collar with large safety pins. Nothing needs a needle.
How do you attach straw to a costume?
Tie 15 to 20 strands of raffia at the top with twine, then safety pin the tied end inside the cuff or collar so the loose ends fan out. For hats, hot glue small bunches under the brim.
What can I use instead of straw for a scarecrow costume?
Raffia is the usual choice. Yellow felt strips, gold yarn and paper crinkle shred also work. Felt is the best pick for small kids because it does not shed or scratch.
How much raffia do I need?
Plan on 10 to 12 small bundles per adult: two per cuff, two per ankle, two at the collar, and a few for the hat and pockets. Buy one bag for the group so the color matches.
How do I make a DIY scarecrow costume look scary?
Use darker, dirtier clothes, a long ragged coat, a burlap sack mask or hollow eye makeup, and grimy straw. Add a fake crow on the shoulder.