babies
Baby scarecrow
A plaid romper or onesie with felt straw sewn or glued flat at the cuffs and collar, a soft bonnet style hat, and nothing loose. Perfect for a first Halloween photo in a pumpkin patch.
Soft, warm and itch free
Kids' and toddler scarecrow costume ideas
For kids and toddlers, the easiest scarecrow costume is a soft flannel shirt, overalls or a jumper, felt patches, a hat on an elastic or headband, and "straw" made from yellow felt or yarn instead of scratchy raffia. Add a painted triangle nose and freckles and you are done in about 20 minutes.
Scarecrow costumes by age
Small kids want soft and simple. Older kids want it to look real. Here is what works at each stage.
toddlers
Toddler scarecrow
Overalls over a flannel, a mini straw hat on a headband, felt patches on the knees, two freckles and an orange nose. Short straw at the wrists only, so it stays out of mouths.
ages 5 and up
Big kid scarecrow
Kids this age can handle real raffia at the cuffs and collar and love the full farmer look: a flannel, overalls, a straw hat, a bandana and a stitched smile.
tweens
Spooky scarecrow
For older kids who want scary: dark hollow eye makeup, a stitched grin, muddy colors and a crow on the shoulder. Makeup beats a mask for vision on the trick or treat route.
siblings
Sibling sets
Dress siblings as scarecrows in different plaids, or make one the scarecrow and the others crows and pumpkins. Matching patch fabric ties the set together.
school day
School day scarecrow
Flannel, jeans, a headband hat and felt straw glued flat. No mask, no props and nothing that sheds in the classroom. Teachers appreciate it.
Comfort and safety for little scarecrows
- Check the label. Look for "flame resistant" on store bought costumes, and keep straw, felt and hats away from candles and jack o' lanterns.
- Be seen. Add reflective tape to the back of the shirt and the treat bag, or carry a glow stick or small flashlight.
- Skip the mask. Face paint keeps vision clear. Test it on the inner arm a day early, and use paint made for skin, never craft paint or markers.
- Nothing loose for little ones. For babies and toddlers who chew, sew or glue the straw down and skip small buttons and beads.
- Hats that stay. A chin elastic bothers many toddlers. A mini hat glued to a soft headband stays put without a strap.
- Trip check. Hem long pants and roll overalls so the costume clears the shoes.
Itch free felt straw
Cut yellow and gold felt into strips about half an inch wide and four inches long. Glue the top ends inside the cuffs and collar with fabric glue. It looks like straw, never sheds, and washes.
Kids' scarecrow checklist
The soft, school friendly build.
Questions people ask
How do you make a toddler scarecrow costume?
Put a soft flannel under toddler overalls, glue felt patches on the knees, glue short felt straw inside the cuffs, add a mini straw hat on a headband, and paint a small orange nose and freckles. It takes about 20 minutes.
What can kids use instead of straw?
Yellow and gold felt strips, yarn, or ribbon. They look like straw from a distance, do not scratch, and do not shed in the car or classroom.
What face paint is safe for kids?
Use face paint made for skin and sold as a cosmetic, test a small patch on the inner arm a day early, and keep it away from the eyes. Never use craft paint or markers. Remove it with gentle soap and water or a makeup remover.
Is a scarecrow costume OK for school?
Usually, yes, and it is one of the easiest. Skip masks and props, and use felt straw glued down so nothing sheds in class. Check your school rules for face paint.
Keep planning
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