When you buy through our links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more
So, you’re looking to add some whimsy to your yard with a homemade touch, huh? Well, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re diving into a super-fun project, a DIY scarecrow decoration.
Why Make a DIY Scarecrow Decoration?
First off, why should you even bother making a scarecrow when you can easily buy one? I’ll tell you why—because nothing beats the charm of a handmade decoration. It’s unique, it’s personal, and hey, it’s a great way to spend a weekend.
Plus, DIY projects are always a hit with the kiddos. My niece Sarah and I made one last summer, and we had a blast! She even wanted to give it a name, Scary McStrawlegs. Cute, right?
Materials for a DIY Scarecrow Decoration
Before you dive headfirst into this project, let’s round up the materials. Don’t worry, nothing too fancy or expensive here.
Essential Supplies:
- Old clothes (shirt, pants, and hat)
- Straw or hay for stuffing
- Twine or strong string
- Two wooden sticks or poles
- Screws or nails
- Hammer or drill
- Buttons or plastic eyes
- Fabric scraps (for facial features)
Optional (but Cool) Extras:
- Gloves or mittens
- Bandana or scarf
- Accessories (sunglasses, belt, etc.)
The Preparation Phase: Get All Your Ducks in a Row
Before we kick things off, choose a spot in your yard where your DIY scarecrow decoration will reside. This will help you gauge the size and orientation of your scarecrow.
When I made mine, I chose a spot near my garden beds so Mr. Scarecrow could “watch over” my tomatoes and zucchinis.
Once you’ve picked the perfect place, lay out all your materials. Trust me, it’s easier to create when you aren’t running around looking for that darn twine.
Step 1: Build the Frame
Okay, guys and gals, let’s get down to the bare bones of our DIY scarecrow decoration—literally. Building the frame is like creating the scarecrow’s skeleton.
A strong frame not only gives your scarecrow shape but also ensures it’ll stand tall and proud, come rain or shine.
Choosing the Right Materials for Your Frame
First off, you’ll need two wooden sticks or poles. The length will depend on how tall you want your scarecrow to be. For my Scary McStrawlegs, I used a 6-foot pole for the body and a 3-foot pole for the arms.
You could use broom handles, old curtain rods, or even straight branches from your yard—upcycling for the win! Just make sure whatever you use is sturdy enough to hold the weight of the clothes and stuffing.
Putting It All Together
Once you’ve got your sticks, lay them out in a “T” shape on the ground. The longer stick will serve as the body, and the shorter one will be the arms. Now, secure these bad boys together. You can use screws if you have a drill or nails if you’re going old school with a hammer.
Make sure they’re tightly secured; you don’t want the arms dropping off mid-season, creating a scarecrow horror scene. For Scary McStrawlegs, I used a couple of 2-inch screws and made sure to tighten them really well.
Trust me, it’s worth spending an extra minute or two on this step to make sure everything is rock solid.
Step 2: Dress to Impress
Now that you’ve got the skeleton all set up, it’s time to make your DIY scarecrow decoration not just stand, but stand out! Dressing your scarecrow is where the fun really starts.
The Basics: Shirt and Pants
First things first, you’ll want to grab some old clothes for your scarecrow. You’ll need a shirt and a pair of pants at the minimum. I’ve seen folks use flannel shirts for that classic scarecrow look, but really, anything goes.
Secure the shirt to the frame by tying twine around the shirt’s wrists and tie the pants’ ankles closed. This will also make it easier to stuff the scarecrow later on. Use some twine to hang the pants off the top of the T-frame at the proper height and tuck the shirt into the pants.
Step 3: Stuff It!
Alright, you’ve built a sturdy frame and dressed it in some fabulous attire. Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty: stuffing. Yep, it’s time to turn this empty ensemble into a plump, 3D character.
This part of the DIY scarecrow decoration process can be both fun and oddly satisfying, like assembling a giant, rustic plushie.
The Right Stuff: Choosing Your Filling
You’ve got options when it comes to what you can use to stuff your scarecrow. Straw is the traditional choice, but you could also use hay, old newspapers, or even plastic grocery bags if you’re feeling eco-conscious.
I went with straw for Scary McStrawlegs, mainly because it gives that quintessential scarecrow look. Plus, it’s pretty weather-resistant.
Begin stuffing the pants through the waist and the shirt through the collar, pushing your chosen material into the arms and legs. Make sure to stuff the torso and limbs well, but not too tightly.
Balancing Act: Proportions Matter
While you’re stuffing, keep an eye on proportions. You don’t want tiny arms and a giant torso, or spindly legs and overly plump arms. Try to keep things in balance.
When I was making my scarecrow, I even took a step back a few times to view it from a distance. I also gave the arms a gentle pat-down to ensure they matched in plumpness.
The goal is to make your scarecrow look naturally filled out, almost as if it could spring to life at any moment.
Step 4: Creating the Head
Ah, the pièce de résistance! What’s a body without a head, right? Your scarecrow’s head is where you can let your creativity truly shine.
This is the part of your DIY scarecrow decoration that will draw the most attention, so you want it to be just right.
The Foundation: Choosing a Head Base
First up, let’s talk about what you’ll use for the head. You can get creative here. I’ve seen people use everything from burlap sacks to foam balls to old basketballs.
For my Scary McStrawlegs, I used a pillowcase. Why? Well, it was easy to stuff, shape, and it already had a built-in “neck” that I could tie off easily.
Once you’ve selected the head material, fill it with your stuffing of choice – straw, hay, newspaper, or whatever floats your boat. Make sure to fill it enough so that it keeps its shape but isn’t overly tight.
Facial Features Bring Your DIY Scarecrow Decoration to Life
Now, here comes the really fun part, giving your scarecrow a face! You can use buttons for eyes, felt or fabric scraps for a mouth, and maybe even add a faux nose made from an old carrot or a pine cone. Get as detailed or as simple as you like.
For mine, I glued on some big buttons for eyes and used red fabric to make a big, goofy grin. My niece insisted we add freckles, so we dotted on some smaller buttons, and voila, it added a youthful charm!
You can attach these facial features using hot glue, or if you’re good with needle and thread, you can stitch them on. Either way, make sure they’re firmly in place so they withstand the elements.
Attaching the Head to the Body
Finally, place your completed head atop the vertical pole (the body) of your scarecrow. You may need to use more twine or even some screws to secure it in place. I tied my pillowcase tightly around the pole and even added a double knot for good measure.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Oh, you thought you were done? Almost, my friend, almost! Adding those final little extras can make your DIY scarecrow decoration go from “Yeah, that’s cute” to “Wow, that’s a showstopper!”
Give Your DIY Scarecrow Decoration Some Swagger: Add Accessories
Accessories are like the cherry on top of a sundae, they complete the look. Whether it’s a straw hat, a scarf, or even some gardening gloves, this is your chance to give your scarecrow a signature touch.
For Scary McStrawlegs, I used an old straw hat that I had in my gardening shed and tied it down with some twine so it wouldn’t blow away.
I also found an old wooden bird that I attached to the scarecrow’s arm, making it look like my straw pal had a little friend.
Step 6: Secure Your Masterpiece
Alright, you’ve got your head-turning DIY scarecrow decoration up and ready, but don’t pop the champagne just yet. Unless you want to pick your scarecrow up off the ground repeatedly or chase its detached head around your yard, you’ll need to secure it properly.
Ground Anchors: Making Sure It Stays Put
First things first, you’ll want to anchor your scarecrow firmly into the ground. This ensures that it stays upright, especially in windy or stormy weather. You can use tent stakes, metal rods, or heavy-duty garden stakes for this.
Wind-Proofing the Head and Clothes
The next step in securing your masterpiece involves making sure the head and clothes won’t blow away with the first strong gust of wind. Double-check that the head is securely tied to the body frame.
You might even consider stapling or pinning the clothes to the frame, especially the hat and any other loose accessories. Trust me, you don’t want to be chasing your scarecrow’s trousers across the yard!
Check and Double-Check: The Security Audit
Once everything’s tied down, take a step back and give your scarecrow a once-over. Tug a little on the clothes, try to shake the head, and check if it sways or leans too much when you push against it.
Your scarecrow needs to pass this mini “security audit” before it’s officially ready for its debut.
Voilà , Your DIY Scarecrow Decoration Is Ready!
You did it! Step back and admire your handiwork. Not only did you make an awesome yard decoration, but you also created something that’s uniquely you. Don’t forget to snap some pics, I’d love to see how yours turned out.
So, what do you say? Ready to dive into this fun project? I guarantee it’s a day well spent, and the end result is oh-so-satisfying. Happy crafting!
Looking for more scarecrow yard decorations? – click here
DIY Scarecrow Decoration [Video]
