Tips on making a scarecrow costume

When autumn comes, start making a scarecrow costume. 

It’s easy to put together a scarecrow costume for pumpkin parties, harvest parties, or Halloween parties.  

• Use a gunny sack or burlap fabric for the head. Sew up a sack that will fit comfortably over the head, with the opening long enough to fan out on the shoulders.

• Put on your head sack to mark where to cut holes for eyes, nose, and mouth.

• Cut shapes of colored soft fabric for each of the head openings. Use contrasting darning thread to attach the shapes. These shapes determine the personality of your scarecrow – have fun!

• If the burlap is too rough, line the head with flannel or other soft fabric.

• Use a piece of manila rope as a necktie. This rustic touch will hold the head on and in place.

• Pull on denim overalls, a buffalo plaid shirt, and work boots. Tie manila rope around the wrists and ankles.

• Yellow chore gloves make the best scarecrow hands.

• Cover the top of the head with a broad-brimmed straw hat. A hat band can add color and whimsy.

• Add some more color with a red handkerchief in the overall pockets. Or sew colored patches on the knees. Again, use darning thread or other thick thread.

• Trim out your costume with straw – or raffia for less itch and less mess – coming out of the shirt and pant cuffs, and wherever!