What can I use instead of real straw for a scarecrow costume?

Natural raffia craft ribbon is the best alternative. It looks exactly like dried straw but is soft, flexible, and will not irritate your skin.

How do I make temporary patches for my scarecrow pants?

Cut squares out of felt or scrap fabric, then use safety pins or double-sided fabric tape to attach them to your jeans. They will stay secure all night and peel off easily afterward.

What makeup do I need for a simple scarecrow look?

You only need black eyeliner to draw stitches on your cheeks and mouth, plus a bit of orange or red lipstick or face paint to create a patched nose.

Costume scarecrow diy

Skip the store: Use an old flannel shirt from your closet or find one at a local thrift store. Use any old pair of jeans or denim overalls you already own. Cut strips of yellow construction paper or use actual straw if skin irritation isn't a concern.

AI-generated example

DIY Scarecrow Costumes

Craft a classic, cozy autumn look with simple closet staples.

A DIY scarecrow is a classic, budget-friendly choice for Halloween and fall festivals. This look relies on comfortable everyday clothing like flannel shirts and denim, customized with rustic accents. By adding raffia straw, fabric patches, and simple makeup, you can easily assemble a charming or spooky character.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: ~45 min
Budget: $15–40

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40 DIY Scarecrow costume ideas

Ranked by how many people are searching for them this season. Open any one for the full guide and to try it on.

What you need for a DIY Scarecrow Costumes costume

Plaid flannel shirt
An oversized button-down shirt in warm autumn colors like orange, red, yellow, or brown.
DIY: Use an old flannel shirt from your closet or find one at a local thrift store.
Amazon
Denim overalls or jeans
Classic blue denim overalls or jeans, preferably slightly worn or distressed.
DIY: Use any old pair of jeans or denim overalls you already own.
Amazon
Raffia craft ribbon
Natural-colored paper raffia to mimic the look of dry straw without the itchiness.
DIY: Cut strips of yellow construction paper or use actual straw if skin irritation isn't a concern.
Amazon
Floppy straw or burlap hat
A rustic, wide-brimmed hat made of straw, felt, or burlap.
DIY: Construct a simple cone hat out of brown felt or burlap fabric.
Amazon
Rope or twine
Thick jute rope or garden twine to tie around the waist, wrists, or ankles.
DIY: Use thick yarn or strips of brown fabric tied in knots.
Amazon
Fabric patches
Small squares of colorful felt or scrap fabric in contrasting patterns.
DIY: Cut squares from old worn-out clothes or holiday napkins.
Amazon

How to put it together

1
Put on your plaid flannel shirt and denim overalls or jeans.
2
Cut the raffia into 6-inch bundles and safety pin them inside your sleeve cuffs, pant hems, and collar so they spill outward like straw.
3
Tie pieces of rope or twine loosely around your wrists and ankles to secure the raffia and add a rustic touch.
4
Use double-sided fabric tape or safety pins to attach colorful fabric patches to the knees of your pants or the front of your overalls.
5
Put on your floppy hat, optionally tucking a faux sunflower or autumn leaf into the hatband.
6
Use black eyeliner to draw a patched nose shape and stitched lines extending from the corners of your mouth.

Makeup & hair

Keep hair messy, or style it into loose pigtails or braids to fit the rustic theme. Use black eyeliner or face paint to draw stitch marks across your lips and cheeks, and fill in a nose patch with orange or red makeup.

More ways people search for this costume

The most-searched variations of “DIY Scarecrow Costumes costume”, and how this look adapts to each.

Costume scarecrow diy: Skip the store: Use an old flannel shirt from your closet or find one at a local thrift store. Use any old pair of jeans or denim overalls you already own. Cut strips of yellow construction paper or use actual straw if skin irritation isn't a concern.

Tips

Use raffia instead of real straw to avoid itchiness and messy shedding throughout the night.
Safety pins are ideal for temporary patches and straw placement if you want to wear the clothes normally again later.
Layer a warm thermal shirt underneath your flannel if you plan to wear this costume outdoors in chilly weather.

DIY Scarecrow Costumes costume FAQ

What can I use instead of real straw for a scarecrow costume?: Natural raffia craft ribbon is the best alternative. It looks exactly like dried straw but is soft, flexible, and will not irritate your skin.
How do I make temporary patches for my scarecrow pants?: Cut squares out of felt or scrap fabric, then use safety pins or double-sided fabric tape to attach them to your jeans. They will stay secure all night and peel off easily afterward.
What makeup do I need for a simple scarecrow look?: You only need black eyeliner to draw stitches on your cheeks and mouth, plus a bit of orange or red lipstick or face paint to create a patched nose.

Did you know? The scarecrow is one of the oldest agricultural tools in history, dating back to ancient Egyptians who used wooden frames draped with nets to protect their wheat fields from quail.