What is a Worm on a String?

It is a classic fuzzy toy from the 1970s, originally called Squirmles, that moves using an invisible clear string.

How do you make the worm head?

Roll a sheet of neon poster board or craft foam into a cone, glue giant googly eyes to the front, and cut a hole for your face.

Is this costume comfortable to wear?

Yes, if you use a lightweight poster board for the head and wear a breathable cotton base layer under the fuzzy boas.

AI-generated example

Worm on a String Costume

Bring the nostalgic, fuzzy magic trick toy to life in neon color.

The Worm on a String costume is inspired by Squirmles, the classic 1970s fuzzy toy that wiggles on an invisible thread. Popularized by internet meme culture, this costume is chosen for its bright, nostalgic humor and quirky silhouette. The look centers around a vibrant, monochromatic neon outfit, a pointed cone-shaped headpiece, and large, goofy googly eyes.

Difficulty: Medium
Time: ~90 min
Budget: $20–60

See yourself as Worm on a String →What you need Buy the Worm on a String costume

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Worm on a String costume — Example look · AI-generated

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Result

What you need for a Worm on a String costume

Short on time? Buy it ready-made

Spirit Halloween sells the complete Worm on a String costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.

Shop Worm on a String at Spirit ↗

Monochromatic neon base layer
A matching long-sleeve shirt and leggings or a jumpsuit in a bright neon color like pink, green, blue, or orange.
DIY: Use any matching bright sweatpants and sweatshirt you already own.
Amazon
Faux fur or boa trim
Matching neon feather boas or faux fur trim to wrap around your body to mimic the toy's fuzzy texture.
DIY: Wrap yourself in strips of bright neon felt or tinsel garland.
Amazon
Cone headpiece base
A large sheet of poster board or craft foam rolled into a cone shape to form the worm's pointed face.
DIY: Roll up a piece of cardboard from a shipping box and cover it with bright paper.
Amazon
Giant googly eyes
Two large plastic wiggle eyes, approximately 3 to 5 inches in diameter, glued to the front of the cone.
DIY: Cut circles out of white and black paper plates and glue them together.
Amazon
Clear fishing line
A length of clear monofilament string attached to the tip of your nose cone to represent the 'invisible' magic string.
DIY: Use thin white sewing thread or dental floss.
Amazon

Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Worm on a String costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗

How to put it together

1
Put on your matching neon base layer of clothing.
2
Roll your poster board or craft foam into a cone shape that fits comfortably over your head, leaving a cutout for your face, and secure it with hot glue or heavy-duty tape.
3
Glue the giant googly eyes to the upper front portion of the cone headpiece.
4
Attach a 3-foot piece of clear fishing line to the very tip of the cone, letting it dangle or holding the end in your hand.
5
Drape and secure the neon boas or faux fur trim around your shoulders and torso using safety pins to create a fuzzy, segmented worm body.
6
Carefully place the cone headpiece on your head, ensuring you can see clearly through your face cutout.

Makeup & hair

Keep your hair tied back flat against your head so the cone headpiece fits easily. If your face is visible through the cutout, apply matching neon face paint or bright eyeshadow around your eyes to blend in with the costume.

Worm on a String for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: Have one person dress as the worm and the other dress as a giant hand holding the clear string.
group: Create a rainbow pack of worms, with each person wearing a different neon color (pink, blue, yellow, green).
kids: Use a simple neon hoodie, attach googly eyes to the hood, and wrap a matching boa around the torso for a comfortable, kid-friendly version.
Plus size: Opt for a loose-fitting neon oversized sweatshirt and sweatpants, wrapping the boas loosely to maintain comfort and mobility.
pet: Attach a small neon felt cone with tiny googly eyes to a pet headband, paired with a matching neon pet sweater.

Tips

Feather boas can shed easily; shake them out outdoors before assembling your costume to minimize mess.
Make sure your face cutout in the cone is large enough for comfortable breathing and peripheral vision.
Carry a small roll of tape or hot glue gun to the party for quick repairs to the paper cone or eyes.
Keep the clear string short enough that it doesn't become a tripping hazard in crowds.

Worm on a String costume FAQ

What is a Worm on a String?: It is a classic fuzzy toy from the 1970s, originally called Squirmles, that moves using an invisible clear string.
How do you make the worm head?: Roll a sheet of neon poster board or craft foam into a cone, glue giant googly eyes to the front, and cut a hole for your face.
Is this costume comfortable to wear?: Yes, if you use a lightweight poster board for the head and wear a breathable cotton base layer under the fuzzy boas.

Did you know? Originally patented in 1975 as 'Squirmles,' these toys experienced a massive internet resurgence in the late 2010s as a popular meme format.