Tips for Building a Handmade Scarecrow

Helpful Resources & Tips

Here are some helpful resources and YouTube videos:

• How to Build a Scarecrow (printable PDF opens in new window)
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oeb0i6h67kY
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GERYQrZY7K8
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ThaReMXYGI

Tips:

• Be creative! Scarecrows can be a person, creature, or an idea! 
• Dress up your scarecrow according to the theme.
• Use items, clothing or scraps from around your house and yard – no purchase of parts necessary! 
• Make sure your scarecrow is visible from the sidewalk or street. 

Steps for making a traditional scarecrow:

1. Cut a 10-foot bamboo pole into two pieces, one 4 feet long and the other 6 feet long.
2. Place the 4-foot section across the 6-foot piece, 1 foot down from the top.
3. Wire the two pieces together with floral wire, twine or raffia.
4. Place an old shirt on the short cross-piece of the frame and button the shirt in front.
5. Stuff the shirt loosely with straw, dry leaves or rags.
6. Place gloves at the end of the “arms” and secure them with rubber bands.
7. Pull one leg of a pair of trousers onto the long bamboo pole. The other leg will hang freely.
8. Tuck the stuffed shirt into the waist of the trousers.
9. Secure the waist of the trousers to the pole with a rope or belt, tying the belt or rope to the cross-piece if necessary to keep the pants from falling down.
10. Stuff the pants with material of your choice.
11. Make a head for your scarecrow by stuffing straw into a pillowcase. Tie the pillowcase opening onto the top of the long stake with rope.
12. Draw a face with felt-tip pens, or glue on buttons for eyes and yarn for a mouth.
13. Stick the scarecrow in the ground or tie it securely in another location.