How to Make a DIY Happy Scarecrow for Halloween

A simple, festive Halloween craft you can make with thrifted finds and a few everyday supplies.

Looking for a budget-friendly fall project that will make your porch festive for Halloween? Goodwill’s home décor expert Merri Cvetan shows how to create a cheerful scarecrow using thrifted items and a few craft supplies. Follow along with her video tutorial and the directions below to make your own!

Materials You’ll Need

• Kids’ jeans
• Kids’ flannel shirt
• Small straw or cowboy hat (seasonal section)
• Plastic trick-or-treat pumpkin (for the head)
• Bandana
• Newspaper (for stuffing)
• Raffia (craft store)
• String or twine

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Stuff the Clothing

• Tear or crumple newspaper into wads and stuff the jeans and shirt until they hold their shape.
• Don’t overfill—you’ll want the arms and legs to bend so your scarecrow can “sit.”

💡Pro Tip for Outdoor Display: If your scarecrow will be exposed to the elements, use bubble wrap instead of newspaper. It holds shape just as well, won’t get soggy in the rain and dries quickly if damp.

2. Add Raffia for Hands and Feet

Cut raffia into 7–8 inch sections. Tuck a handful into each pant leg and shirt cuff, then tie tightly with string. Raffia is easier to work with than straw—less messy and sturdier for outdoor display.

3. Assemble the Body

Tuck the shirt into the jeans and seat the stuffed body on a chair, bending the knees so the legs hang naturally. Add a belt if needed to keep the pieces in place, especially outside.

4. Finish the Details

Add extra raffia around the neckline so it peeks out of the collar. Tie a bandana for a festive touch. For a playful twist, place the pumpkin “head” in the scarecrow’s lap instead of on its shoulders, then top it with a hat. Position one arm so it looks like it’s holding the hat in place. 

Why Raffia Instead of Straw?

Raffia gives you the rustic look of straw but without the cleanup. It’s less messy, sturdier, and won’t break apart as easily—perfect for a craft that’s meant to last the whole season.

Display Your Scarecrow

Set your finished scarecrow on the porch to greet trick-or-treaters or use it as a fun accent in your yard. It’s easy to personalize—add patches, extra décor, or props to give it character.

Wrap-Up: A Fall Tradition Worth Trying

There’s something special about making seasonal decorations by hand. This little scarecrow is more than just a craft project—it’s a way to welcome autumn, add personality to your porch, and create something fun with reused and thrifted items. Whether you’re preparing for Halloween night or just love fall vibes, this DIY scarecrow is a project worth trying.

Watch the Tutorial