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Design a Funky Scarecrow

Design a Funky Scarecrow
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Make a colorful, funky scarecrow using recycled clothes, straw or newspaper stuffing, and simple decorations to practice crafting and creative design.

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Step-by-step guide to design a funky scarecrow

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How to make a Scarecrow - Child Friendly Build

What you need
Adult supervision required, buttons bottle caps or fabric scraps for decorations, colouring materials like markers or fabric pens, craft glue, hat or scarf, large sock or round fabric scrap for head, old long sleeve shirt, old pants or skirt, safety pins or needle and thread, straw or shredded newspaper, sturdy stick or garden stake, twine or strong string, yarn or raffia for hair

Step 1

Gather the materials listed above.

Step 2

Lay the shirt and pants flat on your table.

Step 3

Stuff the pants legs with straw or shredded newspaper until they feel firm.

Step 4

Tie the top of the pants closed with twine to keep the stuffing inside.

Step 5

Stuff the shirt with straw or shredded newspaper until the torso looks puffy.

Step 6

Tie twine around the shirt at the waist to attach the shirt to the pants.

Step 7

Fill the sock or fabric scrap with stuffing and tie it tightly to form the head.

Step 8

Tuck the head into the shirt collar and tie twine around the neck to secure it.

Step 9

Draw a funny face on the head using markers or fabric pens.

Step 10

Attach yarn or raffia to the top of the head to make hair.

Step 11

Add decorations like buttons patches and ribbons to the clothes using craft glue or safety pins.

Step 12

Put a hat or scarf on your scarecrow.

Step 13

Slide a sturdy stick or garden stake under the shirt and down through the pants to help the scarecrow stand.

Step 14

Place your scarecrow in the garden or yard and make sure it stands up firmly.

Step 15

Share your finished creation on DIY.org.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

Complete & Share
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Help!?

If I can't find straw, twine, or a garden stake, what can I use instead?

Use shredded newspaper or pillow stuffing instead of straw, sturdy string or zip ties in place of twine, and a broom handle, wooden dowel, or long PVC pipe to slide under the shirt and down through the pants like the garden stake.

My scarecrow keeps leaning or the pants fall flat—how can I fix that?

Overstuff the pants and shirt with extra straw or shredded newspaper, tie the top of the pants and the shirt waist tightly with twine or zip ties, push the stick deeper through the pants into the ground, and use safety pins between the shirt and pants so the torso doesn't slide.

How can I adapt this activity for younger children or older kids?

For toddlers, pre-stuff the shirt and pants and let them draw the face and glue on large buttons or ribbons (no small pins), while older kids can sew seams, use fabric paint for detailed faces, and add movable arms with twine for more complexity.

What are simple ways to make the scarecrow more unique or longer-lasting?

Personalize with pockets, patches, LED tea lights under the hat, a name tag, and weatherproof the clothes by lining them with plastic or using clear fabric sealant before placing the scarecrow in the garden and then share the finished creation on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to design a funky scarecrow

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How to Create Adorable Scarecrows ❤️

4 Videos

Facts about recycled crafts for kids

♻️ Upcycling clothes into crafts helps keep textiles out of landfills and gives items a fun second life.

🏆 Communities around the world hold funky scarecrow festivals and contests where creativity wins prizes.

👕 Old shirts, jeans, and hats make perfect scarecrow outfits — fabric is flexible, colorful, and full of character.

🌾 Scarecrows have been used since ancient Egypt to protect fields — they’re one of the oldest farming helpers!

📰 Stuffing with newspaper is a safe, recyclable indoor alternative to straw that also adds interesting texture.

How do I make a funky scarecrow step by step?

Start with a sturdy stick or broom handle as the frame, then slip on an old shirt and pair of pants. Stuff clothing with straw, crumpled newspaper, or plastic grocery bags to build a body. Use a pillowcase or fabric bag for the head and draw a cheerful face with fabric markers or paint. Secure seams with twine, safety pins, or a low-temp glue gun (adult only). Add a hat, buttons, patches, and ribbon to make it colorful and unique, then anchor it in the ground.

What materials do I need to design a funky scarecrow?

Gather recycled clothes (shirt, pants, hat), a stick or pole for support, and stuffing like straw, dried grass, or crumpled newspaper. Bring a pillowcase or old sock for the head, twine or string, safety pins, scissors, and fabric markers or paint. Optional decorations include buttons, ribbon, patches, old gloves, and a low-temp glue gun (adult use only). A hammer or mallet can help anchor the pole outdoors.

What ages is a funky scarecrow activity suitable for?

This craft suits kids about 4–12. Younger children (4–6) enjoy stuffing clothes and choosing decorations with close adult help for scissors or tying knots. Ages 7–12 can take the lead on assembly, drawing the face, and planning design. Toddlers can join as helpers for simple tasks like handing over materials and gluing pre-cut shapes, with full supervision to keep small items and tools safe.

What are the benefits of making a funky scarecrow with kids?

Making a scarecrow encourages creativity, planning, and problem-solving as children design outfits and faces. It builds fine motor skills through cutting, tying, and gluing, and teaches recycling by reusing old clothes and materials. The project boosts confidence when kids display their finished scarecrow, and it can be a cooperative family activity that promotes collaboration, seasonal awareness, and outdoor play when you place the scarecrow in the garden.
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