Design a Funky Scarecrow
Make a colorful, funky scarecrow using recycled clothes, straw or newspaper stuffing, and simple decorations to practice crafting and creative design.
Step-by-step guide to design a funky scarecrow
How to make a Scarecrow - Child Friendly Build
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!
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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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.
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