A scarecrow is a natural fit for the yard because it already belongs in the autumn landscape, so a twisted one reads as unsettling without needing power or batteries. Most of the supplies are hardware-store basics, and you can shop the materials on Amazon or pick them up locally. It slots into a haunted forest scene or marks the edge of your yard on its own. This guide covers two builds from published tutorials so you can choose by time and budget.

Which scarecrow build is right for you?

What supplies do you need?

TeeDiddlyDee’s tall version uses a large foam pumpkin, PVC pipe and couplings, a 1/2-inch conduit post, burlap, black gauze, rope, zip ties and branches. The corpse version uses a long PVC pipe, a T-joint, tinfoil, masking tape, twisted willow branches, a foam skull, old sheets and brown spray paint. Shopping shortcuts, all tagged search links:

• PVC pipe and couplings for the frame
• Burlap and black gauze for the robe and draping
• A large foam pumpkin or a foam skull for the head
• Masking tape and zip ties to hold everything together
• Brown and black spray paint for the aged look
• A scraggly wig for extra menace (optional)
• A hot glue gun for quick small repairs and trim
• Battery LED fairy lights to light the figure from within or around the neck

How do you build the corn stalker scarecrow?

1. Assemble the body frame. TeeDiddlyDee attaches a PVC cross coupling to the end of the long body pipe, adds shoulder pipes on each side, then 45-degree couplings and the upper arm pieces.
2. Secure the joints. Drill a screw into each coupling so the frame stays rigid.
3. Set the post. The tutorial uses a tee post driver to pound the conduit two feet into the ground, then slides the long PVC pipe over it.
4. Add branches and paint. Push branches into the arm openings as hands, spray the PVC black, and wire smaller sticks along the post to suggest ribs.
5. Make the burlap robe. Sew burlap pieces together with large stitches, turn it inside out and cut armholes sized to the pipe. For sleeves, shred the ends up to the stitching.
6. Attach the head. Drill a hole in the bottom of the foam pumpkin and attach a short PVC neck with fiberglass resin and cloth strips. The angle of the neck decides the tilt of the head, so set it before the resin hardens.
7. Dress and finish. Slide the robe on, zip-tie the sleeve ends to the arms, drape extra burlap and gauze strips, and wrap burlap loosely around the neck to hide the join.

The finished figure in the tutorial stands about 12 feet tall. TeeDiddlyDee estimates roughly 8 to 10 yards of burlap in total and also suggests removing the arms and head for year-to-year storage. The tutorial does not give a total cost, and it notes the premium foam pumpkin head is a significant expense, so a cheaper craft pumpkin is an easy way to save.

How do you build the rotting corpse scarecrow?

1. Frame it. Attach a T-joint to the PVC pole and secure a tinfoil-wrapped branch into the joint with masking tape.
2. Make the arms. Choose 4 to 5 foot branches with small twigs, then wrap them completely in masking tape for a skeletal look. Tape small twig segments to the ends as fingers.
3. Build the torso. Wad and wrap tinfoil around the pole between the arms and tape it down.
4. Prep the skull. Wrap the foam skull in masking tape but leave the teeth exposed. Insert a foot-long stick into the base for a neck, wrap it with tinfoil and tape, and attach it to the torso.
5. Paint it. Spray dark paint into the eye sockets, then cover the whole figure with caramel brown and dark brown paint.
6. Dress the corpse. Cut holes in old sheets, tear the edges, and drape them over the frame.

DIY Projects advises embracing a messy, skeletal look, keeping the teeth defined when you paint, and using plenty of masking tape for stability. If you like this aged finish, the same thinking applies to a corpsed skeleton.

How do you make a scarecrow scarier?

• Light it from below or within. TeeDiddlyDee runs a light cord up the center post so the figure glows. A battery light string is a simpler option.
• Add fog. DIY Projects suggests adding a fog machine and lighting. Our fog machine guide covers placement and fluid.
• Vary the heights. Place a tall stalker at the back and a smaller corpse scarecrow near the walkway.
• Keep the pose awkward. Tilt the head and let the arms droop unevenly.

How do you keep a scarecrow standing outdoors?

Both tutorials anchor the figure. The tall version sinks a conduit post two feet into the ground, and the corpse version is set in the ground or in a weighted bucket. Neither source tests the props in rain or heavy wind, so treat them as short-term decorations. Burlap and cloth soak up water, so check our guide to keeping props outdoors and bring the scarecrow in before a storm.

Want more yard builds? Build a haunted forest or start your home haunt with our beginner guide.