How to Make a Flying Ghost for Halloween: A DIY Axworthy Ghost on a Fishing-Line Loop
A DIY flying ghost, often called an Axworthy ghost, is a feather-light prop hung on a loop of fishing line that a small motor pulls around pulleys, so the ghost seems to drift through the air on its own. You need a motor with a speed controller, a pulley at every turn, heavy fishing line (50 lb is used in one popular build), and a ghost light enough that the line stays nearly straight.
A ghost that glides across the yard is one of the most memorable effects in a home haunt, and almost everything for it is available on Amazon. The build has more moving parts than a tombstone, so give yourself a weekend. If you are still deciding what to build, our chicken wire ghost and disco ghost guides are easier starting points.
How does a flying ghost work?
The trick is a continuous loop. Fishing line runs around two or more pulleys, a motor turns one of them, and the ghost clips onto the line with a swivel, so as the loop turns the ghost travels from one end to the other and around the turn. FrightProps sells a ready-made version, the Axworthy Ghost Kit, listed as running about 12 inches per second with a main unit, a satellite unit, a speed controller, a power supply, and 125 yards of fishing line, and it stresses that props must be extremely lightweight. That is a good guide for the whole build: the lighter everything is, the better it flies.
What do you need to build one?
| Part | What it does | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Motor and speed controller | Turns the loop | TeeDiddlyDee’s build uses a secondhand hand drill with a variable speed controller; a ready-made kit includes both |
| Pulleys | Guide the line at each turn | That build uses adult bike wheels, one for every turn the ghost makes |
| Poles or anchors | Hold the pulleys in place | Conduit poles driven 1 to 2 feet into the ground, braced to stop twisting |
| Line | The track | 50 lb fishing line is used in that build; kit reviews say to upgrade to 40 to 50 lb line and stronger swivels than the kit includes. Clear line like this monofilament also works for hanging lighter pieces |
| Stoppers | Keep the ghost from sliding | Pea-sized blobs of hot glue that catch the swivel |
| Ghost body | The star | Starched cheesecloth over a lightweight skull; see below |
| Lighting | Makes it glow | A glow bracelet inside, or uplights; try a UV black light bar |
How do you make the ghost itself?
TeeDiddlyDee’s ghost uses two sheets of starched, ironed cheesecloth draped over a lightweight milk-jug skull, with a glow bracelet stuffed inside for light. Weight is the enemy: the builder notes the ghost needs to be as lightweight as possible. A second TeeDiddlyDee design, a hand-cranked ghost, uses a styrofoam head, a wire coat-hanger frame for shoulders and arms, and starched cheesecloth secured with clear tacky glue. Either body works on a loop, as long as it stays light.
How do you set up the line and pulleys?
- Plan the route. Choose a straight run between two or three pulleys. One pulley is needed for every turn.
- Anchor each pulley firmly. Brace poles so they cannot rock, and give the motor enough overhang that nothing hits a wall on the turn.
- Angle the wheels slightly so the line lines up with each pulley groove.
- Keep the main line straight. The builder warns that sagging means too much weight.
- Add the stoppers. Use pea-sized hot glue blobs, not larger ones, so the line still passes smoothly.
- Test in daylight, then at night with the lighting you plan to use.
Safety note: a taut line across a yard is a trip and eye-level hazard, so keep it clear of walkways, roads and power lines, mark the anchor points, and protect the motor and any plug-in power from rain. For outdoor power tips, see our lighting guide and weatherproofing guide.
How do you make the ghost look eerier?
Light it from below with a cool color, keep the room or yard dark, and hide the line. Fishing line disappears against a black background, and blacklight-reactive paint makes the cloth glow; our blacklight guide covers the setup. Add a soft wail or whisper from a hidden speaker for the finishing touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Axworthy ghost? A lightweight ghost prop that travels along a motor-driven loop of fishing line, creating the look of a ghost flying on its own.
How fast does a flying ghost move? The FrightProps kit is listed at about 12 inches per second. A DIY build with a variable speed controller lets you set your own pace.
What fishing line should I use? One popular build uses 50 lb line, and kit reviews recommend 40 to 50 lb line and stronger swivels than the kit includes.
How heavy can the ghost be? As light as you can make it. Sagging line means the ghost is too heavy.
Can I buy a kit instead? Yes, FrightProps sells the Axworthy Ghost Kit, listed as low as $199.99 with the motor, controller and line, and the ghost prop is sold separately.
Want a simpler ghost first? Make a disco ghost this weekend.
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