How to Make a Giant Spider for Halloween: Pool Noodle Legs and a Trash Bag Body
To make a giant Halloween spider, cut pool noodles for legs, push a stiff wire through each one so it holds a bend, wrap everything in black duct tape, then build a head and body from foam balls or crumpled paper in a black trash bag. Join the body to the legs, bend each leg once, and the spider stands or hangs on its own for just a few dollars of supplies.
A giant spider is the easiest big prop you can build, and most of the supplies, from pool noodles to duct tape, are quick to shop for on Amazon. It also fits almost any theme, from a front porch to the corner of a haunted forest scene.
What are the two ways to build a giant spider?
| Method | Legs | Body | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trash bag spider (The Craft Crib) | 1 pool noodle cut lengthwise into 4 pieces, with straightened wire coat hangers inside | Crumpled magazine pages in a black trash bag, tied with wire | A free-standing spider on a porch or lawn |
| Foam ball spider (House Digest) | 4 black pool noodles, each holding a 6-foot length of 9-gauge fencing wire | A 5.6-inch craft foam ball head and half of a 9.6-inch foam ball body, taped black | A larger spider hung from a roof or pillar |
What supplies do you need?
For the trash bag version, The Craft Crib lists one black trash bag, black duct tape, 4 metal coat hangers, magazine pages, 1 pool noodle, 26-gauge floral wire, wire cutters and scissors. For the foam ball version, House Digest lists 4 black pool noodles, 9-gauge fencing wire, black duct tape, half of a 9.6-inch craft foam ball, a full 5.6-inch craft foam ball, cotton clothesline and a ½-inch wooden dowel. Shopping shortcuts:
- Pool noodles for the legs
- Black duct tape to cover legs and body
- Craft foam balls for the head and body
- Floral wire or heavier gauge wire to shape the legs
- A hot glue gun for quick attachments
- Battery LED fairy lights to give your spider glowing eyes or a lit web
How do you build the trash bag spider step by step?
- Cut the legs. Cut the pool noodle lengthwise into 4 equal sections.
- Add wire. Straighten the coat hangers, trim them to match the noodles, push them inside, and wrap floral wire around each to hold them.
- Wrap in tape. Cover every leg in black duct tape.
- Make the body. Crumple magazine pages into the trash bag for the head and tie it off with wire, then add more pages and tie again for the body.
- Join it all. Attach the body and head to the legs with floral wire.
- Pose it. Bend the legs so the spider stands on its own.
How do you build the foam ball spider?
House Digest’s version cuts the fencing wire into four 6-foot pieces and inserts one into each noodle, then binds the noodles together at the middle with clothesline. The head and body are foam balls covered fully in black duct tape and joined by a 6-inch length of dowel through both. Secure that assembly to the legs with several strips of tape and bend each leg once for a realistic spider posture. The article suggests displaying it on a roof, pillar or the front porch steps, with an optional faux spider web.
How do you make it look bigger and scarier?
Scale and light do the work. Put the spider up high or at the edge of a doorway so it looms over visitors, add a pair of small LED lights for glowing eyes, and drape a web behind it. For a convincing web, see how we light and stage similar scenes in our graveyard scene guide and lighting guide.
Can a DIY spider stay outside?
Neither source addresses weather durability, so treat the spider as a fair-weather prop. Foam, paper and duct tape can soak up water, so bring it in on rainy nights or put it under a covered porch. Our weatherproofing guide covers protecting outdoor displays, and the same common-sense steps apply: anchor it, keep it off wet ground, and check it after wind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you use for giant spider legs? Pool noodles with wire inside. The wire lets you bend each leg and hold the pose.
How do you make a spider body? Either crumpled paper in a black trash bag, or craft foam balls wrapped in black duct tape.
How big can a DIY spider be? House Digest’s version uses 6-foot lengths of wire in each leg, so it can be quite large; size depends on your wire and noodles.
Can kids help build it? Yes, with adult help on the wire cutting and any hot glue, since cut wire ends are sharp.
How much does it cost? Neither source gives a total. Most items are inexpensive craft supplies, so price them out before you start.
Need a spot to put it? Build a haunted forest around your spider.
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