When you think of scarecrows, you might picture something spooky standing in the middle of a field, but they don’t have to be scary at all! With a little creativity and Poly-Fil® Fiber Fill, I made some not-so-scary scarecrows that are perfect for fall decorating. These friendly faces add charm to your porch, garden, or even inside your home without giving anyone a fright.
How I Made My Not-So-Scary Scarecrows
Scarecrow Tutorial Supplies List
- Poly-Fil® Fiber Fill
- Old clothing from the Goodwill Clearance Center (aka the bins)
- Hollow plastic pumpkin pail for the head
- PVC pipes and connectors
- Hot glue
- Twine
- Bamboo weaving strips for hands and feet from Spare Parts Creative Reuse Center
- Cowboy hat from Goodwill
- Apple Barrel Paint Markers

Stuff the Body
Instead of using straw, I stuffed old shirts and pants with Poly-Fil Fiber Fill. This makes the scarecrow soft, cuddly, and kid-friendly—no scratchy straw sticking out! I tucked in some bamboo strips at the cuffs and neckline to mimic the classic scarecrow look without the mess.
Create the Head
For the face, I wanted mine to look cheerful instead of scary. I used Apple Barrel paint markers to embellish the face on the plastic pail.
Assemble & Accessorize
I attached the pants and shirt to the PVC pipe frame, then used a drill and screw to attach the head to the frame. Finally, I hot glued a hat on top. Each scarecrow has its own little personality!

Display
I hammered iron stakes into the ground and used bungee cords to attach the PVC frame to them. I added faux pumpkins and skeletons to finish the display. These scarecrows bring a touch of whimsy to my fall décor and are perfect for greeting guests with a smile instead of a scare.

Scarecrows don’t have to be frightening! Whether you make one large scarecrow or a whole family of mini ones, this project is a fun way to celebrate fall and use up old clothes in a creative way.

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