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.
Why Poly-Fil Fiber Fill?
Poly-Fil Fiber Fill from Fairfield World is one of my favorite craft staples. It’s lightweight, easy to work with, and gives just the right amount of shape and fluff to projects like stuffed dolls, plush animals, pillows, and—yes—scarecrows! It’s also washable and long-lasting, so your scarecrow can hold up for many seasons.
How I Made My Not-So-Scary Scarecrows
I created a brief video tutorial so that you can see how easy it is to make your own scarecrows with Poly-Fil. Here is a summary of what you will learn in the video tutorial:
Step 1: Gather Materials
To make my scarecrows, I used:
- Poly-Fil® Fiber Fill
- Old clothing (flannel shirts, jeans, or overalls work great)
- Hollow plastic pumpkin pail for the head
- PVC pipes and connectors
- Hot glue
- Twine
- Bamboo weaving strips for hands and feet
- Cowboy hat
- Apple Barrel Paint Markers
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: Create the Head
For the face, I wanted mine to look cheerful instead of scary. I used paint markers to embellish the face on the plastic pail.
Step 4: 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!
Step 5: 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! With Poly-Fil Fiber Fill, you can create friendly, welcoming scarecrows that are safe for kids, soft to touch, and full of seasonal charm. 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.