How To Make A Scarecrow Head | What Works Best

A scarecrow without a head is just a jacket on a stick. The head gives it personality, and making one doesn’t require sewing skills or fancy supplies. Most people assume you need a burlap sack and straw, but there are several easy methods using everyday items that cost nothing extra.

This article covers four no-sew ways to create a scarecrow head — using an old pillowcase, a pair of tights, a burlap sack, or even a plastic bag. Each method takes about ten minutes and uses common household materials. You’ll also learn how to support the head on the frame and add a face that won’t wash away in the first rain.

Four No-Sew Materials for the Outer Layer

The outer material determines the look and durability of the finished head. Traditional scarecrows use burlap (hessian) sacks, which give that rustic, weathered appearance. But you have other options that are just as effective and much easier to find around the house.

A pillowcase gives a soft, rounded head and is nearly always available in a linen closet. Tights, especially old opaque ones, create a slim, elongated shape that some gardeners prefer for a more precise look. Plastic shopping bags work in a pinch — stuff them and then cover with burlap if you want the classic texture without the cost.

Each material affects how the head holds paint or glued decorations. Burlap absorbs paint well but can fray at the edges. Tights are smooth and let you draw fine details with a marker. Pillowcases sit somewhere in between — easy to work with but less rustic than burlap.

Why the Material Choice Matters More Than You Think

The head is the focal point of your scarecrow. Choosing the right outer layer affects weather resistance, ease of decorating, and how long the scarecrow lasts through a season.

• Weather resistance: Burlap soaks up moisture and can rot if left untreated. Pillowcases dry faster. Tights shed water better than burlap but may snag on branches.
• Ease of decorating: Felt-tip pens work on all fabrics, but burlap’s rough texture makes fine details harder. Pillowcases and tights accept marker smoothly.
• Cost: Pillowcases and tights are usually free from old linens. Burlap sacks cost a few dollars at craft stores. Plastic bags are free if you have them.
• Weight: Burlap plus heavy straw makes a head that needs strong support. Pillowcases with poly-fil are lightweight and easier to mount.
• Availability: Most people have a pillowcase or old tights. Burlap may require a trip to the store.

For a first-time scarecrow, a pillowcase is the most forgiving option. If you want that classic rustic look, burlap is worth the extra effort. Tights are a clever shortcut for a smaller, tighter head that stands out.

Step-by-Step: Making a Head with Tights or a Pillowcase

The tights method is popular because it forms a natural head shape. Cut one leg from the tights, fill it with straw, and push the straw firmly to the end. Tie a piece of string around the tights to secure the filling, then tie the open end to the stake. The RHS guide recommends this approach for a neat, round head that looks professional.

The pillowcase method is even simpler. Stuff straw or plastic bags into the pillowcase until it forms a head. Gather the open end around the top of your scarecrow’s vertical stake and tie it with rope. CountryLiving’s traditional scarecrow head guide shows how to finish it with a funny or scary face using felt-tip pens or glued-on features.

Both methods are completely no-sew and take about ten minutes. The head attaches directly to the frame, so you don’t need a separate support board — though adding a small wood shelf screwed to the stake gives extra stability for heavier heads.

Choosing the right outer material sets the stage for a head that lasts through the season. Burlap gives that traditional scarecrow feel, but pillowcases and tights work just as well for a temporary display.

Decorating the Face and Adding Personality

The face is what makes your scarecrow memorable. You can go silly, spooky, or friendly. The decorating choices are wide open, but a few techniques last longer outdoors than others.

1. Paint the face: Use outdoor acrylic craft paint. Burlap may need two coats. Let each coat dry before adding details.
2. Draw with felt-tip pens: Permanent markers work on pillowcases and tights. They fade in prolonged sun, so reapply every season.
3. Glue on features: Use strong craft glue to attach buttons for eyes and yarn for a mouth. Buttons add a classic scarecrow look and hold up well.
4. Add optional extras: Make glasses from wire or pipe cleaners. Stitch on a beard from straw or jute twine. These small details give real personality.

For outdoor display, waterproof decorations are best. If you plan to bring the scarecrow out every fall, reapply paint or markers each year. Buttons and yarn stay put when glued securely with outdoor-rated adhesive.

Extending the Life of Your Scarecrow Head

Rain is the biggest enemy of a scarecrow head. Burlap soaks up water and becomes heavy, which can cause the head to sag and promote mold. One fix is to create a waterproof cap from a heavy-duty ziploc bag — cut a cone shape, trim it to fit over the crown, and tape it in place under the hat.

The filling also affects durability. Straw is traditional but can attract pests and holds moisture. ProjectWhim’s head filling materials page suggests poly-fil for a lighter, rot-proof option. Plastic bags work well too — they don’t soak up water and are easy to replace when compressed.

For long-term display, use outdoor-rated paint or markers and apply a clear waterproofing spray to burlap. Reapply decorations each season. If the scarecrow is just for Halloween or a fall festival, these steps aren’t necessary.

The combination of a waterproof outer layer and rot-resistant filling gives your scarecrow head the best chance of lasting. If you use straw, be prepared to replace it each fall.

The Bottom Line

Making a scarecrow head is a straightforward project. Choose your outer material — burlap for tradition, pillowcase for simplicity, tights for a tidy shape. Stuff with straw, poly-fil, or plastic bags, tie it to the stake, and decorate with paint, buttons, or yarn. A waterproof cap under the hat extends its outdoor life.

A local garden center or craft store can recommend durable burlap treatments and waterproof paints suited to your region’s weather. For a simple fall decoration, reuse what you already have at home — the best materials are often free.