How to Build a Scarecrow

wpe1.jpg (41605 bytes)Our scarecrows were created after we learned about scarecrows in history and in countries around the world. They rode on our school float in our town’s harvest festival and then protected the front of our school during the fall.

    1. Collect the following items (per scarecrow):

      2. *a plain pillowcase or a rectangular bag sewn from unbleached cotton

      *fabric paint

      *yarn (in desired hair color)

      *crochet hook (for attaching hair to hat which easier than to head)

      *fiberfill for head

      *a ruler to tie the head around unless you make the traditional scarecrow on a cross (ours preferred sitting in a lawn chair)

      *yarn or twine for tying on head

      *old hat

      *long-sleeve shirt

      *pants(overalls work best)- holes preferred

      *socks (don’t have to match)

      *gloves (don’t have to match)

      *bandana/kerchief- not necessary, but nice touch

      *assorted material for patches

      *needle and thread and

      *hay- available at grain stores- BEWARE: a bale makes a community of scarecrows and feeds a horse or two

    2. Fill the head with fiberfill, insert ruler, and tie firmly around the neck.
    3. Paint on the face- leave enough forehead so the hat doesn’t "swallow" up the eyes.
    4. Cut yarn and attach to hat with crochet hook. (Remember, scarecrows live in the wind.)
    5. Tie arms at the ends of the sleeves and fill with hay. (Make sure the hay goes all the way down. You have to use a small amount at a time.)
    6. Tie pant legs at ends and fill with hay.
    7. Attach hat to head. (Sewing it on is best.)
    8. Stick head by ruler into stuffed shirt and attach (by sewing or tucking) upper body to lower body.
    9. Put on the gloves and socks. (A bit of fiberfill gives them some muscle.)
    10. Sit your scarecrow in a nice comfy spot.
    11. Invite over the neighborhood birds.

 

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