Learn how to make your very own thrifty DIY sheet ghost for Halloween in 5 easy steps.
You don't need to spend a fortune on decorations to make your home spooktacular for Halloween night. If you're looking for a thrifty and creative way to add a little bit of Halloween magic to your home this year, DIY sheet ghost decorations are an easy and fun way to transform your home both inside and out.
Not only is this project easy to make and fun to do with the whole family, it's also a great way to give your old sheets a new purpose. With this easy tutorial, you'll have your own ghostly creation in no time. Let's get started and turn your home into a ghostly wonderland for the Halloween season.
Supplies for DIY Sheet Ghost
In the market for Halloween ghosts this year? Try making this large ghost decoration that you can reuse for years to come. The best part about these DIY sheet ghosts is that you most likely have the majority of these supplies on hand. But if you don't, here are all the things you will need.
- Tomato cages (2 sizes - 1 big and 1 small or you can cut a big one down)
- Styrofoam ball or a large ornament
- Christmas lights
- 2 old white sheets
- 4 yards of white chiffon (could also use tulle)
- Black vinyl for the eyes
DIY Sheet Ghost Step-by-Step Instructions
Assemble Ball and Cage
Flip over your tomato cage and attach your foam ball or ornament to the metal prongs. This will be the head of the ghost.
String the Lights
For these ghosts I chose to incorporate lights so that the ghosts are lit up at night. This is a fun idea to change up a basic white ghost and gives you more variety for decorating options. You can use a battery pack of lights or find a Christmas tree light strand to plug into a nearby outlet. Keep in mind that if these will be sitting outside, you'll want to make sure whatever lights you use are appropriate.
String the lights up and down the sides of the cages so you have lights going vertically from top to bottom.
Layer Sheets for DIY Sheet Ghost
Make sure to have a white fabric bed sheet for this next part. An old white sheet will also work, or even one from a thrift store, as long as it is white.
Rip your first sheet in half. The raw edges will provide a little more texture, but you can also cut it with scissors if you prefer a cleaner edge. Drape the flat sheet over the tomato cage, with the long side in the front and back.
Then, add the second half of the sheet with the long side on the opposite ends. This creates a great layered look for your DIY Halloween ghost craft.
Add Top Layer of Fabric
The next step is to add the final chiffon layer onto your little ghost. You can also use tulle as an alternative. Use approximately 2 ½ yards of chiffon and place it on top of the sheets. It may seem like a lot of material, but this much fabric is really the best choice if you want to cover your friendly ghost from head to toe.
Chiffon and tulle add a fun texture to the ghost exteriors, giving a more refined appearance instead of a design that looks like cut up sheets. You can find this fabric at your local fabric store or grab some online.
Add Eyes
A traditional ghost Halloween costume might have just cut out eye holes in your old sheet, but we are looking for a more refined look.
To make your ghost eyes, use adhesive black vinyl that is perfect for crafts. Cut out matching eye shapes out of your vinyl and stick it right on the ghost's head, no hot glue gun or safety pins needed! This adhesive vinyl is awesome because it limits what tools you will need. Plus, you definitely wouldn't want paper eyes sitting in outdoor elements.
Feel free to add a mouth also if you desire, but I just love having the eyes only for our happy Halloween ghost.
If this finished ghost seems like a lot of work and you'd rather just buy one, here is a similar option.
How to Decorate With DIY Sheet Ghosts
Now, at this point, technically you have a completed DIY sheet ghost project. But let me share with you some of my fun styling tips to really make the most of your spooky season.
Haunted Moving Ghosts
Want to make your house seem haunted? Grab a robot vacuum, attach your ghost and let it loose! This is a great idea that is so much fun for kids of all ages.
Use Ghosts Outside
Use these ghosts to greet your guests on Halloween night. They can brighten your front yard or be set on your front porch. I love having them right by my front doors. More exterior decor ideas here.
Interior Window
If you don't love the idea of using these outside, place them right in front of a big window in your living room so that they are visible from guests coming to your home.
Easy DIY Halloween Decorations
Why not use these ghosts for a main party attraction? These DIY sheet ghosts are the perfect focal point for your Halloween party decor.
Light 'Em Up
And what's better than brightening the whole space with your lit up ghosts? This is a super fun way to add some seasonal lighting elements to your porch, especially for trick-or-treaters!
See a video tutorial for making sheet ghosts below!
Looking for alternative options for changing up your sheet ghosts?
- Add any type of hat
- Use colored sheets
- Make different eyes
- Add glasses
- Add a whole face
- Incorporate a limb or two
Love my door wreaths? See how I made them here.
DIY Sheet Ghosts
Creating spooky and festive sheet ghosts at home is an easy, affordable and fun way to add some ghoulish décor to your Halloween celebrations. With this easy step-by-step guide, anyone can create these festive ghosts, no matter their crafting skill level or budget.
As you craft these festive sheet ghosts, remember that how you design them is the limit. At the end of the day, your sheet ghosts can be as unique and spooky as you want them to be. Take a chance and see what kind of unique and spooky designs you can create this Halloween.
Happy Decorating!
Brooke
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