How to Make a Life-Size Halloween Ghost

Create a life-size ghost for Halloween using cheesecloth and other inexpensive items. Hang it from a tree or place it on your front porch so passersby will shake in their boots.

August 20, 2020
Life-Size Outdoor Ghost Decoration

Life-Size Outdoor Ghost Decoration

Turn craft-store materials into a life-sized (or at least afterlife-sized) ghost that appears to float several feet above the ground. Learn how to make your own.

Related To:

Materials Needed:

  • 6-8 packages of cheesecloth
  • large foam ball
  • 2 small foam balls
  • paint roller extension pole
  • 2 yardsticks
  • hammer
  • 2 short large-headed nails
  • jug of Sta-Flo liquid starch
  • empty spray bottle
  • sheet of black felt
  • scissors
  • fabric glue
  • large sewing needle
  • spool of fishing line

Create Ghost's Framework

Layer a paint roller extension pole and two yardsticks to create a "skeleton" for your ghost (Image 1). Use a short large-headed nail to attach both yardsticks to the paint roller extension pole, one on top of the other (Image 2).

Secure Extension Pole

Find a non-windy outdoor spot to temporarily drive the paint roller extension pole into the ground to make draping the ghost easier.

A Place In The Yard To Secure Your Halloween Ghost

Securing Your Life Size Halloween Ghost In The Yard

Find a prominent--but still spooky--spot in the yard to place your life-size Halloween ghost.

Attach Ghost's Head

Push a large foam ball onto the top of the paint roller extension pole to create the ghost's head.

Halloween Ghost's Head Made From Foam Ball Attached To Pole

Attaching Foam Ball To Pole For Halloween Ghost's Head

A foam ball can attach to a pole to form the head of a DIY Halloween ghost.

Attach Ghost's Hands

Attach a small foam ball to the end of each yardstick to act as the ghost's hands.

DIY Halloween Ghost's Hands Made From Foam Balls Attached To Yardsticks

Attaching Foam Ball To Yardstick For DIY Halloween Ghost

Simply attach foam balls to yardsticks to make hands for a DIY Halloween ghost.

Drape Cheesecloth

Begin draping large sheets of cheesecloth over the ghost framework (Image 1). Continue draping sheets of cheesecloth back and forth over the ghost until you've achieved the desired effect (Image 2).

Spray Starch

Use a spray bottle filled with liquid starch to saturate the ghost's head, hands and arms, leaving the body starch-free so trailing layers of gauze will blow in the breeze. Allow starch to dry (harden) completely before moving on.

Liquid Starch Keeps A Halloween Ghost's Gauze In Place

Spray Your Halloween Ghost With Liquid Starch

Using a bottle of liquid spray starch, spray your ghost's head and hands so the gauze will stay put.

Create Eyes and Mouth

Cut two eyes and a mouth out of black felt (Image 1). Use fabric glue to attach felt eyes and mouth to the ghost's head (Image 2).

Remove Small Foam Balls

Gently remove the two small foam balls from under cheesecloth.

Halloween Ghost With Gauze Covering Foam Ball Hands

Covering Foam Ball With Gauze For Halloween Ghost

A DIY Halloween ghost has foam ball hands covered in spooky gauze.

Attach Fishing Line to Arms

Use a large sewing needle to thread a long length of fishing line through the fabric of each hand. Triple-knot the fishing line so the ghost can move freely in the breeze without the threat of blowing away.

Halloween Ghost Secured With Fishing Line

Thread Fishing Line Through Arms Of Halloween Ghost

Use fishing line to secure the arms of a spooky DIY Halloween ghost to a nearby tree or porch.

Attach Fishing Line to Head

Use a large sewing needle to thread a long length of fishing line through the top of the ghost's head. It's a good idea to drive the needle straight through the foam ball if possible. Triple knot this length of fishing line (Image 1). Finally, tie the ghost to hooks on a porch ceiling or sturdy tree branches in the yard for a spooky Halloween-themed display (Image 2).

More Ghostly DIYS

Next Up

How to Make Foam Halloween Tombstones

These hand carved and painted tombstones are an inexpensive and easy way to create a personalized and creative outdoor Halloween display.

10 Best Halloween Countdown Calendars

The countdown to Halloween is on! Start a fun new tradition with these festive calendars.

5 DIY Dollar Store Halloween Decor Ideas

Make Halloween decor on the cheap using items from the dollar store.

Don't Miss This: Halloween Costumes Are BOGO Half-Off at Target Right Now

Dress the whole family for a night of fun with Target's latest deals on adult, kid, toddler and baby costumes.

10 Fun Ways to Treat Your Favorite Pup This Halloween

Halloween isn't just for humans! Show your four-legged best friend some love with these festive dog treats, toys, accessories and costumes.

36 Last-Minute Halloween Costumes You Can Order Online

Are the holidays sneaking up on you? We've got you covered for the first one to hit the scene — Halloween — with costumes you can get delivered to your home in a matter of days.

3 Ways to Put Outdoor Planters to Good Use This Halloween

It’s time you planted a whole lot more than mums on your porch this year. Try one of these creative planter ideas instead.

Goodbye Laundry, Hello DIY Costumes

Score points for the home team with these unique laundry basket costumes.

PSA: Target's Hyde & EEK! Boutique Is Back and We Want Everything

Halloween decorations have officially hit the shelves at Target! See their 2022 collection and snag our top picks while supplies last.

15 Best Pop Culture Halloween Costume Ideas for 2022

Make an entrance (and earn a lot of laughs) with these Halloween costumes inspired by Stranger Things, Top Gun: Maverick, TikTok songs and other iconic 2022 moments.

More from:

Halloween Ideas

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.