Halloween is right around the corner, and it’s one of those magical times when creativity takes center stage. Whether you love decorating your home, hosting a Halloween party, or simply creating fun crafts with your kids, there’s something so special about transforming ordinary materials into something delightfully spooky. One of the easiest and most charming decorations you can make is a cheesecloth ghost.
These whimsical ghosts have a classic Halloween charm, light, floaty, and just a little bit eerie. The best part? They’re incredibly simple to make, budget-friendly, and customizable. In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know from materials and step-by-step instructions to creative ideas for displaying your ghosts in style.
Why Make a Cheesecloth Ghost?
There’s something magical about crafting your own Halloween decorations. Store-bought ones are convenient, sure, but DIY projects like this carry personality and warmth. A cheesecloth ghost sways gently in the breeze, catches the glow of porch lights, and gives your space that perfectly spooky yet sweet atmosphere that captures the spirit of the season.
Beyond aesthetics, this project also offers a fun hands-on activity for kids and adults alike. It helps children learn about texture, balance, and form, while adults get to enjoy the nostalgia of classic Halloween crafting. It’s easy enough for beginners but creative enough for seasoned crafters to enjoy.
What You’ll Need
Before diving into the steps, make sure you’ve gathered all the materials. Most of these items are inexpensive and easy to find at home or in a craft store.
Cheesecloth: This is the star material. It’s lightweight, airy, and creates that signature ghostly effect.
Balloon: Acts as the head or body mold. The size of your balloon determines how large your ghost will be.
String or Twine: For hanging your ghost when it’s finished.
Scissors: To trim the cheesecloth and shape it as needed.
Spray Starch or Fabric Stiffener: To give your ghost structure so it holds its shape after drying.
Black Marker or Paint: Optional, but perfect for adding eyes and a mouth.
Plastic Cup or Small Bottle (optional): To help the balloon stand upright while you work.
Plastic Wrap or Table Cover: Protects your work surface from spray and glue.
Optional additions for a creative twist:
LED tea lights or fairy lights for an inner glow
Colored dye or glitter spray for themed ghosts
Small gauze pieces or mesh scraps for layering texture
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Workstation
Before you start, cover your workspace with plastic wrap, newspaper, or a disposable tablecloth. Spray starch or fabric stiffener can get messy, and you’ll want to protect your table or counter. Blow up the balloon to the size you want, small for mini ghosts, large for statement pieces. Tie the end tightly. If you want to create multiple ghosts, prepare several balloons at once and set them in cups or bottles to keep them upright.
Step 2: Cut the Cheesecloth
Unfold your cheesecloth completely and cut it into a square or rectangle large enough to drape over your balloon with extra hanging at the bottom. For a medium ghost, a 2- to 3-foot square usually works well. If you’d like layered ghosts, cut two or three pieces of different sizes. This gives your ghost more dimension and makes it look fuller and floatier.
Step 3: Drape the Cheesecloth
Place the cheesecloth over the inflated balloon. Let the fabric hang loosely, this will form the ghost’s flowing “body.” Adjust the folds and position until you’re happy with the shape. If you’re making a standing ghost, you can place the balloon over a support like a bottle or paper towel roll so the fabric can drape naturally.
Step 4: Apply Fabric Stiffener
Now comes the key step, shaping your ghost. Lightly spray the cheesecloth with fabric stiffener or starch, making sure it’s evenly coated but not soaking wet. You can also brush on liquid stiffener with a sponge or paintbrush for better control. Let the ghost dry completely, this can take anywhere from 4 to 12 hours depending on humidity. For faster results, place it near a fan or in a warm, dry room.
Pro tip: If you want your ghost to be extra firm for outdoor use, apply a second coat once the first has dried.
Step 5: Add Facial Features
When your ghost is dry and stiff, it’s time to give it personality. Use a black marker, paint, or felt circles to create eyes and a mouth. You can go for a friendly look with round eyes or a scarier one with sharp shapes. You could even glue on googly eyes for a fun, kid-friendly touch. If you prefer a minimalist style, skip the face altogether for a mysterious, floating phantom vibe.
Step 6: Remove the Balloon
Once the cheesecloth is completely dry and firm, gently pop the balloon with a pin or scissors. Carefully remove the balloon remnants through the bottom of the ghost. You should now have a hollow shell that looks light and floaty, ready to hang or place as decoration.
Step 7: Hang Your Ghost
Use twine, fishing line, or thread to hang your ghost. Invisible thread works especially well because it creates the illusion that your ghost is really floating. Choose spots where they’ll sway slightly with the air such as porch ceilings, tree branches, doorways, or stair railings. If you prefer, you can also place them on tables, mantels, or shelves as sitting decorations. Add a small LED light underneath for a glowing effect at night, it’s absolutely magical.
Creative Variations and Ideas
Making one ghost is fun, but making a whole ghost family is even better. Here are a few creative twists to make your cheesecloth ghosts unique.
Glowing Ghosts
For a magical nighttime effect, insert a battery-powered LED tea light inside your ghost. The soft glow shining through the cheesecloth creates an enchanting scene, especially if you hang several in a group.
Colorful or Glittery Ghosts
Who says ghosts have to be white? Use fabric dye to color your cheesecloth in pastels or Halloween tones like orange, green, or purple. You can also lightly mist the ghosts with glitter spray for a shimmering, ethereal effect under your lights.
Mini Ghost Garland
Instead of large decorations, create small ghosts using cotton balls or tiny balloons. Attach them to a string to form a garland, perfect for windows, classrooms, or kids’ rooms.
Standing Table Ghosts
If you’d like your ghosts to stand on their own, position the balloon on a cup while the cheesecloth dries. When you remove the balloon, your ghost will have a flat base that allows it to stand upright on tables or shelves.
Floating Ghost Cluster
Hang multiple ghosts at different heights from your ceiling or a tree branch to create a “haunted cloud” effect. This works beautifully for parties, porches, or front yards.
Helpful Tips for Success
Use thin layers of stiffener rather than drenching the fabric. Too much can make it heavy and slow to dry.
Plan drying time ahead. It’s best to start the night before your event.
Experiment with shapes. You can mold your ghost’s arms or body by positioning fabric folds creatively while it dries.
Recycle your materials. Cheesecloth ghosts can be reused every year, just store them carefully in a dry box to maintain their shape.
Combine with other crafts. These ghosts pair beautifully with DIY pumpkin lanterns, paper bats, and spider webs.
Safety and Kid-Friendly Notes
If you’re crafting with young children, handle the spray starch or stiffener yourself, as it’s not meant for direct skin contact. Kids can still participate by cutting, draping, or decorating the ghosts. For outdoor displays, make sure to use weather-resistant stiffeners and secure your ghosts well if it’s windy. Battery-operated lights are the safest choice, never use candles or real flames near fabric.
Bringing It All Together
Now that your ghosts are floating, glowing, and dancing in the breeze, you’ve officially added a handmade charm to your Halloween décor. These DIY cheesecloth ghosts bring a nostalgic, timeless feel to any setting. Whether you hang them indoors, in a classroom, or around your garden, they instantly make the atmosphere festive and playful.
If you’re hosting a Halloween party, consider pairing your ghost display with flickering pumpkins, string lights, and spooky sound effects for the full haunted experience. For a kid-friendly setup, arrange them in corners where they’ll surprise guests, just enough to get giggles, not screams.
Why You’ll Love This Craft
Cheesecloth ghosts are more than just decorations, they’re a reminder of how creativity can turn something simple into something enchanting. The process is meditative, the materials are inexpensive, and the results look surprisingly professional. You’ll love how your home feels transformed with these fluttering white figures, and the best part is that each one looks slightly different, giving your decorations a handmade charm that no store-bought piece can replicate.
Final Thoughts
Creating cheesecloth ghosts is a joyful, easy, and memorable craft that captures the magic of Halloween. Whether you’re a parent crafting with your kids or someone who loves decorating every corner of your house, these ghosts will make your space come alive with spooky delight. So gather your materials, put on your favorite Halloween playlist, and start crafting your own ghostly crew. Once you hang them up and see them flutter under the evening lights, you’ll realize why this classic DIY project never goes out of style.
Happy haunting, and don’t forget to share your creations to inspire others!
