Introduction: How to Make Cheesecloth Ghosts
Cheesecloth ghosts are a really cheap and fun way to decorate for Halloween! I made loads of these with my mom growing up. :D
These are a bit fancier than the cheesecloth ghosts we used to make, but they're just as simple.
Step 1: What You'll Need
- a package of cheesecloth
- wire
- liquid starch
- scissors
- a medium bowl
- wax or freezer paper to cover your work surface
- things from around the house to build the ghosts on
- black felt (optional - to add eyes!)
When I made these with my mom, we'd mix Elmer's glue with water and use that instead of liquid starch. We'd also use balloons to shape the heads. :)
This time I'm using some bottles I had in my cabinet and some glass ornament blanks.
You can typically make three good sized ghosts for each package of cheesecloth - mine stood between 8-12 inches tall.
Step 2: Assemble the Ghost Bodies and Mix the Liquid Starch
For the ghosts, you really just want a nice rounded top and a good bit of height. That's it! If you'd like to add arms, use the wire and wrap it around whatever you're using.
You'll also want to dilute the liquid starch so that it's easier to work with - I'd say 75% liquid starch and 25% water should work just fine. Just don't use more than 50% water.
P.S. The more humid your environment, the more liquid starch you'll need to use! It's water soluble, so it can droop in high humidity.
Step 3: Drench the Cheesecloth in Liquid Starch
This is the key part of the whole project - making sure you have enough liquid starch!
I cut my cheesecloth into smaller pieces and then unfold in completely and put a piece in the liquid starch. Squish it around and let it soak it up, and then gently wring it out.
You want it to still be pretty wet, but not gloopy.
Step 4: Start Draping the Cheesecloth
I couldn't get too many photos of this since it's super messy, but it's really easy. :D
You'll want to cut pieces of cheesecloth that easily cover the ghost bodies you've made with a little excess. This excess cheesecloth will pool at the bottom of the ghosts and allow them to stand.
I added 2-3 layers on each of the ghosts and made sure each pooled to the bottom.
Step 5: Let Them Dry and Remove the Cheesecloth
(Big Dee helped. The liquid starch smells a bit like glue and she LOVES glue. :P)
It will take quite a while for these to dry. They will feel floppy and like they won't hold up until they're almost totally dry, so don't let that freak you out.
I let mine sit overnight to make sure they were fully dry.
Peel them off the paper you used to line your work surface, and then start separating the cheesecloth from the bodies. I used a pencil to scrape around the edges and that worked pretty well. It'll be a little trickier to grab out the circular piece you chose to use, but you can be a little rough as you can shape the cheesecloth back after.
Have a look at the second photo to see how the bottoms should look - they should be flat and very starchy. :)
Step 6: Optional: Add Eyes!
If you want your ghosts to be a little less spooky and more friendly, use some black felt to add eyes!
While this is super adorable, I think I almost prefer them without the eyes. :D

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10 Comments
4 years ago
curious if anyone has figured out a way to dry them very quickly as opposed to overnight air drying? think i will dry simply blow drying, maybe on the cool setting... but if you've got a way or another product to use besides the starch that dries quickly let meknow! Thanks!
7 years ago
Love your ghosts, I just made three. Is there a way to protect them so I can put them outside?
8 years ago on Introduction
Those are adorable!
Also, you have a glue-sniffing cat? This explains so much.
8 years ago on Introduction
Oh, I love your ghosts Jessyratfink! I remember making these as a kid too but have not made them for years. I think my porch needs a ghost or two for Friday evening - cheesecloth and starch are added to my shopping list. Thank you!
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Yay! Thank you :D
8 years ago on Introduction
I bet these would look spooky with an LED inside!
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
i was just thinking the same, except i was going to say -
the most beautiful ghosts ever!!!
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
:O
Best compliment ever! haha
8 years ago on Introduction
Thank you for this nice Instructable. I like it.
Please check out my Instructables too.
I have my first contest entry This Halloween. Please Vote.
Thank you so much
Sparky Solar
8 years ago on Introduction
So cute, great idea!