This no-sew ghost garland makes a small shelf feel Halloween-ready

Friendly ghosts, made from what you have

Playful ghost motifs feature in Michaels’ 2026 Halloween collection. This softer interpretation uses old cotton fabric and makes a good weekend project for a narrow shelf. Allow around 45 minutes plus glue drying time. The dimensions below make five small ghosts; measure your display space before cutting. A washed pillowcase can supply the fabric if you do not want to buy new material.

1. Cut and test one ghost first

Cut a 25 cm (10 in) square and place a small, tightly gathered ball of fabric scraps at its center. Gather the square below the ball to create a round head about 4 cm (1½ in) across. Tie cotton string firmly beneath it, leaving two long ends. Spread the hanging corners into a loose skirt. If it looks bulky, reduce the stuffing before cutting all your remaining squares.

2. Give each ghost a simple face

Cut two small oval eyes from black felt and attach them with fabric glue. Place both on the same fabric panel so the face remains readable when it hangs. A tiny round mouth is optional. Keep the eyes large enough to see across the room; elaborate faces get lost on a small garland. Let the glue cure on a covered table before handling. Adults should handle sharp scissors and help younger makers with small pieces.

3. Tie five ghosts to the twine

Make four more ghosts, varying the skirt lengths slightly. Lay the twine flat and mark five evenly spaced positions, leaving generous end lengths for attaching it. Tie each ghost’s neck-string ends to the twine with a secure double knot. Lift the whole strand gently and adjust the faces to point forward. Avoid adding beads or heavy decorations: lightweight ghosts hang more naturally and put less strain on the supports.

4. Hang it where it will stay put

Attach the garland to suitable shelf brackets or compatible removable hooks, following the hook maker’s surface and weight instructions. Test an inconspicuous spot first; removable does not guarantee damage-free on every finish. Keep loose string out of reach of children and pets, and never hang it across a cot, doorway or walking route. Keep cotton away from candles, heaters and hot bulbs. This garland needs no embedded lights.

Make it yours, then keep it for next year

For a colorful version, use pale peach or lilac cotton and retain dark eyes for contrast. For a short bookshelf, make three ghosts rather than compressing five. Photograph the spacing before taking it down, then wrap the strand around a piece of cardboard so the ties do not tangle. Spot-clean only as your glue and fabric allow. If you want washable pieces, replace glued eyes with stitched ones on a future version.

Inspiration & sources

Our original project instructions interpret these published seasonal style references. The image is a styling concept, not a photograph of a tested project.

• Michaels: 2026 Halloween décor collections

Explore more in DIY & Crafts and Home & Decor.