A ghost costume takes two hours and costs under $15

A basic ghost costume is a white pillowcase with two eye holes and a pointed hood. You can make one with a single sheet, a needle, thread, and scissors—no sewing machine needed. The whole project takes about two hours if you hand-sew, or 30 minutes with a machine. The only real decision is whether to use a flat sheet (which drapes straight) or a fitted sheet (which clings to the body), and whether to add a belt or drawstring at the waist so the costume doesn't slip.

This guide walks you through measuring, cutting, sewing the seams, and finishing the eye holes so they stay open and don't fray. It covers both hand-sewing and machine methods, and explains what to do if your sheet is too short or too narrow.

Key Takeaways

  • A white flat sheet is the easiest base; measure from your shoulder to the floor, then add 12 inches for the hood point.
  • Cut two eye holes before you sew any seams, and reinforce them with a whip stitch or zigzag stitching so the fabric doesn't unravel.
  • Sew the two long sides closed with a running stitch (by hand) or a straight stitch (by machine), leaving the bottom open for your feet.
  • Add a drawstring or elastic waistband at the hip so the costume stays in place and doesn't drag on the ground.
  • A fitted sheet will cling to your body; a flat sheet will hang loose—choose based on the look you want.

Measuring and cutting the sheet

Start by laying the sheet flat on a large surface—a bed, floor, or table. Measure from the top of your shoulder straight down to the floor. Add 12 inches to that number; that extra length becomes the pointed hood. For example, if you are 5 feet 6 inches tall and your shoulder-to-floor distance is 54 inches, you need 66 inches of sheet length.

Check that your sheet is at least 60 inches wide. Most standard flat sheets are 90 inches wide, so you will have plenty. If your sheet is narrower than 60 inches, you can sew two sheets together along one long edge before you start, or use a fitted sheet and accept that it will be tighter around your body.

Cut the sheet to the length you measured. You now have a rectangle. Fold it in half lengthwise (so the two short ends meet) and mark the center point at the top with a pin. This is where you will cut the eye holes.

Cutting and reinforcing the eye holes

The eye holes should be about 4 inches apart and roughly 3 inches in diameter—large enough to see through, but not so large that the fabric tears easily. Mark them with a pencil or tailor's chalk while the sheet is still folded. Cut them out with sharp scissors, cutting through both layers at once.

Unfold the sheet and look at your eye holes. The raw edges will fray if you do not reinforce them. Use a whip stitch (a hand-sewing technique where you fold the edge under and stitch it down) or a zigzag stitch on a sewing machine. If you hand-sew, fold about a quarter-inch of fabric to the inside of each hole and stitch it down with thread that matches the sheet. If you use a machine, set it to zigzag mode and run a line of stitches around the edge of each hole. This takes about 10 minutes and prevents the holes from growing larger when you wear the costume.

Sewing the side seams

Fold the sheet in half lengthwise again, with the eye holes facing outward. You now have a long tube. Sew the two long edges together, leaving the bottom open. If you hand-sew, use a running stitch: push the needle through both layers, then back out about a quarter-inch away, then back in, repeating all the way down. Space your stitches evenly and keep them about a quarter-inch from the edge. This seam will take 45 minutes to an hour by hand.

If you use a sewing machine, set it to a straight stitch and sew about a quarter-inch from the edge. This takes about 10 minutes. Backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam to lock the thread. When you are done, you have a tube that is closed on three sides and open at the bottom.

Turn the costume right-side out (so the seams are on the inside) and try it on. The pointed hood should extend above your head. If it does not, you cut the sheet too short; you can add a triangle of white fabric to the top and sew it on, or accept a shorter point.

Adding a waistband or drawstring

A ghost costume will slip down as you move. Add a drawstring or elastic waistband at your hip to keep it in place. For a drawstring, use a needle and thread to sew a line of stitches around the sheet at hip height, about 2 inches from the edge. Leave a 2-inch gap in the stitching. Thread a drawstring (cord, ribbon, or even a strip of white fabric) through the gap, tie it, and sew the gap closed.

For an elastic waistband, measure your hip circumference and cut a piece of elastic that is 2 inches shorter. Sew the two ends of the elastic together with a needle and thread, then sew the elastic to the inside of the sheet at hip height, stretching it as you go so it lies flat. This takes about 20 minutes by hand.

Try on the costume again. The waistband should hold it in place without cutting off your circulation. If it is too tight, remove the stitches and re-sew the elastic or drawstring lower on the sheet.

Finishing the bottom edge

The bottom of the costume will be open so you can step into it and so your feet do not drag. You can leave the raw edge as is (it will fray slightly but will not unravel), or you can fold it under and stitch it down for a neater look. If you fold it, fold about a half-inch of fabric to the inside and sew it with a whip stitch or machine stitch. This is optional and takes about 15 minutes.

If the costume is too long and drags on the ground, trim the bottom edge so it ends about 2 inches above your shoes. Measure all the way around to make sure the length is even.

Customizing your ghost costume

A plain white sheet is the classic look, but you can add details. Sew on buttons or felt shapes for a different expression around the eye holes. Use a fabric marker to draw a mouth or nose. Add a belt or rope around the waist for texture. Sew on a cape or collar if you want a more elaborate costume.

If you want a colored ghost, use a colored sheet instead of white. A gray sheet makes a "sad ghost," a pale blue sheet makes a "friendly ghost," and a black sheet makes a "spooky ghost." The sewing steps are identical.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a fitted sheet instead of a flat sheet?

Yes. A fitted sheet will cling to your body instead of hanging loose, which some people prefer. The sewing steps are the same. Fitted sheets are usually narrower, so measure your width before you start and add a panel of fabric if needed.

What if I do not have a sewing machine?

Hand-sewing works fine and takes about twice as long. Use a needle, thread, and a running stitch for the side seams. The eye holes and waistband are actually faster by hand because they are small and do not require a machine.

How do I keep the eye holes from tearing?

Reinforce them with a whip stitch or zigzag stitch before you wear the costume. If a hole tears while you are wearing it, take the costume off and sew the tear closed with a needle and thread. Avoid pulling on the holes or rubbing them against your face.

What thread color should I use?

White thread is traditional and blends in. If you do not have white thread, any light color works. The stitches will be visible on the inside of the costume but not on the outside, so the color does not matter much.

Can I make this costume without sewing?

You can use fabric glue or iron-on hem tape instead of stitching, but the seams will be weaker and may come apart if you move around a lot. Sewing, even by hand, is more durable and takes only a couple of hours.