DIY Classic Ghost Costume: Easy 10-Min Build

DIY classic ghost costume built from white flat sheet, black marker, thick tip, and scissors

AI-generated concept photo

Time10 minEffortEasy

⏱️ We timed it, but results may vary.

Plan this costume →No signup · 2 minutes.

A white sheet with two black oval eyes. The simplest costume that still gets recognized instantly. Ten minutes, easy: one white flat sheet, a thick black marker, and scissors.

See this costume in a story

Everything here is basics we assume you have. Nothing to buy.

Tap a supply to tick what you own.

Update my pantry

Tip: tape a square of black tulle behind each hole.

Materials

1 white flat sheet: twin size for kids under 8, full size for tweens and adults (make: use an old sheet; buy: thrift store)
Black marker, thick tip, 1 (buy: dollar store)
Scissors, 1 pair
2 small squares of black tulle or sheer fabric, about 4 inches each (optional, for see-through eyes; buy: craft store)

Steps

Pick the sheet: twin for a small kid, full for a big kid or adult. Bigger than you need is fine. Smaller is not.
Drape the sheet over the wearer.
Have them stand still.
Mark both eye spots with the marker while the sheet is on.
Take the sheet off.
Cut the eye holes small first, about the size of a quarter. You can widen them. You cannot shrink them.
Hold the sheet up.
Check the wearer can see through both holes.
Widen a little at a time.
Optional pro finish: tape a square of black tulle behind each hole.
Safety: Trim the bottom so the hem clears the ground by several inches, a dragging hem is what trips a kid on a dark sidewalk. Keep nothing tight around the neck. (CPSC Halloween safety tips)
Draw a wavy or smiling mouth below the eyes.
Drape the sheet back on and go.

Start this costume in the planner

Common questions

How do I make eye holes safely?

Mark them while the sheet is on the wearer, cut small first, and widen until they see clearly. Back with black tulle so the eyes look dark but stay see-through.

What size sheet for a toddler ghost?

A twin flat sheet, trimmed short. Cut it shorter than feels right, toddlers trip on hems adults would clear.