The spooky season is coming, and Halloween presents the perfect time to get creative with spooky DIY decorations. One material that stands out the most for this is rope.
Whether you’re aiming for a haunted house or simply want to add some ghostly flair to your Halloween decor, rope offers endless possibilities. From crafting chilling hanging ghosts to building eerie rope bridges, this guide will walk you through a range of rope decor DIY Halloween decoration ideas.
Get ready to thrill and chill your Halloween guests!
Why is rope perfect for Halloween decorations?
Rope, or more often than not, natural rope, is perfect for Halloween decorations because of its versatility and eerie aesthetic. Its rugged texture and natural look can be easily manipulated to create spooky effects, it’s strong and durable for indoor and outdoor use, and its affordability and availability make it the perfect choice for achieving your sinister aesthetic with minimal effort.
9 DIY Halloween decoration ideas with rope
All tied up on the thought of using rope for your Halloween decorations? Here are 10 ways you can use rope to make DIY Halloween decorations, that will make even the pumpkin king jealous:
1. Hanging ghosts
Want to create the illusion of ghosts hanging from the trees, ceiling, or perhaps even from the doorway outside your home? Here’s how:
What you’ll need:
- White cotton rope
- A white cloth
- A small ball or stuffing
- A black marker pen
Instructions:
Cut the white cloth into ghostly shapes and drape it over a small ball or a ball of stuffing for the head. Tie the rope around the “neck” to create a ghostly figure, and then draw on eyes and a mouth with the black marker.
2. Halloween rope spider webs
What’s a spider without a web? Here’s how to create Halloween rope spider webs:
What you’ll need:
- White rope twine
- Scissors
- Black plastic spiders
- White tack
Instructions:
Start by cutting the white twine into long strands. Begin by making a large circle, then add crisscrossing strands to form the web. Repeat until you have the web to your desired size, then use pieces of twine to tie the web onto a surface, such as your walls, windows or on your front door. Finally, using white tack, stick your spiders onto the web.
3. Creepy rope garland
Who said it was only Christmas time that we had garlands? Perfect for Halloween parties, or just embracing the spooky season, here’s how to make a creepy garland with rope:
What you’ll need:
- Thick rope
- Halloween-themed bakers twine
- Hot glue gun
- Plastic bats, skulls, pumpkins, etc. (any decorations you want to add)
Instructions:
Using the Halloween-themed bakers twine and hot glue gun, turn your plastic decorations into hanging ornaments, by glueing the twine onto the decoration and tying it into a circle. Then, string the ornaments onto the thick piece of rope. Once done, drape the garland over doorways, mantels, or stair railings – as you would a Christmas garland.
4. Creepy rope wreath
It’s not just garlands you can make either – why not make a matching creepy wreath to match? It’s perfect for hanging on your door as a welcoming (or frightening) Halloween decoration! Here’s how to make one:
What you’ll need:
- Thick rope
- Thick rope twine
- Wire
- Hot glue gun
- Plastic bats, skulls, pumpkins, etc. (any decorations you want to add)
Instructions:
Twist the wire into a circular shape, then wrap the thick rope around to form a wreath. Next, add small Halloween decorations to the rope using hot glue. Finally, glue on a piece of thick twine in a loop, to hook and hang the wreath onto your door.
5. Rope mummy
Want a spooky mummy as part of your DIY Halloween decorations? Here’s how you can use rope to make a one-of-a-kind ancient Egyptian:
What you’ll need:
- White rope
- Hot glue gun
- A plastic skeleton, mannequin or large doll
Instructions:
Lay your skeleton, mannequin or doll flat, and start to wrap the rope around. As you wrap, use the hot glue gun to secure the rope in place. Once finished, hot glue the ends securely, to prevent the rope from unravelling.
6. Rope skeleton
Rope mummy, not your thing? Make a rope skeleton, instead! Here’s how to make one for yourself – perfect for standing in your entranceway or sitting creepily in a chair:
What you’ll need:
- White rope cord
- Wire
- Black paint or marker
Instructions:
Using wire, create the shape of the bones in the skeleton. Then, wrap the wire with the white rope cord. Once all the “bones” are created, use more wire to connect them together. Finally, using black paint or a black marker, paint the face of the skeleton.
7. Haunted rope bridge
Want to go all out for your haunted house? Here’s how to create a useable haunted rope bridge:
What you’ll need:
- Decking rope
- Wooden planks
- Wooden posts
- Nails or screws
- Smoke machine
- Halloween decorations
Instructions:
First, create the bridge by tying the decking rope to the wooden planks. Then, place it in your garden over a small trench. To secure the bridge in place, and ensure it’s safe and sturdy to walk on, screw or nail the ends of the rope bridge to two wooden posts that are anchored into the ground at either end. Finally, attach more rope across the bridge connecting the posts at either end, to create a handrail.
To make your rope bridge spooky, install a fog machine and place creepy decorations nearby for a super eerie effect.
8. Rope-wrapped lanterns
Looking to give your home an eerie glow, or perhaps want to make some DIY rope lanterns to go with a creepy costume? Here’s how to make rope-wrapped lanterns:
What you’ll need:
- Natural cotton rope cord
- Hot glue gun
- Lantern
- LED candles
Instructions:
Wrap the natural cotton rope cord around the base and handles on the lantern, hot glueing to secure where needed. Make sure to leave the transparent features of the lantern unwrapped, to allow light through. Then, place an LED candle inside the lantern and turn on.
9. Creepy rope letters
Got something to say this Halloween? Say it with rope, by making creepy rope letters to spell out your favourite spooky sayings. Here’s how:
What you’ll need:
- Coloured rope
- Thick coloured twine
- Wire
- Hot glue
Instructions:
By bending and twisting the wire, shape it to form spooky words (such as “BOO” or “GET OUT”) – all joined up. Then, wrap the coloured rope around the wire, using hot glue to secure it into place. Finally, loop a strand of thick twine of the same colour, and glue it to the top of the letters – this is how you will hook the words onto your walls, doors, or display.
Looking for some more Halloween craft ideas? Explore our blog for more inspiration, or get in touch with our eerie experts for their advice on which ropes to use!