How to Make a Devil Pitchfork Out of Cardboard

5 min read · The Costume Rack

Here's how to make a devil pitchfork out of cardboard: cut a three-prong head from a flat cardboard box, double it up for strength, tape it to the end of a cardboard tube or dowel handle, then paint the whole thing red (or wrap it in red tape). It takes about 30 minutes, costs almost nothing and is light and blunt enough to carry at a party or school event.

If you've already got the horns and now the rest of the devil feels like a lot, The Costume Rack splits the whole costume into pieces with where to find each one. Start my costume

Materials for a DIY devil pitchfork

What you need

Time: 30 minutes plus paint drying (or 20 if you use red tape).

Pitchfork vs trident: which one?

Quick explainer, because people search this. A pitchfork traditionally has long straight prongs (farm tool vibes). A trident has three prongs with pointy, often arrow-shaped tips. The classic "devil pitchfork" in cartoons is really a trident. Make whichever you like; everyone will get it.

Cut the prongs

Step 1: draw the head

1. Lay your cardboard flat.
2. Draw a U shape about 8-10 inches wide, with the arms about 8 inches tall.
3. Draw a middle prong coming up from the bottom of the U, the same height as the sides.
4. Add a little arrow tip or curved hook on each prong top for the trident look.
5. Draw a 3-inch neck at the bottom where it'll attach to the handle.

Step 2: cut two copies

Cut your head out, then trace and cut a second identical one. Two layers glued together stop it from flopping.

Step 3: glue the two layers

Glue or tape them together. Press under a heavy book for a few minutes.

Easy version: devil trident out of paper

Short on time? Draw the head on thick paper or card stock, cut it out, and tape it straight onto a pencil or chopstick for a mini pitchfork. Cute for photos and totally school-friendly.

Make the handle

Step 4: pick your length

• Full size: around shoulder height. Dramatic, but you'll be putting it down a lot.
• Party size: around waist height. The sweet spot.
• Mini: 12-18 inches. Best for school and crowded places.

Step 5: build it

Wrapping paper tube: perfect. Already long and light. Devil pitchfork from a paper towel roll: tape two or three rolls end to end, overlapping and taping every joint. Dowel: strongest, but make sure the end is smooth.

Step 6: attach the head

1. Squash the top 2 inches of a cardboard tube slightly flat.
2. Slide the neck of the pitchfork head inside, or sandwich it against the tube.
3. Wrap the joint tightly with duct tape. Lots of it. This is where pitchforks break.

Here's what makes a costume stall: the pitchfork's done, but you still have to remember the horns, the outfit and the shoes, and you keep putting them off. The Costume Rack gives you a countdown with one piece to sort each day, plus three put-together steps for the whole devil look. Start my costume

Paint it

Option A: red paint

1. Paint the head and handle in red acrylic.
2. Let it dry fully (about 20-30 minutes), then do a second coat.
3. Outline the prongs in black marker so the shape pops in photos.

Option B: red duct tape (fastest)

Wrap the handle in a spiral and cover the head in overlapping strips. No drying time.

Style ideas

• Classic: all red with black outlines.
• Goth devil: all black with a red outline.
• Glam devil: red with glitter on the tips.
• Silver trident: silver paint for a "sea king" trident look (same build, different costume).

Carry it safely at school or a party

A cardboard pitchfork is already a smart choice, since it's light and blunt. A few more rules keep you out of trouble.

At school:

• Check your school's dress-up or spirit day rules first. Some schools ban any prop that looks like a weapon, even cardboard.
• Bring the mini version. It fits in a bag and won't hit anyone in the hallway.
• Keep the tips rounded, not sharp.

At a party:

• Hold it upright, not sideways, in crowds.
• Park it somewhere for the night after photos.
• Don't use real metal forks, garden tools or anything with points.

On the bus or train: Carry it in a bag or tote with the head poking out, or leave it home and bring just the horns.

Finish the devil costume

The pitchfork is one piece. Here's the rest:

1. Horns: a headband with small red horns.
2. Outfit: red top plus black jeans or a skirt, or all red.
3. Tail: a red rope or fabric strip pinned to your back.
4. Devil costume without makeup: horns, red clothes and a pitchfork are enough. Skip face paint entirely.

Going as a duo? Angel and devil is the classic. Pair it with a witch too; our witch broom guide and fairy wand how-to cover their props. Red horns look great on pink or blue hair too, see Halloween costumes with blue hair.

Your devil costume, done piece by piece

The Costume Rack matches you to your costume from your vibe and closet (devil is one of its sixteen classics), lists each piece with where to find it and a version from things you own, gives a no-makeup version, and lets your whole group claim costumes on one rail so there's only one devil.

Start my costume

FAQ

How do you make a devil pitchfork out of cardboard?

Cut a three-prong head from flat cardboard, make two copies and glue them together, tape it to a cardboard tube or dowel, then paint it red or wrap it in red tape. It takes about 30 minutes.

How do you make a trident at home?

Use the same method as a pitchfork but add arrow-shaped tips to each of the three prongs. Paint it silver for a sea-god look or red for a devil.

What can I use as a devil pitchfork handle?

A wrapping paper tube is the easiest. You can also tape paper towel rolls together, use a thin dowel or a clean broom handle.

Is a cardboard pitchfork allowed at school?

It depends on your school. Some ban any prop that looks like a weapon, so check first and bring a small, blunt mini pitchfork if you're unsure.

What devil costume accessories do I need?

Horns, a pitchfork and red or black clothes are the basics. A tail is a nice extra, and none of it needs makeup.