04/04/202605/15/2026 BEM

Make a Shakespearean Ruff

Crafts and Activities, Homeschool

A Craft Fitting Shakespeare

When we started talking about Shakespeare, I realized pretty quickly that just reading about him wasn’t going to be enough. The language is different. The stories are big and for a lot of kids, it can feel like something far away. So, I wanted to bring in something that was hands-on.

If you’ve ever seen portraits of people from Shakespeare’s time, you’ve probably noticed those big, gathered collars around their necks. They look fancy, a little dramatic, and honestly… a little uncomfortable. However, they are a staple of Shakespeare’s time and fun for playing, so we set out to make one.

They are really simple, and it turns even a short reading or activity into something kids remember.

What You’ll Need to Make a Shakespearean Ruff

You don’t need anything complicated for this.

• Coffee filters
• String, yarn or ribbon (I’ve always used yarn)
• Hole punch (optional, but helpful)
• Stapler

How to Make a Simple Ruff

Start by flattening out your coffee filters.

Fold them in half, then… half again, then, half… one more time. You’re left with a little wedge.

Next, staple the filter on the pointed end, leaving room to use a holepunch. Then, punch a hole in the tip and cut the tip off (see pictures).

After doing a few, measure your yarn (or ribbon) long enough to go around the neck tightly but comfortably, but leaving room to tie a bow in the back.

Thread your string, yarn, or ribbon through each coffee filter.

Once you get your yarn filled. tie knots on each end to secure the filters.

And that’s really all there is to it. I used about 45 to make the prototype.

Tie it loosely so it can sit comfortably around the neck.

It doesn’t have to be perfect. A little uneven actually makes it look more like the real thing.

Helpful Tips

• Use more filters for a fuller, more dramatic look
• While most ruffs in paintings were white, let kiddos use markers to color their filters before folding.
• When not in use, tie around a stuffed animal. It is not only cute but keeps the Shakespeare memory alive.

Why This Works So Well

This is one of those small additions that changes the whole feel of a lesson.

Once kids put it on:

• reading becomes more fun
• acting something out feels natural
• even just sitting and listening feels different

It gives them a way to step into the time period instead of just hearing about it.

Extend the Fun: Shakespeare Ideas

If your kids enjoy this, you can build on it really easily.

🎭 Think Like a Playwright
Have them create a short scene with two characters and a simple problem.

🎭 Try a Shakespeare Phrase
Use a phrase like “break the ice” or “wild-goose chase” and come up with your own sentences.

🎭 Read or Watch a Scene
Even a short clip or adapted version can bring everything together.

👉 See what we used this alongside our Shakespeare study, that made everything feel a little more connected.

⭐ Pair It with a Full Shakespeare Study

If you want to go a little deeper, I created a Shakespeare Literature Unit that includes:

• short reading sections
• vocabulary and reflection pages
• creative writing activities
• this ruff craft + a simple recipe
• and a few fun extensions to tie everything together

👉 You can explore the full unit here

Final Thoughts

This is one of those simple crafts that doesn’t look like much at first… but somehow ends up being the thing kids remember. It’s quick, not very messy, and easy to add to whatever you’re already doing.

If you try this Shakespearean Ruff, I’d love to see how it turns out. You can tag @bemandfam on Instagram or Facebook… I really do enjoy seeing those moments.

Happy creating,

BEM and Fam 🙂

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