The typical young child loves animals, and what better fun than to dress up like a skunk, dog, squirrel, pig, sheep, or hamster for Halloween? With these one-pattern variations, not only will children be stylish, but they will stay warm as well. Family Fun offers these tips on bringing out the pet in any child.
Homemade Skunk Halloween Costume
Materials that are needed for this version of a skunk costume are as follows:
- Black and White Faux Fur
- Black and White Thread
- Hooded Sweatshirt and Sweatpants, Black
- Packing Peanuts (Foam)
- Nylon Thread
- Black Face Makeup
- Black Shoes
First, cut a large oval piece of the white faux fur to sew onto the front of the black sweatshirt. On the back of the sweatshirt, starting from the top of the hood, sew a long stripe of white faux fur down the back of the sweatshirt. Two ears can be cut out of the black faux fur and sewn together. Do this twice, and sew onto either side of the white faux fur on the hood.
To make the tail, cut out a rectangle with a rounded end from the black faux fur. Cut out the same size and shape from the white faux fur. Sew the two pieces together, leaving the flat side open to stuff with packing peanuts. Then sew the flat side closed, and sew onto the back side of the sweatshirt, below the white faux fur. Family Fun recommends sewing nylon thread through the top of the tail, then attaching it higher up on the sweatshirt in order to make the tail stand straight up.
First, have the child carefully put on the costume. Then apply a black painted nose and whiskers.
Dog Costume Variation
Rather than black and white faux fur, use spotted fur (or any color preferred). Cut the tail thinner, and make the ears floppier and more pointed, rather than round. Use a face paint color that compliments the fur color. The fur can be placed just on the front of the costume, if desired.
Squirrel Costume Variation
Rather than a black sweat outfit, opt for a brown outfit. Choose brown faux fur as well, and perky ears that are pointed and angled upward. Rearrange the fur appropriately.
Pig Costume Variation
Opt for a pink sweat suit, and pink faux fur (fur is optional). Rather than face paint, use a pre-made pig nose, and craft foam ears that are pink.
Sheep Variation Costume
Using a white sweat suit, cover the suit with cotton balls rather than faux fur. Place oval-shaped ears made from craft foam, fur, or cotton on the sides of the hood rather than the top. A bell collar and white face paint completes the outfit.
Hamster Variation Costume
A light brown sweatshirt and sweatpants work well for a hamster costume. With white faux fur, cut out small rectangular strips (about 3” by 1 ½”) and glue pieces strategically on the entire outfit with fabric glue. Ears can be made small and curved or pointed.
Other Ways to Adjust the Costumes
If preferred, a one-piece pajama outfit, rather than a sweatshirt and sweatpants, can be used to create the base of all of the costumes above. Ears can also be made out of felt, and glued or swen onto a headband that blends with the child's hair color. Creating the perfect homemade Halloween costume for a child can be just as easy as it is rewarding.
Readers may also enjoy Three Cheap Homemade Halloween Costumes for Kids and Decorating Ideas for Halloween.
Renee Holmes - Renee Holmes began her writing career when she was invited to join the Young Authors Club in the first grade. From that point on, writing ...
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