Decide what type of costume you want - something that is 100% accurate, something that is comfortable, or something that is quick and easy to make. Decide what parts of the costume you can make at home, and what you need to buy from a toy or costume store.
Think about where you will be wearing the costume when selecting clothing items. Purchase heavy, bulkier clothes if you plan on wearing it outside as a Halloween costume. For a costume party, look for cotton items that are thin and loose to help keep you comfortable indoors. If you are planning on adding armor or padding (e. g. football pads) underneath your clothes to give you a muscular look, consider buying things in a size or two larger than you normally wear.
You can sew your own boot covers using pleather material, 1⁄4 inch (0. 6 cm) elastic, and a sewing machine. [5] X Research source Make a pattern by tracing your shoe and pants from the bottom of the sole to your knee. Do this for your right and left leg. Trace the pattern onto your fabric, making sure to include the width of the shoe at the toes and heels, and adding fabric as needed. Leave a 1⁄2 inch (1. 3 cm) of fabric along one side for a seam. Do this twice for each side and then cut-out your tracings. Sew the two halves together for each boot, only sewing along the sides and keeping the top and bottom open. Cut four pieces of elastic that are the same length as the bottom of your boot. Place one end of the elastic near the right seam and the opposite end next to the left seam. Secure with flat pins and machine stitch elastic to the bottom of your boot. Put the boots on by pulling them over your shoes and pants.
Newspaper Paper mache mix (1 part flour to 5 parts water) Saucepan Mixing bowl Balloon 3-4 empty cereal boxes Masking tape Recycled plastic container Hot glue and glue gun Black spray paint High gloss spray varnish
You can also add equal parts water and flour, and then stir together in a mixing bowl. Do not add salt to the mixture as it makes the paper mache difficult to mold.
Paper mache can get messy. Use a flat working surface, such as a table or kitchen floor, and spread newspaper over the entire area before you begin.
Don’t forget to create a visor that sticks-out over the eyes and juts out from the side of the face. Darth Vader breathes through a triangle-shaped respirator that projects out from his face and covers his nose and mouth.
Cut-out plastic strips from a recycled container and glue over the mouth to create the vented slats of the mouthpiece.
After you are finished painting, use hot glue to attach lenses from old sunglasses over the eyes.
Allow yourself extra fabric, about 2. 5–3 inches (6. 3–7. 6 cm) on two sides, for hemming. Fabric is usually sold by the yard.
At least 1 yard (0. 91 m) heavy black fabric (this is to make a child’s costume, adults will need more based on height and weight) At least 1 yard (0. 91 m) additional fabric if you decide to include a lining. Pattern paper All-purpose black thread 2-3 inches of velcro Erasable fabric marking pen or chalk Sewing machine
Repeat this step if you want to add a lining to your cape. Alternatively, you can draw, cut-out, and then sew two semi-circles together. [9] X Research source Fold the fabric in half and pin together. Double your neck-to-floor measurement and mark it on the fabric, leaving about 2 inches (5 cm) from the base of the semi-circle to the edge of the material. Use a piece of chalk attached to a string to draw a perfect arch. Cut the material out. In the center, draw and cut-out a smaller semi-circle for your neck. Use a sewing machine to stitch the two halves together.
When taking initial measurements for your cape, you want to add several extra inches for a hem. Hemming your cape will make it more durable and prevent the edges from fraying. Secure the collar together by sewing or gluing a 2–3 inch (5. 1–7. 6 cm) piece of velcro on each side. If your cape is heavy, you might need a slightly larger piece of velcro.
Pads can be bulky and make it difficult or uncomfortable to move around in. If you are not used to them, practice wearing them around the house for a few hours over several days. Use duct tape (attached to clothing - not skin) to help secure pads that feel loose or shift too much. Sports equipment is expensive. If you do not have pads of your own, ask to borrow them from a friend or check a second-hand store or consignment shop for clean used items.
Layering clothing is also a good idea if you will be wearing the costume outside in cold weather.
