DIY Halloween Costumes to Sew: Wings, Tails, Capes and Hats

Sew the one piece that makes the character, such as wings, a tail, a cape or a hat, and wear it over clothes you already own. Most of these take an hour or two. Below: sizes and fabric for kids and adults.

Start with one main piece

A full costume can be a lot of work. A single strong piece, worn over a plain top and leggings, does most of the job. Think of it as the costume's headline. Wings say fairy or dragon. A cape says superhero. A pointed hat says wizard. Choose one and make it well.

Wings

Quilted wings are light, and the quilting lines keep them standing out from the back. The patterns come as fairy wings, butterfly wings and dragon wings, in toddler, kid and adult sizes.

Tips for good wings:

Use batting or interfacing so the shape stays crisp, and quilt lines so it does not shift.
Choose fabrics with a bit of body, such as cotton or a lightweight satin.
Make shoulder straps soft and adjustable so they sit comfortably.
Press every seam and clip curves for smooth edges.

Tails

A tail is silly, fun and easy to wear. The Dinosaur Tail comes in small, medium and large, and attaches at the waist. Stuff it firmly enough to hold its shape, but not so tight that it is uncomfortable to sit down.

Make sure the waist fastening is safe and adjustable. Younger children should not wear anything long that could trip them, so keep the tail length in proportion to the child and test it by walking around the house.

Capes

A cape is the fastest costume of all. The Superhero Cape comes in toddler, kid and big kid sizes and is a beginner project. Satin looks dramatic, but it frays and slips, so use a smaller seam and finish the edges with a narrow hem. Cotton or felt is easier to handle.

For safety, use a closure that releases easily, such as hook-and-loop tape or a snap, instead of a tight tie. A child who falls or gets caught should be able to get out of a cape quickly.

Hats

Hats finish a costume. The Wizard Hat comes in kid, teen and adult sizes, and the Jester Hat in kid, teen and adult. Both are beginner-friendly. For a hat that stands up, use a stiffer interfacing in the cone or brim. For a floppy hat, a plain cotton is fine.

If you want an easy crown for a smaller guest, the Fabric Crown comes in baby, toddler and child sizes.

Fabric choices for costumes

Cotton: easy to sew, washable, best for beginners.
Felt: no fraying, ideal for shapes and details.
Satin or taffeta: dramatic shine, but slippery. Use sharp needles and fine pins.
Fleece: warm and soft, useful for chilly nights.

Choose washable fabrics for children's costumes. Halloween tends to include sticky fingers.

Fit and comfort

Measure the person wearing the costume, not their age. Sizes by age can be misleading. Allow room for layers, because Halloween is often cold. And choose costumes that leave the child's eyes, hands and feet free, so they can see where they are going and carry a candy bucket.

Plan your timeline

Most of these items take an hour or two. That means you can make a couple in a weekend. Start a few weeks ahead if you can, so you have time for a fitting and any changes. Children grow, and a quick fitting is better than a surprise on the night.

Do not forget the goose

If you own a porch goose, you can dress it as well. The Porch Goose Witch Outfit, Ghost Outfit and Pumpkin Outfit make the front step look festive.

Make it with Sewzy

The wings, tail, cape and hat patterns are collected on the costume sewing patterns page, and the porch goose has its own Halloween and fall outfits. Each pattern comes in several sizes with a written guide in the app; pick the size from the chart on each pattern page. Download Sewzy on the App Store and start with the Superhero Cape or a pair of Fairy Wings.