Hello, dear mothers and crafty aficionados! I’m delighted to share my expertise as a seasoned dressmaker, specializing in crafting bridal dresses for the littlest members of our families. Today, we’re diving into a whimsical adventure—learning how to create a precious toddler’s Halloween costume, in particular a Merryweather from Sleeping Beauty costume. So, let’s embark on this journey!
Choosing the Perfect Fabric for Your Halloween Costume
To start, you to find the fabric that both matches your character’s colors and texture, but also appropriate in comfort and cost for a toddler.
I found fabrics for my daughter’s Merryweather costume from Joann Fabrics and Hobby Lobby. The total cost for the materials was less than $30. (This cost did not include the big poofy Anagrassia tulle skirt under the light blue skirt.) I suggest opting for soft, breathable, and lightweight materials like tulle, satin, or organza. These will keep your little one comfortable and ready for a night of Halloween fun. (You can add warm layers later if it’s a chilly evening.)
Gathering Necessary Supplies
Before we dive into sewing, ensure you have all the tools necessary for the project. Some of the tools you need on hand are sewing patterns, fabric, elastic, scissors, pins, a sewing machine, thread, and a measuring tape.
Taking Accurate Measurements
Precise measurements are the secret ingredient to a well-fitting costume. Gently measure your toddler. You will need to match her measurements to a standard pattern size or use them for your self-drafted patterns and design. The measurements you will likely need are: chest, waist, girth, sleeve length, top center shoulder to waist, top center shoulder to knee, top center shoulder to floor, and head circumference.
Tip for Measuring: Before you measure, double check your measuring tape hasn’t shrunk or stretched over time. The smallest change can make a big difference for children’s clothing.
Designing and Sewing your Toddler Halloween Costume
Pattern Selection and Alterations
Now that you have the character chosen or design in mind, you need a pattern. Look for patterns designed for children’s costumes. If needed, don’t shy away from altering the pattern to fit your vision perfectly.
For this Merryweather costume, the sewing patterns are in-house Anagrassia sewing patterns. The skirt and leotards were cut from standard size Anagrassia leotard and tulle skirt patterns. The cape was created from the Anagrassia toddler cape pattern. (The satin blue skirt was made from scratch.)
My Tip: Don’t hesitate to experiment with minor alterations or changes to a sewing pattern; sometimes a small change can make a big difference. For instance, use the commercial lion bodysuit pattern to create a different animal by changing the fabric colors, applique and ears/mane/tail.
Cutting and Pinning
Once you have your pattern ready, carefully cut the fabric and pin the pattern pieces. Take your time to ensure precision, especially when dealing with delicate fabrics.
Tips for precision: Use a rotary cutter to cut fabric from the pattern pieces. Use thin pins to pin pieces together while sewing and use a walking foot for slippery fabrics and thick layers. If you want a professional finish, always use pins, match notches, and give it a beautiful final press!
Sewing Techniques
Double check your needles & machine tension. If stitches are skipping or pulling, you may need a special needle, need to adjust the tension dial, or clean the lint out of the bobbin and machine.
The blue stretchy Merryweather leotard needed a ballpoint needle for the stretch fabric. Without this special needle, I may have encountered skipped stitches, puckering, or tears in the seams.
Adding Decorative Elements & Accessories
Now it’s time for the special piece that makes the costume look like the specific character, thing, or animal. You can sew the perfect costume, but it won’t work unless you get the accessories right.
In the case of this Merryweather costume, it’s Merryweather’s signature wide brim witch’s hat with tulle wrapped around that makes one recognize the character. At first, I tried to sew the hat by using the cape velvet material fused to very thick interfacing/Pellon craft material and witch hat pattern (found online).
After 1.5hrs, I did not come up with a wide brimmed hat that looked like a bowl balanced on the head underneath the cone. So instead, I bought a clown hat on a headband from the Halloween store. I ripped off all the attachments on the hat, painted it dark blue and hot glued the velvet cone and tulle to the hat. It’s not what I hoped for, but it was good enough for a toddler costume and I didn’t have any more time to put into her costume.
Fitting and Adjustments
Ensure the costume fits your toddler nicely. Use stretchy fabrics and elastic waistbands to make it easier to fit. Velcro is also a very easy enclosure to use and adjust fit.
Final Touches and Finishing
Iron the costume gently, clean up any loose threads, and ensure it’s picture-perfect. You’re nearly there!
Safety and Comfort
Prioritize safety and comfort for your toddler. Use non-irritating materials, secure closures, and always keep an eye on their comfort throughout the evening.
My Tip: Remember that Halloween can be chilly, so layering underneath the costume can keep your toddler snug.
Costume Care and Maintenance
After the night is over, wash or spot clean the costume. If you want to keep it in good condition for future costume parties, store it in a cool and dark location. However, I suggest throwing it in a wooden play chest for your child to enjoy during playtime!
Conclusion
In the end, creating a handmade costume for your toddler is a labor of love, a journey of creativity, and a memory to be cherished. With the right materials, attention to detail, and a sprinkle of imagination, you will be proud of your work, and your little one will love their costume. So, get your sewing machines ready, and let your creativity flow!
