DIY Sci-Fi Costume

Create a distinctive sci-fi costume using metallic fabrics and dryer vent hoses.

Consider safety and comfort when making your own sci-fi costume. Costumes that are too tight or oversized can be uncomfortable and dangerous to wear. Free movement of arms and legs is essential to your well-being when wearing a costume. Don't create a costume that covers your mouth or nose, because it makes it difficult to breathe or communicate. Use light-reflective metallic fabrics, which are visible after dark. These fabrics are popular in creating sci-fi costumes.

Things You'll Need

• Paper for drawing pattern
• Fabric
• Lightweight interfacing
• Foam
• Ribbon
• Straight pins
• Scissors
• Thread
• Sewing machine
• Appliqués
• Rulers
• Hook-and-eye closures
• Measuring tape
• Glue
• Vinyl vent hose
• Masking tape
• Wire cutter
• Elastic
• Gloves
• Fabric scraps

Instructions

Tabard

1. Sew a tabard, which consists of front and rear panels that connect over the shoulders and open at the sides. A ribbon waist belt keeps the tabard in place and allows free arm movement.

2. Wear leotards or tights as undergarments to complete the costume, along with any desired headgear or accessories.

3. Use tabards as an alternative to a full suit costume. They can be quickly constructed and are easier to fit.

Full Suit

1. Wear full-suit costumes with a hood, or make a separate padded hood.

2. Match the fabric of your costume with a covering over the upper shoe and ankle called spats. Measure the circumference of the shoe sole, and distance around the leg to determine the spats' height. Cut the spats from the fabric and then machine-stitch the pieces together. Sew an elastic stirrup under the shoe sole to hold the spats in place.

3. For the hood, sew foam between the outer layer and lining; this helps to support the hood and any items attached to it.

4. Attach antennae, eyes, ears and horns after creating a padded hood. A padded hood lets you have a full range of vision since it leaves the face uncovered.

5. Design a basic flat collar with a unique outer edge and accent with topstitched design lines. Pad the collar with foam interfacing.

Arm Accents

1. Design padded armbands with appliqués or other surface trimmings to match them with the rest of the costume.

2. Create armbands made from flexible vinyl vent hose; buy this at most hardware stores in a range of sizes. Pick a hose that fits comfortably over your arm. Use a larger diameter hose to make leggings.

3. Buy an inexpensive pair of gloves, and add stitches, paint designs or glue other items to the glove, as appropriate for your costume. Paint a pair of garden gloves to match your sci-fi or space suit costume.

References

• "Creative Costumes & Halloween Décor: 50 Projects to Sew & Craft"; Editors of Creative Publishing; 2008
• "Best Ever Kids Costumes"; Vinilla Burnham; 2009