How to Make Your Own Kid a Superhero Suit

Ordinary dishwashing gloves make effective superhero gloves.

A superhero suit can give your kid a sense of power, excitement and confidence. Whether he is dressing up for Halloween or just around the house during imaginative play, a superhero costume can be designed by you and your child. A homemade superhero suit doesn't have to be expensive to construct. Look around your home for items you can use as part of the suit or for the suit's accessories.

Things You'll Need

• Spandex unitard
• Spandex fabric
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• 1 shoelace
• Sewing machine
• Galoshes or boots
• Belt
• Construction paper
• Markers
• Rubber dishwashing gloves

Instructions

1. Dress your kid in a spandex unitard. If you do not have a unitard, dress your child in spandex pants or tights and a fitted long sleeve shirt.

2. Measure the length of your kid from the shoulders to the ankles with measuring tape, as well as the width of the shoulders. This is the length and width, in inches, that the cape should be. Apply the dimensions to a piece of spandex fabric in the shape of a rectangle and cut it out with scissors. The cape can be made out of the same colored material as the bodysuit, or it can be a contrasting color so that it stands out.

3. Cut one shoelace in half. Sew the two pieces, with a sewing machine, to the two top corners of the cape. The shoe laces will be used for your kid to tie the cape around her neck, holding it in place.

4. Dress your kid with accessories, such as galoshes or boots for footwear and a large belt. If you do not own a large belt, cut out a long, wide strip of construction paper -- wide enough to fit around your kid's waist. Draw a superhero buckle in the middle of the paper belt. As your kid fits it around the waist, staple it in the back.

5. Cut out two holes in the leftover spandex for eyes and shape a mask so that it is wider around the eyes and tapers down to thinner strips in the back for tying around your kid's head.

6. Add rubber dishwashing gloves for a final touch. Superheroes need to wear gloves to keep their hands clean and safe. The dishwashing gloves may be large, but they will accentuate the costume.

Tips & Warnings

• You can substitute any of the materials to make the suit and accessories. For instance, you can use craft felt for the mask and cape instead of spandex.

• Spandex unitards are full-bodied suits that cling tight to the skin. They cover the arms, torso and legs, which offers you a suitable base for the superhero suit.

Resources

• Family Fun: SuperKid