How to Make a Hungry Caterpillar Costume
A "Very Hungry Catterpillar" costume, based on the classic children's book by Eric Carle, can be made out of only a few colors of fabric. The costume can be whipped together quickly enough that it works even for children who can't decide on a costume until the last minute. The costume is essentially a tube of fabric that is worn as a dress, along with a decorated hat. Because you are basing the measurements on body size, you can adjust the costume to fit adults, children or anyone in between.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Green fabric in at least three shades
- Scissors
- Straight pins
- Sewing machine
- Green thread
- Red wool cap
- Yellow and green felt
- Fabric glue
- Brown pipe cleaners
Instructions
-
-
1
Measure the distance around the widest portion of your body (typically the hips), and then add 4 inches to that measurement.
-
2
Cut several 6-inch strips of green fabric in various shades. Each strip should be as long as your measurement in Step 1. You need enough to extend from your collarbone to your waist.
-
-
3
Place two of these strips against each other, face to face, and pin one long edge together.
-
4
Sew this edge with a sewing machine using green thread. Remove the pins as you sew.
-
5
Add another strip of fabric to the costume, face to face as before. Pin it in place and sew it on.
-
6
Continue adding strips of fabric until they are all attached. Alternate the color of the strips.
-
7
Fold the costume in half, inside-out, so the two vertical edges are touching. Pin and sew this edge, then turn the costume right-side-out. It now forms a tube that you can slip over your torso.
-
8
Cut arm holes 1 inch below the top of the tube.
-
9
Cut several 6-inch pieces of fabric that are as wide as the front of your hips. You want enough to extend the costume to your feet on the front and back. Round the corners with your scissors.
-
10
Sew these pieces together the same way as the previous portion of the costume, creating two columns that will extend from your waist to your feet.
-
11
Sew the columns to the front and back of the costume's bottom edge. It is now essentially a simple dress that is open along the sides of the legs to allow unencumbered movement.
-
12
Glue two 3-inch yellow felt circles to a red wool cap with fabric glue to serve as eyes. Glue a 2-inch green felt circle into the center of the yellow ones.
-
13
Poke brown pipe cleaners through the top of the hat and twist them in place for antennas.
-
14
Wear the costume with black pants, shirt and shoes.
-
1
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
