How to Make a Harry Potter Kid's Costume

Use images of "Harry Potter" actors as inspiration.

Create your own Harry Potter costume for your Potter-obsessed child by visiting local thrift stores for clothing that resemble the costumes worn in the film or items that can be easily turned into Harry Potter props. Craft accessories yourself or look through the "Harry Potter" section of toy stores for applicable costume items.

Things You'll Need

• Red fabric paint
• Gold tie
• Needle and thread
• Black robe
• Harry Potter school patch
• Glue
• Round, black-rimmed glasses
• Black paint
• White button-down shirt
• Gray v-neck sweater
• Black or gray pants
• Black socks
• Black dress shoes
• Yellow face paint
• Small tree branch
• Brown "mop top" wig

Instructions

1. Paint red stripes on a gold tie using red fabric paint to create a Gryffindor tie. Allow the paint to dry for at least a half hour before use.

2. Hem the sleeves and bottom of a solid black robe to fit the child you are outfitting. Glue or sew a Harry Potter school patch over the left breast of the robe.

3. Visit your local thrift store for a pair of round, black-rimmed glasses, or paint another pair of suitably-shaped glasses black. If painting the glasses, allow the paint to dry for at least a half hour. Remove the lenses from the frames as well.

4. Dress the child in a white button-down shirt and place the tie around the child's neck. After tying the tie, fit a v-neck gray sweater over the child; add gray or black slacks. Use a pair of black socks followed by black dress shoes.

5. Draw a vertical "lightning scar" over the child's right eyebrow with yellow face paint and fit the glasses on his face.

6. Use a stick that is 15 inches long to make a wand. Smooth any rough edges with sandpaper before giving the wand to the child.

7. Place a brown "mop top" wig on the child's head or dye the child's hair chestnut brown.

Tips & Warnings

• Browse toy stores for Harry Potter wands as an alternative wand solution.

References

• The Leaky Cauldron: How to Make a Harry Potter Costume

Resources

• All That Women Want: How to Make a Frugal Harry Potter Costume for Halloween