How to Make a Hobo Costume

When stressing about what to wear on Halloween, don't forget an old standby. The hobo costume is one of the easiest, least expensive to make and can be adapted for any age and gender. Using items you already have on hand or that you purchased at a local thrift store, use the following steps and you can make this cute costume in an afternoon.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Flannel pajama bottoms
• Black jacket
• Old hat
• Fabric remnants
• Fusible webbing
• Fabric glue
• White t-shirt
• Rope
• Old tie
• 2 Silk sunflowers
• Old pillowcase
• Bandana
• Large stick
• Petroleum jelly
• Coffee grounds
• Halloween mask (optional)

1. Use the flannel pajama bottoms for pants and the black blazer or jacket for a coat. For clothing patches cut squares out of fabric remnants or felt. Apply in random patterns on the pants and jacket using iron on fusible webbing or fabric glue. Cut a strip out of the matching fabric to make a hatband. Attach with glue to permanently adhere to the hat or hand sew if you want to remove the band later.

2. Wear a white t-shirt under the jacket. The more worn and dirty, the better. Tie a rope around your waist for a belt and wrap an old tie loosely around your neck. You can add more fabric patches to the tie, if desired.

3. Stick a silk sunflower into the coat lapel and another into the hatband.

4. Tie a bandana by its four corners onto the end of the large stick. Carry this on your shoulder and use an old pillowcase for a Halloween treat bag.

5. Stop shaving several days ahead of time for authentic hobo face stubble. For this effect, a woman or child can pat coffee grounds into petroleum jelly smeared on her face.

6. Add a black Halloween eye mask to your hobo costume, if desired.