How to Put Together a Pirate Costume for a Child

Add a skull and crossbones to your pirate shirt.

You can create a pirate costume for your child, even if you do not have strong sewing skills. The costume will require you to cut into a shirt and a pair of pants, so if you child doesn’t have any clothing you are willing to cut into a costume, visit the thrift store to look for supplies before beginning this project.

Things You'll Need

• Black T-shirt, two sizes too big
• Cardboard
• White fabric paint
• Long-sleeved shirt
• Dark pants
• Striped socks (optional)
• Pirate captain's hat or red bandana
• Black boots or black sneakers
• Black face paint
• Eye patch (optional)

Instructions

Pirate Costume for a Child

1. Cut the bottom of the black shirt in a zigzag pattern (think the bottom of Tinkerbell's dress). Either completely cut off the sleeves, or cut the edges in a zigzag pattern matching the bottom. Use white fabric paint to paint a skull and cross bones on the front of the shirt. Before painting, put a piece of cardboard inside the shirt to keep it straight and to prevent the paint from bleeding through. Let the shirt dry overnight.

2. Cut the pants at mid-calf on your child. Then cut the new bottoms of the pants legs into zigzags. Wear striped socks to complete the look. Red and black work best.

3. Dress your child in a long-sleeved shirt, preferably with red and white stripes, underneath the black skull and crossbones shirt. A long-sleeved red shirt is an excellent alternative.

4. Use a red bandana as a head scarf, or purchase a pirate hat.

5. Paint a mustache and beard with black face paint, or make you child's face look dirty and grubby. An eye patch is optional. If your child wants to wear one, make sure he can see properly for safety.

6. Finish the look with black boots or black sneakers.

Tips & Warnings

• For a girl pirate, add hoop earrings.