How to Make Your Own Pet Costumes
Pet owners love to dress their animals in costumes for Halloween, parties and just for fun. Some pet owners will have an array of costumes for their pets so they can be photographed for calendars and scrapbooks. It is important when using your creativity to make a pet costume that you put your pet's comfort level first by using the proper measurements for the correct size clothing items. You can make a movie character, alien, superhero or outfits that reflect human occupations for your pets.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Patterns
- Fabric
- Yarn
- Crochet hook
- Knitting needles
- Children's T-shirts
- Lace
- Ribbon
- Velcro
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1
Measure your pet and write down the information. Measure around the neck, belly at the widest point, and the chest area just behind the front legs. Measure the length of the back from the mid-shoulder line to the base of the tail. If a measurement comes to a fraction of an inch over the half-inch point, record the entire inch.
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2
Look for patterns for pets and doll clothes. Choose patterns to sew, knit and crochet for doll, infant and small children. Compare measurements on the patterns to the the information you recorded about your pet.
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3
Choose fabric for your pet's costume that matches the theme of the outfit. For instance, a cowboy costume should be made from denim, tan cotton, chambray and bandanna materials. A witch costume can be made from black cotton or satin.
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4
Pin the pattern that is closest to the measurements of your pet onto the fabric. Knit or crochet an item making sure to count the stitches each and every row to avoid any mistakes on the small sweater or coat. Try the little costume on your pet before sewing a hem or doing any finish work. If you are making a period costume or wedding gown for a dog, cat or hamster be sure the garment is just to the base of the tail in length. You can also choose to use a T-shirt that is the same width and length required for your pet if you find working with patterns a challenge.
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5
Sew the costume pattern parts according to the directions on the package. If using a T-shirt, you can paint embellishments or sew pieces of cloth, lace or ribbon to the cloth to complete the costume you have chosen to make. For instance, if you are making a Star Trek Spock costume, paint or sew an insignia onto the shirt. Use Velcro or stick-and-loop tape for costume closures.
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6
Sew any embellishments to the costume securely. For instance, a police officer's uniform should have an embroidered patch or toy badge permanently sewn to the fabric as a safety measure.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Slightly loose clothing is safer than tight garments on an animal to prevent overheating and irritation to the skin.
Never restrict any animals ability to walk or relieve itself when wearing clothing and costumes. Buttons and zippers are not safe for an animal that will be inclined to chew at them.
