How to Make a Kid's Spider Costume

Deciding on a Halloween costume to wear can be a big decision for children. Help them out by making a spider costume, either a creepy crawly one or a cutesy one. A spider costume will be the hit of the classroom.

Things You'll Need

• Black sweatsuit
• 2 pair black nylons or tights
• Needle
• Thread
• 2 (20 oz.) bags fiberfill
• Headband
• Black pipe cleaners
• Black gloves

Instructions

1. Purchase a pair of black sweatpants and sweatshirt. You will also need two pairs of black nylons or tights to make legs for the spider. You can find these items at most department stores for a reasonable price. The sweats are also comfortable if your child will be trick or treating in a colder climate on Halloween.

2. Cut the legs off of the tights and fill them with fiberfill. You will need to pair of nylons for four legs, as well as about two 20oz. bags of fiberfill to stuff the spider legs firmly. You can find fiberfill at your local craft store; it is used to stuff pillows. One large bag should be enough for this project and fiberfill is relatively inexpensive. Make sure it is firmly packed so that the legs look more realistic.

3. Attach the legs of the spider to the sweatshirt. You will need two legs for each side of the sweatshirt. Make sure they are spaced apart evenly. You can either sew them onto the sweatshirt or attach them with safety pins. Safety pins will allow you to remove them so that the child can wear the shirt again.

4. Attach the ends of the top legs to the sleeves of the sweatshirt to give them the hanging effect. Sew it through the fabric of the sweatshirt and tie a simple knot. The bottom legs can be sewn together, leaving a little slack to let them hang. This will give all four legs a little bit of a curling effect.

5. Add accessories to your spider costume. Complete the look with a black hat, black face paint and black shoes. You can also use black winter gloves to add to the costume as well as keep their hands warm. You can most of these at local stores, or even seasonal Halloween costume stores. For the final touch, make antennae by using a plain headband and pipe cleaners wrapped around and shaped. To secure them, add a dab of hot glue so that they stay put.

Tips & Warnings

• Add other accessories as needed, such as spider "fangs," a red hourglass on the chest for a black widow spider or a rubber fly as a spider "treat."

• Make sure your child is appropriately dressed to go outside.

Resources

• Halloween Information