How to Make Biblical Costumes
Biblical costumes are popular for church plays, particularly those set around the Christmas holidays. Making your own Biblical costumes can save time and money for the church while also creating an item that can be used in future productions. Costumes can be simple or complicated. Most Biblical costumes follow the same theme, whether you're playing Mary, Joseph, a shepherd, a wise man or an angel. Floor length robes with rope belts are fairly standard, but what changes for person to person is the color of the costume and the accessories that go with it.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Accessories (halo, wings, staff)
- Pattern
- Sewing machine
- Old sheets
- Measuring tape
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1
Choose which costumes you are going to make. Joseph and Mary costumes are usually made in somber, earth tones. The wise men wear brighter, jewel-like colors, while angels typically wear white. Choose the costumes so you know what color fabric you will need.
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2
Take the childrens' measurements. If using a pattern (see Resources), you'll want to get the measurements required by the pattern. If making your own Biblical costume, you need to measure the children for height, width of shoulders and length of torso. These measurements can help you size the garments you layer on.
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3
Use bed sheets for fabric. If you don't want to invest in costume materials, you can use solid-colored bed sheets for the same effect. To save on sewing efforts, place the sheet over the child's head and cut a hole where his head will be.
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4
Place the sheet over the child's head with his head through the center. Have the child hold out his arms so that you can measure where the sleeves will be. Use yarn to tie the sleeves into place. Wrap the loose ends of the sheets over his arms if it is too long.
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5
Use a rope or yarn for a belt to tie at the waist. Be sure the sheet is loose fitting, even with the belt. Children can wear plain clothes underneath for warmth and to give a bulkier appearance.
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6
Gather accessories. If you're making a shepherd costume, you'll need a crook, while angels need halos. Wise men need gifts. Generally, Mary and Joseph do not have any accessories.
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Tips & Warnings
Off white is better than pure white except for angel costumes. Wear plain clothes under the costumes to keep with the style of the time period. Biblical costumes are good for Halloween as well as Christmas and church shows.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Morguefile
