How to Make a Kid's Leopard Costume

The big cats are a favorite with many children and they often find dressing up like them even more fun. Whether you want a child's leopard costume for Halloween or for a special birthday party, you can make it with a few simple items of clothing. What you can't find in stores, you can make yourself. While leopards have orange-brown fur, their spots are actually black rings that have the fur color inside, a pattern that's easy to duplicate. Let your child help you create the costume.

Things You'll Need

• Leopard print pajamas or long-sleeved top
• Black pants, socks and shoes
• Leopard print material
• Black headband
• Construction paper and markers

Instructions

1. Look for a long-sleeved child's top or pajamas in a spotted leopard print. If you can't find a top with a spotted print in the stores, use a solid black long-sleeved top and buy leopard print fabric. Cut a rectangle from the spotted material and hem the edges. Then cut a hole in the center large enough to fit over your child's head. Tie leopard print straps on the four edges so you can secure it around your child's waist. This will serve as a leopard vest.

2. Look for leopard print pajama bottoms in department stores and consignment shops. If the stores don't have them, substitute solid black pants.

3. Make a leopard tail from the spotted material. Cut a long piece of fabric, double it over, stuff it with quilt batting or other stuffing, and sew it up the side. Sew it to the seat of your child's pants, or attach it with a large safety pin near his waist where he can't sit directly on the pin.

4. Make leopard ears by purchasing a soft black fabric headband. Draw round ears on orange or brown construction paper or on a paper bag. Color the inside of the ears with white crayon. When you cut out the ear circles, leave a square piece of paper at the bottom so you can tape the ears to the headband. Tape on the ears underneath the headband.

5. Give your child a triangle-shaped cat nose by adding face makeup to the nose. Use watercolors to paint black whiskers on either side of the face alongside the nose.

6. Complete the costume with black socks or tights and black ballet slippers or shoes.

Tips & Warnings

• To make a costume in a pinch, think in terms of last-minute substitutions. If you don't have a suitable top and can't get to a store to get leopard print material, use a paper bag from the grocery store. Have your child color the bag orange and brown and add black leopard spots, then cut a hole for the head. Your child will be proud to have a hand in making his own costume.