How to Make a Queen of Hearts Costume

The Queen of Hearts is a favorite character for a costume party or a Halloween character outfit. Make a gorgeous Queen of Hearts costume that will reuse a pre-worn garment and keep your budget low. Search through closets, tag and yard sales or shop at your local thrift store to find a dress on which to build the costume. Fashion your queen after the off-the-wall and "off with their heads," croquet-playing character from "Alice in Wonderland" or a regal queen from a royal deck of cards.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• White prom or wedding dress
• Red satin cloth
• Rhinestones
• Lace or pearl beaded lace
• Needle and thread
• Sewing machine (optional)
• Adhesive for cloth

1. Start with a second-hand white prom or wedding dress; a pale pink or red dress will also work.

2. Lay the gown on a large, clean work surface. If the dress is too long cut the bottom off of it. If the dress has a fancy bottom embellishment that you love, cut a few inches of the center section of the skirt away. Pin the two parts of the skirt back together and sew around it by hand or with a sewing machine.

3. Cut heart shapes out of the red satin cloth. Use white satin if you are using a red dress.

4. Stitch the red hearts on to the skirt. Add a heart on the top of each sleeve.

5. Sew or use cloth glue to attach rhinestones all over the dress for a sparkling effect.

6. Stitch lace trim on to the sleeves or skirt bottom. Embellish with more lace, jewel-like beads and hearts to dress the gown up for a one-of-a-kind costume.

7. Spray paint a pair of old shoes and add glitter all over them for a rich effect. Add a costume jewelry crown into a stylish up-do with your own hair or a wig. Use subtle make-up with glittery effects for your face.

Tips & Warnings

• If the costume is for a child consider using a fancy bridal slip or lacy adult-size blouse as the base.