How to Use a Hula Hoop for a Pumpkin Costume

A hula hoop can transform to the foundation of a fun costume.

A pumpkin is a very robustly round shape, making a hula hoop an ideal choice for shaping a pumpkin costume. The hula hoop will form the spine or foundation of the costume, the rest can be built up around it. Accessories, such as a green hat to resemble the pumpkin stem, and orange stockings and shoes can be added afterward to compliment the round pumpkin centerpiece.

Things You'll Need

• Hula hoop
• Fishing wire
• Orange sheet
• Scissors
• Helium filled balloons

Instructions

1. Hold the hula hoop around your waist and have a helper tie a piece of fishing line to the front right of the hula hoop. Tie the other end of the fishing line over your shoulder and to the back left of the hula hoop.

2. Tie another piece of fishing line to the front left and over your shoulder to the back right of the hula hoop. The fishing line should crisscross over you to help stability.

3. Cut a hole for your head in the middle of an orange sheet and holes for your arms as well. Let the sheet fall over you and over the hula hoop.

4. Cut off the sheet that hangs past your knees. Cut away the sides of the sheet so the sides are no longer than the top of your thigh. Tie the remaining strips of fabric in the front and back together underneath your crotch and trim away the excess hanging.

5. Untie the strips once they are trimmed down. Stuff the inside of the costume with helium filled balloons so that the fabric puffs up around the hula hoop forming the circular shape. Retie the strips once the balloons are in shape.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't have the balloons filled with helium until a few hours before the event. Wait until just before you leave to add the balloons to the costume.

References

• Children's Creative Theater: Easy, But Effective Costumes

Resources

• Thrifty Fun: Globe Costume Idea