How to Make a Child's Cheerleader Costume

Make your own cheerleading uniform.

Whether your daughter wants to cheer on her team or just dress up as a cheerleader for Halloween, you can make her an authentic-looking cheerleading uniform in no time at all. You just need a few supplies from the department store, your iron and your ironing board, and your daughter will soon be shouting out her team spirit.

Things You'll Need

• Cotton or spandex turtleneck in main team color
• Iron-on letter in accent color
• Iron
• Ironing board
• White sneakers
• Permanent marker in main team color
• Elastic hair band
• 1 1/2-inch ribbon, 1 1/2 feet, in main team color
• 1/2-inch ribbon, 1 1/2 feet, in accent color
• Skort or skirt

Instructions

1. Decide if you would like the letter centered or off to one side of the turtleneck. With your iron on the highest cotton setting (no steam), iron any wrinkles from the spot where you want the letter to go. Place the letter, sticky side down, on the turtleneck. Move the iron in a circular motion over the iron-on for 20 to 30 seconds.

2. As instructed at Avery.com, allow the garment to cool for at least two minutes. When turtleneck is cool, remove the paper backing.

3. 

   Decorate your own white sneakers.

   Add color accents on the white sneakers, using the permanent marker. If the shoes have stripes or other designs, color them in or outline them. If the shoes are completely smooth, write your team letter on the outside of each shoe.

4. Place the thin ribbon on top of the thick ribbon. Loop both through the elastic hair band. Tie the bows around the hair band, ensuring the thin bow is on the outside of the knot.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to spell out a word instead of using just one letter, use stick pins to hold the letters in place until you iron them.

• Try to purchase the turtleneck and skort from the same manufacturer, so they match.

• Consider picking a metallic color for your secondary team color.

• Use caution when ironing, especially if children are present.

References

• Avery.com: Light Fabric Transfer Instructions
• Miss Pineapple: Cheer Pony-O's