How to Make a Pilgrim Dress Costume
The female Pilgrim costume---a black dress with a prominent white collar and cuffs, a white apron and a white bonnet---is an iconic look connected with Thanksgiving and fall harvest time. Many people look to make Pilgrim costumes for school plays, Thanksgiving parties or simply to teach their children about the Pilgrims and their role in American history. Because the Pilgrims themselves made their own clothes, a Pilgrim dress is simple to make whether you choose to make a professional-looking sewn version or a fun version made out of paper or used clothing.
Instructions
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Making a Fabric Dress
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Buy a commercially made sewing pattern. Most major pattern manufacturers produce patterns for Pilgrim costumes. Most of these patterns can easily be made by anyone with beginner to moderate sewing abilities. Pilgrim wear is by definition quite simple, so a Pilgrim dress costume can be made quickly with basic, inexpensive fabric.
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Purchase a long plain black dress from a used clothing store. You could also re-use an old dress from your closet or a witch's costume from a previous Halloween. Find a plain white apron, also re-purposed from your own home or found at a thrift store. Once the apron is belted over the dress, you will have the beginnings of a woman's or girl's Pilgrim costume.
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Cut two cuffs and a collar from stiff white paper or canvas. Consult a photograph of a classic pilgrim's outfit for the appropriate shape and size. Glue small circles of Velcro onto the edges of the collar and cuffs and hand sew corresponding pieces onto the collar and cuffs of your dress. Attach the cuffs and collar when you put on your costume.
Making a Paper Dress
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Fold a large piece of black crepe paper to fashion a paper gown with an opening in the back. Staple the shoulders together at the top of the paper, leaving an opening for the head. Cut holes for your arms to come through. Once the dress is on, tape or staple the back opening together so it doesn't slip off.
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Cut a piece of white paper for the apron and glue it to the front. Cut additional pieces of white paper for the collar and glue it to the neck opening. If you choose to wear a black long-sleeved shirt underneath the paper dress, make paper cuffs to tape over the edges of your sleeves.
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Fold a piece of white paper into a bonnet shape to make a hat. Staple ribbons onto the front edges and tie it under your chin.
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References
- Photo Credit pilgrim figurines image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com
