How to Make a Baby Bat Costume

Create a not-so-scary bat costume for Halloween.

Bats are flying mammals with fur, wings and big pointy ears. They are nicknamed "flying mice" and give most people the creeps, which makes them a perfect choice for a Halloween costume. Make a baby bat costume using soft, flexible materials. This costume has an attached cape for the wings and requires little sewing. People will want to hug this baby bat instead of run away.

Things You'll Need

• Sweat pants
• Sweat shirt
• Knit socks
• Knit cap
• Mittens
• Crafting felt, 1 foot square
• Red or purple polyester/satin, 1 yard
• Scissors
• Tape measure
• Needle and thread
• Seam sealer

Instructions

1. Find pants, shirt, mittens, socks, hat and crafting felt that are all either brown, black or gray. Look for bargain clothing at a resale shop.

2. Cut three 3-inch equilateral triangles out of the felt. For the ears, stand the triangles on end facing the front and off to each side. Curve the bottom corners forward slightly to create an ear shape and stitch in place with needle and thread.

3. Make a widow's peak. Lay the third triangle flat on the front of the hat so a point extends down slightly over the child's forehead, about 1 1/2 to 2 inches. Make sure the point won't obstruct the baby's vision and sew in place.

4. Make the bat cape. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise. Starting at the top corner on the open--not folded--side, cut through both layers of fabric towards the bottom. As you cut, taper in slightly towards the folded side to make the cape about a foot narrower at the bottom. Cut big semi-circles along the length of the cape to create a scalloped edge. Unfold.

5. Pin the cape to the back of the shirt along the shoulders, with the wide end at the top and the scalloped edges at the sides. Sew in place.

6. Dress the baby in the shirt/cape, pants, mittens, hat and booties. If the baby is in a baby seat, fan out the cape so it's visible.

Tips & Warnings

• Cut triangles out of the red or purple satin left over from the scalloped edges. Stitch or glue to the insides of the ears for a coordinated look. You can finish the cape if desired by stitching along the edges with a blanket stitch or using seam sealer to prevent fraying.

References

• Activity TV: Bat Costume
• Martha Stewart: Umbrella Bat Costume