How to Make a Popeye Costume for a Toddler

Popeye sometimes wore this type of cap.

Popeye the Sailor was originally meant to be a fleeting character in another comic strip. He first appeared on January 17, 1929 in a strip called "Thimble Theatre." He soon became the strip's main focus. Since then, Popeye has inspired a long running cartoon, video games and a live action movie starring Robin Williams. Through it all his look hasn't changed much. We still recognize his sailor suit, his pipe, his bulging muscles and that can of spinach that usually saves the day.

Things You'll Need

• Black T-shirt
• Light blue pants
• Red handkerchief
• Sheet of blue felt
• Sheet of yellow felt
• Scissors
• Small paint brush
• White glue
• Pink long-sleeve T-shirt
• Black fabric marker
• Yellow belt
• White sailor's cap
• Brown shoes
• Bag of fiberfill

Instructions

1. Draw three circles about the size of quarters onto the yellow felt with the fabric marker. Cut them out.

2. Paint one side of the circles with white glue with the paint brush. Glue them to the front of the black T-shirt at even button intervals.

3. Cut two strips of blue felt about an inch wide and long enough to go around the sleeve of the black T-shirt.

4. Paint one side of the strips with the glue. Glue them around the edges of the black shirt sleeve.

5. Fold the red handkerchief into a triangle. Sew the folded edge around the neck of the black T-shirt, like a neckerchief. Tie the corners in a knot at the front.

6. Draw Popeye's anchor tattoos on the lower sleeves of the pink T-shirt with the black fabric marker.

7. Put on the pink T-shirt. Put the black shirt on over it. Put on the pants, belt, shoes and hat.

8. Stuff the forearms of the pink shirt with fiberfill until you get a big muscle look.

Tips & Warnings

• Make or find props to go with your costume. You can find a corn cob pipe at a toy store or costume shop. Make a fake can of spinach with a small round oatmeal box and paint.

References

• Popeye.com