Homemade Native American Princess Costume

Pay respect to the original Americans with a Native American princess costume.

The traditional garb of Native Americans is a colorful and rich part of our nation's history and diversity. Pay tribute to their legacy by making your own Native American princess costume. A Native American princess costume is easy to make, and very versatile. It can be used at Halloween or even at Thanksgiving pageants.

Making the Shirt

Use a three-quarter-length sleeve or long-sleeve top to make your Native American princess shirt. A tunic-style top will work best, and it should be tan or beige. Using a sewing machine or hot glue gun, attach suede fringe down the length of each sleeve and across the chest, shoulder-to-shoulder. If you cannot find suede fringe, use a piece of tan felt, and cut it to resemble fringe. Then attach the felt to the sleeves and chest.

Making the Skirt

An ankle- or knee-length khaki or microsuede skirt will be best for the Native American princess costume. Use the same suede fringe or fringed felt to enhance the skirt, by sewing or gluing it down the length of each side seam of the skirt and around the entire hem.

Making the Moccasins

You can use any plain slip-on or tennis shoe to imitate the look of moccasin boots. Glue a piece of suede fringe or fringed felt around the ankle of each shoe. Then glue a long piece of the same fringe around a stretchy hair scrunchie, giving the fringe enough slack to stretch with the elastic, and so that there are two lengths of fringe of equal length that hang off of the scrunchie. Make two of these accessories, and slide them over your foot to just under your knee. Then crisscross the lines of fringe around your legs and tie them around your ankle. This will give the illusion of moccasin boots.

Creating the Accessories

Cut a piece of tan felt or suede long enough to tie snugly around your head to create the headdress. Glue colorful beads along the entire side of the fabric that will face outward. Glue several feathers close to each other on the inside of the headband, so that their ends are concealed. Make sure to position these feathers so that they will end up just behind one ear, or at the very back of your head. Layer several beaded necklaces around your neck. If you do not have beaded necklaces, use twine and beads from a craft store to make necklaces of your own.

References

• Artists Helping Children: How to Make Indian Costumes