How to Make a Gumball Machine Costume

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Stumped on Halloween costume ideas this year? A gumball machine costume is a fun, budget-friendly idea for Halloween. It's perfect for beginner crafters who prefers no-sew projects. This DIY Halloween costume consists of a beanie and a T-shirt, making it extremely comfortable to wear.

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Things You'll Need

  • Red T-shirt

  • Black and white stiff felt

  • Hot glue gun

  • Scissors

  • 1 1/4 inch pom poms (90)

  • 2-inch iron-on numbers

  • Iron

Tip

For best results, use pom poms in basic, primary colors.

Image Credit: How to Make a Gumball Machine Costume

Create Your Signs

Create the 25-cent symbol for your T-shirt. Cut the numbers "2" and "5" from their iron-on backgrounds, if necessary. Place the numbers on top of the white felt and position them in the bottom left-hand corner, 1 1/2 inches from the edge. (Can't you already envision how you'll fare at a costume contest with this delightful getup?)

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Iron Down Your Numbers

Using the "cotton" setting on your iron, apply firm and even pressure to both numbers.

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Slowly move the iron over the numbers. Apply heat for 45 seconds or until the numbers adhere to the felt. Different brands may have different heating times. Refer to the directions on the packaging for the numbers.

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Warning

Use an iron with caution. Work on an ironing board or a flat, hard surface lined with a towel. Never touch the hot metal plate of an iron.

Set aside the white felt. Let cool completely.

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Cut out Your Next Set of Numbers

Cut out numbers "0" and "1." These numbers will be used to make a cents symbol.

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Add the Finer Details

Cut widthwise across the "0" to create two "c" shapes.

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Tip

Any "c" shape can be used for the cents sign. Examples of substitutions include parts of iron-on letters "D," "G" or "O."

Cut each side of number "1" to create a single vertical line.

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Tip

Any straight line can be used for the cents sign. The straight line must be longer than the "c" shape. Substitutions include parts of other iron-on numbers or letters.

Form the Sign

Place the "c" shape to the right of the "5." Add the straight line on top of the "c" to create a cents sign.

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Trim the white felt, leaving a 1/2-inch border around "25¢."

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Glue to Black Felt

Place the white "25¢" sign on black felt. Make sure there is at least 1/2 inch of black felt around the white rectangle. Hot glue in place.

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Warning

Use a hot glue gun with caution. The glue is extremely hot when it first exits the glue gun. Do not touch the glue until it is completely dry.

Trim the Black Felt

Trim the black felt, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the white rectangle.

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Place the Sign

Place the "25¢" sign in the center of the red T-shirt. Hot glue in place.

Tip

Position the felt rectangle before gluing to the shirt.

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Glue on the Gumballs

Hot glue pom poms on all sides of the white beanie. Alternatively, you could use a headband or other headpiece if you'll be too hot in a beanie.

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The hot glue will dry very quickly. Once dry, your new costume is ready to wear. This is a fantastic costume idea that can be worn at Halloween parties of any level, and it's perfect for last-minute ideas and for group Halloween outfits.

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Pair your DIY gumball machine costume with a piece of gum and jeans or leggings. Cosplaying as candy? That's a win for us.

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