How to Make a Pioneer Costume

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Pioneer Halloween costumes are favorites for little girls who love "Little House on the Prairie." Even if you don't know how to sew, you can come up with a good pioneer costume using items you can find at thrift stores. If you do know how to sew, you can make everything from bonnets to bloomers. This is a perfect costume for Northern climates, where trick-or-treaters have to deal with cold weather. You can bundle up beneath the big dress and stay warm.

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Pioneers settled much of the American West in the 18th and 19th centuries.

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Things You'll Need

  • Hobby Horse

  • Lace-Up Boots

  • Cowboy Hat

  • Bonnet

  • Cowboy Boots

  • Cotton Collared Shirt

  • Khaki Pants

  • Apron

  • Suspenders

  • Dress With Long Sleeves

  • Afghan

  • Bloomers

Girl's Costume

Step 1

Find or make a good base dress that's long with long sleeves. Calico cotton with a small floral pattern is a great fabric for a pioneer dress.

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Step 2

Find or make some bloomers. If you don't sew, cut some scrubs to mid-calf length. Put a pair of white tights under these and you'll not only look authentic but also stay warm on a cold night.

Step 3

Add a pinafore-style apron or a waist-style apron. You also can merely pin a white dish towel to the dress.

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Step 4

Add a crocheted tablecloth or afghan as a shawl.

Step 5

Buy or make a bonnet.

Step 6

Find some lace-up boots or Mary Jane shoes.

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Boy's Costume

Step 1

Find a cotton collared shirt and a pair of khaki pants.

Step 2

Add a pair of suspenders.

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Step 3

Find a straw or leather cowboy hat.

Step 4

Get a pair of cowboy boots, a pair of loafers or dress shoes.

Step 5

Look for accessories, such as a hobby horse, a garden tool or wooden tool box.

Tip

Think of fun accessories to carry, such as a basket or a little oil lamp. Your little pioneer could collect candy in a basket instead of a plastic pumpkin.

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