Quick & Easy Pet Costumes

Halloween is fast approaching and money may be tight - so why not make your own pet costume so you're dog is not left out of the festivities. Start by thinking about what available around the house. If you have kids, think of their old clothes, be creative. If you're not that lucky, don't dispair, there are still cool ideas that will have your dog leading the trick-or-treat pack. Just like for people, the thrift stores are a good place to start. Maybe your friends have children's clothing they're willing to part with. Recycling infant, children's clothing and even socks will give a great foundation for a costume, saves you money and reduces waste. Remember creativity and a strong idea are key -- and above all have a sense of humor and fun!

You can also use commercial pet or child clothing patterns or make your own specifically to your pet's measurements. 

Some cool idea would beYou can use gold satin to make a 'Cleo-petra' outfit. Make sure she has a bejewelled collar. How about a recycled lightweight sweater sleeve for a wolf in sheep's clothing costume. 'Sherlock Bones' in a caped coat.

Here are a few suggestions for variations for costumes created upon a simple foundation of a child's shirt.

Things You'll Need:

lightweight cloth
clothing to be recycled, children's shirts, t-shirts, flannel shirts, denim pant leg
one piece body shirt for infants
socks
stick and loop tape
scissors
thread and needle
sewing machine if desired

How to Make a Pet Costume

Step1: Measure your Pet
Measure pet from base of neck to hindquarters. Measure girth of body just behind the front legs. Measure the diameter of the neck. Draw a rectangle to match these measurements. Use the rectangle to see if there is enough cloth in any shirt that you find.

Step2: Design the Costume
Choose a theme for the pet costume. Sketch out ideas for the costume and look through your supplies to decide what to use. Remember no idea is too wild.

Step3: Cut the T-shirt to Size
Take an adult or child's recyclable t-shirt and cut the length down to fit the length of the larger dog. Cut up from the bottom of the shirt to the shoulder area leaving the neck area intact on the front of the shirt. Sew along both sides of the cut to keep cloth from fraying or ripping out at the neck. Cut up through the front of a one piece infant t-shirt for small pets. Cut the bottom off to match the pet's length. The little outfit can easily be put on over the head. Shirt sleeves can also be used for tiny pets.

Step4: Attach the Closures
Put the shirt on over the pet's neck to make sure it will fit properly. Alter as needed. Sew or iron on stick and loop tape to allow the rectangular shaped costume cloth to be placed over the neck and fasten the belly area closed with the stick and loop. This will be the foundation for any costume.

Step5: Trim the Costume
Measure and layer cloth, lace and embellishments on to the foundation to design the pet costume.

Step6: Attach Costume Pieces
Pin cloth pieces for shirts, pants, skirts, collars, waist bands and shirt cuffs on to the foundation piece. Adjust as needed. Sew to complete.

Costume Ideas based on T-shirt

Clown: Sew colorful ruffles around the neck of a costume. Sew pom poms securely to the costume for a clown outfit.

Dancer: Sew ruffles around the bottom of a costume for a fancy ballet, bride or flamenco dancer costume. Secure safe embellishments to make her sparkle. Tie rick rack, fine lace or glittery yarn on one ear if safe to do for the particular pet.

Polo Shirt: Sew a pocket on to the pet costume to create a polo shirt. Sew a decorative dog patch on the pocket for your pets night out as The Dog Whisperer. Sew a tiny stuffed dog or bone for a cute prop to go with the costume.

50's Sockhop: Cut a small piece of cloth into a curved rectangular shape just like a Christmas tree skirt. Sew a poodle patch on the skirt. Attach this 'poodle' skirt by sewing it on at the pet's waist area on the body shirt with layers of lace underneath. Cut a lightweight scarf into strips and use one or two on the pet's ears for the 50's scarf for the ponytail look. Paint tiny socks with fabric paint to look like saddle shoes with bobby socks for pet 'shoes'.

Police/Firefighter: Sew a badge patch on a blue shirt with contrasting blue collar for a police officer costume. Sew reflective tape on a black or yellow shirt for a firefighter costume.

(Check out some of our costumed pooches)