10 Unique Free Homemade Kid and Baby Halloween Costume Patterns
I'd been planning a kids' Halloween costumes hub for quite a while before I put this together. When I first searched for free patterns, I didn't find anything too exciting and put the idea on hold. When I saw that the HubPages Weekly Topic Inspiration was Halloween, I got inspired to try again. I revised my choice of keywords when I searched and found much better options. Many of these are blog posts from moms who developed costumes for their own children and documented the process and/or developed patterns. My mom made a lot of my costumes when I was growing up. Although my sewing skills leave a lot to be desired at this point, I hope to do the same for my kids someday. For those of you who enjoy homemade projects, these will get you started for Halloween.
Many of these projects are intended for babies or children of particular ages. Don't feel limited by this. Many of the patterns and concepts can be modified for children of just about any age. Happy creating!
Cat in the Hat, Thing 1, and Thing 2
This idea was actually from my original search and is one of the cutest Halloween costumes I've ever seen. The concept is so simple, making for easy, comfortable costumes for little ones. Even if you have kids who aren't crazy about wearing the wigs, this is still an adorable costume. If you have 2 kids, you can simply go for Thing 1 and Thing 2 or you can try to recruit one of their close age friends or relatives to be the Cat in the Hat. Kids will enjoy the familiar characters and adults will enjoy the nostalgia for a classic book from their childhood.
Bat
The mask on this costume really completes the slightly eery look. The author suggests having the child wear sunglasses behind the mask for the dark eye look. This is so simple but so effective. Click on the links for the PDF pattern and the mask, which you can print and cut out.
Flower Pot
This is a really unique idea for a little girl. She can have a lot of fun picking out and arranging the flowers. If she isn't interested in this, she may enjoy decorating the flower pot instead. Crafty kids may want to do both. I recommend looking at Target for colored tights. They generally carry a decent variety or styles, colors, and sizes through most of the fall and winter. I've linked both the tutorial that I found and the original idea site that inspired the tutorial. I love how the original site includes a watering can with the costume.
- Kids' Halloween Costumes - Unique Costumes - Flower Pot
- Ruffles and Roses: Kids' Flower Pot Halloween Costume - Guest Tutorial!
Spider
This costume requires easy to find materials and simple assembly. (If you can't find white gloves, consider making your own.) The result is fabulous. The eyes on the hat and the way that the arms move cracks me up. If you like this concept but know that your child has no interest in being a spider. consider how you could transform this idea into another insect, such as a ladybug or caterpillar. This site has a number of other kid costume ideas, too.
Tinkerbell
I'm sure that I don't need to elaborate on the fact that many little girls love to dress up in just about any costume that requires a tutu or a fancy dress. This pattern does require some sewing expertise for the lacing, but it is a very inexpensive project. If your little girl isn't into Tinkerbell or isn't particularly fond of the color green, consider simply changing the color or modifying the costume slightly so she can be a fairy, princess, queen, or any other fancy lady of her choosing. A coordinating wand will complete the outfit.
Yoda
I'm not sure how much this costume actually resembles Yoda, but the little girl wearing it is so darn cute. Regardless of resemblance, it is still an awesome costume. Maybe some face paint would complete the look for a slightly older kid? The hat could easily be transformed into a jester's cap, too. The snake doesn't fit into the Star Wars theme but can easily be left out, as can the walking stick if it will just be a distraction for your little one. Check out the Yoda link above for some more great Yoda costume ideas and accessories.
Care Bear
This is another idea that cracked me up. This is exactly why I love crafty people. Once you get over the idea of gutting a teddy bear, this is a really fun project. Have fun selecting your favorite color Care Bear and get ready for the plethora of awwwww's that you will receive when your friends, family, and neighbors see your little one in this get up.If you have trouble finding a large Care Bear, you may want to opt for a large teddy bear instead. This is one of the few projects that really can't be modified for older kids, unless you can find a significantly bigger bear. However, you may be able to modify a kids' bear costume for a similar effect with the right colors and details.
Snapsuit Baby Costumes
I picked this one because of the leopard print sling for the strongman costume, but all four costumes are great. This post includes instructions for the strong man, a munchkin, a wee witch, and a sasquatch. There are detailed directions and at least two photos of all of the costumes. The snap suit costume obviously works well with little ones, but the concepts can be modified for older kids.
Skeleton
This pattern does not require any sewing! Freezer paper makes the project very simple and creates a wonderful effect. This cute ensemble can double as pajamas for the rest of the year as long as the glow in the dark paint isn't too distracting. I have included two hubs from instructables.com in this hub. Check out the site for many more costume ideas.
Pumpkin
I love this take on the classic pumpkin costume. Making a tutu into a costume is yet another reason why I love crafty people. This is so cute! The pictured girl doesn't have coordinating clothes, but you could have fun searching for orange shoes, tights, and a shirt to coordinate. You could even make a pumpkin hat for it. This pattern does require sewing, but the directions and photos are great.
Cute Baby Halloween Costumes
Halloween Costumes for Kids
More fall resources from the author.
- Halloween and Other Fall Popcorn Recipes, Treats, and Ideas
Fall is the perfect time to whip up delicious popcorn recipes for family and friends! Make treats for Halloween, Thanksgiving, birthdays, other autumn celebrations, and more. - Acorn Crafts: Fall Autumn Projects and Ideas
This article is about acorn crafts. It contains a wide variety of fall autumn projects and ideas that kids and adults can make out of real acorns. There are lots of pictures and resources. - Fall Autumn Themes and Units for Preschool, Pre K, and Kindergarten: Lesson Plans, Activities, and C
As you plan your preschool, Pre K, or kindergarten curriculum, consider fall autumn themes and units. There are endless possibilities for lesson plans, activities, and crafts.
Comments
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 04, 2019:
Thanks! Unfortunately, there isn't. So sorry!
Nicole on October 03, 2019:
Hi! You have great costume ideas. Is there a pattern of directions for the chik costume?
Mackenzie Wright from nowhere and everywhere on September 22, 2014:
Ha! Too cute! The chicken, lol.
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 31, 2013:
Thanks, Stephanie!
Stephanie Henkel from USA on October 30, 2013:
Very cute ideas for kids' costumes! Tweeted and voted up!
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 08, 2013:
Thanks, Ilona!
Ilona from Ohio on October 07, 2013:
cuteness rating went through the roof! darling costumes.
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 23, 2013:
Thanks, bestkidneeds! That's great.
Janet Vale from San Diego, California on August 23, 2013:
Those Halloween ideas are so cute. Thanks for the great ideas. I'm going to use that chicken one this year.
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 08, 2013:
Thanks, Randomovic! That's great.
Randomovic from Egypt on August 08, 2013:
Great hub. They are all nice but i liked the chicken and tinkerbell most.
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 08, 2013:
Thanks so much, IslandBites!
IslandBites from Puerto Rico on August 07, 2013:
Nice ideas. Good hub!
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 31, 2013:
That's awesome, animalLover. :) Have fun with it!
Michaela Gibson from Greenville NC on July 31, 2013:
That is adorable:) My favorite is the care bear. I think for Halloween I'm going to be a care bear o.o
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 08, 2013:
That's great, Sasta. :) Thanks!
Thanks so much, Leslie!
lesliebyars on July 07, 2013:
Thank you for the cute ideas! I voted up and awesome!!
sasta10 from Manchester, UK on October 12, 2012:
I like the Care Bear cotume, it's soooooooooooooo cute. Thanks for the great hub
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 11, 2012:
Thanks, Blond Logic! I agree that making costumes is such a great component of the holiday. Cloud costumes is great! I am fascinated by clouds and would love to give that costume a try sometime. Thanks for sharing your story.
Mary Wickison from USA on October 11, 2012:
I love seeing kids in home made costumes. I always hated opening the door to someone wearing another cheap store bought one. Making them , makes the holiday.
I once did cloud costumes for my kids. Everyone we went were so thrilled to see something different. One woman from Germany, said, "Wait a minute, I have to get my camera." The down side is, the kids don't get to visit as many houses because people wanted to stop them and look.
Great hub
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 11, 2012:
Thanks, Daisy!
Chantele Cross-Jones from Cardiff on October 11, 2012:
ha these are too cute! love the cat in the hat ones, and the flower pot!
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 10, 2012:
Thanks!
stella from malaga on October 10, 2012:
Super! Such a perfect!!!!!! I love it!
Thanks!
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 10, 2012:
Thanks! Well, luckily in this case, no bears will actually die.
Kimberlie Kacan from Brooklyn, NY on October 10, 2012:
These are great! I love the strongman, but really? Does the bear have to die? =(
Thanks for sharing!
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 10, 2012:
Thanks, wizardofodds! That's great.
Kayla Brown from Wichita, Kansas on October 10, 2012:
Great hub! Thanks for the info-- I will have to try one of these next year when my little one will be old enough to Trick or Treat!
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 10, 2012:
Thanks, msmallow!
Shai77, I'm glad that you enjoyed some of these costumes! I agree with you about homemade costumes.
Chen on October 10, 2012:
Yoda & the chicken are too cute. Really well done, great costumes. Such a fun Holiday, but homemade costumes are way more worth it than store bought. Great job on this hub.
Nheri Rose C. Gumayagay from Philippines on October 09, 2012:
Love the care bear costume! So cute
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 09, 2012:
Thanks, Laura! I agree with you about store bought costumes. I hope to make costumes for my own kids someday.
LauraGT from MA on October 09, 2012:
These are great. I love the spider and the flower pot! I remember making my own costumes growing up, but the store bought ones are so cheap these days.... This gives me remewed inspiration to be more creative!
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 09, 2012:
That's great, Happyboomernurse! Thanks.
Thanks, Daisy! I agree.
daisyjae from Canada on October 09, 2012:
These are adorable! I love the rooster. Its so fun to dress them up when they are little.
Gail Sobotkin from South Carolina on October 09, 2012:
Lots of terrific costume ideas in this beautifully laid out hub.
I also enjoyed the videos.
Voted up across the board. I had fun just looking at these clever costumes.
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 09, 2012:
Thanks, Shasta! That's awesome that you were able to make so many costumes for your daughter. It does seem like that number of free costume patterns and ideas available online keeps increasing.
Shasta Matova from USA on October 09, 2012:
Aww, these are so cute! When my daughter was younger, I had to create my own costumes, but at the time, I didn't realize that free patterns would be available on the internet (or maybe they weren't.) My daughter was a bride, a princess, a fairy, a frog, and a witch over the years. I can't remember the other costumes I made. I tried to keep it cheap, and depending on the amount of time and the type of material I had at home (I was too cheap to buy too many extras), they turned out pretty good.
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 20, 2012:
Thanks, midnightbliss! I'm glad that you enjoyed this article. :)
Haydee Anderson from Hermosa Beach on July 20, 2012:
Fun hub!! I so miss being a kid. And I really dig that chicken outfit. Thanks for sharing, brought back some great memories. : )
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on November 21, 2011:
Thanks! You'll have to bookmark it so you can come back to it. :)
arusho from University Place, Wa. on November 21, 2011:
Those are so cute, I will have to remember this for next year!
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 31, 2011:
It is a lot of fun, especially if you're a kid and/or enjoy dressing up. That is too bad.
style-of-life from Netherlands on October 31, 2011:
Seriously, Halloween has gotta be so much fun. Really too bad we don't celebrate it at all here in Holland.
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 30, 2011:
Thank you!
Better Yourself from North Carolina on October 30, 2011:
So cute! Love the care bear costume!
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 29, 2011:
lpanfil, too bad! You'll have to wait until you have grandkids now. :)
That's awesome, Mama!
Bea Toome from Undisclosed on October 29, 2011:
I made and used that spider costume years ago. It really is cheap and easy.
lpanfil from Cleveland, Ohio on October 29, 2011:
So cute and so sad. I now have a 13 year old who has outgrown the adorable costume phase.
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 27, 2011:
Thanks so much, Green Art! That's awesome. It's a great way to express creativity.
Laura Ross on October 27, 2011:
Love this HUB!! Great ideas:):) I used to make my kids costumes and had a blast doing so. It's such a fun time to play dress up and be creative.
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 27, 2011:
That's awesome, Penny! I love to follow crafty blogs.
Penny splendid on October 27, 2011:
Wow I loved the spider. I used to follow a blog which had some very interesting costumes that the author made herself. I believe it was called 'The Blue Blog' which brings up political results on google if you try to search those precise words but if you search for Alison Knitsmith ,up comes 'the blue blog' and that is her page. There is a version of 'thing one and thing two ' on there for boys.
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 26, 2011:
I agree! That one is such a funny idea.
CZCZCZ from Oregon on October 25, 2011:
Home made halloween costumes are the best thanks for the great pics and article. The flower pot one made me chuckle, just great.
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 25, 2011:
I agree, MyFavoriteBedding! Thanks Karen! For sure.
Karen N from United States on October 25, 2011:
Excellent ideas! That little spider costume is just so adorable.
MyFavoriteBedding from United States on October 25, 2011:
The costumes are adorable!! I still favor the good old fashioned home made costumes, but they seem to be out of fashion because of the cute costumes you can buy today. Great hub!
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 22, 2011:
Thanks so much! There are so many cute ideas out there. It can definitely be hard to choose. Good luck with your costumes!
lavender3957 on October 22, 2011:
So cute, I love everyone of them. What to choose is going to hard for me. Thanks for sharing this hub, gave me wonderful ideas for the children.
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 22, 2011:
Thank you!
samanthamsmith from Small Town USA on October 22, 2011:
So cute!
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 21, 2011:
Thanks Ben!
Thanks, lhale! I'm sure that will be a really cute costume, too! His mom can always use one of these ideas for next year.
lhale from Georgia on October 21, 2011:
So cute! I love the flower pot! My 2 year old grandson is going to be Frankenstein. I wish his mom had seen some of these first!
benhchubs from UK on October 21, 2011:
Nice Hub! Cute costumes
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 20, 2011:
Thanks, for sure! I'm glad that you enjoyed those. I think that they're perfect for babies.
SportsAgencyblog from Los Angeles, California on October 20, 2011:
Hello Randomcreative, this would be appropriate for the coming holloween season. I really like SNAPSUIT BABY COSTUMES!!! Its very simple but nice, it will suit to babies. Its all unique!!!
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 20, 2011:
I'm glad that this helpful Hezekiah! Thanks, adrienne, I am, too! I agree.
Fierce Manson from Atlanta on October 20, 2011:
Hi Randomcreative, I am glad you decided to give this hub another try. I love the flower pot costume that is so cute and very original!
Hezekiah from Japan on October 20, 2011:
Perfect - I need to sort something out for my daughter soon.
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 18, 2011:
Thank you chavez!
Carli, that's too cute! So creative.
CarliFrenneman on October 18, 2011:
So cute! My brother was a spider for Halloween a long time ago. He had a pulley system inside the costume that allowed him to control each leg independently...pretty advanced for a 9 year old
chavez10 from Bell St. New York, New York on October 17, 2011:
you have a very artistic blog. I enjoy reading it. Amazing photos and video. I liked it very much.
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 16, 2011:
And thank you kikalina and foxility! I'm glad that you found costumes here that you like.
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 16, 2011:
Thanks! I agree that it's nice to make things instead of buying them as you can.
Nolen Hart from Southwest on October 16, 2011:
Good creative ideas. Time for folks to make their own things like the old timers used to, instead of just buying more stuff made in China that ends up in the dumpster.
foxility on October 16, 2011:
carebear is too cute
kikalina from Europe on October 16, 2011:
that spider is so cool!
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 14, 2011:
Thanks!
Alex Rakeen from Malaysia on October 14, 2011:
hey this was really awesome! bat costume looks great to me :)
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 14, 2011:
I love how everyone has different favorites. That one is really cute!
Heather from Arizona on October 14, 2011:
The bat costume is the best! Too stinkin' cute!
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 11, 2011:
Thank you! That means so much to me. I'm really proud of the accomplishment.
The Evolista from Los Angeles on October 11, 2011:
Congrats on the 99. This hub deserves it :)
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 11, 2011:
You're welcome! Thanks for sharing this! I'm sure that she'll have fun putting their costumes together.
Marlene Bertrand from USA on October 11, 2011:
I discovered some great ideas. I'm going to share this hub with my daughter who is contemplating what to do for her three children this year. Thank you.
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 10, 2011:
That's awesome!
mary-lambert from Charlotte, NC on October 10, 2011:
Back in the day all our costumes were made by mom.
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 07, 2011:
Thanks Stephen!
StephenSMcmillan on October 07, 2011:
Cute costumes.
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 06, 2011:
Thanks Riley!!
The Evolista from Los Angeles on October 06, 2011:
Great link. I love the pop up laundry basket idea. Thanks!! Looking forward to reading more of your hubs!
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 06, 2011:
Thank you!
apologetics on October 06, 2011:
Some nice costumes here.
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 05, 2011:
Thanks Chasing Riley! The present costume is a great idea. Check this out for trash can inspiration:
http://www.coolest-homemade-costumes.com/trash-can...
That should get you started!
Jana, sounds good!
janamarie82 from Arkansas on October 05, 2011:
I love the pumpkin! I am a halloween finatic. My daughter just wants to be supergirl this year so I might make the pumpkin costume for myself!
The Evolista from Los Angeles on October 05, 2011:
I love your hub. Great pictures and ideas. It reminds me of how my stepmom used to make costumes for me. The best one was when we she decorated me as a present. Since you're so creative, do you have any ideas on how to turn my 12 year old into a trash can (his idea, not mine)? I looked at your flower pot but I don't know what I can use as the can part without being too heavy.
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 05, 2011:
Yes, for sure!
biliph from Philippines on October 05, 2011:
How cute is the carebear costume!
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 04, 2011:
Thank you so much!