Ahoy! If you’re looking to make your own pirate costume this year, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you need to make one for yourself or turn your family or friends into a pirate crew, making this costume is fun and easy. Below are seven easy ways to make your costume the talk of the party.
1) The Pirate Hat
This may be the most important part of the do it yourself pirate costume, so you want to make sure your pirate hat is spot-on. All you need to make your pirate hat is a sewing machine, two sheets of black craft-foam, and one sheet of white craft foam. Craft foam is a very thin foam that can be sewn but is still thick enough to hold up as a hat.
First, start by cutting the black craft-foam into two identical pieces. Each piece should look something like a basic hill shape. A straight line at the bottom. Then, at each corner, a straight line going up about three inches. After three inches, cut the foam in an arch from one side to the other. Place the other black sheet of craft-foam on top of this one and trace the shape.
When cutting the craft-foam, make sure the straight line at the bottom is much larger than your child’s head. When you sew it together, the amount of space they have to fit their head into the hat will shrink.
Now that you have two identical shapes, simply lay one on top of the other, and sew them together. Do not sew the part that is a straight line, as this is where your child’s head goes. Instead, sew the edges of the short straight lines and the arch.
Next, take your white sheet of craft-foam. Cut it into a basic skull and cross bones shape. It does not have to be perfect. As long as it is close enough, when you combine it with the rest of the costume, everyone will know what it is. Once you have your skull and cross bones, glue it onto the front of the hat. You’re all set, and now have a pirate hat for your costume.
2) Basic Shirt and Vest
Next, you’re going to need a shirt and a vest. For the shirt, the ideal one is a long-sleeve t-shirt with horizontal stripes. If it has white and red stripes, even better, but you can choose any color you like. If you’re on a budget, you can pick one up at a thrift store for less than five dollars. If you’re willing to spend a little more money, you’ll be able to find one at your local mall.
Over your striped shirt you’re going to need a vest. Here, you have two choices. You could buy one from the same place you get your striped shirt. Thrift stores and your local mall should have them.
Or, you can make it yourself. To make your own vest, you’ll need blank, black fleece and another sheet of white craft-foam. The white craft-foam is to make another skull and cross bones. Cut the black fleece into a vest shape, glue on your skull and cross bones, and you’re done with this step.
3) Eyepatch
The eyepatch is a staple of the pirate costume. You can pick one up at your local party store for just a few dollars. If you’d like to make it yourself, cut out a circle from your extra black craft-foam. Glue a string to each end, and you’re all set.
4) Perfect Pirate Pants
When it comes to pants for your costume, it’s really up to you. You can’t go wrong with plain black pants. Some people choose black pants with vertical stripes. Jeans can also work. You should go with whatever you think looks best and makes you feel most confident about your costume.
5) Pirate Boots
A nice touch to your costume is making your footwear look more like pirate boots. The ideal shoe to work with would be a high-top black sneaker or black boot. With your black craft-foam, cut a piece that is long enough to go from the top of the boot, to halfway down. This piece should be wide enough to wrap around the entire boot. When you discreetly tape this on (so you don’t damage the shoe), it will look like high black leather pirate boots cuffed over.
Next, cut a black piece of craft-foam that will cover the laces of your shoe. Discreetly tape this down, and then put a gold circle in the center. This will make it look like classic pirate boots.
6) Accessories
When it comes to accessories, you have some options to really put your costume over the edge. One option is to use an old, black, leather shoulder-bag you no longer use. This is a perfect pirate accessory. Even better, if it is a child using this costume for Halloween, they can use the bag for trick-or-treating.
If you have the time, a small toy parrot can be blued onto the shoulder of the vest. Just make sure it is small and light so it doesn’t fall off. This is a nice touch that is sure to turn some heads.
7) Things You Can Buy
If you have the time and money to buy some top-of-the-line accessories, you can really bring your costume together. One option is to buy a sword from your local party store. It’ll likely have a skull and crossbones on it to match your vest and hat.
You could also pick up a hook that covers your hand. This is always a classic touch.
If you didn’t have time to make a pirate hat, many stores will have a pirate bandana as well. If you’re in a pinch and already have the materials, making a pirate costume is fun, easy, and fast. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to have a costume that everyone will love.
