Making that last minute Halloween costume doesn’t need to take a lot of time or cost a small fortune. This no-sew vest is quick and easy to make and you probably have the needed supplies lying around the house.
Materials needed:
Brown Paper Bag Paints Scissors Paper Punch Glue Stapler Fringe Embellishments
Select a brown paper bag in the appropriate size for your child. Cut it up the center seam. Make a neck opening in the top to fit your child’s shoulders and side openings for arms. Turn the bag inside out to conceal any writing on the bag. At this point, the bag can be “washed” with watercolors and a large brush or sponge painted to give it the look and feel you desire. Be careful of excess water in watercolors, as water will deteriorate the bag. Line the outer edges with masking tape to stabilize the vest. Use markers or shoe polish to color the masking tape or use any colored tape. This prevents the edges from tearing and gives the vest a finished look. Add decorative features such a fringe or ties. You can create a simple fringe at the bottom by gently tearing or cutting the hem of the vest at ½ inch intervals. Fray the fringe with your fingers for a country, cowboy or farmer theme or cut finer fringe for a dressier vest. Fabric fringe can be added by stapling it to the hem of the vest. Alternately, you can make fringe from contrasting paper and staple it to the vest. To simulate a well-worn suede or leather vest, gently crumple the bag and smooth it with your hands. Punch holes for ties with a paper punch. Add reinforcement rings, or cut small circles from masking tape, adhere them in the appropriate area and punch the hole in the center of the tape. This prevents the paper from tearing easily once the ties are added. String ties through the holes. Rawhide goes well with a western theme, while decorative cords and ribbons are suitable for a girl’s vest. Add decorative touches, such as patches, flowers, stars or hearts by cutting designs from construction paper or thin fabric and gluing them in place.
Paper bag vests are a quick solution to those last minute costumes and can be used for dress-up, as well. With a little creativity and some brightly colored accessories, your little one will be ready to join the Halloween festivities in no time at all.
More Halloween fun:
Quick Easy No Sew Halloween Ghost Costume
How to Make Animal Tails for Kid’s Halloween Costumes
How to Make a Kid’s Magic Wand for a Princess or Fairy Godmother Halloween Costume