Carnival, carnivaaal! My goodness, how we love a party… Especially parties that give us an excuse to make fun things and put our machines to work. One of our favorites is less than two weeks away, and we’ve already gotten started. Using the patterns and tutorials from Lulu Ferris, you can create kids’ Carnival costumes too like the ones we’re bringing you today.
We’ve chosen two great examples so you can see how to customize the patterns. Use them as we did, or let them inspire you to create different costumes.
Carnival costumes made in Lulú
Minnie and Mickey Mouse Costumes
Classics never go out of style! Little ones dressed as Disney mice are still just as cute and adorable as when our mothers dressed us up as Mickey or Minnie when we were little.
To make the Mickey costume Sam will wear this year, Laura combined these four tutorials:
1. Shorts with Pockets (Lulu Ferris)
In this case, you won’t need to add the pockets, so it will be even easier. Instead, we sewed two yellow fabric circles to imitate the buttons. The shorts have an elastic waistband, so they’re very easy to put on and take off, and you can make them with knit or woven fabric, such as the red cotton we carry in the shop.
Alternative for girls: skirt with pockets
If you have a little Minnie at home instead of Mickey, you can make this skirt with pockets—or without them, if you prefer. Choose a red fabric with white dots or polka dots and it will be perfect.
To customize this tutorial, all you need to do is change the shape of the ears in the pattern or add them afterward. Remember to fill them with a firm fabric so they hold their shape, such as batting or double-sided fusible interfacing.
Since it’s cold this time of year, we think the hat is a better option than the typical ear headband. Choose a stretchy fabric such as the black rib knit so it fits well.
If you’re making it for a girl, you can also add the red or pink bow with white polka dots.
3. Leggings for Kids (Lulu Ferris)
To keep him warm and add black to his legs, leggings are the perfect choice. There’s nothing to change in the pattern here—just make them by following the tutorial step by step.
One of the most-watched tutorials on our YouTube channel, it’s very easy to make and perfect for completing the Mickey look by matching it to the “buttons” on the shorts. And it’s two-in-one! It can also be used as a bow for a girl.
Finish the look with a white T-shirt and black suspenders (optional), and you’re all set.
Little Red Riding Hood Costume
This wonderful costume you see in the photo was made by one of our students last year, and it combines three tutorials from the Club that are very versatile for making all kinds of costumes.
1. Reversible Hooded Cape (Lulu Ferris)
If there’s one pattern and tutorial that can solve Carnival for the whole family, it’s this one. A reversible cape that you can make with or without a hood. It works just as well for Little Red Riding Hood as it does for any superhero, wizard, witch, little devil, prince, fairy…
You can line it with fleece to keep the kids warm, or use a pretty fabric so it can be worn on both sides.
Another wonderful tutorial for making special outfits. Laura originally made this vest for a Native American costume (as you’ll see in the video), but you can see that it also works perfectly for the Little Red Riding Hood costume. It’s very easy to make, and you can customize it in a thousand ways: with fringe, buttons, or pockets.
3. Full Circle Skirt (Lulu Ferris)
By playing with the length of this skirt and the fabric you use, you can adapt it for countless different costumes. You could also use it for a Minnie Mouse costume if you prefer the shape. Depending on what you want to make, you can pair it with a simple apron like this (YouTube channel).
And if you love what you’ve seen but can’t access the patterns and tutorials because you’re not a member of the Club, what are you waiting for? It’s only $10 USD per month, and there are more tutorials than you can dream of—we never stop uploading a new one every week!
Get answers to all your questions about the Club here, and JOIN.
And now, without wasting another minute, let’s make kids’ Carnival costumes!