How to Make a Puppy Costume
- 1). Purchase an inexpensive sweatshirt and sweatpant set from a chain store. Choose a color that puppies are naturally, such as black or brown, which tend to work best. A sweatsuit-based costume is especially convenien for children to wear on Halloween night because it can be worn with layers underneath to keep warm. At the same time, purchase iron-on fabric in a contrasting color to your sweatsuit. For example, if your sweatsuit is brown, choose black or gray iron-on fabric.
- 2). Cut out your iron-on fabric into shapes that look like the natural splotches of discoloration that are found on most dogs. Once your shapes are cut out, iron them onto the sweatsuit in a random pattern for the most realistic look, and let the sweatsuit lie flat while it cools to ensure the patches have adhered properly to the sweatsuit.
- 3). Cut the pelvis out of a pair of pantyhose that matches your sweatsuit, and stuff one of the legs with tissue or cotton balls to make the tail. Stuff it enough so that the tail is able to stand up with some substance and avoid becoming limp. Either sew the pantyhose very carefully or use safety pins to secure it to the back side of your sweatpants.
- 4). Cut two diamond shapes out of felt, which will be used to make the puppy's ears. Within the diamond shape, color in a smaller diamond shape in black to mimic the darkness of a puppy's inner ear. Tape the diamond shapes securely to the top of the hairband, ensuring they stand straight up. Alternatively, if the breed of puppy you have chosen has ears that flop low, tape the diamond shapes to the sides of the hairband. Place the hairband directly on top of your head.
- 5). Paint your face to put the finishing touches on your puppy costume. If you're not artistically inclined, paint just the cheeks instead of the entire face. Paint a few spots in the same color as the iron-on patches on the cheeks and forehead, and paint the nose a dark color to give the appearance of a dog's wet snout. Add a red strip directly down the chin as the puppy's tongue and you're all set!
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