Tag: halloween

Skeleton Sweatsuit (Free Pattern)

This year I stitched up some skeleton costumes using black sweatsuits and white stretch fabric. I stuffed up the bones to get a 3D effect.

This project will give you lots of practice using your sewing machine’s free arm. If you’re new to machine sewing, try Mikaela’s excellent, free Instructables Machine Sewing Class to bring you up to speed.

For this project, you will need:

To keep up with what I’m working on, follow me on YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and subscribe to my newsletter. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases you make using my affiliate links.

Print and Assemble Pattern

Print the PDF pattern (formatted for US letter-sized paper). Align the tiled printout’s registration marks and use tape to secure. Cut out the pattern pieces with scissors.

Download Free Skeleton Pattern (Printable PDF)
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My Top 10 DIY Halloween Costumes

As a kid, Mom made me a handmade costume every year until I asked her to stop (so I could make my own). Here are ten of my favorite DIY Halloween costumes I’ve made and worn over the last decade or so. From simple put-together outfits to full on electronics projects, I hope you’ll find some inspiration here!

10. Anthropologie Vampire

I put together this wearable look for a day at the office. I was told this look is also reminiscent of Tilda Swinton in “Only Lovers Left Alive”.

9. Dana Scully

For a special Halloween episode of our web show Make: Live, Matt Richardson and I dressed up like Agent Scully and Agent Mulder from X-Files. Matt really sold the costume better than me, since when he parts his hair in the middle, he looks like David Duchovny.

8. EL Wire Animal Masks

While not my original idea (credit: Tom Newsom), I was really pleased with how these turned out. The bike helmet base makes the whole thing very wearable, though it’s important to note that the inverter attached to the helmet does bring its high-pitched squealing noise pretty close to your ear. It’s not an issue if you’re actually riding a bike or at a loud event.

EL Wire Animal Mask Tutorial

7. Ellie Jackson from La Roux

I found out about Elly Jackson because people in the YouTube comments kept saying I look like her. I stitched up a lookalike jacket. The year was 2010 and I was still on crutches from a recent knee surgery. See how I’m not quite standing on my left leg in the above photo?

I laser cut a faux cameo necklace. I got my first (and so far only) C&D for those files I put on Thingiverse.

I commissioned a pair of custom leggings on Etsy to complete the look.

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Mystical LED Halloween Hood

Create glowing eyes for your costume! This project is ideal for any character with glowing eyes, like the Black Mage from Final Fantasy, Jawa from Star Wars, or Orko from He-Man. Two NeoPixel Jewels can appear any color or animating pattern, and they are driven by a GEMMA microcontroller powered by a 500mAh lipoly battery in a 3D printed pocket.

Before you begin, check out these prerequisite guides:

For this project, you will need:

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EEG Costume Cap

Make this ambitious costume project for Halloween or cosplay event! Before you begin this ambitious and time-consuming project, complete the following prerequisite guides:

To make this project, you will need:

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Laser Dog Goggles Halloween Costume

Dress your dog up for Halloween! This project mods a pair of Doggles brand dog goggles with a swiveling laser diode for targeting all those ghouls and goblins lurking near ground level. After building these, your dog can be Terminator, Robo Cop, or, in my case, Tank Girl’s kangaroo boyfriend.

While this is a fairly simple electronics project suitable for intrepid novices, there are a few common sense safety considerations to keep in mind throughout:

  • Any battery-powered circuit is capable of burning your pet, but you can mitigate the risk of injury (but never completely eliminate it).
  • Protect batteries from a scratching paw with adhesive, fabric tape, or both. Mount batteries on the exterior components, never in direct contact with your pet’s face. Do not allow lipoly batteries to be abused and remove/discontinue use immediately if your battery is damaged.
  • Adhesives can give off fumes an should be completely dry (sometimes 24 hours or more) before going anywhere near your pet’s face, especially its eyes.
  • Never leave your pet unattended while wearing any costume. Observe for signs of discomfort.
  • While positive reinforcement with treats can help some pets aclimate to any costume, other pets may not tolerate wearing your project at all. Be ready to accept this fact, and don’t push the issue or abuse your pet!
  • Do not shine lasers directly into anyone’s eyes. The laser used in this project is relatively safe but could still cause eye damage if stared at for more than ~30 seconds. 

“Pfft, of course, I’ve thought of all these things and have a few more safety pointers, Becky!”

“That all makes sense to me and I would never put my pet in danger by forgetting to follow proper safety measures!”

Ok then, I think you’re ready to proceed.

Prerquisite Guides

Tools & Supplies:

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TRON Hoodie with EL Wire

Are you looking for a last-minute Halloween costume that looks like it took forever? Try building a TRON hoodie with EL wire! With just a bit of stitching (and no soldering!) you can make a lovely accented hoodie that will look cool, keep you warm and also make you more visible while trick-or-treating!

You will need:

To keep up with what I’m working on, follow me on YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and subscribe to my newsletter. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases you make using my affiliate links.

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EL Wire Animal Masks for Halloween

If you’re looking for an easy, fun, and glowing Halloween costume this year, read on to learn how to make an animal mask with EL wire on a bike helmet. I was inspired by Tom Newsom’s Glownimals project over in the UK, which he showed off at Elephant and Castle Mini Maker Faire last summer.

Plain wire supports the glowing design and because the helmet straps securely to your head, you have a lot of freedom to design whatever character you want.

You’ll need:

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LED Galaxy Makeup – SPACE FACE

Wear some space on your face and be a constellation for Halloween! This galaxy makeup is inspired by the Cassiopeia constellation and uses five FLORA NeoPixels to light up the night sky across your forehead, affixed with liquid latex. GEMMA and a coincell battery back reside on a hair clip and run the pixels in any color you choose.

This guide will show you how to create the circuit and apply a colorful galaxy makeup effect that will be a sure hit at your party or costume parade.

Prerequisite guides:

You will need:

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