Alright, after weeks of thinking, but no action..I sat my butt down and finally finished sewing my toddler’s Halloween costume. So here it is.. Hello Luke Skywalker!
It took me awhile to get motivated this year. While I had been thinking about this costume for months, I was frozen at the thought of pattern drafting the flight suit. The thought of fitting the garment on a squirmming toddler almost had me throw in the towel. Then I had a brainwave.. Why not buy a pattern and alter it!? Umm Hello. Easy.
Another reason for the brain freeze, I had no idea how I was going to show the DIY steps. This would have added too much time to an already lengthy adventure. So instead, I’m showing images and comments on the garment pieces. If you have any questions, feel free to leave me a comment, I promise to get back to you.
Materials needed:
- Butterick Pattern #3244 – this pattern has pieces for a 1 piece jumpsuit, a hood and boots [ optional – I didn’t make these]
- Cotton fabric – Orange, white and black
- White fleece
- Felt squares – Black, white, grey, blue, light blue, white and red
- Black and white velcro
- White gros grain
- Sewing machine and related sewing supplies
- Iron and ironing board
Orange Flight Suit:
I used the Butterick Spaceman Pattern for the flight suit. I added the flap pockets and a few tabs. On the sleeves I made sure to add a pocket for the communication cylinders [white pen looking things]. Black velcro down center front added the extra kick the flight suit needed [otherwise it looked like a prison inmate’s outfit.. As per my brother].
White Flak Vest [non geek term.. “White Bib”]:
I pleated white fabric [about the size of a fat quarter] and then measured it against Tanner’s chest to get the size of the vest. Pleated pieces were used on the front and back. I made a lining piece that was slightly larger and wrapped it from the back to cover the raw edges. The vest fits over his head with velcro straps that are adjustable at the back. I wanted this to come off easy.
Grey Chest Box:
The grey box was made from felt squares. I made it puffy by sandwiching a few extra layers of felt inside and then stitched it closed. A variety of felt colors were used for the buttons. I attached this box to the vest.. I know, technically not correct.. But for a toddler’s costume, the less hanging straps the better. At least from a cautious Mom’s point of view.. The grey chest box also pulled the vest down, so I placed a piece of velcro at the center back to secure the vest in place.
If you want to see the inspiration for this costume.. Click here. Happy Halloween 2013.
Great craftsmanship! The attention to detail is superb. Lil’ guy traded in his Blaster Pistol for a tennis ball… safe alternative. Great job on this project – inspiring.
Love this! I’m now really inspired since its Oct 30th and still have no costume for my son. Though I dont have time to sew, I think I now know what im going to do….Thank you for the inspiration!
Thanks! Jagger’s Rambo costume turned out great. Until next year, right?
Ummm … awesome!! My son is obsessed with Star Wars, so I may just have to attempt a Christmas Skywalker suit for him! Thanks!!
Thanks Ann! Keep me posted on how it goes 🙂
Think it is a great idea and with the detailed instructions makes it easy. Also, looks cool, comfortable and very good looking and the “model” outstanding!
I am a poor judge —– but, it IS a very nice and attractive garment, and specially the wearer
is a MAGNIFICENT grandson, full of p— and vinegar, interested in many activities around us.
Papa Golson.
Turned out so cute… Thanks for sharing!
I love it. There are very many Star Wars fans who will love this. MAY THE FORCE BE WITH
THEM, Cute kid too
This is awesome! Great idea to alter a pattern – why is it that we always try to make things harder than they need to be? 🙂
What a lucky boy! He is going to have some fun costume parties ahead with you as his mom. This costume is awesome!
Agh.. Thanks so much!! I do look forward to sewing one every year. My Mom made all of our costumes, so I’m looking forward to all that craziness each year!
Great job! I’m working on a Ghostbusters coverall for my toddler and was just looking for a little inspiration to start sewing -and I found it! thanks!
Thanks for stopping by. Get a pattern for sure – it’s the easy route 🙂 The pattern will be a perfect start and then you can add all the extras to it.