11 Genius Tips For DIYing Your Kids' Halloween Costume

Crafting the perfect costume for your kid isn’t a 15-minute project, but thankfully switching to GEICO is.

1. Measure twice, cut once!

The golden rule since the beginning of time, because once that cut has been made, there's no going back. So maybe measure three times just to be safe.

2. Iron your fabrics.

If you've got enough skill to sew your way to a costume party look, you probably don't need to be told twice to iron your fabric and creases...but it's always a helpful reminder. 

3. Build upon a basic.

Skip yourself the hassle of making a 100% unique and custom creation by building upon a basic piece of clothing you already have. Adding little embellishments rather than starting from scratch will save you so much time. 

4. Felt is your friend!

 Whether you want to add a quick mask to the costume or craft a cape with a big, superhero letter, felt is a versatile material that usually bypasses the unpredictability of different fabrics.

5. Always assume you'll need more materials and time.

Stock up well before the deadline to finish the costume is due. You don't want to be making last-minute trips to picked-through craft stores the night before Halloween. 

6. Ensure comfort is top of mind.

Kids are obviously fussy, so keep that in mind when you're dreaming up the perfect costume for them. Think twice about sequined fabrics that irritate the skin or consider if the final product will be warm enough (especially as the chilly, fall weather arrives in time for trick-or-treating).

7. Keep liquid stitching glue on hand.

Been pricked by enough needles and just need to secure one piece to another? Fabric glue can stitch together the look in a snap when you decide enough is enough.

8. Get detailed with makeup or face paint

If you're not one for cutting, crafting, or sewing, but still have a steady and artistic hand, let some face paint do the heavy lifting for the costume. There's plenty of simple makeup tutorials out there to bring the look to life. 

9. Coupons, coupons, coupons!

If you're going to a craft store to get all your costume essentials, coupons are your BFF. Stores usually have rotations of single item and total purchase coupons that can save anyone some serious $$$ depending on your project.

10. Know your model.

You're the one who knows them best. Will your rambunctious child be able to keep semi-attached accessories on during their trick or treating adventures or can they be trusted to manage a feathery mess in a crowded classroom costume party?

11. And finally, have a sheet and some scissors on hand for emergencies if you want to throw in the towel mid-project.

The ghost look is always a classic for Halloween.

Take a break from the stress of DIYing a Halloween costume. Get a quote from GEICO and see how much you could save today!

Images from Getty.