It's hilarious how easy it is to pull together a totally pro-looking Halloween costume with a few items of clothing you have lurking in the back of your closet. This one goes out to all the ladies who've ever had that "oh, snap" moment of completely spacing on buying a cute costume for Halloween. If you've got 10 minutes — and a little black dress lying around — then you're already halfway there.
This DIY bat costume is super-simple to make, and it won't look like you threw it together at the last minute:
Materials needed:
- 1-1/2 yards black fabric (cotton, jersey knit or even lace or sequins work)
- 6 inches of 1/8-inch elastic (any color)
- Headband
- Thick black fabric (leather, felt or even a thick black cotton work)
- Hot glue
Directions:
Bat wings:
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Step 1:
Fold your 2 yards of black fabric in half and cut inverted scallops on the diagonal, as shown.
Step 2:
Cut 2 (3-inch) sections of elastic and loop them, as shown. Sew each loop onto the ends of the bat wings using a straight stitch, and go back and forth a few times to secure it.
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Bat ears:
- Cut 4 identical triangles of your thick black fabric.
- With right sides of the fabric together, sew up the sides of the triangle, leaving the bottom open.
- Repeat for the second ear.
- Turn your bat ears right side out.
- Hot glue onto a headband. Let dry, and you're done!
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Now pair with your favorite little black dress, a pair of strappy black heels and some dark lipstick!
Originally published Oct. 2014. Updated Sept. 2016.