Needlecrafts Sewing

How to Make a Dalmatian Costume

Grownup helping a child in a homemade dalmatian costume

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Whether for a school play or trick-or-treating on Halloween, this Dalmatian costume can become a child's favorite pair of pajamas when the occasion is over. Follow these simple directions to convert a plain sweatsuit, pajamas, or a dance leotard into an adorable Dalmatian costume.

Materials

  • A white sweatsuit, pajamas or dance leotard. (A sweatsuit with a hood allows the "Dalmatian" to cover his or her head.)
  • Black felt or tightly woven black fabric—to make black dots on the body of the costume. The amount will vary with the size of the costume.
  • Fusible web
  • White felt to make the ears and black felt to make the Dalmatian spots. Attach to a headband as explained in the directions or sew them directly to the hood of a sweatsuit if you are using a sweatshirt with a hood.
  • Black eyeliner—or costume makeup

Directions

  • Pre-wash the base outfit to remove any fabric finishes that will prevent the fusible from working correctly.
  • Apply the fusible web to the black felt. Cut out various size and shape spots. Refer to Dalmatian pictures for help in creating the spots. Fuse the spots to the sweatsuit and ears.
  • Create a tail by cutting out a long strip of felt and attaching it to the back bottom of the costume. Apply one or two spots if desired.
  • Create a black nose with makeup or eyeliner pencil.