DIY Bull in a China Shop Kids' Halloween Costume: Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Kids have a knack for creating chaos in seconds. Channel that energy with this fun, DIY Bull in a China Shop Halloween costume—a playful nod to the classic idiom. As experienced crafters, we've refined these steps for a durable, safe result your child will love wearing.

Step 1

Cut pieces of fabric

Use the template to cut out the fabric for the body.

Step 2

Place pieces and pin

Place the back pieces on top of the front piece, wrong sides together. The back pieces should overlap in the middle.

Step 3

Sew pieces together

Sew 1/2" side seams and shoulder seams.

Step 4

Try it on and add hook-and-eye closures

Try the suit on the wearer and mark where to attach the hook-and-eye fasteners on the back. We used three 2” pieces. Sew them on securely once positioned.

Step 5

Prepare the backs of the china pieces and add fasteners

Place painter's tape on the back of each china piece and trim to fit the base. Cover with the hook side of sticky-back Velcro. The tape makes fasteners removable, so you can reuse the china after Halloween.

Step 6

Position the dishes on the body

Lay the body front side up and arrange the porcelain pieces. Position them carefully to avoid sitting or arm interference.

Step 7

Secure china with needle and thread

Hand-sew the teacup handles onto the body for stability.

Step 8

Attach Velcro pieces

Sew the loop (soft) side of Velcro fasteners to the body where the plates go. Secure the plates firmly.

Step 9

Cut horn pieces

Cut out four horn pieces using the printable template. Each finished horn is 5" tall x 7" wide. Scale as needed for the wearer's head.

Step 10

Sew horn pieces

Place front and back horn pieces right sides together. Sew 1/4" seams on two sides, leaving the bottom open. Repeat for the second horn.

Step 11

Shape horns and add stuffing

Turn horns right side out—use a pencil to push out the tip if needed. Stuff firmly. Repeat for the other horn.

Step 12

Hand-sew headband to horns

Wrap the open bottom of each horn around the headband and hand-sew securely.

Step 13

Add horn center piece

Cut a center piece from brown felt and sew it around the middle of the horns for a polished look.

Step 14

Create tail hair with yarn

For the tail, wrap black yarn into a 6" loop (use a ruler for ease). Thread yarn through one end and tie securely.

Step 15

Cut to form tassel

Cut the loop on the other end to create a thick tassel tail.

Step 16

Cut tail base and attach yarn

Cut the tail pattern from brown felt. Attach yarn strands to one end, with the tassel hanging free. Sew securely.

Step 17

Fold and stitch tail

Fold tail wrong sides together and edge-stitch, leaving the end open.

Step 18

Stuff and attach tail

Flatten tail with seam at back, stuff with fiberfill, sew closed, then attach to suit back.

Step 19

Cut hoof pieces

Use the pattern to cut two hoof pieces from black felt to cover shoe tops.

Step 20

Sew and fasten hooves

Wrap hooves around shoes, pin to fit, and sew on hook-and-loop fasteners for secure wear.

Step 21

Assemble the costume

Dress wearer in brown t-shirt, pants, and shoes, then layer on the bull costume elements.