Whether you're making an outfit for Halloween or getting ready for a play, a Peter Pan costume is always a hit, because it's pretty easy to make and it's a perfect "last minute" choice. Create it with the help of a few materials and wear it with a brat attitude and a glint in the eye.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Making the Tunic and Tights
Step 1. Purchase tights or leggings
This is the easiest part of the costume to make. If you don't already have them, go to a department store or H&M and buy a dark green or brown-green pair. If you intend to buy nylons, opt for an opaque type rather than a transparent one.
If you don't feel comfortable wearing leggings or tights, buy a pair of sweatpants or linen with a fitted cut. You can also wear a pair of short shorts, in case you don't like long ones
Step 2. Purchase a green jersey
In case you don't already have one, buy it large and in a yellow-green color. Make sure it is a little bigger than your size and that it fits like a tunic, that is, it reaches up to mid-thigh.
- Before purchasing the costume be sure to try it on, you or anyone else who needs to wear it. The tunic is an emblematic part of the Peter Pan costume, therefore a short or tight model will not be adequate.
- You can buy a regular shirt, polo shirt, or shirt made of linen or a similar material for a more comfortable look.
Step 3. Use a pencil to make marks on the shirt
It is known that the Peter Pan tunic has a zigzag cut along the lower end and sleeves, which gives it a jaunty air. Wear it and draw a large zig-zag pattern along the hem of the shirt and on the sleeves.
- If you are satisfied with the size, draw the pattern along the edge of the fabric; if, on the other hand, you have the impression that it is too big, trace it a little higher, so you can cut the shirt to the length you prefer.
- Also draw a V along the neck of the shirt, in case it doesn't already have a V-neck.
Step 4. Cut along the drawn lines
Lay the shirt out on the table and use a sharp pair of scissors to cut along the lines you drew on the shirt. Try to make clean, firm cuts so you don't fray the fabric or tear it. Try the shirt again and look in the mirror: if you notice that the zig-zag cut is irregular, take it off and trim it.
Part 2 of 3: Making the Hat
Step 1. Get the material you need
The hat is the most challenging part of the costume, since you will have to make it with your own hands. You will need about three feet of green felt, a pair of scissors, a needle or sewing machine, green thread, a hot glue gun, and a red feather. You can buy all these things at an art and craft shop.
If you're not going to sew, you can make a version of the hat by simply taking a green cap: flip the edge, then glue a red feather on one side to create a perfect Peter Pan hat
Step 2. Cut out a rounded triangle
With a pen, draw a triangle on the felt, which is approximately the size of the hat seen from the side, so make sure you make it large enough for your head (or for the head of the person who will have to wear it). Do not draw a perfect triangle, but rather one with a rounded and crooked tip, rather than a central one.
To take the measurements of the triangle, hold the piece of fabric at head height: since it does not have to be tight, you will only need to get an indicative idea
Step 3. Cut out a long, oblique triangle
Draw another figure that has roughly the shape of a knife blade, that is, it starts in a rectangular shape and ends in a point: it will be the brim of the hat. Make sure that the length of this template is about 1-2 cm longer than that of the rounded triangle you just made and cut it out with a pair of scissors.
Step 4. Make copies of the shapes
Take the two felt shapes, place them on the remaining fabric and, with a pen, trace the outlines. Cut out the new shapes with scissors to make copies identical to the ones you just made.
Step 5. Sew the two larger triangles together
Align them by arranging them on top of each other and use a needle and thread to sew them making a straight seam. Sew them together along the sides about 1 cm from the edge, leaving the bottom open. You can also use a sewing machine to do this.
Don't worry if the stitches aren't perfect, as you're sewing the inside of the hat
Step 6. Align the shapes for the roof
When you have finished sewing the central part of the hat, flip it inwards to hide the stitches, then take one of the oblique shapes and arrange it so that it overlaps the lower edge of the hat from the inside. Pin all around the bottom of the hat where the two parts overlap, then do the same thing on the other side with the other piece of fabric, making sure the wider parts are next to each other and that the thin parts touch.
Step 7. Secure the flaps to the hat
Using a needle and thread or your sewing machine, sew the templates for the brim along the entire bottom edge of the hat where you pinned. Also sew along the length where the two wider shapes overlap, then remove the pins and fold the two parts upwards to make the flap.
Step 8. Glue the feather
Take a long red one and glue it to one side of the hat inside the brim. Make sure it's at a 45 degree angle - when you're happy with the result, glue it using a hot glue gun.
Part 3 of 3: Making the Accessories
Step 1. Make or buy a belt
Although your costume is practically finished, you will still need some accessories to complete the classic Peter Pan look. If you have a brown belt, tighten it around your waist, over the green tunic. You can also tie a brown cloth band or string if you don't plan on buying one.
Step 2. Purchase a small toy dagger
Peter Pan always carries one with him in a sheath attached to his belt. Buy a toy from a fancy dress shop - if it doesn't come with a scabbard, just keep it on your hip tucked into your belt. Since it's a toy, you don't have to worry about hurting yourself.
- Don't use a real knife. Even if you want to make a sensational costume, it's not worth the risk of hurting yourself!
- You can also make one out of cardboard and paint it to make it look real.
Step 3. Wear brown or nude shoes, preferably moccasins or ankle boots
If you don't have the right pair of shoes, don't worry - people will likely be so drawn to your costume that they won't look at your feet.
Advice
- Ask a friend to dress up as Tinker Bell or Captain Hook to really get into character.
- If you're a girl, pull your hair up and tuck it under your hat to mimic the short Peter Pan cut.
- Remember to look like a brat when you wear this costume.
