3 Ways to Create a Ninja Turtle Costume

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

Ninja turtles were in fashion 20 years ago and are still a classic today. They are probably even more popular. If you need a costume for Halloween, for a theme night or for Carnival, this is where you should start.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: The Turtle Skin

Step 1. Collect everything you need

You have to focus on the top half of the costume because it is the most problematic. For the legs, just wear green sweatpants (possibly in the same color as the shirt). The upper part, on the other hand, must be "tortoiseshell". Here's what you need:

• A green t-shirt or sweatshirt.

  

• Yellow and brown garment paint.

  

• Paper plates.

  

• A sponge brush.

  

• Cardboard.

  

Step 2. Insert the card inside the shirt

This will separate the two sides, preventing the paint from penetrating. If you don't have cardstock, use some other sturdy material that you don't mind staining.

• Straighten the shirt and remove all creases. The cardstock will need to be just a little shorter than the width of the shirt when you lay it out.
• If you are using a short-sleeved shirt, underneath you must wear a long-sleeved one in the color of your turtle.

Step 3. Paint a large yellow rectangle in the center of the shirt

For inspiration, search the internet and see artistic representations of Ninja Turtles or their costumes. Yellow represents the bottom of the shell - choose the size that suits you.

It is easier to use a paper plate as a palette. You can throw it away when you are done and you don't have to worry about cleaning it

Step 4. Paint the brown lines of the carapace on the yellow rectangle

Due to the many variations over the years, it is impossible to establish 100% the appearance of the shell. For a classic effect, draw a thin line just inside the yellow border and lines that separate the block into six squares, with a vertical line in the center.

If you are looking to make some really strong turtles, you can make additional lines to make them look like abs. Work on the shell while the shirt dries

Method 2 of 3: The Shell

Step 1. Clean up the work area and collect the materials

This part is ambitious and you could get dirty, so clear the table, spread out some newspaper, grab a drink and sit down to start work. Here's what you'll need:

• A large aluminum pan

  

• Lots of newspapers (in addition to those that cover the workspace).

  

• Everything you need to make papier-mâché - a bowl, water, glue or flour.

  

• Scissors.

  

• Paint (or tape) brown and dark green.

  

• A drill (or something to drill holes in the pan).

  

• Wide brown ribbon.

  

Step 2. Fold the aluminum pan to shape it into a carapace

To do this, simply take the sides and push them slightly outwards, rounding the inside edges as well. While you're at it, round the entire pan. The entire carapace must have a slightly rounded shape.

Step 3. Line the baking sheet with paper mache

Using 2 parts of glue or 1 part flour, make a paste with water and cut newspaper strips 5 cm wide. Length doesn't really matter.

• Cover the entire outer surface of the shell. Work in each direction, creating an even layer. If you want to add some texture by overlapping the strips, you can do this, but the shape of the pan should already be quite shell-like.
• Let it dry for a couple of hours.

Step 4. Draw a turtle carapace pattern on the baking sheet

If it helps, paint the shell white to get started. Take a hexagonal pattern from the internet and trace it onto the baking sheet. The shell vaguely resembles a soccer ball, but horizontal lines will do as well. The final look, however, is up to you.

You will need to paint or tape the shell, so don't worry if you've left black lines. You will cover them

Step 5. Paint the shell or tape it over

Use green ribbon and brown paint (or vice versa) if you want a layered look. The paint is much easier to use, but the tape gives the shell a more durable look.

If you decide to paint, you may need to apply several coats of paint. Be patient. Let it dry when done

Step 6. Drill two holes in the top and bottom of the pan

Four in total. You will need to thread some straps through these holes, so place them assuming the shell is a backpack.

It is easier to use a drill, but any tool that can drill into aluminum will do. If you don't use a drill, try to drill holes of similar size

Step 7. Thread the brown tape through the top hole

Don't cut it yet - you don't know how much you'll need it. Lay the pan on your back. Pass the tape over the shoulder and through the bottom hole. Leave an extra 10 cm for knots and for cutting. Then, measure that length and cut another piece of it for the other side.

Tie knots to keep the ribbon from slipping out of the holes. This is best done when you have the pan on your back, so get a friend to help you if possible

Method 3 of 3: The Final Touch

Step 1. Get the materials for the belt and bandana

A good ninja turtle costume shows in the details. Otherwise you would be just a turtle. You will need the following items:

• Wide brown ribbon.

  

• A cardboard circle.

  

• White paper.

  

• Marker in the color of your turtle.

  

• Wide ribbon in the color of your turtle.

  

Step 2. Measure the length of a ribbon around your waist

Cut it so that it fits like a wide belt.

Step 3. Cut small circles of white paper and cardstock

They should be about 7.5cm in diameter. Draw your turtle's letter on the white paper (with the right color) and stick it on the cardboard.

Step 4. Attach the hoop to the belt

It's a good idea to use duct tape, but glue or a stapler will do the trick too. If you don't want to show the belt knot, use the circle to join and hide the two ends.

The letter should be worn front, center. Tighten the belt enough so that it doesn't rotate much

Step 5. Cut some tape to wrap around your head, arms and legs

You can show which turtle you are by wearing a bandana, bracelets and anklets in the colors of your turtle. Wear the bandana on the forehead, the bracelets around the biceps and the anklets around the calves.

If the tape is wide enough, you could punch holes in it and use it as a mask

Step 6. Create a mask around the eyes with makeup

Again use the colors of your turtle. It is a simple alternative to the bandana.

Draw the mask above the eyebrows and just below the eyes, passing through the nose and stretching the strip to the ears. Ninja turtle masks weren't very big

Step 7. Put on your costume

Now is the time to use wadding or cushioning - unless you already have the physique of a bodybuilder. Fill the chest, biceps and thighs. Shape your muscles however you like.

There is no need to stuff your costume. But this would make it even more eye-catching

Advice

• Let the paint, glue, and makeup dry for as long as necessary.
• Buy cheap plastic weapons and fit them into your belt.
• You can also use regular socks instead of ribbons.