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Halloween Costume Sewing Tips
Halloween Costumes that You -- Yes, You -- Can Make in a
Weekend
There’s something special about making a Halloween costume for
your child. Sure, you could head to the nearest big box retailer
and pick up the latest superhero or cartoon character outfit, but
why not get creative this year and come up with a costume that
won’t get lost in a sea of look-alikes?
Making a Halloween costume doesn’t require professional sewing
skills. If you can stitch a straight line with your sewing
machine, you’re in business. If you are a more experienced sewer,
you can get as intricate as you like. But even casual sewers can
achieve great results that you’ll be proud to include in the
family photo album.
“Halloween is the second largest sewing holiday, next to
Christmas,” says Gayle Hillert, vice president, education and
training for Bernina of America. “What could be more fun and
creative than sewing a great costume for your child -- you don’t
have to worry about fit, you can use all kinds of exciting
fabrics, feet and machine stitches, and your kids will be the talk
of the neighborhood in their creative creations lovingly sewn by
Mom.”
Here are a few costume-making tips from the experts at Bernina
to get you started:
* Look for fast, simple patterns -- the fewer pieces,
the better, especially if you haven’t followed a pattern for a
while.
* Use patterns that can multi-task -- for example, a
cape pattern can be used for a superhero or a witch. A princess, a
fairy and a ballerina all dress alike with a few changes (wings
and magic wand for the fairy, pointy hat with netting for the
princess, etc.).
* Details make the difference -- don’t forget to include
props and makeup in your costume planning; they contribute to the
illusion. A broomstick horse completes a cowboy outfit; a cat
needs eyeliner whiskers. Costume jewelry and scarves add pizzazz
to a pirate’s ensemble.
* Don’t sweat the small stuff -- costumes don’t have to
be perfect. They are usually for short-term use and are only worn
one or two times. No one but you will know if your hem isn’t
blind-stitched or your seam allowances aren’t finished.
* Use what you have -- dig deep into your closet or
visit local thrift stores for costume pieces. A velour top and
pants are the beginning of a great puppy or kitten costume, for
instance. One leg of an old pair of tights makes a great tail for
those outfits, or use several pairs to add extra arms and legs to
an octopus or a spider.
* Check your presser feet and accessory collection --
the right tools will make the job easier. Use a gathering foot for
fast ruffles, a bias binder attachment or serger to finish edges,
elasticator to quickly apply elastic, bulky overlock foot to
attach fringe, coding and other trims.
* Use reflective fabrics and tapes -- this makes the
costume safe for children to wear at night. If you live in a cold
climate, make sure the costume is big enough to be worn over
something warm.
* Get your kids involved in the process -- they’ll be
proud to wear a costume they’ve helped make.
For more easy sewing tips, and to see the entire line of
bernette for Bernina machines, visit www.berninausa.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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