These
costume ideas from Bernina don’t even use a pattern and require
minimal sewing, but deliver maximum cuteness.
Ballerina or Princess
Start with a leotard and tights; add ballet slippers and a
purchased tiara. Finish off the costume with a beautiful tutu or
skirt make from several yards of netting or tulle gathered and
attached to a ribbon waistband; tie around the waist like an
apron.
For really simple gathering, use a zigzag stitch with a length
of 4 mm and a width of 4 mm. Stitch over heavy thread or dental
floss, pull up gathers as needed, then tie thread tails together
to secure. Cut a length of one-inch wide ribbon 40 inches longer
than waist measurement. Matching center of ribbon to center front
of skirt, pin in place along the top edge. Stitch in place, sewing
along the outer edges or the ribbon.
Superhero
Make a cape from lightweight fabric cut to the desired length
plus one inch for hem. Hem the sides and both ends. Gather one end
(as in tutu above) until it is approximately eight to 10 inches
across. Center a 36-inch length of one-inch ribbon over the
gathered edge and stitch in place along the edges, turning the
ends under. On the underside of the gathers, stitch a length of
hook-and-loop tape. Sew the opposite part of the tape to the back
center neckline of a T-shirt or sweatshirt.
To wear, attach the cape to the hook-and-loop tape at the back
of the shirt, then tie the ends of the ribbon in a bow in front.
The hook-and-loop tape supports the weight of the cape.
Scarecrow or Hobo
Sew patches to worn out clothing. For straw stuffing, cut
rectangles of gold, orange and yellow felt to fit around the hems
of the clothes, cutting each strip about six inches wide. Use
scissors to cut the felt into fringe, stopping about one inch from
one long edge. Tuck the fringe into the lower edges of pants,
sleeves, and shirt with some coming out of the shirt collar;
stitch in place.
