No-Sew, Easy DIY Halloween Costumes for Kids
No time, no thread, no problem! Whether Halloween crept up on you or your child changed their mind last minute, you don’t need to panic or pull out a sewing kit. With a few things you probably already have at home—like duct tape, felt, or pajamas—you can put together fun, one-of-a-kind costumes without ever threading a needle.
From space explorers to skunks, and even a walking gumball machine, these no-sew ideas are easy to make, comfortable to wear, and big on creativity. Keep reading for kid-friendly costumes that are fast, affordable, and seriously fun to build together.
Space Explorer Outfit
You can make a space-themed outfit for girls using pajamas and supplies found at home. Start with roomy pajamas and wrap several strips of shiny silver duct tape around them to mimic a spacesuit design. Paint a small plunger silver and attach it to a strip of fabric elastic to create a fun antenna hat. Spray a hula hoop silver and fix long strips of duct tape to it to serve as a futuristic skirt. This creative approach keeps the look easy to move in while still feeling out of this world.
Vampire Bat Costume
Quickly create a vampire bat costume that works well as a last-minute Halloween costume. Remove the fabric from an old umbrella and cut it in half. Fold each piece and tape it with black duct tape along the arms of a black fleece to form realistic wings. Cut two triangles from stiff felt and hot glue them to a black headband for bat ears. This easy method requires minimal sewing and uses basic supplies often found at home.
Troll Costume
You can make a troll costume using simple, easy-to-find materials. Start by folding down the edges of a furry leg warmer until they form a pointed tip. Insert strong craft wire inside the tip so it stands upright. If the leg warmer does not fit snugly, attach the “hair” to a warm hat. Glue fake flowers or butterflies onto a ribbon, then wrap the ribbon around the hair. Fasten the back with Velcro to keep it in place.
Wear bright pajamas as the base, then layer a top, skirt, or dress over them to finish the outfit. Use scissors to cut ribbons or adjust decorations as needed.
Campfire-Themed Costume
You can put together a campfire-inspired outfit with simple supplies found at home. Cut flame shapes from red, orange, and yellow felt. Layer and glue these onto an old red shirt, then add a strip of brown fabric below the flames to represent logs. Cut pool noodles in half and wrap them in brown tape to serve as logs. Arrange and glue them along the brown fabric at different angles. To add smoke, shape and paint stiff felt with grey, attach cotton batting, and secure it to a headband.
Rain Cloud Costume
Create a rain cloud costume as a team project. One person holds the umbrella while the other attaches clusters of cotton batting with hot glue. Cut blue teardrop shapes from transparency sheets, hang them on thin ribbons, and glue them under the cloud to look like falling rain. This simple method creates a fun and eye-catching rain cloud costume that’s easy to wear.
Tooth Fairy Costume
Create a Tooth Fairy costume with a few basic supplies you may already have. Tie strips of tulle around a piece of fabric elastic to make a tutu that fits easily around the waist. Cut a narrow piece from a pool noodle, insert a dustpan brush, and add a broomstick to create a playful toothbrush prop.
Glue toothbrushes upright onto a hair band, securing them with stiffened felt at the back to craft the tiara. Add fairy wings to complete the look.
Skunk Outfit
Make a homemade skunk outfit with simple materials. Form the tail by filling a black sock and adding craft wire inside to keep its curve. Use a hot glue gun to attach the tail to a plain black hoodie for a sturdy and comfortable costume.
Glue thin feather boas from the hood all the way down the back, crossing over and under the tail to create the signature white stripe. Trim black stiffened felt into ear shapes and glue them to the top of the hood. Cut a white felt oval for the belly, gluing half to one side of the zipper and using Velcro on the other for easy hoodie access.
Road-Themed Outfit
Create a road-themed outfit quickly for a last minute Halloween costume. Attach small toy cars onto a black ribbon with hot glue, then wear the ribbon around the neck. Add yellow masking tape to black clothing—such as a jacket and pants—to create center lines for the roadway. Glue black felt squares onto white felt, attach a wooden spoon as the handle, and make a racing flag for a fun accessory.
Rainy-Day Animal Outfit
Use an umbrella as the main prop for a rainy-day animal costume. Cut cat and dog shapes from cardstock or use printed emojis, then fasten them to thin ribbons. Attach the ribbons inside the umbrella to create the look of cats and dogs falling from the sky when the umbrella is open.
Secure the ribbons with hot glue or packing tape if you want to reuse the umbrella. Kids can hold the umbrella while decorations are added. Customize the costume with stickers or your own drawings.
Poodle Outfit
Make a poodle outfit with basic craft supplies. Attach strings of feather boas onto strips of elastic and add Velcro closures to create fluffy anklets and wristlets.To make the tail, fasten a felt rectangle to a felt circle, cover it with boa material, and tie it around the waist with a ribbon.
Cut long teardrop shapes from felt, glue more feathers on top, and attach these to a headband for the ears. Add extra ribbons or feathers for more decoration.
Festive Pinata Look
Make a pinata costume using large one-piece pajamas as the base. Cut colored felt into long strips and fringe along one edge by slicing three-quarters up the side. Attach the fringed felt with hot glue directly to the pajamas in layers, starting at the ankles and moving upward for a textured effect.
Shape cones from cardstock for the ears, place a party blower inside each cone, cover them in matching fringe, and glue them onto a hair band. Add colored yarn for extra flair or playful touches.
Pilot Outfit
Make a pilot outfit for kids easily with a few supplies. Cut yellow and gold felt into star, shield, and wing shapes to create a badge, then glue the shapes together and attach them to a jacket with double-sided tape. Use a strip of white felt as a scarf if a real one isn’t available. Add gold strips to a hat with ear flaps and glue Mason jar lids onto the felt for goggles.
Mountie Look
Customize a red peacoat to put together a Mountie outfit. Cover the collar with black duct tape and use yellow masking tape for the edges and epaulettes. Stick yellow masking tape down the sides of black trousers for an authentic touch.
Paint a homemade buckle gold on a cardboard belt, then thread a black ribbon through it and tie at the back. Finish with a hat.
Monster Outfit
Make a no-sew monster costume using common craft materials. Cut a pool noodle into 1-inch rings and attach them to a hoodie and sweatpants with a hot glue gun. Add fun fur strips to the hood and sleeves, and glue extra pieces of fur in the center of some noodle rings for added detail. Shape stiff felt into ears and glue them to the hood. Glue Styrofoam balls with googly eyes along the hood edge.
Lego Character Outfit
Create a Lego-inspired costume by starting with a large cardboard piece and covering it with glossy acrylic paint. Cut out twelve egg carton cups, paint them to match, and attach them to the cardboard with hot glue for the iconic Lego bumps. Tie matching ribbon behind the neck to secure the costume.
Jellyfish Costume
Children can use a clear umbrella as the base for a jellyfish costume. Attach strips of silver and white wired ribbon around the edge with packing tape to form the tentacles. Use hot glue if the umbrella will not be reused.
Beanstalk Costume
Use a thick green pool noodle as a base for the beanstalk. Wrap artificial ivy around the noodle and secure it with hot glue. Cut a cloud shape from foam core and attach cotton batting for a soft, fluffy effect.
Honey Bear Costume
Make a honey bear costume using lightweight and simple materials. Cut thin pool noodles in half lengthwise, shape them into rings that fit around the body, and hold them together securely with duct tape.
Stack four finished rings to build the honey pot shape, taping them together with yellow duct tape. Wrap white felt around the pot and attach it with hot glue. Write the word “honey” on the front using fabric paint or pre-cut letters. Glue pompoms and bits of white felt to craft small bees and attach them around the honey pot.
Tape ribbons to the top of the pot for shoulder straps, crisscrossing them in the back for support. Connect two small pieces of noodles, add felt ears, and glue the assembly to a hairband as a bear hat.
Hip-Hopper Outfit
A Hip-Hopper costume stands out with a homemade boom box that also holds treats. Use a small cardboard box, seal all sides with glue, and remove the tape. Cut a rectangular opening in the top to serve as the handle, reinforcing it underneath with a plastic ruler. Paint the box with two coats of acrylic paint, then add colored cardstock decorations with double-sided tape.
Gnome Outfit
Make a DIY Halloween gnome outfit with a few craft supplies. Glue together two felt triangles at the edges to form the hat, then turn it right side out for a neat finish.
Shape the beard from a sturdy white felt, decorate it with soft cotton, and attach it using fabric elastic. Cut a yellow Bristol board square and two strips to form a belt buckle. Slide a ribbon through the buckle and tie it around a puffy jacket.
Cow Costume
Craft a cow costume with a few items. Paint four egg carton cups pink, attach them to an oval piece of pink felt, and fasten this to the front of a white shirt with hot glue to make an udder. Cut cow spots from black felt and stick them onto a white shirt, pants, or tutu skirt.
Cut black and pink felt into rounded diamond shapes, pinch the bottoms together, and hot glue the ears onto a white hat. Place a small strip of fake fur at the top for a finishing touch.
Flamingo Outfit
Make a flamingo outfit with a few pink boas and an old shirt. Glue a boa from the wrist, up the arm, and over the shoulder, then continue halfway down the front of the shirt. Attach more boas in rows from top to bottom for a bright, feathery look.
Cut white and black felt for the beak and attach them to a black glove. Add feathers and a googly eye to finish the look.
Equestrian Costume
Fold a section of a thin pool noodle to form the horse’s head and tie it in place with ribbon. Cut fringe along two long strips of felt to make a mane and attach them with hot glue. Glue a long ribbon for reins. Kids can hold the noodle like a hobby horse for a fun, easy-to-make prop.
Dragonfly Costume
Make a dragonfly costume at home using common craft items and simple steps. Cut a Styrofoam ball in half, paint both pieces with acrylic paint, and glue them onto a basic hair band. Attach small pompoms to the ends of pipe cleaners for antennae, then fix them onto the same hair band.
Remove the fabric from two sets of fairy wings and shape the wire frames until they become thin and long. Use the legs from two pairs of white children’s tights to cover each wing frame and fasten the centers with silver duct tape. Bind both sets of wings together with more tape, create fabric elastic loops sized to fit, and attach them at the wing base.
Add glitter glue across the wings for a shiny effect. Pair the wings and headband with a puffy jacket or snowsuit for the dragonfly body.
Crow Outfit
To create a crow costume, start with an old black hoodie as the base. Attach a feather boa using hot glue, starting from one arm, stretching across the hood, and moving down the other arm to form the wings. Depending on the size needed, you might need a second boa. For a beak, cut a stiff felt triangle, fold it, and secure it under the bridge of old glasses for an easy finishing touch.
Corn Costume
To make a simple corn costume, use the bottom half of an 18-egg carton and paint the bumpy side yellow. After the paint dries, glue the carton pieces to a yellow shirt to look like corn kernels. Add some raffia to a hair band for the finishing touch.
Devil Costume
To make easy devil horns, shape some tinfoil into two pointed forms, then wrap each with black felt and glue them in place. Attach the horns to a basic headband. For the tail, sandwich a ribbon between two arrow-shaped felt pieces, glue them together, and sew the finished tail onto the back of the costume.
Cowgirl Outfit
A classic cowgirl outfit uses simple accessories for an authentic look. Tie a bandana loosely around the neck for a traditional touch. To make a lasso, fold a thin cotton rope in half, twist it together, and secure the end with twine, then shape it into a loop.
Rosie the Riveter Outfit
To dress as Rosie the Riveter, wear a red bandana tied at the top of the head, just like a headband. Create a speech bubble prop by cutting black foam board into the right shape and using construction paper letters to spell out We Can Do It! Attach the bubble to a stick with tape and use it as an easy accessory.
Deck of Cards Costume
For a homemade deck of cards costume, start by wrapping a large box in white paper and securing it with spray glue. Draw slim black lines on each side to give the box the look of a stacked card deck. Cut out spaces for the head and arms and tape over any rough edges with white tape. Add red heart or diamond shapes and numbers for detail.
Movie Director Outfit
Gather a few craft supplies to put together a simple movie director outfit. Create a megaphone by rolling grey Bristol board into a cone and taping it in shape. Add a handle by cutting out a strip from the board and gluing it on. For extra style, stick on a black and white chevron pattern using construction paper. Finish the look with a beret as the main accessory for a classic director appearance.
Gift Box Outfit
Cover a cardboard box with colorful wrapping paper using spray adhesive. Cut openings for the head and arms, then add matching tape to cover any rough edges. Wrap a wide ribbon around the box and top it with a bow.
Train Conductor Costume
A DIY train conductor costume includes a loosely tied bandana, a conductor’s hat, and simple accessories like a toy whistle and a toy wrench. These items help complete the look and are easy to find or create for dress-up events.
Carmen Miranda Look
To make a Carmen Miranda outfit, tie a yellow bandana securely around the head. Attach small, inflated balloons and green paper leaves cut from construction paper with fabric glue to a basket for the headpiece. Use double-sided tape to keep the fruit shapes together. Add a simple chin strap made from elastic and complete the style with a bold, beaded necklace.
Dice Outfit
To create a dice outfit, use spray glue to attach black paper to a box. Cut holes for the head and arms, then use black tape to seal the box edges neatly. Glue white paper circles onto the box to show the dice numbers.
Dizzy Dude Outfit
To create a Dizzy Dude costume, twist floral stem wire around a headband to shape an antenna. Make a hoop using the same wire and secure it to the antenna with tape. Cut stars and birds from cardstock, then tape these shapes to the hoop for a fun, spinning look.
Pencil Costume
To make a pencil costume, craft a cone with beige Bristol board and secure it with tape. Place a small black cone made from black Bristol board on top and glue it over the beige cone to form the pencil tip. Cut a scalloped edge from yellow construction paper and attach it to the bottom of the beige cone. Add two holes on the sides and thread elastic string through them, tying knots to hold the string in place. This lets the cone fit easily over the head for a comfortable and fun costume.
Bunny-Themed Outfit
To create a simple bunny-themed outfit, use two pieces of felt for each ear and add an accent piece in the middle for detail. Glue the layers together, then fold the base of each ear over a headband and secure them with hot glue. For the tail, make a pom-pom and attach it to the outfit using hot glue or safety pins.
Washing Machine Costume
Start with a plain cardboard box and cover it in white paper using spray adhesive for a smooth appearance. Cut holes for the head, arms, and a round opening on the front. Insert a clear plastic bowl as the machine’s door, fill it with clothes, and seal it tightly using foam board. Finish all exposed edges with white tape. Glue plastic bottle caps onto a foam-board strip to make knobs for a realistic touch.
Grapes Costume
Shape a crown from green Bristol board and decorate it with leafy shapes made from construction paper. Attach balloons—representing grapes—by tying or taping them to safety pins and clipping them onto the clothing. Use face paint to add final details for a fun grape look.
Cherry Cupcake Outfit
To put together a cherry cupcake outfit, remove the metal frame from an old lampshade and turn the shade over. Use suspenders to keep the lampshade in place as a cupcake base. Twist a bedsheet to wrap around the body and secure it with safety pins. Attach felt sprinkles across the bedsheet for a colorful effect. Make a cherry topper by gluing a big pom-pom to a headband and add a stem using floral wire.
Princess Costume
Create a homemade princess hat using pink Bristol board to form a cone shape and hold it together with tape. Decorate the tip with a pom-pom and lightweight tulle. For a comfortable fit, thread elastic string through holes at the base, and line the edge with ribbon trim for a polished look.
Bubble Bath Outfit
Fasten white balloons to clothing to look like bubbles. Add extras such as a shower cap, cleaning brush, and small rubber ducks for a playful touch.
Mime Outfit
A DIY Halloween costume for a mime uses basic pieces like a black, red, or white bandana tied around the neck and a beret for a classic touch. Add suspenders, white gloves, and use white and black face paint to finish the look.
Circus Strongman Costume
To create a strongman costume, wrap a long cardboard tube in black duct tape to serve as a barbell. Inflate two black balloons and secure a cut-out “100” on each balloon using tape. Attach both balloons to the ends of the tube with elastic thread. Draw a strongman-style mustache on the face using a face paint pencil.
Candy Corn Costume
To make this costume, form a cone shape from white Bristol board and tape the edges to hold it together. Make two holes on each side at the base, then thread a piece of elastic string through and tie it off. This lets the cone costume stay in place when worn over the shoulders.
Gumball Machine Costume
Create a gumball machine costume by drawing and cutting out a dispenser shape from felt, then use hot glue to attach it to the front of an apron. Fill a clear plastic bowl with small, colorful balloons for the “gumballs” and cover the top with foam board. Attach a ribbon strap to the foam board for comfortable wear over the shoulders.
Martian Costume
Make a simple Martian costume by twisting two floral wires around a headband, then attaching silver foam balls to the ends. Wear a shirt with a duct tape V on the front, and make bracelets from duct tape to match the look. Use green face paint for a classic Martian appearance.
Witch Costume
To create a simple witch costume for Halloween, shape a cone from black Bristol board and use tape to keep it together. Punch a hole on each side at the bottom, thread elastic string through both holes, and tie it off securely. Cut a large circle for the brim, attach it to the cone, and finish with a glued paper trim for added style.
Robot Costume
To create a robot costume, cover cardboard boxes with silver wrapping paper and secure it with spray glue. Cut out spots for the head and arms. Add dryer vent tubing to the arm openings using tape for a mechanical look, and glue aluminum plates to the front for detail.
With just a few supplies and no sewing required, these DIY Halloween costumes make dressing up fun, fast, and stress-free. Kids will love showing off their one-of-a-kind looks—and you’ll love how easy they are to create. Whether you’re short on time or just love a good craft, these playful ideas prove that creativity doesn’t need a needle and thread. Happy costume making!
