Do it yourself chicken costume ideas 2024

Materials Needed

• 2 white leotards or a white hooded sweatshirt
• 3 to 5 white feather boas
• Bright yellow tights
• Yellow rubber gloves
• Red felt
• White pilot cap or stocking cap
• Poly-fil or cotton fiberfill
• Safety pins
• Needle and thread
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun
• Small sneakers (such as Converse or Keds)
• Super glue
• Styrofoam balls (optional for eyes)

Making the Body Suit

Step 1: Preparing the Base

1. Choose Your Base: Decide whether you want to use a white leotard or a white hooded sweatshirt as the base for your costume. A leotard works well for a more fitted look, while a sweatshirt can provide a looser, more comfortable fit.
2. Lay Out the Base: Lay your chosen base flat on a clean surface. This will make it easier to attach the feather boas.

Step 2: Attaching the Feather Boas

1. Start at the Neckline: Begin by attaching the first feather boa around the neckline of the leotard or sweatshirt. Use a needle and thread to sew the boa in place. Alternatively, you can use safety pins if you prefer a no-sew option.
2. Work in Rows: Continue sewing or pinning the boas in horizontal rows, working your way down the body of the leotard or sweatshirt. Make sure the rows are close together to ensure full coverage and a fluffy appearance.
3. Cover the Arms: Once the body is covered, move on to the arms. Cut smaller pieces of the feather boas to fit around the sleeves and attach them in the same manner.
4. Check for Gaps: After covering the entire base, check for any gaps or thin spots and add extra pieces of boa as needed.

Step 3: Adding Stuffing (Optional)

1. Create Pockets: If you want a puffier look, you can create small pockets inside the leotard or sweatshirt and fill them with Poly-fil or cotton fiberfill. This will give the costume a more rounded, fluffy appearance.
2. Secure the Stuffing: Use safety pins or sew the pockets closed to keep the stuffing in place.

Making the Chicken Hat

Step 1: Creating the Comb

1. Print or Draw a Template: Print a template of a chicken comb or draw one freehand on a piece of paper. The comb should be large enough to stand out on top of the hat.
2. Cut Out the Comb: Use the template to cut out two identical pieces of red felt.
3. Sew the Comb: Pin the two pieces of felt together and sew around the edges, leaving the bottom open. Turn the comb inside out so that the seams are hidden.

Step 2: Stuffing the Comb

1. Add Stuffing: Stuff the comb with Poly-fil or cotton fiberfill to give it a 3D appearance. Make sure it is firm enough to stand upright.
2. Close the Comb: Tuck the raw edges under and sew the bottom of the comb closed.

Step 3: Attaching the Comb to the Hat

1. Position the Comb: Place the comb on top of the white pilot cap or stocking cap, positioning it in the center.
2. Sew the Comb: Sew the comb onto the hat, making sure it is securely attached. You can also use a hot glue gun for added stability.

Step 4: Adding Eyes (Optional)

1. Create Eyes: If you want to add eyes to your hat, use two Styrofoam balls. Draw pupils on the balls with a black marker.
2. Attach the Eyes: Use a hot glue gun to attach the Styrofoam balls to the front of the hat, just below the comb.

Making the Feet

Step 1: Preparing the Shoes

1. Choose Your Shoes: Select a pair of small sneakers, such as Converse or Keds, that you don't mind altering.
2. Cover with Gloves: Slide yellow rubber gloves over the shoes. This will create the appearance of chicken feet.

Step 2: Securing the Gloves

1. Trim the Gloves: If the gloves are too long, trim the excess material so that they fit snugly over the shoes.
2. Glue the Gloves: Use super glue to attach the gloves to the shoes, making sure they are securely in place.

Step 3: Adding Details

1. Create Toes: Cut small pieces of red felt to create the appearance of chicken toes. Glue these pieces to the tips of the gloves.
2. Allow to Dry: Let the glue dry completely before wearing the shoes.

Assembling the Costume

Step 1: Putting on the Body Suit

1. Wear Yellow Tights: Start by putting on the bright yellow tights. These will represent the chicken's legs.
2. Put on the Body Suit: Carefully put on the feathered leotard or sweatshirt. Make sure the feathers are evenly distributed and adjust as needed.

Step 2: Adding the Hat

1. Wear the Hat: Place the chicken hat on your head, making sure the comb is standing upright and the eyes (if added) are facing forward.

Step 3: Wearing the Feet

1. Put on the Shoes: Slide your feet into the chicken shoes. Make sure the gloves are securely attached and the toes are visible.

Step 4: Final Adjustments

1. Check the Fit: Make any final adjustments to ensure the costume fits comfortably and looks cohesive.
2. Secure Loose Feathers: If any feathers have come loose, use safety pins or a hot glue gun to reattach them.

Tips and Recommendations

• Minimize Handling: Feather boas can shed feathers easily, so try to minimize handling the costume until it is completely finished.
• Comfort First: Make sure the costume is comfortable to wear, especially if it will be worn for an extended period. Avoid making the costume too tight or too heavy.
• Safety Considerations: If the costume is for a child, ensure that the shoes are safe to walk in and that there are no small parts that could pose a choking hazard.
• Personalize Your Costume: Feel free to add your own personal touches to the costume. You can use different colors of felt for the comb, add a wattle under the chin, or even create a tail using additional feather boas.