How do you make a mummy costume?

Materials Needed

• White fabric or old bedsheets (2-3 large sheets)
• White long-sleeved shirt and pants (base layer)
• Scissors
• Tea bags (3-12, depending on the amount of fabric)
• Large pot for brewing tea
• Sewing machine (optional)
• Sewing supplies (thread, needles, seam ripper)
• Safety pins
• Baby powder
• Black and white face paint
• Gel or hair product (optional)
• Ski mask (optional)
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks (optional)

Step 1: Preparing the Fabric

1. Cutting the Fabric:
   1. Lay out your white fabric or bedsheets on a flat surface.
   2. Using scissors, cut 2-3 inch wide strips along the length of the fabric.
   3. Don't worry about making the strips perfectly even; slight variations will add to the realistic appearance of your mummy wrappings.
   4. Continue cutting until you have a large pile of fabric strips.

2. Aging the Fabric:
   1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
   2. Add 3-12 tea bags to the water, depending on how much fabric you're dyeing and how dark you want the color to be.
   3. Reduce the heat and let the tea steep for about 5 minutes.
   4. Remove the tea bags and add your fabric strips to the pot.
   5. Allow the fabric to soak in the tea for 30 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally to ensure even coloring.
   6. Remove the fabric from the pot and rinse it in cold water until the water runs clear.
   7. Hang the strips to dry completely.

3. Distressing the Fabric (Optional):
   1. Once the fabric is dry, you can further distress it for a more weathered look.
   2. Rub the edges of the strips with sandpaper to fray them slightly.
   3. Use scissors to create small holes or tears in some of the strips.
   4. If desired, you can use black face paint or watered-down acrylic paint to add dark spots or stains to the fabric.

Step 2: Creating the Base Layer

1. Choosing the Base Garments:
   1. Select a white long-sleeved shirt and pants that fit comfortably.
   2. Ideally, choose form-fitting garments to prevent bulkiness under the bandages.

2. Preparing the Base Layer:
   1. If using a sewing machine, you can sew some of the fabric strips directly onto the base garments for added security.
   2. Start at the bottom of the pants and work your way up, overlapping the strips slightly.
   3. Continue this process on the shirt, starting from the bottom and working up to the neckline.
   4. Leave the arms free for now, as they will be wrapped separately.

Step 3: Wrapping the Costume

1. Starting with the Legs:
   1. Begin wrapping one leg, starting at the ankle and working your way up.
   2. Overlap the strips slightly and vary the direction of the wrapping for a more realistic look.
   3. Secure the ends of the strips with safety pins or by tucking them under other layers.
   4. Repeat the process on the other leg.

2. Wrapping the Torso:
   1. Continue wrapping the bandages around your waist and up your torso.
   2. Crisscross the strips across your chest and back for added texture and interest.
   3. Make sure to leave enough slack in the wrappings to allow for movement.

3. Wrapping the Arms:
   1. Start at the wrists and wrap each arm individually, working your way up to the shoulders.
   2. Again, vary the direction and overlap of the strips for a more authentic appearance.

4. Creating Texture and Depth:
   1. As you wrap, intentionally leave some areas looser or bunched up to create a more dynamic and realistic mummy appearance.
   2. Allow some strips to hang loose or dangle in places for added effect.

5. Securing the Wrappings:
   1. Use safety pins strategically to keep the bandages in place, especially in areas that will see a lot of movement.
   2. If using a hot glue gun, you can add small dabs of glue in inconspicuous places to secure the wrappings.

Step 4: Adding Final Touches

1. Applying Makeup:
   1. Use white face paint to cover your exposed skin, creating a pale, lifeless appearance.
   2. Apply black face paint around your eyes to create sunken sockets.
   3. Use the black paint to add shadowing and depth to your facial features.

2. Creating a Mummy Head:
   1. If using a ski mask, put it on before wrapping your head.
   2. Carefully wrap bandages around your head, leaving openings for your eyes and mouth.
   3. If not using a ski mask, apply makeup to your face and neck before wrapping.

3. Styling Hair:
   1. If your hair is visible, use gel or hair product to slick it back or create a disheveled look.
   2. You can also wrap thin strips of fabric around sections of hair for added effect.

4. Adding the Dusty Effect:
   1. Lightly dust your entire costume with baby powder to create an aged, dusty appearance.
   2. Pay special attention to crevices and folds in the bandages.

5. Optional Accessories:
   1. Consider adding ancient Egyptian-inspired jewelry or amulets to your costume.
   2. You could also carry props like a sarcophagus-shaped candy bucket or a staff.

Tips for Wearing Your Mummy Costume

1. Mobility: Ensure that you can move comfortably in your costume. You may need to adjust the tightness of the wrappings in certain areas.

2. Bathroom Breaks: Consider creating a way to easily remove and reapply the lower half of your costume for bathroom accessibility.

3. Temperature Control: Mummy costumes can get warm, so plan accordingly if you'll be wearing it for an extended period.

4. Safety: Make sure your vision isn't obstructed by the head wrappings, especially if you'll be trick-or-treating or navigating crowded areas.

5. Maintenance: Bring extra safety pins and some spare fabric strips in case you need to make repairs throughout the night.

Alternative Mummy Costume Ideas

1. Colorful Mummy: Use brightly colored fabric instead of white for a modern twist.

2. Zombie Mummy: Incorporate elements of zombie makeup with fake blood and prosthetic wounds.

3. Royal Mummy: Add gold accents and a pharaoh's headdress for a more regal mummy look.

4. Couple's Costume: Create matching mummy costumes with a partner, or have one person dress as an archaeologist.

5. Pet Mummy: Extend the fun to your furry friends with a pet-sized mummy costume.

Mummy Costume Inspiration from Pop Culture

1. Imhotep from "The Mummy" franchise
2. King Tut from various media representations
3. Murray the Mummy from "Hotel Transylvania"
4. The Mummy from "Monster Squad"
5. Anck-Su-Namun from "The Mummy Returns"

Where to Find Mummy Costume Supplies

1. Local Craft Stores: For fabric, sewing supplies, and makeup.
2. Halloween Specialty Shops: For accessories and pre-made bandages.
3. Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon offer a wide range of costume supplies.
4. Thrift Stores: Great for finding base layer clothing and sheets to repurpose.
5. Cosplay Websites: Sites like crazecosplay.com offer a variety of costume options, including mummy-inspired designs.

Caring for Your Mummy Costume

1. Cleaning: Spot clean any stains with a damp cloth. If machine washing is necessary, use a gentle cycle and cold water.

2. Storage: Store your costume in a cool, dry place to prevent mold and mildew. Consider using a garment bag for protection.

3. Repairs: Before storing, make any necessary repairs to tears or loose bandages.

4. Refreshing: If the costume loses its aged look over time, you can re-dye it using the tea method described earlier.

Conclusion