How to make a cousin it costume?

Materials Needed

• Dress form or alternative frame: You can use a coat rack, tomato cage, or even a large piece of cardboard cut into a cylindrical shape.
• Hula skirts: These will form the "hair" of Cousin Itt. You can find these at party supply stores or online. Ensure you have enough to cover the entire frame.
• Sunglasses: Any pair of dark sunglasses will work.
• Black hat: A bowler hat or any wide-brimmed black hat will be perfect.
• Paper clips or safety pins: These will help secure the hula skirts to the frame.
• Hot glue gun: For attaching the sunglasses and hat securely.
• Optional accessories: You can add a cane or gloves for extra flair.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Frame

1. Select Your Frame: Choose a dress form, coat rack, or tomato cage as the base for your costume. If you don't have these, you can create a frame using cardboard. Cut the cardboard into a cylindrical shape that fits your body size.
2. Stabilize the Frame: Ensure that your frame is stable and can stand upright. If using a dress form or coat rack, this step is straightforward. For a tomato cage or cardboard frame, you might need to secure it with additional supports.

Step 2: Attaching the Hula Skirts

1. Layering the Skirts: Start by attaching the hula skirts to the bottom of the frame. Use paper clips or safety pins to secure the skirts in place. If the skirts have flowers, try to remove them or hide them as much as possible.
2. Overlap for Full Coverage: Continue layering the hula skirts, overlapping them to ensure there are no gaps. Work your way up the frame, securing each layer with paper clips or safety pins.
3. Top Layer: For the top layer, ensure that the hula skirt covers the top of the frame completely. This will give the appearance of Cousin Itt's hair flowing naturally.

Step 3: Adding the Accessories

1. Hat and Sunglasses: Place the black hat on top of the frame. Position the sunglasses just below the hat. If the sunglasses don't stay in place, use a hot glue gun to attach them securely under the hat's brim.
2. Optional Accessories: If you want to add a cane or gloves, now is the time to do so. These accessories can give your costume an extra touch of authenticity.

Step 4: Final Touches

1. Adjust the Skirts: Make sure the hula skirts are evenly distributed and cover the entire frame. Adjust any areas that need more coverage.
2. Test the Stability: Ensure that the frame is stable and can be worn comfortably. Make any necessary adjustments to the frame or skirts.
3. Try It On: Put on the costume and make sure everything fits well. Adjust the hat and sunglasses as needed.

Tips and Tricks

• Choosing the Right Hula Skirts: When selecting hula skirts, opt for those made of raffia or similar materials that resemble hair. You can find these at party supply stores or online retailers like CrazyCosplay.com and Rank No.1.
• Securing the Skirts: If paper clips or safety pins are not holding the skirts securely, consider using a hot glue gun for a more permanent solution.
• Comfort and Mobility: Ensure that the costume is comfortable to wear and allows for easy movement. You may need to make adjustments to the frame or skirts to achieve this.
• Adding Volume: If you want to add more volume to the costume, consider using additional hula skirts or layering them more densely.

Alternative Methods

• Yarn: Use long strands of yarn to create the hair. Attach the yarn to the frame in the same way you would attach the hula skirts.
• Wigs: Purchase multiple long wigs and attach them to the frame. This method can be more expensive but will give a more realistic hair effect.
• Fabric Strips: Cut long strips of fabric and attach them to the frame. This method can be more time-consuming but allows for more customization in terms of color and texture.

Inspiration and Ideas

Conclusion