DIY Children’s Costumes: 20 FREE Sewing Patterns And Tutorials

Watch you kid’s face light up when they get to become their favorite character! From superheroes to storybook friends, children’s costumes are the absolute best way to celebrate their imagination. It’s a project filled with joy for both the maker and the wearer, and the memories you’ll create are simply priceless.

That’s why we’re so excited to share our collection of Free and Fun Children’s Costumes! We’ve gathered a fantastic mix of 17 sewing patterns to help you create awesome outfits for Halloween, school plays, or just everyday dress-up adventures. Get ready to dive into your fabric stash and stitch up something truly special that will bring a huge smile to a child’s face!

DIY Tulle and Ribbon Skirt

children's princess costume
Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

In blue this skirt is perfect for Cinderella, in pink it’s a gorgeous Glenda the Good Witch, and in red you are all set for The Queen of Hearts! Here’s an easy pattern and tutorial for a dreamy children’s costume. I would love to see how you use it in your costume; tag me on Instagram @sewcanshe!

Jack Skellington

Child dressed as Jack Skellington, smiling.
Photo credit: BlueSusanMakes.com

Sarah said, “…Costumes can be messy and unfinished. Don’t be afraid to try making a costume. It’s fun!” She’s right; you can use any kind of paint and stitching to make costume magic. Here’s her DIY costume tutorial and pattern links for Jack Skellington.

Rainbows and Sunshine

homemade baby costume
Photo credit: merriment design

Is this the cutest children’s costume idea or what? I love this costume for babies and toddlers, but I know you can also adapt it (without changing the size too much) for any size costume. Perhaps twins or besties would rock this look! Head to merrimentdesign to sew the sunshine and rainbow look this year.

Rainbow Unicorn

Rainbow Unicorn costume
Photo credit: BlueSusanMakes.com

Rainbows and unicorns – can you even have one without the other? When I was in elementary school I had a purple banana seat bike with a rainbow Pegasus – add some wings to this cute rainbow unicorn pattern and you’re set.

Fabric Butterfly Wings

Child wearing butterfly wings outdoors.
Photo credit: MadeForMermaids.com

Did someone say, “Wings”? Indeed, I did! Here is a free pattern for fabric wings in three sizes from Made For Mermaids. Wings are great for costumes and make-believe because they’re so versatile!

Black Panther

Child wearing Black Panther costume.
Photo credit: BlueSusanMakes.com

My friend, Sarah is so creative! You will appreciate her free sewing pattern for this DIY Black Panther children’s costume. She writes a good pattern, and she shares her learning experiences so that your sewing project will turn out beautifully. I hope you give it a try, or use this as a jumping off point for a different muscled costume.

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Bluey and Bingo

Kids in colorful animal costumes.
Photo credit: HeatherHandmade.com

Your kids will love these DIY costumes as much as you like making them. Here is Heather’s free pattern for Bluey, and here is her free pattern for Bingo. Enjoy!

Totally Girly Clown

Colorful, playful, whimsical clown costume.
Photo credit: ClassyClutter.com

I love everything about this colorful girly clown children’s costume from Classy Clutter. I am sure you will be fulfilled as you put the finishing touches of makeup and accessories on your masterpiece!

DIY Costumes for Guardians of the Galaxy

DIY Costumes for Guardians of the Galaxy
Photo credit: BlueSusanMakes.com

You can check out “Making Halloween – Guardians of the Galaxy” for inspiration and helpful tips. The fun really comes alive when children enter the roll they have chosen. My experience has been that they love what we create (no matter what bits are disappointing to us) and cherish the time we put into their imaginations.

DIY Pirate Costume

pirate costume
Photo credit: AppleGreenCottage.com

Pirates are a classic, and this children’s costume is one of those year-round, always applicable looks. This pattern from Apple Green Cottage is an easy and iconic pirate look.

Nightshade Dress

Black tiered dress with ruffled sleeves.
Photo credit: MoodFabrics.com

Wednesday Adams? Yes, please! This free pattern from Mood Fabrics is sure to impress. And I’m sure you will get more than one use out of this beautiful costume!

Easy DIY Crown

Delicate golden crown on blue fabric.
Photo credit: Jessica’s Workshop

Some costumes call for accessories to really finish them properly. Here is a video tutorial for an easy crown for a princess, a king, or a jewelry thief!

Curious George & The Man

Child in yellow costume with monkey
Photo credit: SewALittleSeam.com

Jump over to Sew A Little Seam to see how she made these costumes. Another classic tried-and-true duo for a stellar Halloween haul!

No Sew Baby Pineapple

Baby in cute pineapple costume.
Photo credit: LinesAcross.com

Pineapples are a hit in Florida right now; they’re everywhere. As a bonus this baby costume is great in Florida because it doesn’t really get cold for Halloween. I steer clear of the full on animal costumes, so this is more like it!

Hoodie Hack Dragon

Child wearing dragon-themed hoodie costume
Photo credit: SwoodsonSays.com

I love a good shortcut! This one is great because you add the dragon elements onto an existing hoodie; that’s nearly half the work done before you even start. Swoodson Says has the pattern to show you how.

DIY Kids Costume – Easy Gorilla

Realistic gorilla costume with mask.
Photo credit: BlueSusanMakes.com

Make a simple gorilla costume with this DIY Gorilla tutorial. Use lots of existing material, and add the gorilla elements to it!

Fortnite Marshmallow

Child wearing Marshmallow costume outdoors.
Photo credit: HeatherHandmade.com

I kept waiting for Fortnite to go out of style, but it’s got staying power! Sew a Fortnite costume this year for extra fun times!

Felt Masks

Colorful felt masks for kids
Photo credit: SewALittleSeam.com

Masks can really add a fun touch to a costume. Sew A Little Seam has four patterns for making felt masks that are really well done. And you can make them any color to match your costume; I hate being limited by what the store has to offer.

Mummies!

Children dressed as mummies outdoors.
Photo credit: Melissa Mortenson / Polka Dot Chair

This is a great tutorial for a mummy costume. It doesn’t take too long, and you will love the results.

Sturdy Wings

diy bat wings
Photo credit: Seechel’s Vlog

This set of wing’s is made using the video tutorial from Seechel’s Vlog. You will be happy with the sturdy construction and versatility of this pattern.

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Disclosure: some of my posts contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of those links I may receive a small commission, so thank you for supporting SewCanShe when you shop! All of the opinions are my own and I only suggest products that I actually use. 🙂