Make a Prickly Cactus Costume for a Toddler

This is the perfect handmade costume opportunity for any parents with a hand-holding child.

Inspired by the fact that my young child still walks holding my hands, a simple saguaro cactus costume was a prime choice for his first Halloween. You only need a few materials to make one of your own. If you’re looking for a matching big kid and adult ensemble, check out this cactus costume tutorial.

Make a DIY Kid's Cactus Costume for Halloween

DIY Cactus Costume for Kids

Make a DIY Kid's Cactus Costume for Halloween

Photo by: Emily Fazio

Emily Fazio

Materials and Tools

  • a onesie or outfit of choice
  • green dye
  • needle
  • thread
  • scissors
  • thick white cord (like a candle wick cord)
  • felt
  • hot glue gun and sticks
  • paintbrush
  • white paint

Choose Outfit

Toddler Cactus Costume

Photo by: Emily Fazio

Emily Fazio

Choose an outfit that resembles a cactus when laid out. A onesie is a great choice.

Dye Outfit

Make a DIY Kid's Cactus Costume for Halloween

DIY Cactus Costume for Kids

Make a DIY Kid's Cactus Costume for Halloween

Photo by: Emily Fazio

Emily Fazio

Dye the outfit according to the dye package instructions. If you’re using a polyester fleece, you’ll need to find a poly-friendly fabric dye. Run the outfit through the washer with a gentle detergent, and dry it thoroughly to get any residual stain rinsed clean.

Prep for Sewing

Make a DIY Kid's Cactus Costume for Halloween

DIY Cactus Costume for Kids

Make a DIY Kid's Cactus Costume for Halloween

Photo by: Emily Fazio

Emily Fazio

Cut the white cord to 3" pieces and in bulk to save time. Cut the thread into 5" pieces. 

Sew Spines

Shop This Look

Run a piece of thread through the outfit at the designated spine point (Image 1). Lay two pieces of white cord perpendicular to the thread (Image 2), and knot the thread around the two pieces of cord (Image 3). Create an ‘X’ with the two pieces of cord, and knot the underlying cord around the overlapping piece (Image 4). Trim excess thread, and cut the ends of the white cord to 1" lengths (Image 5). Tip: Add the spines in vertical lines spaced 3-4 inches apart from head-to-toe. The more you add, the more realistic it will look.

Make Felt Flowers

Make a DIY Kid's Cactus Costume for Halloween

DIY Cactus Costume for Kids

Make a DIY Kid's Cactus Costume for Halloween

Photo by: Emily Fazio

Emily Fazio

Trim triangular pieces of felt, and fringe one edge. Add pieces of bright jute for more color if desired. Roll the felt up, using hot glue to keep it tight.

Attach Flowers to Outfit

Make a DIY Kid's Cactus Costume for Halloween

DIY Cactus Costume for Kids

Make a DIY Kid's Cactus Costume for Halloween

Photo by: Emily Fazio

Emily Fazio

Apply hot glue to the back of the felt flower, and attach it directly to the costume. We added five flowers total — two to the hood and three to the chest area of the costume.

Add Dots

Make a DIY Kid's Cactus Costume for Halloween

DIY Cactus Costume for Kids

Make a DIY Kid's Cactus Costume for Halloween

Photo by: Emily Fazio

Emily Fazio

Apply dots of white fabric paint between the spindles to add more definition.

Make a DIY Kid's Cactus Costume for Halloween

DIY Cactus Costume for Kids

Make a DIY Kid's Cactus Costume for Halloween

Photo by: Emily Fazio

Emily Fazio

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