Last-Minute Halloween Costume: Roman Toga

This no-sew costume uses everyday items like a pillowcase, cereal box and flip flops to create a quick-and-easy costume fit for Roman royalty. No sheet-wrapping involved, so there's no need to worry about the toga falling off during trick-or-treating.

September 01, 2020
Roman Toga Costume

No-Sew Roman Toga Costume

A no-sew costume using everyday items like a pillowcase, cereal box, and flip flops to create a majestic, costume fit for Roman royalty. No sheet-wrapping involved, which means there’s no need to worry about the toga falling off during trick or treating.

From: Cheri Heaton

Photo by: Cheri Heaton

Cheri Heaton

By: Cheri Heaton

Materials Needed

  • king size white synthetic- or natural-fiber pillowcase
  • 1/4 yard thin fabric the color of your choice for sash
  • 1 yard gold cording or rope
  • tan flip flops
  • spool of wide tan ribbon
  • candle/flame (if using synthetic-fabric pillowcase)
  • Fray Check (if using natural-fabric pillowcase)
  • cereal box
  • scissors
  • gold spray paint
  • hot glue gun and glue stick
  • iron

Make Toga

Turn pillowcase inside-out then cut lines where shown (Image 1). Next, seal cut edges of fabric to avoid fraying. If you're using a polyester pillowcase, simply melt edges over a flame by bringing the fabric close enough for the heat to seal the cut edges and cause them to slightly harden (Image 2). Note: Do not involve children in this process and do not place fabric too close to flame. Tip: If pillowcase is a natural fabric like cotton or linen, instead seal the cut edges with Fray Check (Image 3). Turn pillowcase right-side-out and iron. 

Make Roman Sandals

Cut spool of ribbon into four equal parts. Wrap ribbon around flip flop strap and glue as show (Image 1). Repeat on flip flop's other side so there are two straps on each sandal (Image 2). Repeat on other sandal. 

Make Laurel Wreath

Cut open cereal box, then cut it into one long strip of cardboard and 20-25 leaves (Image 1). Wrap cardboard strip around child's head to gauge size (Image 2). Cut to length and use hot glue gun to attach ends together to create a headband. Beginning in the band's center front and working out in both directions, hot glue leaves onto headband (Images 3 and 4). Finally, spray paint wreath gold.

Assemble Costume

Slide pillowcase over the child's head. Place fabric sash over one shoulder, securing it with gold cording or rope to cinch toga and sash at the waist. If necessary, use safety pins to keep sash from falling off child's shoulder. Add sandals by lacing shoes up the leg; tie in a knot and tuck in edges of ribbon.

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