Last-Minute Halloween Costume: Kid's Toga Made From a Pillowcase
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.
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
1. Make Toga
Turn the pillowcase inside-out then cut the lines where shown (Image 1). Next, seal the cut edges of the 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 the pillowcase is a natural fabric like cotton or linen, instead seal the cut edges with Fray Check (Image 3). Turn the pillowcase right-side-out and iron.
Cheri Heaton
Cheri Heaton
Cheri Heaton
2. Make Roman Sandals
Cut the spool of ribbon into four equal parts. Wrap ribbon around flip flop strap and glue as shown (Image 1). Repeat on the flip-flop's other side so there are two straps on each sandal (Image 2). Repeat on the other sandal.
Cheri Heaton
Cheri Heaton
3. Make Laurel Wreath
Cut open the cereal box, then cut it into one long strip of cardboard and 20-25 leaves (Image 1). Wrap a cardboard strip around the child's head to gauge size (Image 2). Cut to length and use a 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 the headband (Images 3 and 4). Finally, spray paint wreath gold.
Cheri Heaton
Cheri Heaton
Cheri Heaton
Cheri Heaton
4. Assemble Costume
Slide the 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 the sash from falling off the child's shoulder. Add sandals by lacing shoes up the leg; tie in a knot and tuck in the edges of the ribbon.
Cheri Heaton
Cheri Heaton
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