Halloween Pet Costume: Black Bat
Materials Needed
clear tape
scissors
1/2 yard black felt
craft knife
fabric tape measure
straight ruler
black pipe cleaners
spray adhesive
hook-and-loop tape
Print Templates and Transfer to Felt
Print two copies of both the right wing and left wing templates. Lay one of each side templates together on a flat work surface to create a wing shape and tape them together at the center. Repeat for the other two templates (Image 1). Pin the templates to black felt and cut out (Image 2). You should have two sets of felt wings, set one aside for now.
Add a Strap
On one set of wings, use the lines near the center of the template to cut two 2" lines with a craft knife and ruler (Image 1). Using a fabric tape measure, measure around your pet’s chest behind their front legs. Next, cut a strip of black felt 1-1/2" wide and 2" longer than the measurement of your pet's chest. Lay the wings with the cut slits on a flat surface and spray with adhesive (Image 2). Feed the long strip through the back of one cut, over the top of the sprayed wings and through the other cut with about half of the long strip on each side of the wings. Press the strip against the adhesive (Image 3).
Give Wings Flexibility
Twist the ends of two pipe cleaners together to create one long pipe cleaner. Bend it to follow the top shape of the felt wings and cut off any excess. Position this longer pipe cleaner about 1/4" in from the top edge and press into the adhesive to secure it (Image 1). Cut small pieces of pipe cleaner to radiate out from the top to the bottom webbed points of the wings. Push these against the adhesive (Image 2).
Create Neck Harness
Measure around your pet's neck and add 2" to the measurement. If necessary, twist two pipe cleaners together to create one that matches the neck measurement. Fold pipe cleaner in half and position it at the center top of the wings with the two ends extending out from just outside of the cut lines.
Cover Pipe Cleaner Armature
Coat the second set of wings with spray adhesive. Position over the first set, carefully lining up the wings' shapes and place the two pieces of felt together (Image 1). Press the wings together, being sure to really press the felt together around each pipe cleaner (Image 2).
Add Velcro
Temporarily place the wings on your pet's back, wrap the strap around their chest and note how much hook-and-loop tape you'll need for the two ends to attach securely. Add hook-and-loop tape, stitching it in place.
Dress Your Pet
Place the finished bat wings on your pet's back, securing them with the chest strap and by wrapping the extended pipe cleaners loosely around your pet's neck and twisting the ends together. Bend the wings up so they're more visible.