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Halloween Pet Costume: No-Sew Lion's Mane
Need a last-minute idea for a pet costume? Try this no-sew lion’s mane that can be completed in about an hour. This simple felt and glue construction will be fun for you to make and comfortable for your pet to wear for any costume-worthy occasion.
Marian Parsons
Materials Needed
- 4-8 pieces of felt in varying colors and textures
- 1 package of snap tape (includes stud and socket sides of snaps)
- sharp scissors
- hot glue gun and glue sticks
Make Base for Costume
Cut two pieces of felt into triangles sized appropriately for your pet. These will be the base for the headpiece and chest piece of the costume. Cut two pieces of snap tape the length of long edge of triangle, plus a few inches of overhang — enough to wrap completely around your pet’s head comfortably (Image 1). Use a hot glue gun to affix stud side of snap tape, face up, to long edge of one triangle. Glue socket side of snap tape face down on long edge of other triangle. Snap two pieces together and try on pet (Image 2). Adjust snaps until costume is snug, but not tight. Cut off excess stud-side of tape and any felt that overlaps. Leave socket side of snap tape long enough to wrap all the way around costume. Glue on short lengths of matching stud and socket snap tape and hot glue strategically to connect costume to pet’s collar or harness (Image 4). Depending on your pet’s shape, additional snaps may be required, as well as cutouts to accommodate for ears that stand up. Costume base should look similar to Image 5. Top piece is for the head and bottom is for the chest. Tip: Snaps are used in this project, so costume will come off if pet pulls at it or it is caught to prevent your pet from choking or becoming entangled.
Marian Parsons
Marian Parsons
Marian Parsons
Marian Parsons
Marian Parsons
Make Ears (Optional)
Using sharp scissors, cut out two pieces of felt, about 3” square (Image 1). Fold in half and round over the top with scissors (Image 2). Repeat with second piece of felt. Unfold and cut a small slit in the bottom, center of each ear (Image 3). Pinch piece of felt in half at the bottom and squeeze out a bead of hot glue at an upward angle to edge of felt. Press together and allow glue to cool (Image 4). Apply glue to bottom of ear and stick onto headpiece (Image 5). Repeat with second ear. Tip: If your pet has ears that stand up already, this step can be skipped.
Marian Parsons
Marian Parsons
Marian Parsons
Marian Parsons
Marian Parsons
Create Mane
Cut strips of felt in varying colors and widths, 2 to 4 inches wide (Image 1). Fold each piece in half length-wise and cut small slits every 1/4” the entire length (Image 2). Hot glue felt “fringe” to base of headpiece, working around ears (Image 3). Using different sizes and colors of felt will make the mane more interesting (Image 4). Cover back of snap tape with felt fringe as well (Image 5). Tip: To create even more interest, mix tulle fabric, yarns, and even brown paper into felt.
Marian Parsons
Marian Parsons
Marian Parsons
Marian Parsons
Marian Parsons
Add Fringe to Chest Piece
In the same manner as mane, create and glue layers of felt fringe to chest piece of costume (Images 1, 2 and 3) Do not cover studded snap tape with felt, since that is how the headpiece will connect. Once chest piece is completely covered with fringe, snap one half of headpiece onto chest piece and it is ready for a fitting (Image 4). Add additional snaps, if necessary. Additional matching pieces can be made for the tail and paws, if desired. Tip: Keep in mind that not all pets like wearing costumes. Be mindful of your pet’s disposition and make sure they are comfortable and happy in their new look (Image 5).
Marian Parsons
Marian Parsons
Marian Parsons
Marian Parsons
Marian Parsons
