Possibly Helpful Hints for the Panicked Halloween Crowd

I work at a fabric store, and Halloween is definitely the busiest time of year. So many people without any prior knowledge of garment construction come in looking for a way to make a last minute costume. I get so sick of hearing "How do I make this elaborate costume without sewing?" Usually I tell them spit and a prayer, but then I get a dirty look in return that seems to suggest its my job to make them this complex ensemble.

So to save us all time and a little frustration, here are my suggestions.

1. DO NOT BE MEAN TO THE EMPLOYEES. They work hard. They're generally friendly and willing to share their knowledge of the craft. Being mean (or arrogant) will get you nowhere.


2. IT'S A COSTUME. It is meant to be worn for one night. If you're lucky it will last a little longer, but it will just hog room in your closet until you throw it away in January. Don't go crazy trying to make it perfect.

3. DON'T AUTOMATICALLY GRAB THE FIRST THING YOU SEE. Merchandisers purposefully make a bunch of overpriced and cheaply made "costume" fabric, and put it up front for those quick shoppers to grab and go. Take a breath and look around a little. You might find something in the back that is more suitable. Example: One guy wanted to make an Orgazmo costume (a "porno superhero" that wears a pink spandex bodysuit.) He approached me with hot pink P L E A T H E R. A fabric that absolutely does not breathe and cost about $9 a yard. It's not for sewing novices and definitely not good for a body suit to be worn in Florida. We looked around for a bit and found a cotton knit that was both more comfortable (and less of a health risk), and it was on sale for less than half the price of the pleather! His girlfriend came into the store a few days later and actually thanked me for helping him.

4. CHANCES ARE YOU WILL NOT FIND A PERFECT MATCH. Last year there were about twenty people looking for the exact fabric that the Joker's shirt was made of in The Dark Knight. If you're looking for a solid, just get as close to the color as you can. If you cant find the color you're looking for, go with another one you like. If you're looking for an exact print, close your eyes and think about the print, and then open them and pick the one that looks most like the one in your head.


5. GLUE IS NOT THE ENEMY. Can't sew? Most of the Halloween crowd can't. It's ok. It doesn't make you any less talented to glue your costume together. Most of the cheaper pre-made Halloween costumes are made with glue. If they are sewn, most of the time, its one half-assed straight stitch. No serging, no reinforcement stitching. If you think you want to sew it to make it a little stronger (I recommend this for pants!!!) do a preemptive layer of glue and then sew over it after it dries. I personally don't like hot glue for anything that is apparel related. Get a small bottle of tacky glue (Fabri-tac, Sobo or Aleene's Tacky Glue in the gold bottle) or any other glue that says its safe to use on fabric. Just make sure to bring extra safety pins to the party.


6. KNOW YOUR MEASUREMENTS. Sometimes costume patterns will tell you to buy way more fabric than you need. Unless you are making a Ren-Fair dress or a Victorian bloomers, you probably wont need more than 6 yards for an adult costume. (That's factoring in a long-sleeved top, billowing full-length skirt, a cape, a hat, and anything else I forgot.) Generally, for adults, I say:
1 yard to cover just the torso
1 yard for long sleeves (1/4 or 1/2 for shorter sleeves)
2 to 2 1/2 yards for legs (pants or a full length skirt.)
3/4 for a shorter skirt
1 1/2 to 2 yards for shorts (you'll see why)
AT LEAST 1 1/2 yards for a short dress (even if you are short/cute!!! No one is that bootylicious!!!)
3 yards for a toga
2 yards for a cape
1 1/2 for a Witch's hat

Any other accessory (purse, hat, MJ glove) Shouldn't take more than a yard.

All these measurements should work with either 45" or 60" fabric (If the fabric is 42"-53", consider it 45", 54" and up works for 60") . If you aren't sure, or it doesn't look like it will be enough, remember that it's better to have more than less. Especially if you are accident prone.

I don't have kids, so it's probably better to trust the pattern than me for children's costumes. For really little ones, don't get more than 3 yards. Infants only need about half a yard, cause chances are they're gonna rip it off soon after you get a good picture of them in it anyway.


The most important thing to remember is to have fun. Everyone is going to be worrying about their costume too much to notice whatever imperfections are in yours, so don't worry if it's not perfect. More than likely you're gonna have to tell everyone at the party who/what you are anyway. Last year I went to a co-worker's party, after telling her about how excited I was about my costume. My husband and I went as Indiana Jones and Marion Ravenwood (from the first movie). I spent so much time making the iconic red pants and the shirt with the Moroccan embroidery. When we got to the party, my co-worker announced to everyone, "This is Jen, and she's a pirate!"

In case you didn't know already, my name is not Jen.