How to Make Big Bird Costume
Creating a Big Bird costume can be a delightful project for both kids and adults alike. Whether for a Halloween event, a themed party, or a school play, embodying this beloved character from “Sesame Street” not only allows for fun but also brings joy to those around you. With its bright yellow feathers and cheerful personality, a Big Bird costume captures the essence of childhood and imagination.
In this guide on how to make big bird costume, we will go through the materials needed and the step-by-step process to craft a costume that is both recognisable and enjoyable to wear. So gather your supplies, let your creativity flow, and prepare to step into the shoes of this iconic character!
Why Make a Big Bird Costume?
While the thought of making your own costume may seem daunting, there are many benefits to taking on this project. Firstly, it allows for personalization and customization, ensuring that your costume will be one-of-a-kind. Additionally, making a homemade costume can save you money compared to buying a pre-made one, and it can also be a fun bonding experience with friends or family.
Moreover, by creating your own Big Bird costume, you have control over the fit and comfort of the costume, making it easier to wear for longer periods of time. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to tap into your creativity and have fun while doing so!
Materials Needed
To create your very own Big Bird costume, you will need the following materials:
A Yellow Bodysuit or Leotard:
This will serve as the base of your costume and is essential for creating the iconic yellow feathers.
Yellow Feathers:
You can purchase these at a craft store or online. Make sure to get enough to cover the entire bodysuit or leotard, including the arms and legs.
Fabric Glue:
This will be used to attach the feathers onto the bodysuit or leotard.
A Hooded Yellow Cape:
This will serve as Big Bird’s head and beak. You can either make one yourself using a hooded yellow fabric or purchase a pre-made cape.
Red Boa:
To create Big Bird’s famous long eyelashes, you will need a red boa. You can also use red feathers as an alternative.
A Large Yellow Feather Boa:
This will be used to create Big Bird’s wings, so make sure to get one that is long enough to reach from your arms down to your waist.
Orange Felt:
To create Big Bird’s feet and beak, you will need orange felt fabric. Make sure to get enough for both the feet and beak.
Scissors
These will be used to cut the fabric and feathers.
9 Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Make Big Bird Costume
Step 1: Put on the Yellow Bodysuit or Leotard
Begin by putting on the yellow bodysuit or leotard, as it serves as the foundation of your Big Bird costume. Make sure it fits comfortably and allows for ease of movement, as you’ll be layering additional elements on top.
This bright yellow color will set the stage for the iconic look you’re crafting, so ensure that it is clean and free of wrinkles for the best appearance. Once you’re dressed, you’ll be ready to move on to the next steps in creating your delightful Big Bird ensemble!
Step 2: Attach the Yellow Feathers
Now that you are comfortably wearing the yellow bodysuit or leotard, it’s time to bring your costume to life by attaching the yellow feathers. Start by laying out the feathers on a flat surface to visualize how you will distribute them across the bodysuit. Using fabric glue, apply a generous amount to the base of each feather and press it firmly onto the bodysuit, starting from the bottom and working your way up.
\This approach will create a layered, natural look reminiscent of Big Bird’s fluffy plumage. Be sure to leave space for the arms and legs, ensuring the costume remains flexible and comfortable. Continue attaching feathers until you have covered the entire bodysuit, allowing the glue to dry as you move on to the next areas, such as the arms and legs.
Step 3: Create the Hooded Yellow Cape
To embody Big Bird’s character fully, you’ll need to create a hooded yellow cape that resembles his head and beak. If you’re making the cape yourself, start by selecting a bright yellow fabric that drapes well. Measure and cut out a large rectangle, ensuring it will comfortably fit over your shoulders and cover your back. For the hood, cut another piece of fabric into a larger triangular shape that can be gathered into a hooded form.
Sew or hot glue the triangle to the top edge of the rectangle to form the hood. For added authenticity, you can create a beak shape using the orange felt by cutting it into the desired beak form and attaching it to the front of the hood using fabric glue. Once the cape is assembled, secure it around your neck with a tie or Velcro, allowing it to sit snugly while ensuring it’s easy to remove when needed. This bright addition will help complete your transformation into Big Bird!
Step 4: Add the Red Boa Eyelashes
No Big Bird costume would be complete without his long, fluttery eyelashes. To achieve this look, take the red boa and cut it into smaller sections, making sure they are long enough to extend over your eyes. Attach these pieces to the hooded cape just above where your eyes will be using fabric glue or hot glue. You can also attach them directly to a pair of glasses if you prefer.
This step may require some trial and error to get the desired length and shape, but once in place, you’ll have lashes that are sure to turn heads!
Step 5: Create Big Bird’s Wings
To make Big Bird’s wings, take the large yellow feather boa and cut it in half. Attach one end of each half to the bodysuit near your shoulders using fabric glue or hot glue. Let the remaining feathers cascade down your back and arms, creating a wing-like effect. You can secure them in place with safety pins if needed for added security.
This step adds a unique touch to your costume, giving you an impressive wingspan that is sure to impress others!
Step 6: Craft Big Bird’s Feet
Using the orange felt, cut out two oval-shaped pieces that are slightly bigger than your feet. Fold them in half lengthwise and seal the edges with fabric glue, leaving the curved end open. Once dry, turn them inside out, and you will have two chicken-like feet.
To complete the look, attach these to a pair of shoes using safety pins or fabric glue. You can also opt for orange socks and attach the felt pieces directly on top for a more comfortable alternative.
With your Big Bird feet in place, you’ll be ready to strut around with confidence!
Step 7: Make Final Touches
At this point, your Big Bird costume is almost complete! However, feel free to add any final touches or elements that will enhance the overall look. This could include adding additional feathers to areas such as the hood or wings or even attaching a small stuffed animal version of Big Bird to your shoulder for added effect.
Get creative and have fun with it, as these final touches will make your costume truly unique!
Step 8: Put on the Finishing Touches
Assemble all the pieces you’ve created so far by putting on the bodysuit, cape, wings, feet and any other accessories you’ve chosen to include. Take some time to adjust and secure each element in place if needed. Once everything is in place, take a step back and admire your transformation into Big Bird!
It’s essential to ensure that you feel comfortable and confident in your costume, so make any last-minute adjustments as needed.
Step 9: Have Fun!
With all the hard work and creativity put into making your Big Bird costume, it’s time to enjoy it! Whether you’re attending a costume party or trick-or-treating with friends, embrace Big Bird’s playful spirit and have fun bringing him to life. Be sure to take lots of pictures and share them with others, as your unique creation is sure to inspire others to make their own Big Bird costumes in the future!
Following these steps on how to make big bird costume will help you create a fantastic Big Bird costume that captures the essence of this beloved Sesame Street character. So go forth, spread your wings, and have a blast as the infamous feathered friend! This is just one example of how you can use your creativity and crafting skills to bring your favorite characters and icons to life. Feel free to explore other characters and themes for future costumes – the possibilities are endless! Happy creating!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I Use a Different Color for the Bodysuit Besides Yellow?
A: Absolutely! While Big Bird is known for its bright yellow feathers, you can make your costume stand out by choosing a different color for the bodysuit, such as pink or blue. Just be sure to select feathers in a complementary color for the rest of the costume to maintain the overall look and feel of Big Bird.
Q2: Do I Have to Sew Anything in This Costume?
A: No, sewing is not necessary for this costume. You can use fabric glue or hot glue to attach all the different elements together, making it an accessible project for those who are not comfortable with sewing.
Q3: How Long Will It Take to Make This Costume?
A: The time required will vary depending on your crafting skills and how detailed you want your costume to be. However, budgeting a few hours should provide enough time to create a fantastic Big Bird costume that you can be proud of.
Conclusion
Creating your own Big Bird costume is a fun and rewarding project that allows you to express your creativity while celebrating a beloved character. By following the outlined steps on how to make big bird costume and adding your personal touches, you can craft a unique costume that is sure to delight both yourself and those around you.
Enjoy the process and embrace the joyful spirit of Big Bird as you bring this iconic character to life. Whether it’s for a costume party or a special event, remember that the most important part is to have fun and make lasting memories! Happy crafting!
Elizabeth Davis
Elizabeth is a creative writer and digital editor based in the United States. She has a passion for the arts and crafts, which she developed from a young age. Elizabeth has always loved experimenting with new mediums and sharing her work with others. When she started blogging, she knew that DIYquickly would be the perfect platform to share her tutorials and tips. She's been writing for the blog from the beginning, and her readers love her helpful advice and easy-to-follow instructions. When she's not writing or editing, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
