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Help for non-sewer craft person

5 replies

Skinnydecafflatte · 28/06/2021 07:23

I’ve got to try and make for my 11 year old son a Hercules costume for his school play. Pre-Covid I would have thrown money at this problem but now I’m money poor but time rich (unemployed 😩) I need to have a go but I’m not sure how/ where to start? I don’t have a sewing machine but can handsew, although usually it’s only cub badges!
Any one got any suggestions? Where I could find an easy pattern, any hints tips? I feel like I’m completely in the dark. He told me this morning and needs it for next week. Thanks in advance

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Serenschintte · 28/06/2021 07:27

What about a white sheet - fold in half, cut a head hole. Then some kind of sash tied around the waist. No sewing and job done. Only need to cut the sheet to size for length on legs.

MutteringDarkly · 28/06/2021 07:35

You've got this. You will need - a white sheet, a brown cord (or any colour cord, depends what you can sensibly lay your hands on), maybe a bit if red cloth if you can sacrifice a pillow case or find one in a charity shop. Ideally some safety pins so you can drape the costume on him and pin it in place before you hand see it. He might want to wear white PE shorts and t-shirt underneath if he has them. Some kind of sandals or bare feet.

Google for a Hercules costume DIY picture, and think "long toga with red sash over one shoulder" so you've got a picture to work from. Basically, fold sheet in half and make smallish slit for head. Drape it over him and bunch up the shoulders to look draped. Pin in place, sew afterwards.

If he's wearing shorts and T-shirt underneath, you don't need to sew down the sides, you can just wrap the cord round the waist as a belt. But if you have time, leave big arm holes and then just sew down the two straight edges so you close the sides. It doesn't have to fit, it's meant to be loose and belted together. So you don't need to cut the sheet, just sew the original edges together.

If you're going for the red on top, get a long strip, attach it to one shoulder only, and let it fall down the front of the costume. Few safety pins if you want, belt goes over the whole lot.

Good luck!

Billybagpuss · 28/06/2021 07:37

You could have fun with this and find a whole new creative outlook, you might even find a sewing machine going on free cycle

ShesComeUndone · 28/06/2021 07:40

If you want to make something cheaply. I would look through any old clothes/bedding etc you have that could be cut up or changed. Other wise you may spend more on fabric than you would on a costume.

I’d go for a simple tunic and sandals and maybe a cloak and then go all out making a good sword and shield. If you have a long t-shirt that could go under the tunic. If you use faux leather or felt then you may be able to get away without sewing as it won’t fray.
I made this Greek costume out of felt and an old bed sheet. I just used gold paint and hot glue to add some of the details like the breast plate.

Help for non-sewer craft person
Skinnydecafflatte · 28/06/2021 12:57

Thank you guys, some great ideas and you make it sound do-able!

I have a sheet so that’s a good start and he has a red T-shirt (his house colour, hooray for no sports day this year, he won’t need it! 🤣)

I think I saw pictures and was trying to complicate it too much. He only had three lines so it’s not like he’s the star of the show and will be in camera all the time (has to be filmed as we can’t go into watch it).

I can and I will do this! Thanks so much

@ShesComeUndone that Greek costume looks amazing, that’s kind of what I was thinking I needed to do but I’ll start with the sheet and accessorise!

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