Ursula Costume for Kids: How to Make Your Little One the Star of the Underwater World

Ursula, the sea witch from Disney's The Little Mermaid, is a popular choice for costumes among kids. With her bold colors and unique character design, Ursula is a standout choice for Halloween or dress-up parties.

Materials

To create a DIY Ursula costume for kids, you'll need a few materials:

• Purple fabric: Look for a fabric with a slight stretch to ensure a comfortable fit for your child. Fleece, velvet, or satin can work well.
• Black fabric: You'll need black fabric for the bodice of the costume, as well as for the tentacles.
• Stuffing: You'll need stuffing to fill the tentacles and create their shape.
• Elastic: Elastic will be used to create the shoulder straps for the bodice, as well as to hold the tentacles in place.
• Glue: You'll need a strong fabric glue to secure the tentacles in place.
• Scissors: Scissors will be used to cut the fabric and stuffing.
• Needle and thread: You can use a needle and thread to secure the tentacles in place, as well as for any additional stitching.

Instructions

The Bodice

The bodice of the Ursula costume is an important element of the overall design. Here's how to make it:

• Cut a piece of black fabric to the size of your child's chest, leaving enough room for the fabric to overlap in the back.
• Cut two strips of black fabric, each about 1 inch wide and long enough to go over the child's shoulders. Fold the strips in half lengthwise and sew the edges together, creating two loops.
• Attach the loops to the back of the bodice, securing them in place with glue or stitching.
• Once the loops are attached, try the bodice on your child to make sure it fits properly. Adjust the straps as needed to ensure a comfortable fit.

The Tentacles

The tentacles are the most distinctive feature of the Ursula costume. Here's how to make them:

• Cut several pieces of black fabric into long, thin strips, about 1-2 inches wide.
• Cut a piece of purple fabric into a long rectangle, about 2-3 feet wide and long enough to wrap around your child's waist.
• Cut a long piece of elastic, enough to fit around your child's waist comfortably.
• Sew the two short ends of the purple fabric together to create a circle. Sew the elastic to the top of the circle, creating a waistband.
• Stuff the black fabric strips with stuffing, creating long, thin tubes. Make sure to stuff the tentacles firmly, as you want them to hold their shape.
• Glue or stitch the tentacles to the waistband, spacing them out evenly around the circle.
• Once the tentacles are attached, use additional glue or stitching to shape them into a curved, tentacle-like shape.
• Try the costume on your child to make sure the tentacles are secure and comfortable. Adjust as needed.

Finishing Touches

To finish the Ursula costume, consider adding some additional touches:

• Add some purple or black makeup to your child's face to complete the look. You can also add some glitter or shimmer to give your child an enchanting, underwater appearance.
• Consider adding a wig or hairpiece to recreate Ursula's signature hairstyle. You can easily find a wig or hairpiece online or at a costume store.
• Add some bold jewelry or accessories, such as a statement necklace or bracelet. This can help to complete the overall look and add some extra flair.
• Consider creating a trident using cardboard or foam board and painting it silver. This will help to complete the overall Ursula look and add an extra level of detail to the costume.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks for creating the perfect Ursula costume for your child:

• Make sure to choose a fabric that is comfortable and breathable, as your child will likely be wearing the costume for an extended period of time.
• Consider adding some shimmer or glitter to the tentacles to give them a more magical, underwater appearance. You can easily find glitter or shimmer spray online or at a craft store.
• If you're not confident in your sewing skills, consider using fabric glue or iron-on tape to secure the tentacles in place. This can be a quick and easy way to create a secure costume.
• Don't be afraid to get creative with the design! Consider adding additional elements, such as a cape or glittery details, to make the costume truly unique and special.