DIY Kids' Dress Up: 36 simple sewn accessories for creative play

by Jessica Near

Help your little ones to enjoy hours of imaginary play with this wonderful collection of sewing patterns for DIY kids' dress up accessories. Author Jessica Near has designed a range of masks, paws and tails for days of dressing up fun.

Your little ones can choose from magical creatures to wild animals, birds of paradise and superheroes--whatever takes their mood. Jessica explains how to make the basic shapes for each of the accessories and how to vary them depending on the character and creature.

There are step-by-step illustrations for all the projects and the general sewing techniques, and, although the designs are distinctive, the instructions are easy enough for absolute beginners. They are all made from felt which makes them quick and easy to sew--no need to worry about tricky hems or seams splitting.

Genres: Crafts, Nonfiction

112 pages, Paperback

Published May 8, 2018

Reviews

[Lynndell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and F+W Media for the opportunity to read and review DIY KIDS’ Dress Up by Jessica Near. Sewing Instructions for twelve costumes and templates are detailed and included, all costumes are made with felt. Felt is versatile, doesn’t need hemming and holds its shape well. These attributes make felt perfect for costume making. A tools and materials list starts off the book and helps get the costume maker prepared and ready to create. Tips are also included, such as using a razor to de-pill your felt. Colorful illustrations accompany each detailed pattern. Fun and inspiring for dress up play, 5 stars!

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a well-organized, simple, easy to follow book! I used the patterns and instructions to make my the tiger costume shown on the cover for my three-year-old for Halloween because she *really* wanted to be a tiger. It has been a long time since I did any sewing but it was such a fun creative activity! One thing I really loved (that the author points out in the book) is that once you are comfortable with the process of making the dress-up pieces from her patterns and instructions, the sky is really the limit! You can use her base patterns and change the colors and details to make all sorts of costume items.

[Richelle Zirkle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a super cute book filled with dress up costume instructions. The instructions are very simple and easy to follow. An older child would enjoy working on the projects with an adult or even solo with enough practice and skill. The masks are beyond adorable with the fox, raccoon and tiger being my favorites.

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Clazzzer C · Rating 4 out of 5]

We at work and my family at home all really and truly loved this book. It was so full of imaginative and fun ideas that it really does have something to suit everybody. I'd highly recommend!!!!

[Karrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tons on animal masks and accessories

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some really cute costumes here. Not just pink princesses for girls and superheroes for boys, which is always nice. The costumes are all almost identical in form and execution (that is, the general setup is the same: mask, something for the arms, tail/bottom piece) but have different designs. They seem to be well planned out for hard use by playing kids.

[Leyla Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely book for a child or a very basic beginner to make children's dress ups from felt
The masks are very cute and there are tails and paws, all easily made out of felt. I found the instruction a bit repetitive, but for someone that has little experience in making these things, it is an excellent book.

[Sharley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really fun and imaginative book for sewing parents or grandparents. Has quite an informative and in depth introduction, maybe a little more than what I felt was necessary, or maybe it could have been put in the back as reference.
The book has left me itching to get the sewing machine out and get creative for the kids and their dressing up box.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so much fun. The problem with buying play costumes is that kids grow out of them so quickly. This book is full of great fun patterns that pair with a child's everyday cloths to become a superhero, animals, or anything their imaginations conjure. I think it would be really fun for a library to do an adult program where everyone makes of of these sets, and then they are the kids department to be played with when the children are there. Some of my favorite patterns are for the birds. Literally. There is sure to be something for your little ones imagination to play with.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful books for young children activities. This is a reference book for the creation of masks, tails, paws and wings to create dynamic costumes that can be used at home or at the school.

[Samantha (Booktiamo) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for parents and careers, easy to follow patterns to make kids some amazing costumes that they will love for a log time. Easy to follow steps and instructions, from superhero’s to animals. A perfect book for anyone who wants to make dressing up that bit more special.

[Kerrific Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun book for mothers of young children who want to learn basic sewing skills to make costumes for their children. Fun ideas for the beginning seamstress.