Cleaning & Organization

Easy No-Sew DIY Reindeer Costume for Kids

Need a last-minute holiday costume? Create this adorable Reindeer outfit using a hoodie, felt, and glue. No sewing machine required!

Emily Neat

Emily Neat

Author

5 min read
Child wearing a brown hoodie with DIY felt antlers and ears attached
Child wearing a brown hoodie with DIY felt antlers and ears attached

School play? Holiday parade? Last-minute party? We’ve all been there. You need a costume, and you need it fast.

This DIY Reindeer Costume is my savior. It’s built on a base of a simple brown hoodie (which they can wear again later!), and it requires absolutely zero sewing skills. Just a trusty hot glue gun.

Materials List

  • Base: A brown hooded sweatshirt (and brown leggings/pants).
  • Felt Sheets: Dark brown (antlers), Light brown (ears), White (chest/tail), Red (nose - optional).
  • Stiffener: Pipe cleaners or thin cardboard (from a cereal box).
  • Tools: Hot glue gun, scissors, safety pins.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. The Antlers (The Most Important Part)

Antlers need to stand up, not flop over.

  • Cut two antler shapes out of dark brown felt. Make them double-layered.
  • Sandwich a pipe cleaner or a strip of cardboard between the two layers.
  • Glue the edges shut. Now you have bendable, sturdy antlers!

Cutting felt antler shapes with cardboard support inside

2. The Ears

  • Cut two tear-drop shapes from light brown felt.
  • Pinch the bottom of the teardrop and glue it to create a curved, cup-like ear shape.

3. Assembly (The Hoodie)

  • Placement: Have your child put the hood on. Mark with chalk where the ears and antlers should go (usually further forward than you think!).
  • Glue: Take the hoodie off. Glue the base of the antlers and ears directly onto the hood fabric. Use plenty of glue. hold until cool.

4. The Tummy & Tail

  • Cut a large oval from white felt. Use safety pins to attach it to the tummy of the hoodie (this way you can remove it later and wash the hoodie!).
  • Cut a small white circle for the tail and pin/glue it to the back of the pants.

5. The Nose

You can paint their nose with face paint, or glue a red pom-pom onto the hood rim for a “Rudolph” look.

And there you have it! A cozy, warm, and adorable costume in under 30 minutes.

Emily Neat

About Emily Neat

Professional Organizer

Certified Professional Organizer and home economist. Sharing hacks for a cleaner home and easier life, from kitchen to closet.

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