I’m back with another DIY for you! This one definitely isn’t quick, but it is pretty straight-forward and fun to make. Just follow the steps below for a fun DIY fall tree costume perfect for any nature lover.
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The book club I belong to is having a Halloween party tomorrow and we’re all dressing up as a character from a book we’ve read. I choose to be a tree, inspired by A Walk in The Woods by Bill Bryson which I highly recommend. While not a main character per se, trees speak to my nature-loving heart. Also, because I love all things fall, I modified the spring/summer trees in the book to be a fall tree for this costume. You should have just enough time this weekend to make this costume if you’re still looking for something for Halloween!
- Time: ~6 hrs (less if you’re not a perfectionist)
- Skill Level: Basic sewing
- Scissors
- Hot Glue Gun
- Sewing Needle/Sewing Machine
- Green Tulle – 10+ yards
- Brown Tulle – 1-2 yards
- Maroon Tulle – 1-2 yards
- Gold Tulle – 1-2 yards
- Green Top
- Fall Fabric Leaves (similar)
- Fall Decorative Pick
- Bird/Owl
- Burlap Headband
- Green Thread
- Glue Sticks
Directions
Step 1: Gather Supplies for Top
Gather together the four colors of tulle, fabric leaves, your green top, green thread, a needle, pins, and scissors. The amounts of tulle are approximately what I used for a size small costume. If you’re making a larger costume be sure to increase your amount of tulle. Because you’re scrunching it up into bunches, it uses much much more than you’d think! I thought I’d have tons of leftover green tulle, but only ended up with about a yard left.
Step 2: Fold Green Tulle and Pin
Take the green tulle and lay it on a flat surface, still folded as it was on the bolt at the store. Take each long edge and fold it toward the center. Each half will become a row of “leaves” on the costume that has four layers of tulle.
Starting at the bottom of the top, gather the bottom half of the tulle every so often and pin in place. Do the same with the top half of the tulle and offset the gathers.
Step 3: Stitch Tulle in Place
Everywhere you pinned the gathered tulle, stitch in place by hand or with a basting stitch on a sewing machine using the green thread. I stitched mine by hand and three stitches was enough to hold everything in place. Note that this raw edge will be tucked under the tulle in the back and hidden from view.
Once your first two rows of tulle is sewn, it should look like this. Flip the top over and continue pinning and sewing it in place on the back.
Step 4: Finish Covering Top with Green Tulle
Once you have the first round done, cut the tulle, refold as in step 2, and start the next two rows. Continue until the whole body of the top is covered in puffed tulle. I left my sleeves uncovered. At this point, both the front and the back should look like this.
Step 5: Add in Fall Colored Tulle and Leaves
At this point your tree costume should already be looking pretty good! To add more interest and turn it into a fall tree, cut strips of brown, maroon, and gold tulle that are 6″ x 36″ and fold them in thirds lengthwise. Tuck these randomly under the green loops. Add in fabric leaves until you get a look you love!
If you’re really ambitious, sew on the extra loops of tulle and the fabric leaves. If you realize you’ve already spent far too long on this costume, do what I did and break out your glue gun and start gluing them on! I originally set mine on high, but it was smoking on the tulle (scary) so low ended up being the way to go. It’s easiest to hold the colored tulle in place, gently lift it, put a glob of glue beneath, and then lower it back down and press gently.
Step 7: Make Matching Headband
A fun headband really makes this DIY fall tree costume pop. I picked up a burlap covered headband, a fall craft sprig, and an owl. The nests didn’t end up making it onto the headband, but you definitely use them if you have enough room!
I fed the wire on the owl through the sprig and then bent them to the shape of the headband. Attach these with hot glue to the headband and you’re done! Easiest part of the project 🙂
Step 8: Enjoy Being a Fall Tree!
After all that work, it’s time to show off your costume! I paired mine with black leggings and brown boots. If you can find them, brown leggings would look great, especially if you draw some lines and knots on them to make them like like a tree trunk.
If you make this DIY fall tree costume please send me a picture! I’d love to see your creation!
