Costume Wings

SUPPLIES & TOOLS:

• Wing template (optional)
• 1yd fabric for child-sized wings or 1 1/2yds fabric for adult-sized wings
• 1/2yd heavyweight fusible interfacing for child-sized wings or 3/4yd for adult-sized wings (optional)
• 20 gauge or thicker wire
• Wire cutting tool
• Electrical tape or similar (optional)
• Strap material, such as 2" elastic
• Basic sewing supplies OR
• Hot glue gun/glue gun sticks


• MEASUREMENTS:
• Child Size: about 12"x 22"
• Adult Size: about 15"x 26"

DIRECTIONS:

1. On the fabric, draw and cut two pairs of wing shapes. One pair needs to be a mirror of the other.
2. Optional step: If the wing fabric could use more structure, iron the heavyweight fusible interfacing onto the wrong side of one wing pair, following the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Match the wing pairs, right sides together.
4. Sew the wings together, following the outer edge. Leave approximately 6" open on the inner, flat edge of the wing.
5. Turn them right side out.
6. Make a large wire loop and insert it through the opening and into the upper wing.
7. Twist the wire to tie at the center of the opening. Let the excess wire extend out so that you can tie it to the opposite wing at a later step.
8. Make a smaller loop with the wire and insert it through the opening and into the lower wing. Twist the wire to tie onto the upper wing.
9. Repeat for the other wing.
10. Close the opening by folding in the raw edges on both wings and sewing them shut.
11. Twist the extended wires together so that their length is approximately 5". If more length is needed, cut additional wire and twist it on.
12. Optional step: wrap the wire in electrical tape or similar to cover the sharp edges.
13. Wrap an end of the strap material around the center wire and sew to make a closed loop.
14. Position the wings on the wearer's back and wrap the strap around the shoulder and pin the loop in place.
15. Sew the strap loop together and repeat, making the second strap even with the first.

JOANN HACKS:

• Secure material around the wire frame with hot glue instead of sewing, and use hot glue to secure the straps.
• Make the wings out of cardboard, decorate the cardboard, and attach the straps through cut holes in the center of the cardboard.
• Omit the straps and add hook and loop tape to the wings and the back of the costume.
• Fill the interior with battery-powered fairy lights. Secure the lights in place with hand stitching or glue.