Calling

all Salty

Sea Dogs

Your matey will look shipshape in this piratical costume.

BY ANDREA DeHART

I’ve never owned a store-bought costume.

I was one of those kids lucky enough to have a super crafty mom who would jump on her sewing machine and whip up anything from a placemat to a prom dress without hesitation. When Halloween came around each year, she would fulfill our wildest fantasies no matter what the request. I loved my homemade costumes, and no other kid in school had a custom costume like mine. Following in my mom’s footsteps, I too enjoy the thrill of the challenge. So when I was asked to design a canine costume, I said, “Aye, Cap’n!”

If you’re looking to turn your dog pal into a swashbuckling seafarer with style, set your sights on this project. Moderate sewing skills are required, but the supplies will only set you back a couple of doubloons. Although the outfit was created for a pug, you can easily alter the pattern pieces to fit most small dogs.

Pirate accoutrements complete the costume; included in the pattern are a functional pirate hat and belt. Don’t forget to pick up a miniature fake parrot for the shoulder (or train yours if you have a real one). Other pirate pizzazz to plunder: a small toy sword, a pouch filled with gold coins, an eye patch, a treasure chest, a large bone, and some gold hoop earrings. Mass-market costumes can walk the plank! »

Andrea DeHart, aka CraftyBitch ( craftybitch.com) is the creator of handmade handbags, wallets, doggie couture, and most recently, a little girl.

Materials

ADD EXTRA YARDAGE FOR A LARGER DOG.

 

» ½YD 60"-WIDE, RED AND WHITE STRIPED, STRETCH KNIT FABRIC (FOR SHIRT)

 

» ¼YD 45"-WIDE, RED, RIB KNIT FABRIC

 

» ½YD 45"-WIDE, MEDIUM-WEIGHT, BLACK SATIN FABRIC (FOR PANTS)

 

» 6" LENGTH OF ¾" RED HOOK-AND-LOOP FASTENER TAPE

 

» 10" LENGTH OF ¾" BLACK HOOK-AND-LOOP FASTENER TAPE

 

» 3" GOLD BUTTONS ( 2)

 

» 9"X12" PIECE OF 2MM WHITE FOAM SHEET OR PRE-CUT, WHITE, ADHESIVE FOAM SKULL AND CROSSBONES, PATCH OR STICKER,

2” OR SMALLER

 

» 12"X18" PIECE OF 3MM BLACK FOAM SHEET

» ²/³YD 6" FLAT GOLD BRAID TRIM

» 1YD ¼" CLEAR ELASTIC

» SMALL FAKE PARROT

 

» CRAFT GLUE, HOLE PUNCH, COMMON SEWING SUPPLIES

References:

http://craftybitch.com

http://craftzine.com/04/pirate/

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