Play: Karate Kid Costume Part 1

Sorry for this being a day late, but you know how life is.

So last year, Sebastian was a robot, but this year, he's going to be a karate kid. And so I present to you Karate Kid Costume Part 1!

Hey, if the movies can have sequels, so can I.


I only got the pants done so far, but don't worry, the rest is coming, and it will be awesome.

Now on to how to do it. I modified a pattern that I had to make this costume. I will try to upload my templates a little later, but I have to figure out how to do it with something bigger than an 8 1/2 by 11 piece of paper. So, I'll update you when I've figured that out.

But for now, here's the method. And honestly, it wouldn't be hard to fake your own pattern using the shapes you see and a pair of pants for reference.

So first you need to cut out the pieces. two fronts and two backs. The fronts and the backs are essentially the same shape, but the back piece is a little more scooped in the crotch to allow for "junk in the trunk." I cut mine intentionally long so that if Sebastian wants to use this costume for dress up later, I can let out the bottom hem so they don't have to be highwaters.

Then you will pin the right sides together of the back pieces and the right sides together of the fronts and you will sew the crotch only (just the curved part).

I am sewing with about a half inch seam allowance and then zig zag stitching along the edge to help with fraying. The zig zag is not necessary, but it helps make the finished product feel finished. You can also check out this tutorial for other ways to finish off the edges.

Then you will open up the front and back now joined pieces and pin them right sides together. You will be sewing along the inseam and the outside edges.

I started with the inseam because that's a more difficult area and more important to get lined up.

Once you have both the inseam and the outside edges stitched up, you can turn it inside out and see if it will actually work for your child.

Hooray, it does! (Which is really good because I hate having to rip out seams.)

Then, you've got to pull out the iron. Turn the pants back inside out if you tried them on, and fold down the top of the waist as little as you can uniformly and press.

Then fold again, only do it large enough for your piece of elastic. Press this, too.

Then you will sew as close the edge of the fold, leaving a small gap to thread the elastic through later. I left the gap at the back.

The thread the elastic through, and sew the two ends together. I went back and forth about five times because I really didn't want that coming undone.

Then close off the rest of the waistband.

Do a similar thing for hemming the bottoms of the pants, only instead of allowing for the width of the elastic, just make sure that the length is correct for your little martial artist.

And there you have it. A pair of karate kid pants.

Come back to see Part 2, coming soon!

What are your kids going to be for Halloween this year?