Alice in Wonderland Costume Patterns

The Basics of Alice in Wonderland Costume Patterns

Since no pattern company currently has any current Alice in Wonderland costume patterns, the key to pulling off this outfit is to know where to look for the individual costume pieces. (There is one adult costume pattern, Simplicity 3606, but it has been discontinued).

It also will help to have some basic sewing skills in place so that you can adapt these items to look like Alice's outfit. You may need to make a wider strap, add a ruffle here and there, and adjust the sleeve patterns. If you're willing to do this, then jump right in!

The Pinafore

The pinafore, or white apron, that Alice is wearing can be made using patterns for regular kitchen aprons. A pattern that you can find in your local fabric store or online is the McCalls misses apron pattern, number M5358, which should fit the bill for the pinafore.

Make this apron of a white material and skip the pockets. This pattern retails for $2.99, so it is an inexpensive investment for the costume.

The Pantaloons

This is an optional part of the costume. Adults wearing white leotards can replace the pantaloons. If you really want the pantaloons, there are patterns out there for your costume. McCalls pattern M3609 is for misses pantaloons (along with a corset, petticoat and camisole).

Shorten the length of the pantaloons since these are designed for a full-length dress. The pattern costs $8.99.

The Petticoat

Again, use McCalls pattern M3609, misses petticoat (and others). Shorten the length of the petticoat so it falls a few inches below the dress length.

The Dress

The dress may be the most difficult component of the dress to find, but it isn't impossible. Think "Disney dress," since most of the dresses the characters from Disney movies and other children's characters wear are similar.

• Simplicity 9387: Minnie Mouse. This is a discontinued pattern, so you'll need to find it on eBay or see if a friend or family member has a copy of this one.
• Simplicity 4135: Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. This costume can also be modified to become a Alice in Wonderland outfit, complete with the pouf sleeves. This costume pattern can be found on eBay.

Costume Accessories

Finding a blonde wig and black shoes shouldn't be as difficult as finding Alice in Wonderland costume patterns. The shoes can be found in many shoe stores, even the discount shops, especially around Halloween.

Alternatively, you can purchase a pair of black ballerina flats and attach a length of black ribbon or wide black elastic across the top of your instep on the shoe so it looks like a Mary Jane style shoe.

The blonde wig can be easily purchased through online costume shops or locally at large retail stores during Halloween.

Alice and Other Character Costumes

Many people enjoy dressing up as Alice in Wonderland at Halloween or for other parties. Luckily, they also like to share how they made these costumes on the Internet. If you're feeling especially crafty, and have some sewing experience, visit the following websites for some great ideas on costumes for Alice and all of her friends.

• Gunther Anderson shows the basics on how to make an Alice in Wonderland stage costume for an adult.
• Disney Costume Contest gives how-tos on how to make the Alice in Wonderland character's costumes.
• Coolest Homemade Costumes shows photos and gives instructions on making a Cheshire Cat, Queen of Hearts, Mad Hatter, The Hare, Ace of Spades and a child's Alice costume. They also have a cute set of twins dressed up as Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum.

Making an Alice in Wonderland costume doesn't have to be an expensive proposition, or even a difficult one. Simply look around to see what patterns are similar to the ones you need, or if you may have parts of the costume already in your closet.

Don't forget to check your local thrift stores to see if they have anything you can use for making your costume. Above all, have fun!