Real Dragon Costume DIY: Adult & Kids Guide

Okay, so you wanna build your own real dragon costume? AWESOME! The concept of mythical beasts coming to life is already super exciting, and you’re about to make it a reality! For crafting your masterpiece, Joann Fabrics stores are treasure troves for finding just the right materials, because the quality of your scales matters! Speaking of scales, the shape of dragon scales often references to the scales of real Komodo dragons, while their size influences mobility while you stomp around at the next Comic-Con in your incredible, handcrafted real dragon costume.

Unleash Your Inner Dragon: The Ultimate DIY Costume Blueprint!

So, you want to build a real dragon costume? Awesome! Get ready to breathe fire (figuratively, please!) because we’re diving into a step-by-step guide to crafting legendary dragon costumes for both adults and kids. The key is breaking it down into manageable chunks, making it fun, and tailoring it to the age and skill level of the dragon in training.

First off, think about the big picture. A real dragon costume, no matter the size, usually has a few key elements:

• Head/Mask: The face of the beast!
• Body/Torso: The main part, covering the chest and back.
• Wings: Essential for soaring (or at least looking like you’re soaring).
• Tail: Provides balance and a touch of draconic flair.
• Legs/Feet: Could be pants, leggings, or even clawed shoes!

We can then break the overall project into several manageable steps, each with their own individual guides and options tailored to experience levels.

1. Planning Your Dragon’s Look & Materials:

Before you even think about cutting fabric, you need a plan!

• Dragon Type: What kind of dragon are we talking? Classic European? Eastern serpentine? Decide on a color scheme and overall style. A quick Google image search for "dragon art" can fuel tons of inspiration!
• Skill Level: Are you a crafting newbie or a seasoned pro? Be honest! We’ll offer different techniques for different skill sets.
• Budget: How much are you willing to spend? There are budget-friendly options like cardboard and felt, or more elaborate choices using foam and specialized materials.
• Adult or Kid? Dragon costumes for kids need to be lighter, easier to move in, and less complex. Adult costumes can be more detailed and potentially even mechanized.

Speaking of materials, here’s a general idea of what you might need:

Material	Uses	Options
Cardboard	Basic structure, scales (for a budget-friendly look)	Recycled boxes, poster board
Felt	Scales, details, soft armor	Craft felt, thicker felt sheets
Foam	Body shaping, horns, wings, lightweight armor	Craft foam, EVA foam (for durability)
Fabric	Main body covering, lining, wings (chiffon for lightweight, sturdy for weight)	Fleece, cotton, velvet, shimmering fabric
Elastic	Straps, wing supports	Different widths and strengths
Hot Glue	Connecting everything!	Low-temp (safer for kids), high-temp (stronger hold)
Paint/Markers	Adding details, scales, and color	Acrylic paint, fabric markers, spray paint (for larger areas)
Other embellishments	Gems, spikes, glitter	Whatever adds sparkle and personality!

2. Constructing the Dragon Head/Mask:

The head is the star of the show!

• Kid-Friendly Option: Cardboard Mask: A simple cardboard mask shaped like a dragon’s head, decorated with felt scales and googly eyes, is perfect for young adventurers.

  1. Draw and cut out a dragon head shape from cardboard.
  2. Cut out eye holes.
  3. Add cardboard or felt for snout.
  4. Decorate with paint, felt scales, and googly eyes.
  5. Attach elastic strap.

• Adult Option: Foam Head: Using EVA foam, you can sculpt a more detailed and realistic dragon head.

  1. Create a pattern based on the desired shape.
  2. Cut the foam pieces and glue them together.
  3. Add details like horns, teeth, and ridges.
  4. Paint and seal the foam.
  5. Consider adding LEDs for glowing eyes!

3. Building the Body/Torso:

This provides the main shape of your dragon.

• Kid-Friendly Option: Cardboard Torso: A large cardboard box can be transformed into a dragon’s chest and back.

  1. Cut holes for the arms and head.
  2. Shape the box to resemble a dragon’s body.
  3. Cover with fabric or paint.
  4. Attach scales and other details.

• Adult Option: Foam/Fabric Torso: A more fitted torso can be created using foam and fabric.

  1. Create a pattern based on your measurements.
  2. Sew or glue the fabric and foam together.
  3. Add padding for comfort.
  4. Consider incorporating articulated segments for added movement.

4. Crafting the Wings:

Time to take flight!

• Kid-Friendly Option: Fabric Wings: Simple fabric wings attached to the back of the costume are easy to make and wear.

  1. Cut two wing shapes from fabric.
  2. Sew or glue them together, leaving an opening for a wire or dowel rod.
  3. Insert the wire or dowel rod for support.
  4. Attach elastic straps to the wings so they can be worn on the arms.

• Adult Option: Foam Wings: More elaborate wings can be constructed using foam and hinges for movement.

  1. Create a wing frame using foam and wire.
  2. Cover the frame with fabric or foam sheets.
  3. Attach hinges to allow the wings to fold and unfold.
  4. Consider adding a mechanism for automated wing flapping.

5. Creating the Tail:

The final touch!

• Kid-Friendly Option: Fabric Tail: A stuffed fabric tail is easy to make and safe to wear.

  1. Cut two tail shapes from fabric.
  2. Sew them together, leaving an opening for stuffing.
  3. Stuff the tail with batting or stuffing.
  4. Attach the tail to the back of the costume using velcro or safety pins.

• Adult Option: Foam/Wire Tail: A more articulated tail can be constructed using foam and wire.

  1. Create a wire armature for the tail.
  2. Cover the armature with foam.
  3. Add scales and other details.
  4. Consider incorporating a mechanism for wagging the tail.

6. Adding Scales and Details:

This is where the magic happens! Regardless of your chosen materials, getting a scaled effect is key.

• Cardboard Scales: Cut out individual cardboard scales and glue them onto the costume.
• Felt Scales: Cut out felt scales and sew or glue them onto the costume.
• Foam Scales: Mold foam scales using a heat gun or carve them individually.

Remember to have fun with it! There’s no wrong way to create a real dragon costume. The most important thing is to let your creativity soar and unleash your inner dragon. Good Luck!

So there you have it! Whether you’re crafting a magnificent, realistic real dragon costume for yourself or a scaled-down version for your little one, remember to have fun and let your creativity soar. We hope this guide inspires you to create a truly unforgettable real dragon costume that will turn heads and spark imaginations.