Halloween’s getting closer, and we couldn’t resist kicking off this week with another costume design! This is a cheetah-inspired design, made with our Black Heavy Compression Double Knit and Tan/Brown Leopard Knitted Faux Fur fabrics! This costume is a combination of two other projects we’ve completed before, the Sewing Yaya Han’s Ultimate Bodysuit project and the How to Sew an Easy Faux Fur Vest project, so if you’d like in-depth explanations for the steps we used, head over to those links to check them out!
Here’s a list of all the tools and materials needed to make this design:
Bodysuit
McCall’s Costume Pattern #MP214
1 ½ yards, Black Heavy Compression Double Knit (1 5/8 yard if you go with the leggings for design D)
One 24” Invisible Zipper in Black
Black 100m Gutermann Extra Strong Thread
Fiskars Designer Set 2-piece Cutting Set, for cutting fabric
8″ Fiskars All-Purpose Scissors, for cutting pattern
Faux Fur Vest and Cuffs
½ Yard, Tan/Brown Leopard Knitted Faux Fur
Dritz Tailor’s Chalk
Razor/Box Cutter/X-acto Knife
It should be noted that, for this cheetah design, we used the black heavy compression double knit for all of the bodysuit instead of using the pleather together with it, but either will work!
We also made a shorter, cropped version of the faux fur vest! Making the shorter design allowed us to add in some adorable matching cuffs with the leftover fabric to help complete the look!
I especially love working with the compression double knit we used here, because it’s thick without losing any stretch, and it’s designed to keep you dry and cool with its mirco air technology! Bodysuits can get super warm and uncomfortable if the fabric used to make them doesn’t breathe well, so this compression double knit is a fantastic option. If you plan to wear your costume for a long time, or just want that extra added comfort, give this fabric a shot! We carry it in multiple colors, too!
This is the second time we’ve used this compression fabric, but you could make this bodysuit with other similar fabrics like:
Stretch Faux Leathers and Pleathers
Neoprenes
Knits
As for the faux fur, we chose the tan/brown leopard knitted faux fur for it’s beautiful cheetah-like print and the lush, thicker pile. With a matte bodysuit, this fur takes the spotlight and really makes a statement! Plus, the ornate knit backing is comfortable and makes it an easy option—you can skip out on lining it, if you want!
Here are some other faux furs you could use for your vest:
Remember to draw and cut your pattern pieces from the back of your faux furs!
What do you think? Do you see yourself dressing up as a big cat for Halloween? What other costume designs do you think these ideas would be useful for?
