How to Make a Madeline Costume

Making a Madeline costume involves recreating the iconic outfit of the beloved children's book character, Madeline. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make your own Madeline costume:

Materials Needed:

- Blue wool or felt fabric

- White cotton fabric

- Red grosgrain ribbon

- Yellow yarn or felt for hair

- Black felt for eyes and eyebrows

- Pink felt for cheeks

- White buttons

- Fabric scissors

- Sewing machine or needle and thread

- Stuffing material (such as cotton or polyester batting)

Instructions:

1. Create the Main Dress:

a) Cut a rectangle of blue wool or felt fabric that is approximately 24 inches wide and 36 inches long. This will form the main body of the dress.

b) Fold the fabric in half lengthwise and sew the side seams, leaving a 2-inch opening at the top for the head and arms.

2. Add the Waist Detail:

a) Cut a strip of red grosgrain ribbon about 2 inches wide and long enough to wrap around the waist of the dress.

b) Sew the ribbon around the waist, gathering the fabric slightly to create a fitted look.

3. Make the Yellow Hat:

a) Cut a circle of yellow yarn or felt that is about 12 inches in diameter. This will form the top of the hat.

b) Cut two rectangular pieces of yellow yarn or felt that are about 6 inches wide and 18 inches long. These will form the sides of the hat.

c) Sew the sides of the hat together, forming a tube.

d) Sew the top circle to the sides of the hat. Turn the hat inside out so the seams are hidden.

4. Make the White Apron:

a) Cut a rectangle of white cotton fabric that is approximately 18 inches wide and 24 inches long. This will form the apron.

b) Fold the top edge of the apron down about 1 inch and sew it in place.

c) Sew a small pocket onto the center of the apron, if desired.

d) Attach the apron to the dress by sewing it onto the waistband.

5. Create the Black Hair:

a) Cut two circles of black felt that are about 2 inches in diameter. These will form the eyes.

b) Cut two smaller circles of black felt that are about 1/2 inch in diameter. These will form the eyebrows.

c) Sew the eyes and eyebrows onto the face.

6. Add the Pink Cheeks:

a) Cut two small circles of pink felt that are about 1/2 inch in diameter.

b) Sew the pink circles onto the face to create the cheeks.

7. Sew on the Buttons:

a) Sew white buttons down the center of the dress.

8. Stuff the Costume:

a) Turn the dress inside out.

b) Stuff the dress with cotton or polyester batting.

9. Complete the Look:

a) Put the hat on the stuffed dress.

b) Add any desired accessories, such as a basket with a baguette or a small toy dog.

Your Madeline costume is now complete! Enjoy dressing up as this beloved children's book character and bringing a touch of Parisian charm to your next celebration or event.