This DIY Gandalf Costume is perfect for my smarty pants son! He picked Gandalf for our family theme right away. And not just because I can him Gandalf on my blog. This sarcastic, brilliant boy fills my life with wonder. He ran over to show his friend his costume after we took these pictures. I yelled at him to hurry and get in the car so we could head over to his brother’s dance class. I told him he was late. He then informed me a wizard is never late. They always precisely arrive when they mean to.
He is our only child who has actually read the Lord of the Rings book. I love his love for reading. I can’t stop this kid from reading. I like to buy or borrow books for him and just leave them out. He usually finds them and reads them quickly. Sometimes he will even read books I put away. Like the Maze Runner. I told him that one was for me. He told me, “But it was on the shelf”. Love that boy!
His favorite part of the his costume: his staff. He loved shouting “You shall not pass!”
DIY Gandalf Tutorial:
- Grey fleece material
- Tall wooden dowel
- Brown belt
- Witch Hat
- Bag
- Grey Yarn
I used his shirt as a guide. Basically I made him a baggy dress. He wasn’t a fan of that description. I cut a large rectangle. Sew up the sides, leaving room for his arms. Sew at the shoulders. Because we are making it so baggy I can just slip it over his head. I use the shirt as a guide, but cut my rectangle much larger.
I then cut two rectangles for sleeves. Remember you want wide, big sleeves. With right sides together sew the sleeves together and attach to your dress. I didn’t hem anything because it’s fleece and I am sewing for 6.
For his cloak I cut a large rectangle, the length of his body. I then cut a two large rectangles for his hood. You can use a hooded jacket for guide. I like mine really oversized. Then attache the cloak and hood together. Make sure to match up edges and pin. I like to pin the edges and half way point. Part of it will be gathered, but it’s suppose to do that. Then I just safety pinned it together.
I scored the hat at the Goodwill. That is a costume store must! I decided against making a hat and instead spray painting it grey. I also found a leather purse and brown belt there. Don’t tell him both items were in the women’s section.
To make his wig I make a scalp like this one in my Gollum post. I then hand stitched grey yarn. To make his beard I cut out a half moon and cut out a rectangle for his mouth. Again I just sewed on yarn.
The Staff was bought from Lowe’s. I made designs with a glue gun and then sprayed it grey. I later realized his staff is actually brown, but it still works. All in all the costume was pretty easy. Or if you’d prefer you could just buy one here for $30.
That is pretty much it. After I made his costume he informed me he wanted to be Gandalf the White. I told him he was out of luck and should really specify those things more clearly. Plus he looks adorable in grey.
He says he’s “Dumbledorable.”
Can’t believe how quickly he is growing up!!! I don’t know if I am ready for him to be 12 next year.
Thanks for reading this post. I would love for you to pin it to share the love. And don’t forget to check out my other Lord of the Rings Costumes! Stay tuned for our family pictures this Monday!
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