DIY Ghost Pinafore Costume for Kids | Easy Halloween Tutorial (FREE PATTERN)
DIY Ghost Pinafore Costume for Kids | Easy Halloween Tutorial (FREE PATTERN)
Summary
This ghost pinafore was such a fun and cozy project for my daughter’s first real Halloween. It’s an easy beginner sewing project using a free pattern and can be customized with felt or vinyl details. If you’re looking for a simple, budget-friendly kids costume, this is a great place to start!
Storytime!
This year is my daughter’s very first time trick-or-treating! Last year, she was still a baby — adorable, of course, but we decided to skip going door-to-door since it felt a little awkward with just two adults and a tiny pumpkin in tow.
Now that she’s older, we’re making the most of Halloween! Since we live in the Midwest (where the weather can never decide between fall and winter), I wanted to make her a costume that would be comfortable, easy to layer, and still super cute. That’s how this DIY Ghost Pinafore Costume for Kids came to life! It’s simple, cozy, and perfect for unpredictable fall weather — and it uses a free pattern from Life Sew Savory.
Skill Level: Confident Beginner
Time Estimate: 3 hours
Materials
2 yards of white cotton fabric
Pins
Fabric Scissors
Iron
Ruler/Tape Measure
Felt or Vinyl Transfer (not included)
Steps
Cut out your fabric
Cut 2 of the front on the fold
Cut 4 of the back
If you decided to do ruffles, cut a 4in by 52 in strip (attaching in sections if need be)
Sew 2 of the back pieces to one of the front on the straight edge.
Sew the Lining at the Sideseams Hem your ruffles and use a basting stitch to gather your fabric.
Gather and attach to the bottom of the dress.
Make sure the ruffle is flipped upwards and attach the lining.
Attach Lining Sew the U curve, leaving 2-3 inches of room at the top of straps, as well as a 2-3 inch gap on the side so you can flip it inside out.
Then sew the arm hole, leaving again 2-3 inches at the top of the straps.
Sew the Armhole Leaving a Gap Sew the neckline, again leaving 2-3 inches at the top of the straps.
Flip the dress inside out and close the gap by topstitching.
Sew the straps together. (Here’s where it gets complicated)
Tip: This part can be tricky! I recommend pinning both straps in place and double-checking their placement before sewing. 
How the Straps Will Look
Make sure you are criss crossing the straps so the back lays on top of each other. Sew the bottom of the strap by stitching across with a straight line.
Sew the Top of the Straps Together 
Match the Other side and sew. Match up the top of the strap so that when you sew it, it lays flat.
Sew the Gap Closed Lay the straps so the pretty side is touching and continue stitching where your lines had previously ended, closing the gap.
Flip and fold on the other side of the strap and top stitch.
Sew Closed Repeat for the other strap.
Topstitch all around if you desire.
Add the ghost face in your desired method (felt or vinyl)
Add the Face with Your Desired Method
Final Thoughts
 |
| Front |
 |
| Back |
I really love how this project turned out. I sewed the pinafore in a 2T size but made it the 3T length so my daughter can (hopefully) wear it again next year. She wasn’t exactly thrilled to model it — her first “not a fan” reaction to something I’ve made! — but honestly, I’ll still call that a win.
Originally, I planned to add ruffle sleeves, but after a few attempts that just weren’t working, I decided to keep it simple. I’m so glad I did — it turned out adorable, comfortable, and perfectly ghostly for Halloween night.
If you make your own version of this Ghost Pinafore Costume, please tag me! I’d love to see your take on it. You can also check out my YouTube and TikTok (@Littlestitchesblog) for more affordable sewing tutorials and seasonal DIYs.
If you liked this tutorial, also check out:
- DIY Matching Mommy & Me Rompers You Can Sew on a Budget
- Sewing for Baby: My Baby Camp Coat Review and Thoughts
- Sewing My Toddler's Dress for a Summer Wedding
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