Make Your Own DIY Pirate Costume!

What can we use instead of elastic string, cardboard, or a large sheet of paper if we don't have them?

Use a shoelace or ribbon tied through holes for the eye patch instead of elastic, a cereal box or corrugated packaging for the cardboard sword or eye patch, and folded newspaper or posterboard in place of the large sheet when you 'Fold the large sheet of paper into a triangle hat shape.'

My paper pirate hat keeps collapsing—how can we make it hold its shape?

Reinforce the hat by adding extra tape along the seams where you 'Secure the hat folds with tape,' or slide a narrow strip of folded cardboard inside the crown before taping to stiffen it.

How can this activity be adapted for different ages?

For preschoolers, have an adult pre-cut the 'oval eye patch' and 'sword' and provide stickers to decorate the hat and sash, while older kids can follow all steps themselves, freehand the 'Draw a skull' design, and wrap the sword edges with tape for safety.

How can we extend or personalize the pirate costume beyond the basic steps?

Add a cardboard parrot taped to a shoulder strap, paint a family crest on the sash, distress the hat edges with brown crayon, or create a treasure map prop to use when you 'Put on your pirate costume and act out a sea adventure' before sharing on DIY.org.