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costume safety

How to Make a DIY Mummy Costume for Halloween

Turn a long-sleeved shirt and pants into a mummy costume with layered fabric strips. Choose a sewn or safety-pin method, then check fit, vision, and visibility.

By ThatPainter Team 3 min read
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Make a wearable mummy costume by attaching fabric strips to a long-sleeved shirt and pants or pajamas. That keeps the wrap in place without winding it tightly around the wearer. Use torn cotton fabric, gauze, or an old sheet; sew the strips down for a durable finish, or use safety pins for a no-sew version. Keep the costume comfortable, clear of the eyes and mouth, and short enough not to drag.

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What you need

  • A comfortable long-sleeved shirt and pants or pajamas; white or light-colored clothes make a simple base.
  • Cotton fabric, textured cotton gauze, or an old sheet to make the mummy strips. An old T-shirt can also be reused.
  • Scissors, plus either a needle and thread or safety pins. Hot glue is another attachment option described in DIY tutorials.
  • Optional: reflective tape for dusk visibility.

You do not need to buy new clothes or fabric. A clean, worn sheet or garments you already have can work. These are craft-method suggestions, not results from controlled material or safety tests.

Choose a material for the wraps

Material What to expect Attachment approach
Textured cotton gauze A tutorial-backed choice for a layered, recognizable mummy look. Sew it to the base garment, or use the tutorial’s suggested hot-glue alternative.
Torn cotton fabric or an old T-shirt Lets you reuse fabric you already have; cut or tear strips in varied widths. Sew strips down at several points, or temporarily pin them while arranging.
Old sheet A reuse option that can be torn into strips; one tutorial uses it for a no-sew version. Secure with safety pins, then check carefully for snags and exposed points.

One tutorial cautions that cheesecloth is thin and difficult to work with. No source establishes any of these options as the safest material. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) generally advises choosing flame-resistant costume materials and avoiding flimsy, loose, billowy shapes near fire sources.

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Make the costume

  1. Choose the base. Lay out a long-sleeved shirt and pants or pajamas that fit comfortably. Check that the wearer can move easily in them.
  2. Make the strips. Cut or tear the cotton fabric, gauze, or sheet into strips of varied widths. A little variation helps the layers look less uniform.
  3. Arrange the strips. Place the garments flat and position strips in overlapping layers. You can pin them temporarily to plan the look. If fitting the garment on the wearer to arrange strips, have an adult assist carefully; do not leave temporary sharp pins in the costume.
  4. Attach the strips. Remove the garment from the wearer before sewing. Tack each strip down at several points with needle and thread so it stays in place. Hot glue is an alternative mentioned in a DIY tutorial; use it carefully and allow it to cool fully before the garment is handled or worn.
  5. Finish the openings. Leave room at the wrists, ankles, and neck for comfortable movement and easy removal. Keep fabric away from the eyes, nose, and mouth.
  6. Check the fit. Put the costume on and walk, sit, and raise both arms. Trim or secure any ends that drag, snag, or get in the way.

Make a no-sew version

Tear an old sheet into strips, arrange them over a long-sleeved shirt and pants, and secure them with safety pins. Attach the strips to the garments rather than tightly wrapping them around the body. Pin from the inside where practical, and check each pin before wearing: it should be fully closed, held securely, and positioned so its point cannot poke the wearer. Remove any temporary straight pins used to lay out the design.

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Safety checks before Halloween

  • Keep vision and breathing clear. Do not cover the eyes or obstruct the nose or mouth. CPSC advises that masks need adequate ventilation and full vision, and that hats and scarves should not slip over the eyes. A face covering is not necessary to make the outfit read as a mummy.
  • Check length and fit. Keep hems from dragging and secure loose strips that could catch on something or trip the wearer.
  • Consider fire exposure. CPSC recommends flame-resistant costume materials and warns against flimsy, loose, billowy shapes near fire sources. Keep the costume away from candles and other open flames.
  • Improve dusk visibility. CPSC recommends reflective tape on costumes or treat bags and advises carrying a flashlight when out after dark.
  • Recheck fasteners. Look for exposed pin points, loose stitches, and snagging strips before heading out.

In a 2013 release, the CPSC reported more than 3,500 Halloween-related injuries between October and November 2012. That is a historical agency figure for that period, not a current annual total.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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