How to Make Stingray Costumes

A stingray costume can be made of simple materials.

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The majestic image of a stingray gliding through the ocean waves provides inspiration for a unique Halloween costume. Whether a costume wearer is a lover of marine animals or simply a trick or treater looking for a unique get-up, a stingray costume is a one-of-a-kind costume that can easily be constructed using materials found at any department store or even in the costume wearer's own home.

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Before creating a stingray costume's distinctive fins and body, the costume wearer must create a base for the outfit to cover their body and to keep warm while adding to basic look of the costume. A simple outfit of a sweatshirt, turtleneck or T-shirt paired with sweatpants, leggings or plain pants begins the transformation from human to stingray. Stick to solid colors in natural hues that are common among stingrays, such as dark gray, dusty blue or deep tan.

Fins

The large, sweeping fins that reach out from the stingray's body become the most defining part of the costume. Stingray fins can be made by trimming a wide range of materials, from cardboard or poster board to sheets of cloth or dark garbage bags, into the shape of the stingray fins. For an easy stingray costume, sew a corner of an old, gray blanket or sheet to a hooded sweatshirt. Spread the blanket over the back of the sweatshirt and sew it to the end of the sleeves of the shirt. Grab a pair of scissors and trim the blanket to round the top edges -- from the hood to the sleeves -- and angle the bottom to create a stingray shape.

Tail

No stingray costume is complete without a tail. Many objects can be used to make great stingray tails. For example, use gray ribbon, dark-colored rope, cardboard, paper or another material that will hang from the back of the costume. Cut a length of the material that is approximately 1.5 to 2 feet long. Attach it to the end of the fins with hot glue, fabric glue, staples or a needle and thread.

Decorations and Accessories

After the costume has been constructed, it's time to show off some creativity and add some decorative touches. Googly eyes glued to the top of the hood add a whimsical touch to the costume. Use light-colored fabric paint to draw lines across the front of the hooded sweatshirt to create the stingray's gills. On the blanket, or fins, use fabric paint in the color of your choice to make spots and add a personal touch to the unique costume.

ReferencesNational Geographic: StingraysPhoto Credit NA/AbleStock.com/Getty ImagesRead Next:

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