How to Make a Majestic Peacock Costume

Make this majestic peacock costume with layers and layers (and layers) of stiff tulle, all attached to a modified long skirt with an elastic waist.

Halloween is a BIG deal around here! We throw an annual Halloween party and spend the entire month of October preparing for it. Putting together fun tablescapes and making props and costumes is my jam and each year, I look forward to hearing what my kids have dreamt up for their costumes. The year my daughter decided on a dressing as a peacock, I didn't even bat an eye (well, maybe one), before diving head first (into what, I had no idea) into making her the most majestic peacock I could!

PS. Don't let the number of steps intimidate you - it's not difficult, I just wanted to make sure the tutorial was very clear!

How to Make a Peacock Costume

*affiliate links included for your convenience

To make the skirt, you will need:

• Long black skirt, ankle length with at least a slight A-line shape
• Styrofoam ball
• Tulle netting in purple, chartreuse, and turquoise
• Peacock Tailfeathers
• Glue gun or sewing machine (with black thread)
• Scissors
• Chalk

Other accessories for the costume: 

• a Turquoise body-suit
• Black Gloves
• Peacock mask

Adding the plumes

1.  Cut your tulle "plumes." Double each piece by folding each piece of tulle in half lengthwise.
2. Turn your skirt inside out.
3. Starting about 6" down from the waist, attach the fold-line of 11-12 full-length tulle strips on the INSIDE of the skirt. Alternate colors and overlap the edges slightly.  Your plumes should reach somewhat below the hem.
4. Attach a second row of 4 or 5 full-length tulle strips about 6" below the first row, from the right side hem toward the center. Repeat on the left. Mark these rows with chalk - you will use this row in step 12.
5. Starting 10" from the hem, attach a row of short length tulle strips (about 11-12) on a diagonal to the right side seam. Repeat on the left.
6.  Add a second row of short length tulle strips (about 11-12) on a diagonal, starting 12" from the hem, near the center skirt, down to the right side seam.  Repeat on the left.
7. Attach a row of (10) strips along the side seam from the bottom up on the right side. Repeat on the left.
8. Turn the skirt right side out and lay flat, back of the skirt facing up.
9. Attach the fold-line of 11-12 full-length tulle strips to the waistband line along the center of the BACK of the skirt. Alternate colors and overlap the edges slightly.  Your plumes should reach somewhat below the hem.

Finishing up

1. Turn your skirt to the front.
2. Starting at the center, and ending at the side seams (halfway), pull the hem of the front of the skirt up to the waistband and attach (the inside of the skirt will be visible), gathering as necessary.  Turn your skirt over.
3.  On the right, attach the front to the back, by gluing or sewing the hem of the tulle strip marked in step 4 to the center of the back of your skirt. Repeat on the left, meeting the two sides in the middle.
4.  Attach a row of tulle around the entire waist of the skirt.
5. Cut the foam ball in half and poke the peacock tailfeathers into the top of one half.
6. Glue the foam ball half, flat-side in, to the back of the skirt, using the flap where the two sides meet as a pocket.

You're done! 

Fluff and arrange the tulle "plumes" before wearing. Add a mask and gloves and strut around like a peacock! I know that's exactly what my girl did - as did I for making it!

I hope you've found this tutorial useful - please, let me know if you have any questions, or, if you make this costume, I'd love it if you shared your final result with me!