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Easy to Sew Colonial Costumes for Children

Autumn--it's a time for the cracking of leaves, cool breezes and dressing up children in colonial costumes. Here are some costume ideas great for many occasions, such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, or an autumn school play. These costumes are easy to sew. The children can even help put them together. Kids can have fun and learn about colonial history all at the same time.

Girl Pilgrim
- This woman's colonial costume could easily be made in a child's size.
  
  Sew a simple, floor-length dress from black or gray mid-weight fabric. Attach long, slightly puffy sleeves made from the same fabric. The dress does not have to be fitted, because a white apron will draw in the waist. Add large, white cuffs and a big white collar. Accessorize with a bonnet, buckle shoes and white leggings.
Boy Pilgrim
- A small boy could wear a homemade costume such as this.
  
  Using gray or black mid-weight fabric, sew somewhat baggy, ankle length trousers with elastic at the bottoms of the legs. Using the same fabric, also sew a shirt with large white cuffs. As an alternative to the shirt, you may use the dark fabric to sew a vest, which should be worn over a white button-up shirt. Take a pointy-black hat and add a white ribbon and buckle. Accessorize with a belt, buckle shoes and white leggings.
Native American
- A child can use his or her creativity when designing a Native American costume.
  
  This costume can be worn by either girls and boys. Begin by finding some loose, solid-colored pants, shirt, or dress, that you can tear up. These should be either tan or brightly colored. Cut up the bottoms of the shirt, pants or dress into strips several inches long. Make a headband with either paper or cloth. Decorate the headband with feathers. Accessorize with beads and braids. Wear sandals or slippers on the feet.
Royal
- A royal costume can be assembled from items you may already have around.
  
  Sew, or obtain, a white frilly blouse. Use a red satin fabric to make a vest or a cape. Use a dark material to sew loose trousers with elastic at the ankles. A skirt may be worn instead by a girl. Accessorize with white leggings, a crown or floppy hat, and a gold chain.

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