To make a lion costume for a toddler, you have several options. Here are some ideas and tutorials to help you create a cute lion costume:
- Felt Lion Costume: This tutorial from Hobbycraft provides step-by-step instructions on how to make an easy lion costume using felt. You can watch the tutorial on YouTube1.
- Handmade Lion Costume: Martha Stewart has a tutorial on YouTube that shows how to create a lion costume for kids. This tutorial includes making a lion’s mane and tail2.
- DIY Lion Costume: Scratch and Stitch offers a tutorial on how to make a lion costume for babies, kids, or adults. This tutorial is based on a pair of pajamas and includes a mane, ears, tail, and paw print mittens3.
- Lion Costume with Sweatsuit: WikiHow provides a detailed guide on making a lion costume using a golden sweatsuit. The tutorial includes sewing a brown felt oval to the belly of the suit to create the lion’s body4.
- No-Sew Lion Costume: A Night Owl Blog has an easy no-sew tutorial for a kids’ lion Halloween costume. The tutorial suggests using yarn to create a lion’s mane by wrapping it around your fingers and securing it with another piece of yarn5.
- Baby Lion Costume: Eclectic Spark offers a DIY tutorial specifically for a baby lion costume. This tutorial involves cutting up yarn into pieces to create the lion’s mane6.
Materials Needed
To make a lion costume for your toddler, you will need the following materials:
Fur Fabric
The fur fabric is the main material for the body of the lion costume. Choose a soft and fluffy fur fabric that resembles a lion’s mane. Make sure to measure and cut the fabric according to your child’s size.
Yellow Felt
Yellow felt will be used to create the lion’s ears and additional details on the body of the costume. Cut out the necessary shapes from the felt and make sure to have enough to complete the design.
Scissors
Scissors are essential for cutting the fabric and felt. Make sure to use sharp scissors that can easily cut through the materials.
Glue
Glue will be used to attach various parts of the costume together, such as the ears and details on the body. It is recommended to use fabric glue for a more secure hold.
Elastic
Elastic is needed to ensure a snug fit for the costume. Measure and cut elastic for the waist and arm holes.
Sewing Machine (optional)
If you have a sewing machine, you can use it to stitch the sides of the body piece together. However, hand-stitching or using glue are also viable options.
Now that you have gathered all the necessary materials, let’s proceed to the steps of making the lion costume for your little one.
Step 1: Cutting the Fur Fabric
Start by measuring and cutting the fur fabric according to your toddler’s size. Measure the length and width of the fabric to ensure a proper fit. Additionally, cut out a piece for the body, ears, and tail of the lion costume.

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Step 2: Sewing the Body
If you have a sewing machine, stitch the sides of the body piece together, leaving an opening for the arms and legs. This will create a body shape for the costume. If you don’t have a sewing machine, you can use glue or hand-stitching to secure the sides. Make sure to allow enough space for your toddler’s comfort and mobility.
Step 3: Attaching the Tail
Cut a small slit in the back of the body piece. This will be the opening to attach the lion’s tail. Insert the tail into the slit and secure it with glue or sewing. Ensure that the tail is firmly attached and will not easily come off during your toddler’s playtime.

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Step 4: Making the Ears
Cut out four ear shapes from the yellow felt. Glue or sew two ear pieces together to create a sturdier ear. Attach the ears to the top of the body piece, positioning them in a way that resembles a lion’s ears. This will give the costume a more realistic look and add to its overall appeal.
Step 5: Securing the Costume
Measure and cut elastic for the waist and arm holes of the lion costume. Attach the elastic to the body piece, securing it in place to ensure a snug fit for your toddler. This will prevent the costume from slipping or falling off during wear.

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Step 6: Adding Details
To add more texture and design to the lion costume, cut out additional yellow felt shapes for the lion’s mane and other details on the body. Glue or sew these felt pieces onto the costume, strategically placing them to create a visually appealing design. Use your creativity to make the lion costume unique and eye-catching.
Step 7: Allowing for Mobility
Before considering the lion costume complete, make sure to check that it allows for easy movement and is not too restrictive for your toddler. Adjust the fit if necessary and make any alterations to ensure your child’s comfort and freedom of movement.
Step 8: Costume Accessories
To complete the lion costume, consider adding some additional accessories. Face paint can be used to create a lion’s face on your toddler’s face. A crown or lion ears headband can also add a playful touch to the costume and make your little one feel like a true king or queen of the jungle.
In conclusion, making a lion costume for your toddler can be a fun and creative project. By following these steps and using the suggested materials, you can create a cute and comfortable lion costume that will make your little one roar with delight. So go ahead and unleash your creative side to create a roaringly adorable lion costume for your toddler!