No matter the occasion, choosing a costume is loads of fun, but even more so when coordinating it to include your beloved canine. What better project to get creative than a DIY costume that you can easily craft up today? We have some awesome ideas to get you inspired, from simple to more skilled and some designs that are so straightforward that no instructions are necessary. You can take the ideas and adapt them to suit your family and create the perfect family costume. Whether you want to match or be well coordinated, there is something for everyone!
The 25 Awesome DIY Dog and Owner Costumes
- Cute DIY Hotdog Vendor and Hotdog by Lia Griffith
Check Instructions Here
Materials: Felt, thread, poly-fil, Velcro
Tools: Cutting machine, sewing machine, glue gun, scissors, ruler
Difficulty Level: Moderate
If you love to sew and enjoy a good pun, then this vendor and hotdog costume will be a fun project for you to work on. The costume’s vendor part is simple, allowing you more time to put all your creative energy into your dog’s hotdog outfit. All it requires is a printed folded hat and a custom apron. You will require a bit more sewing knowledge and patience for the hotdog, but you will undoubtedly have so much fun creating the costume for your dog. The plans are easy to follow, leaving little room for mistakes.
- Game of Thrones Characters by Pawstruck
Check Instructions Here
Materials: Felt, wire hanger, Velcro, fusible interfacing, fusible web
Tools: Black marker, fabric pencil, scissors, glue gun, wire cutters, tube cutter, rotary cutter, ruler, iron and ironing board
Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate
Turn you and your dog into mythical characters with this Game of Thrones-inspired costume. To recreate the look for yourself, all that’s needed is a wig that you can have fun styling with intricate braids and gauze to drape around you. There is a complete step-by-step tutorial that you can easily follow to DIY the cutest dragon wings for your companion. The materials are soft and lightweight, so it will be a comfortable fit for your little dragon.
- Female Warrior and her Baby Dragons by Sewing Lara
Check Instructions Here
Materials: Wings – Faux leather, plush, elastic bands, press studs, wire, iron on interfacing Khaleesi costume – 2 yards gray/brown suede, 1 yard off-white suede, 2 yards brown woven fabric, beaded belt, leather, string, yarn, pendants
Tools: Wire cutters, scissors, pins, sewing materials, pencil, sanding block
Difficulty Level: Moderate
This fantasy-inspired costume is suitable even if you have a family of dogs. Mythical-themed characters are a trend in movies and series, and you can use any of your favorite characters to get inspired. The dragon wings are easy to create, and you can adapt them to suit your dog’s color and size. For the warrior women, this Khaleesi-inspired tutorial will provide excellent ideas to create the perfect mythical outfit.
- Cupcake and Baker by Lovely Indeed
Check Instructions Here
Materials: Apron, bakers’ hat, 7” round paper mache box, various colors of felt, polyfill, natural color scrapbook paper, elastic, thread
Tools: Scissors, sewing needle, glue gun
Difficulty Level: Easy
This dog and owner costume are perfectly suited for any crafter who enjoys baking or cake. If you have a small breed, dressing them up as your delicious-looking cupcake while you join in as the baker will look adorable. You can throw on a pretty apron and a baker’s hat to look the part for your baker outfit. To turn your sweet pup into a sweet cupcake, follow this simple tutorial; it’s as easy as cake!
- Bacon and Eggs by One Craftzine
Check Instructions Here
Materials: Felt
Tools: Scissors, sewing materials or fabric glue, pins, chalk
Difficulty Level: Easy
Bacon and eggs are loved as the breakfast of champions! You can cook up this bacon and eggs costume in no time with only a few materials and tools. If you are not a keen sewer, fabric glue will also work fine.
- Surfer Girl and Shark by Wear Wag Repeat
Check Instructions Here
Materials: Foam core board, washi tape, gray fabric
Tools: Utility knife, craft glue
Difficulty Level: Easy
This simple idea is so fun and easy to put together. To create a surfer girl or surfer boy, grab your favorite swimwear. A foam core board is used to construct the chewed-up surfboard and the fin that will go around your dog’s waist. You can choose any color for the surfboard and even get creative with artwork if you wish. You won’t spend more than an hour creating this costume, and it’s ideal if you’ve left things until the last minute.
- Mario Brothers Family by Mr Bippers
Check Instructions Here
Materials: Chain chomp – Felt, large plastic ball, sandpaper Koopa Troopa – Fleece, felt, polyfill, Velcro Mario and Luigi – fake mustaches, suspenders
Tools: Glue gun, jigsaw, sewing materials, scissors
Difficulty Level: Easy – difficult
Mario Brothers will never get old, and you can use them to create fantastic costumes for your family. Mario and Luigi will be the characters for the humans. Head to your local costume store, and you should easily find fake mustaches and suspenders. Add a green and red shirt with a matching hat, and the two of you will look like the famous Italians. Your dogs can join as The Chomp Chain and The Koopa Troopa; these instructions will explain precisely how you can make that happen. They require a little extra time and effort, but it will surely be worth it.
- Edward Scissorhands and Kim by Coolest Homemade Costumes
Check Instructions Here
Materials: Leather, studded leashes, belts, suspenders, children’s scissors to break apart, wire, paint
Tools: Scissors, craft glue, tape
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Tim Burton fans, this one is for you. Most materials needed for your dog’s Edward Scissorhands costume can be repurposed. If you have an old leather garment you no longer wear, the fabric can be used. Any old belts, dog leashes, and suspenders can be used or easily found at a thrift store. Children’s scissors are used to create Edwards’s hands, and Kim’s Outfit is a simple white dress with a few extra modifications that won’t take much time or effort.
- Scooby Doo and Velma by Reesa Rei
Check Instructions Here
Materials: Yellow paper, key chain hoop, blue dog collar or ribbon
Tools: Pencil, scissors, blue marker
Difficulty Level: Easy
You can’t get easier than dressing your dog as Scooby Doo, right? All he needs is a famous Scooby Doo collar, and if your dog is a Great Dane, you will undoubtedly turn heads. You can walk alongside Scooby as Velma by using garments you already own. Her Outfit is composed of solid colors and classic designs and is simple to recreate, and you can get crafty with Scooby’s collar.
- Peter Pan by Chamia’s Lane
Check Instructions Here
Materials: Peter Pan – Green and brown felt, Velcro, feather
Tools: Scissors, craft knife, sewing machine, measuring tape, glue gun
Difficulty Level: Easy – Difficult
Wouldn’t we all love to send our companions to never Neverland so they can stay young forever. Well, getting into character can help you feel like it’s possible for a short moment. This Peter Pan dog costume is classic and fun. You can easily turn your dog into the cutest Peter Pan with this tutorial.
- Matching Pop Art Costumes by Coolest Homemade Costumes
Check Instructions Here
Materials: Old children’s dress, headband, hairclip, most items found at home
Tools: Scissors, glue, marker
Difficulty Level: Easy
Create an incredible optical illusion with these matching comic-style pop art costumes. This unique idea will win you several compliments, and you will have fun creating it. Most materials used are items you can find at home and reuse. You will have a great time putting it all together while testing out your makeup and art skills.
- Cat in The Hat with Thing 1 and Thing 2 by Coolest Homemade Costumes
Check Instructions Here
Materials: Cat in the Hat – White felt, black dress, red bow, red and white striped socks Thing 1 & 2 – White felt, black felt, red shirts
Tools: Scissors, glue, safety pins, sewing materials
Difficulty Level: Easy
If you have two little mischievous dogs, then Thing 1&2 from Cat in the Hat could be a great costume idea. Of course, you would dress as the Cat in the Hat, which is a classic and fun character to recreate for any occasion. Your dogs will feel comfortable since their outfits are essentially old T-shirts.
- Toddler and Jack in The Box by Coolest Homemade Costumes
Check Instructions Here
Materials: Old box, printed pictures
Tools: Scissors, glue
Difficulty Level: Easy
This costume idea is great if you have a dog that doesn’t enjoy dressing up. All you need to do is carry your dog around in a box to be in character, and we are sure it won’t object. Choose some childlike clothing and pig tails for the toddler. For the box, or your dog’s outfit, find an appropriately sized box, print out, or children’s illustrations to jazz it up. Add a crank handle and as easy as that, your costume is complete.
- “Little Miss Muffet “and Spider by Coolest Homemade Costumes
Check Instructions Here
Materials: Felt, beach ball, foam pipe covers, acrylic paint, wire, black ribbon
Tools: Glue, scissors, sewing materials
Difficulty Level: Moderate
This costume is a spin on Little Miss Muffett and the spider that sat down beside her. It’s perfect for a little girl and her companion. Turning your dog into a spider will take some moderate crafting skills, but the results will attract a lot of attention and in some cases divert it.
- Alice in Wonderland and White Rabbit by A Subtle Revelry
Check Instructions Here
Materials: Blue fabric, elastic, wire, pink felt, faux white fur
Tools: Sewing machine, scissors, pencil, glue gun
Difficulty Level: Easy-moderate
This classic children’s story will never lose its magic, and recreating its favorite characters will never stop turning heads. The design is easy to coordinate with your dog; all it needs is fluffy bunny ears to turn into the white rabbit. You can also make it more realistic by adding a pocket watch and waistcoat. If you are a talented seamstress, you will have fun sewing up Alice’s famous blue dress.
- Happy Hippies by Coolest Homemade Costumes
Check Instructions Here
Materials: Tie dye fabric, brown fringe, hippie glasses, and wigs
Tools: Sewing materials, scissors, safety pins
Difficulty Level: Easy
Throw it back to the time of peace, love, and rock roll with these groovy matching hippy costumes. All you need is tie-dye fabric and brown fringe to create the garments; the rest is hippy-inspired accessories. It’s a straightforward and quick costume to create and even better if you and your dog have a natural afro!
- Soap and Loofah by Coolest Homemade Costumes
Check Instructions Here
Materials: Blue fabric, blue tulle, Velcro, rope, safety pins, white felt, blue felt, bubble wrap
Tools: Scissors, sewing materials
Difficulty Level: Easy
This is a fun sudsy DIY costume that anyone can make. Plus, you and your dog will be adorable. All you need is a small number of materials to make your dog’s loofah outfit and your vest that will look like a soap bar. Customize it with your favorite colors, and have fun putting your unique touch to it.
- Elliot and ET by Costume Works
Check Instructions Here
Materials: white sheet, red hoodie, jeans
Tools: Scissors, safety pins
Difficulty Level: Easy
We all know the story of the boy who befriended the extra-terrestrial. You can celebrate the classic film and recreate the famous scene of Elliot on his bike with ET in the front basket. It is so simple and effective. All you need is a red hoodie, a pair of denim jeans, and an old sheet to transform your dog into a friendly alien. An old crate can be used to replicate the bike basket, and screwdrivers can act as bike handles.
- Matching Bears by Brit + Co
Check Instructions Here
Materials: Bear onesie, old stuffed animal
Tools: scissors
Difficulty Level: Easy
Just when you thought your pup couldn’t look any cuter! This costume idea is super simple, and although the process may seem a little callous, the results will make up for it. You are good to go if you own a bear onesie or sweatshirt! For your dog, all you need is an old stuffed teddy bear the same size as your dog. After removing the face and stuffing, you’ll have a cute bear costume.
- Mischievous Gnomes by Brit + Co
Check Instructions Here
Materials: Blue shirt, felt, one wrap Velcro, cardboard
Tools: Scissors, glue
Difficulty Level: Easy
To recreate this sweet costume idea, grab your boyfriend’s button-down shirt and stuff it to give yourself a classic gnome belly. You can hold it in place with a black belt and finish it off with a red beanie and a white beard. Your dog will need a blue shirt that you can cut and adjust to fit.
- Disney’s Up by Smart School House
Materials: Suit, bowtie, helium-filled balloons
Tools: None
Difficulty Level: Easy
Recreate the sweet old man and his dog from the popular Disney movie, Up. Dress yourself up in a suit and bowtie and get a bunch of balloons filled with helium. Your dog just needs to be itself, so no costume is necessary!
- Cowgirl and Cowboy by xoxoBella
Materials: Cowboy hats, bandanna
Tools: None
Difficulty Level: Easy
You can easily turn you and your dog into a western duo with materials you already have at home. Anything that can work to create cowboy attire is all you need. The key elements are a cowboy hat and a bandanna for your dog’s neck.
- Where’s Wally Twins by culturacolectiva.com
Materials: Red and White striped shirt or fabric and beanie
Tools: sewing materials
Difficulty Level: Easy
Creating Where’s Wally is simple, especially if you have a couple of striped shirts and beanies. If not, then find some matching fabric and beanies for you and your dog. Add black-framed glasses, and there will be no guessing who you are.
- Angel and Devil by My Modern Met
Materials: White fluff, wire, devil horn headband, red sweater, white sweater
Tools: Scissors, glue
Difficulty Level: Easy
An angel and devil side by side is always a good show of the balance between good and bad, and the contrast makes a great costume idea for you and your dog. You can easily find devil horns and an angel halo at any costume store. If you need to DIY a halo, wire and white fluff is all you need. Throw on a colored sweater that is relevant to your character, and that’s it!
- Ty Beanie Bears by xoxoBella
Materials: Cardboard, paint
Tools: Scissors, glue
Difficulty Level: Easy
Turn you and your dog into matching beanie bears! The variety of bears from the collection means there are several themes and looks to choose from. If you own a bear onesie, the classic brown bear will be an easy pair to create. To make the tag, you could either print the logo image onto cardboard, or you can have a bit of crafting fun by painting one yourself.
Final Thoughts The ideas for dog and owner costumes are almost endless, but for a DIY project, it’s always helpful to follow a plan or tutorial. From there, you can adapt and adjust the idea to make it your own or to make it work better for you and your dog. When deciding on the best costume idea, think of you and your dog’s relationship and personality traits. That will make it more personal and unique, and you will have more fun creating it.
Image credit: Firn Shutterstock
No matter the occasion, choosing a costume is loads of fun, but even more so when coordinating it to include your beloved canine. What better project to get creative than a DIY costume that you can easily craft up today?
We have some awesome ideas to get you inspired, from simple to more skilled and some designs that are so straightforward that no instructions are necessary. You can take the ideas and adapt them to suit your family and create the perfect family costume. Whether you want to match or be well coordinated, there is something for everyone!
The 25 Awesome DIY Dog and Owner Costumes
- Cute DIY Hotdog Vendor and Hotdog by Lia Griffith
Check Instructions Here
Materials: Felt, thread, poly-fil, Velcro
Tools: Cutting machine, sewing machine, glue gun, scissors, ruler
Difficulty Level: Moderate
If you love to sew and enjoy a good pun, then this vendor and hotdog costume will be a fun project for you to work on. The costume’s vendor part is simple, allowing you more time to put all your creative energy into your dog’s hotdog outfit. All it requires is a printed folded hat and a custom apron.
Check Instructions Here
Materials: Felt, thread, poly-fil, Velcro
Tools: Cutting machine, sewing machine, glue gun, scissors, ruler
Difficulty Level: Moderate
You will require a bit more sewing knowledge and patience for the hotdog, but you will undoubtedly have so much fun creating the costume for your dog. The plans are easy to follow, leaving little room for mistakes.
- Game of Thrones Characters by Pawstruck
Check Instructions Here
Materials: Felt, wire hanger, Velcro, fusible interfacing, fusible web
Tools: Black marker, fabric pencil, scissors, glue gun, wire cutters, tube cutter, rotary cutter, ruler, iron and ironing board
Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate
Turn you and your dog into mythical characters with this Game of Thrones-inspired costume. To recreate the look for yourself, all that’s needed is a wig that you can have fun styling with intricate braids and gauze to drape around you. There is a complete step-by-step tutorial that you can easily follow to DIY the cutest dragon wings for your companion. The materials are soft and lightweight, so it will be a comfortable fit for your little dragon.
Materials: Felt, wire hanger, Velcro, fusible interfacing, fusible web
Tools: Black marker, fabric pencil, scissors, glue gun, wire cutters, tube cutter, rotary cutter, ruler, iron and ironing board
Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate
- Female Warrior and her Baby Dragons by Sewing Lara
Check Instructions Here
Materials: Wings – Faux leather, plush, elastic bands, press studs, wire, iron on interfacing Khaleesi costume – 2 yards gray/brown suede, 1 yard off-white suede, 2 yards brown woven fabric, beaded belt, leather, string, yarn, pendants
Tools: Wire cutters, scissors, pins, sewing materials, pencil, sanding block
Difficulty Level: Moderate
This fantasy-inspired costume is suitable even if you have a family of dogs. Mythical-themed characters are a trend in movies and series, and you can use any of your favorite characters to get inspired. The dragon wings are easy to create, and you can adapt them to suit your dog’s color and size. For the warrior women, this Khaleesi-inspired tutorial will provide excellent ideas to create the perfect mythical outfit.
Materials: Wings – Faux leather, plush, elastic bands, press studs, wire, iron on interfacing Khaleesi costume – 2 yards gray/brown suede, 1 yard off-white suede, 2 yards brown woven fabric, beaded belt, leather, string, yarn, pendants
Tools: Wire cutters, scissors, pins, sewing materials, pencil, sanding block
Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Cupcake and Baker by Lovely Indeed
Check Instructions Here
Materials: Apron, bakers’ hat, 7” round paper mache box, various colors of felt, polyfill, natural color scrapbook paper, elastic, thread
Tools: Scissors, sewing needle, glue gun
Difficulty Level: Easy
This dog and owner costume are perfectly suited for any crafter who enjoys baking or cake. If you have a small breed, dressing them up as your delicious-looking cupcake while you join in as the baker will look adorable. You can throw on a pretty apron and a baker’s hat to look the part for your baker outfit. To turn your sweet pup into a sweet cupcake, follow this simple tutorial; it’s as easy as cake!
Materials: Apron, bakers’ hat, 7” round paper mache box, various colors of felt, polyfill, natural color scrapbook paper, elastic, thread
Tools: Scissors, sewing needle, glue gun
Difficulty Level: Easy
- Bacon and Eggs by One Craftzine
Check Instructions Here
Materials: Felt
Tools: Scissors, sewing materials or fabric glue, pins, chalk
Difficulty Level: Easy
Bacon and eggs are loved as the breakfast of champions! You can cook up this bacon and eggs costume in no time with only a few materials and tools. If you are not a keen sewer, fabric glue will also work fine.
Materials: Felt
Tools: Scissors, sewing materials or fabric glue, pins, chalk
Difficulty Level: Easy
- Surfer Girl and Shark by Wear Wag Repeat
Check Instructions Here
Materials: Foam core board, washi tape, gray fabric
Tools: Utility knife, craft glue
Difficulty Level: Easy
This simple idea is so fun and easy to put together. To create a surfer girl or surfer boy, grab your favorite swimwear. A foam core board is used to construct the chewed-up surfboard and the fin that will go around your dog’s waist. You can choose any color for the surfboard and even get creative with artwork if you wish. You won’t spend more than an hour creating this costume, and it’s ideal if you’ve left things until the last minute.
Materials: Foam core board, washi tape, gray fabric
Tools: Utility knife, craft glue
Difficulty Level: Easy
- Mario Brothers Family by Mr Bippers
Check Instructions Here
Materials: Chain chomp – Felt, large plastic ball, sandpaper Koopa Troopa – Fleece, felt, polyfill, Velcro Mario and Luigi – fake mustaches, suspenders
Tools: Glue gun, jigsaw, sewing materials, scissors
Difficulty Level: Easy – difficult
Mario Brothers will never get old, and you can use them to create fantastic costumes for your family. Mario and Luigi will be the characters for the humans. Head to your local costume store, and you should easily find fake mustaches and suspenders. Add a green and red shirt with a matching hat, and the two of you will look like the famous Italians. Your dogs can join as The Chomp Chain and The Koopa Troopa; these instructions will explain precisely how you can make that happen. They require a little extra time and effort, but it will surely be worth it.
Materials: Chain chomp – Felt, large plastic ball, sandpaper Koopa Troopa – Fleece, felt, polyfill, Velcro Mario and Luigi – fake mustaches, suspenders
Tools: Glue gun, jigsaw, sewing materials, scissors
Difficulty Level: Easy – difficult
- Edward Scissorhands and Kim by Coolest Homemade Costumes
Check Instructions Here
Materials: Leather, studded leashes, belts, suspenders, children’s scissors to break apart, wire, paint
Tools: Scissors, craft glue, tape
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Tim Burton fans, this one is for you. Most materials needed for your dog’s Edward Scissorhands costume can be repurposed. If you have an old leather garment you no longer wear, the fabric can be used. Any old belts, dog leashes, and suspenders can be used or easily found at a thrift store. Children’s scissors are used to create Edwards’s hands, and Kim’s Outfit is a simple white dress with a few extra modifications that won’t take much time or effort.
Materials: Leather, studded leashes, belts, suspenders, children’s scissors to break apart, wire, paint
Tools: Scissors, craft glue, tape
Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Scooby Doo and Velma by Reesa Rei
Check Instructions Here
Materials: Yellow paper, key chain hoop, blue dog collar or ribbon
Tools: Pencil, scissors, blue marker
Difficulty Level: Easy
You can’t get easier than dressing your dog as Scooby Doo, right? All he needs is a famous Scooby Doo collar, and if your dog is a Great Dane, you will undoubtedly turn heads. You can walk alongside Scooby as Velma by using garments you already own. Her Outfit is composed of solid colors and classic designs and is simple to recreate, and you can get crafty with Scooby’s collar.
Materials: Yellow paper, key chain hoop, blue dog collar or ribbon
Tools: Pencil, scissors, blue marker
Difficulty Level: Easy
- Peter Pan by Chamia’s Lane
Check Instructions Here
Materials: Peter Pan – Green and brown felt, Velcro, feather
Tools: Scissors, craft knife, sewing machine, measuring tape, glue gun
Difficulty Level: Easy – Difficult
Wouldn’t we all love to send our companions to never Neverland so they can stay young forever. Well, getting into character can help you feel like it’s possible for a short moment. This Peter Pan dog costume is classic and fun. You can easily turn your dog into the cutest Peter Pan with this tutorial.
Materials: Peter Pan – Green and brown felt, Velcro, feather
Tools: Scissors, craft knife, sewing machine, measuring tape, glue gun
Difficulty Level: Easy – Difficult
- Matching Pop Art Costumes by Coolest Homemade Costumes
Check Instructions Here
Materials: Old children’s dress, headband, hairclip, most items found at home
Tools: Scissors, glue, marker
Difficulty Level: Easy
Create an incredible optical illusion with these matching comic-style pop art costumes. This unique idea will win you several compliments, and you will have fun creating it. Most materials used are items you can find at home and reuse. You will have a great time putting it all together while testing out your makeup and art skills.
Materials: Old children’s dress, headband, hairclip, most items found at home
Tools: Scissors, glue, marker
Difficulty Level: Easy
- Cat in The Hat with Thing 1 and Thing 2 by Coolest Homemade Costumes
Check Instructions Here
Materials: Cat in the Hat – White felt, black dress, red bow, red and white striped socks Thing 1 & 2 – White felt, black felt, red shirts
Tools: Scissors, glue, safety pins, sewing materials
Difficulty Level: Easy
If you have two little mischievous dogs, then Thing 1&2 from Cat in the Hat could be a great costume idea. Of course, you would dress as the Cat in the Hat, which is a classic and fun character to recreate for any occasion. Your dogs will feel comfortable since their outfits are essentially old T-shirts.
Materials: Cat in the Hat – White felt, black dress, red bow, red and white striped socks Thing 1 & 2 – White felt, black felt, red shirts
Tools: Scissors, glue, safety pins, sewing materials
Difficulty Level: Easy
- Toddler and Jack in The Box by Coolest Homemade Costumes
Check Instructions Here
Materials: Old box, printed pictures
Tools: Scissors, glue
Difficulty Level: Easy
This costume idea is great if you have a dog that doesn’t enjoy dressing up. All you need to do is carry your dog around in a box to be in character, and we are sure it won’t object. Choose some childlike clothing and pig tails for the toddler. For the box, or your dog’s outfit, find an appropriately sized box, print out, or children’s illustrations to jazz it up. Add a crank handle and as easy as that, your costume is complete.
Materials: Old box, printed pictures
Tools: Scissors, glue
Difficulty Level: Easy
- “Little Miss Muffet “and Spider by Coolest Homemade Costumes
Check Instructions Here
Materials: Felt, beach ball, foam pipe covers, acrylic paint, wire, black ribbon
Tools: Glue, scissors, sewing materials
Difficulty Level: Moderate
This costume is a spin on Little Miss Muffett and the spider that sat down beside her. It’s perfect for a little girl and her companion. Turning your dog into a spider will take some moderate crafting skills, but the results will attract a lot of attention and in some cases divert it.
Materials: Felt, beach ball, foam pipe covers, acrylic paint, wire, black ribbon
Tools: Glue, scissors, sewing materials
Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Alice in Wonderland and White Rabbit by A Subtle Revelry
Check Instructions Here
Materials: Blue fabric, elastic, wire, pink felt, faux white fur
Tools: Sewing machine, scissors, pencil, glue gun
Difficulty Level: Easy-moderate
This classic children’s story will never lose its magic, and recreating its favorite characters will never stop turning heads. The design is easy to coordinate with your dog; all it needs is fluffy bunny ears to turn into the white rabbit. You can also make it more realistic by adding a pocket watch and waistcoat. If you are a talented seamstress, you will have fun sewing up Alice’s famous blue dress.
Materials: Blue fabric, elastic, wire, pink felt, faux white fur
Tools: Sewing machine, scissors, pencil, glue gun
Difficulty Level: Easy-moderate
- Happy Hippies by Coolest Homemade Costumes
Check Instructions Here
Materials: Tie dye fabric, brown fringe, hippie glasses, and wigs
Tools: Sewing materials, scissors, safety pins
Difficulty Level: Easy
Throw it back to the time of peace, love, and rock roll with these groovy matching hippy costumes. All you need is tie-dye fabric and brown fringe to create the garments; the rest is hippy-inspired accessories. It’s a straightforward and quick costume to create and even better if you and your dog have a natural afro!
Materials: Tie dye fabric, brown fringe, hippie glasses, and wigs
Tools: Sewing materials, scissors, safety pins
Difficulty Level: Easy
- Soap and Loofah by Coolest Homemade Costumes
Check Instructions Here
Materials: Blue fabric, blue tulle, Velcro, rope, safety pins, white felt, blue felt, bubble wrap
Tools: Scissors, sewing materials
Difficulty Level: Easy
This is a fun sudsy DIY costume that anyone can make. Plus, you and your dog will be adorable. All you need is a small number of materials to make your dog’s loofah outfit and your vest that will look like a soap bar. Customize it with your favorite colors, and have fun putting your unique touch to it.
Materials: Blue fabric, blue tulle, Velcro, rope, safety pins, white felt, blue felt, bubble wrap
Tools: Scissors, sewing materials
Difficulty Level: Easy
- Elliot and ET by Costume Works
Check Instructions Here
Materials: white sheet, red hoodie, jeans
Tools: Scissors, safety pins
Difficulty Level: Easy
We all know the story of the boy who befriended the extra-terrestrial. You can celebrate the classic film and recreate the famous scene of Elliot on his bike with ET in the front basket. It is so simple and effective. All you need is a red hoodie, a pair of denim jeans, and an old sheet to transform your dog into a friendly alien. An old crate can be used to replicate the bike basket, and screwdrivers can act as bike handles.
Materials: white sheet, red hoodie, jeans
Tools: Scissors, safety pins
Difficulty Level: Easy
- Matching Bears by Brit + Co
Check Instructions Here
Materials: Bear onesie, old stuffed animal
Tools: scissors
Difficulty Level: Easy
Just when you thought your pup couldn’t look any cuter! This costume idea is super simple, and although the process may seem a little callous, the results will make up for it. You are good to go if you own a bear onesie or sweatshirt! For your dog, all you need is an old stuffed teddy bear the same size as your dog. After removing the face and stuffing, you’ll have a cute bear costume.
Materials: Bear onesie, old stuffed animal
Tools: scissors
Difficulty Level: Easy
- Mischievous Gnomes by Brit + Co
Check Instructions Here
Materials: Blue shirt, felt, one wrap Velcro, cardboard
Tools: Scissors, glue
Difficulty Level: Easy
To recreate this sweet costume idea, grab your boyfriend’s button-down shirt and stuff it to give yourself a classic gnome belly. You can hold it in place with a black belt and finish it off with a red beanie and a white beard. Your dog will need a blue shirt that you can cut and adjust to fit.
Materials: Blue shirt, felt, one wrap Velcro, cardboard
Tools: Scissors, glue
Difficulty Level: Easy
21. Disney’s Up by Smart School House
Materials: Suit, bowtie, helium-filled balloons
Tools: None
Difficulty Level: Easy
Recreate the sweet old man and his dog from the popular Disney movie, Up. Dress yourself up in a suit and bowtie and get a bunch of balloons filled with helium. Your dog just needs to be itself, so no costume is necessary!
22. Cowgirl and Cowboy by xoxoBella
Materials: Cowboy hats, bandanna
Tools: None
Difficulty Level: Easy
You can easily turn you and your dog into a western duo with materials you already have at home. Anything that can work to create cowboy attire is all you need. The key elements are a cowboy hat and a bandanna for your dog’s neck.
23. Where’s Wally Twins by culturacolectiva.com
Materials: Red and White striped shirt or fabric and beanie
Tools: sewing materials
Difficulty Level: Easy
Creating Where’s Wally is simple, especially if you have a couple of striped shirts and beanies. If not, then find some matching fabric and beanies for you and your dog. Add black-framed glasses, and there will be no guessing who you are.
24. Angel and Devil by My Modern Met
Materials: White fluff, wire, devil horn headband, red sweater, white sweater
Tools: Scissors, glue
Difficulty Level: Easy
An angel and devil side by side is always a good show of the balance between good and bad, and the contrast makes a great costume idea for you and your dog. You can easily find devil horns and an angel halo at any costume store. If you need to DIY a halo, wire and white fluff is all you need. Throw on a colored sweater that is relevant to your character, and that’s it!
25. Ty Beanie Bears by xoxoBella
Materials: Cardboard, paint
Tools: Scissors, glue
Difficulty Level: Easy
Turn you and your dog into matching beanie bears! The variety of bears from the collection means there are several themes and looks to choose from. If you own a bear onesie, the classic brown bear will be an easy pair to create. To make the tag, you could either print the logo image onto cardboard, or you can have a bit of crafting fun by painting one yourself.
Final Thoughts
The ideas for dog and owner costumes are almost endless, but for a DIY project, it’s always helpful to follow a plan or tutorial. From there, you can adapt and adjust the idea to make it your own or to make it work better for you and your dog. When deciding on the best costume idea, think of you and your dog’s relationship and personality traits. That will make it more personal and unique, and you will have more fun creating it.
Image credit: Firn Shutterstock
