How to Make a Squirrel Tail For a Costume
Creating a squirrel tail for a costume is not difficult. You can use fake fur, real fur, or a combination of both to make a tail that is both practical and oh-so-cute.
The best part about this costume is the fact that it can be made from cheap materials. The trick to making it work is figuring out what is the right fabric for the job. This means that you need to make sure that it is large enough to allow you to move your arms around without sacrificing the heft of the costume.
The best material to use is faux fur. This is a material that can be found in most fabric stores. The trick is to make sure that you cut the fabric to the correct length, and to allow for a seam allowance.
For a squirrel tail that is a bit more complex, try using a muslin material. Muslin is a thick quilt batting that can be used as a base for the tail.
The most effective method is to make the tail from a couple pieces of fabric. This will allow you to get the full effect of a squirrel’s tail, as it inflates with the help of several air valves. It is also a great way to add an extra layer of protection against the elements.
You may also consider using Styrofoam packing peanuts. These can be stuffed tightly to prevent them from falling out.
If you want to be the Squirrel Girl, your most important costume accessory is her tail. This is a small whip-like tail that has plenty of fluff, measures five inches in width, and rounded at the end. To create a squirrel tail, follow the instructions below. Once the tail is finished, add furry boot covers and a latex squirrel mask. Then, head over to a local craft store and buy materials for the rest of your costume.
Table of Contents
Things You’ll Need
Faux fur
Scissors
Brown or Grey Velour sweat suit
Packing Peanuts
Needle and Thread
Steps In Making A Squirrel Tail For A Costume
- Take a piece of Fabric and size it to the correct length
- Cut a long, narrow rectangle
- Fold the fabric in half and cut one side straight, the other side will be arched
- Fold the tops of the rectangle over, making a triangle
- Continue this process until the tail is the correct length
- Sew along the open side of your two rectangles to connect them together. Leave the flat bottom edge open. This will allow you to stuff your tail.
- After sewing, you have one piece, connected on one side by the fabric fold and sewn together on the other. It will look roughly like a sock, open at the bottom end.
To create a squirrel tail, you need to purchase a velour sweat suit and faux fur fabric. The sweat suit is a fairly simple project, and you’ll need to use brown or gray velour fabric. The only tricky part is the tail. To make a squirrel tail, use either faux fur fabric or packing peanuts. Make sure to fold the faux fur fabric with right sides together.
It is approximately five inches wide
A squirrel’s tail is the most important part of her costume. You can make a faux fur one yourself if you’re a talented costumer, but if you’re not, you can purchase a prefabricated tail online. Headbands are another great accessory to add to your costume. You can buy them in many different colors, but the Squirrel Girl is most easily identified by her yellow belt.
First, measure the length of the tail. The tail should be approximately four and a half inches long from the center of the bottom of the costume. The length should be one-eighth of the costume’s total height. Next, measure the width of the leg hole and mark it. Repeat for the other half of the costume. Once you have the measurements, cut the tail next to the marking. Remember to add seam allowances to the tail. The finished tail will sit inside the costume with the raw edges showing out.
It is rounded at the end
First, you should measure how long you would like your squirrel tail to be. If you’d like it to be long, then you can use two pieces of fabric. Cut one side straight, then cut the fabric again in an arch shape to form a curve. Since a squirrel’s tail is rounded at the end, you only need to cut one side of the fabric, and you’ll fold the other half in half to make the second.
To make the rest of the tail, you can use muslin material. You can purchase muslin bags and cover them with thick quilt batting. Then, place the muslin bag inside the tail. You can also use a bent metal dowel and stuff it with Styrofoam packing peanuts. Fill it tightly so it’s firm and won’t fall out.
What is the best way to make a squirrel tail for a costume?
To make a squirrel tail for a costume you will need a few supplies.
First you will need a piece of fake fur.
You can find this at most fabric stores.
Cut the fur into a long rectangle and then cut that rectangle into a smaller triangle.
Next you will need a piece of elastic.
Cut the elastic so that it is long enough to go around your waist.
Sew the elastic to the top point of the triangle and then sew the other two points of the triangle together.
Trim the excess fur and your squirrel tail is complete!
What kind of fake fur do you need for a squirrel tail?
For a squirrel tail you will need a piece of fake fur.
You can find this at most fabric stores.
How do you cut the fake fur into the right shape?
Cut the fake fur into a long rectangle and then cut that rectangle into a smaller triangle.
How do you attach the tail to your body?
Sew the elastic to the top point of the triangle and then sew the other two points of the triangle together.
Trim the excess fur and your squirrel tail is complete!
What do you need to do to the fake fur before attaching it?
Cut the fake fur into a long rectangle and then cut that rectangle into a smaller triangle.
How long does the elastic need to be?
The elastic needs to be long enough to go around your waist.
Where do you attach the elastic?
Attach the elastic to the top point of the triangle.
How do you sew the triangle together?
Sew the other two points of the triangle together.
Trim the excess fur and your squirrel tail is complete!
What is the final step?
Trim the excess fur and your squirrel tail is complete!
Can I make the tail without sewing?
No the triangle needs to be sewn together in order to create the tail.
Do I need to use a specific kind of fur?
No any kind of fake fur will work.
Can I make the tail bigger or smaller?
Yes you can make the tail bigger or smaller by adjusting the size of the rectangle you start with.
Can I make the tail in any color?
Yes you can make the tail in any color of fake fur.
Do I need to use elastic?
No you can use any kind of string or ribbon.
Can I make the tail without using fake fur?
No the tail needs to be made out of fake fur.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
