BASIC-PATTERN-1 - HALLOWEEN or CHRISTMAS OUTDOOR DECORATION

The word costume is used to describe the different body types for these yard decorations.

Basic-Pattern-1 is the pattern for the body of the witch and also makes, the ghoul, ghost, 3 Wise Men, Joseph, Mary, Sheppard, and Drummer boy

Every outside Halloween or Christmas costume is made from a three basic body patterns, the instructions below are for basic-pattern-1. Then the faces hats or heads and colors are changed to create new figures

The snowman and Santa are modifications of basic body pattern one.

The nutcracker and carolers are body pattern three.

Illustrated instructions show with pictures what the words are saying. The detailed illustrated instructions are very inexpensive and contain bonus features such as alternative ways to create a stand, various suggestions for hands, facial features and arms. These illustrated instructions are available in MY SHOP. For additional ideas for gifts, books, commercial products and supplies see the and for other seasonal handmade gifts, and handmade "how to" decorations go to SOURCES. BASIC-PATTERN-1

MATERIALS LIST:

Large piece of paper at least 5 foot long

Pencil

yard stick or longer and 12 inch ruler

“T” square (optional)

To make a pattern, determine the height of your body. This example will use a 5 foot total height

Use a piece of paper at least as long as the height of your body. Put a dot at the center of the paper, -Draw a 6 and ½ inch line, centered on the paper. That means, put the 3 ¼ mark on the ruler on the center dot on your paper. Draw from the end of the ruler to the 6 ½ inch mark on the ruler. That’s the top of your head.

Measure 4 feet down in the center of the paper…making sure to get the line straight. Use a “T” square if necessary. Then at the end of that line, draw a line that is 2.5% times greater than the top of the head line or 16 ¼ inches. That is 8 and 1/8 inches on one side of the middle and 8 and 1/8 inches on the other side of the middle.

Draw a line from the outer edge of the top line to the outer edge of the bottom line on both sides. You now have a Poly Gram or flat topped triangle.

Add 3 inches to the bottom and draw another straight line. Draw a line straight down from the first bottom line to the second bottom line. Diagrams and illustrations are shown on purchased instructions.

Now add seam allowance on the sides. Most pattern allow for a 5/8 inch seam. I allow for a ½ inch seam…easier to figure and just as easy to sew.

After you have drawn your lines ½ or 5/8 inches along each side add 1 inch seam allowance for the top, you have the body.

Go to the specific yard decoration you want to make to add the head, face, hat etc.

Basic-Pattern-1 Ghost-Costume HOW TO MAKE A Witches -Costume HOW TO MAKE A Ghoul-Costume HOW TO MAKE A Costume-Stand HOW TO MAKE A SPIDER WEB

Window shades complete the picture of your outdoor decorations. Go to WINDOW SHADES for instructions or HOW TO MAKE A CEMETERY SHADE DECORATION or

HOW TO MAKE A GHOST SHADE DECORATION.