Happy October! Something that I look forward to every year is making Elliot a homemade Halloween costume. I make a couple costumes each year, and since it’s almost mushroom season for us— I thought it’d be fun to make a mushroom costume! I’ll be showing you how to make a no-sew mushroom hat that you can pair with any white clothing that you already own. I included the measurements that I used to make a 21″ circumference hat along with instructions on how to customize the measurements to fit your child’s head. I used recycled materials to make the frame of the hat (old cardboard shipping boxes) and spent less than $20 for the rest of the materials (wool felt/ muslin fabric and glue). The design of this mushroom is inspired by the popular Fly Agaric/Amanita Muscaria mushroom, and you can design your spots in any shape and/or size.
Materials:
– cardboard
– red felt (mushroom cap) — I used a 20″ square of medium weight wool felt for a hat with a 14.5″ diameter brim
– white felt (mushroom scales) — I used a medium weight wool felt
– white textured fabric (underside) — I used a 30″ square of cotton muslin for a hat with a 14.5″ diameter brim
– thick piece of ribbon or long strips of cotton fabric (chin tie)
– hot glue gun
– cotton batting (optional but recommended)
– stuffing (optional but recommended)
– masking tape or gummed water-activated tape
– scissors and xacto knife
– all white clothing
Instructions for making the mushroom costume
Step 1: How to make the cardboard hat frame
Cut a strip of cardboard about 1.5” wide that is long enough to wrap around your child’s head. Using your child’s head as a guide, glue the ends together at the correct circumference, adding an inch or so to accommodate extra fabric that you’ll be attaching underneath the band. Next, cut and attach two additional 1.5” strips and cross them over the top of their head in an X shape. Secure the ends with glue. Make sure the top strips sit flush against their head (to form the inside of the hat).
Step 2: How to make the brim for the cardboard hat
Using a large piece of rigid cardboard, trace a round circle that is several inches larger than the diameter of your child’s head. Ours has a 4″ brim all the way around. Cut the circle out. Next, you’ll need to create a template for the center hole. The center hole will need to be shaped like an oval and you can use the frame that you made above as a guide. Our hat is made to fit a head circumference of about 21″, and the oval template I made for the center hole measures 6.5″ x 7″. Trace around the template and cut the hole out using an xacto knife.
Step 3: How to attach the hat frame to the brim
Attach the brim to the hat frame using masking tape or gummed water activated tape (see photo for reference). Next, cut and attach four additional 1.5” strips across the entire top of the hat, filling in the open areas and forming the top dome. Secure all ends with glue.
Step 4: How to create the mushroom’s gills
Cut a circle that is 12″ larger across than the diameter of your hat’s round brim (our hat is 14.5″, so our circle was 26.5″). Create a larger oval template that is 8″ larger than your original and use this template to cut a hole out of the center of the fabric (our original template was 6.5″ x 7″, so our template for this one was 14.5″ x 15″). You should end up with a piece of fabric that looks like a large version of your brim. It is larger because we will be scrunching it inwards to mimic the look of mushroom gills. With the brim upside down, start attaching the fabric around the inside hole using your hot glue gun, overlapping the fabric as you go.
Step 5: Attaching the mushroom’s gills and making the cap
After you’ve attached all of the fabric around the inside of the crown, attach the fabric along the outside of the brim using the same overlap method. Flip the hat over. Cut a circle out of your red felt that is roughly 4″ larger than the diameter of your hat’s brim. (You may need to adjust depending on how high your dome is- cut a larger circle than you think you’ll need because we’ll be cutting the excess off anyways).
* optional step: Cut a circle of batting out that is slightly smaller than your red felt. Place this between your cardboard frame and red felt for extra padding)
Center the circle over the top dome and start glueing it down along the edges, scrunching evenly as you go all the way around.
* optional step: With your hat upside down, insert stuffing through the open spaces along the outer edges for structure.
Step 6: How to attach the spots and ties
After you’ve attached all of the felt around the edges of the brim, cut any excess felt off. Using your white felt, cut out several spots that are any shape and/or size and attach them with hot glue or fabric glue. Cut two pieces of ribbon or strips of cotton fabric and attach them inside each side of the hat to use as ties.
Step 7: How to style the mushroom costume
You’re finished! Dress your child in all white clothing or clothing with texture or fringe.
@woodlarkblog Mushroom hat from start to finish 🍄 It’s been 3 years since I first shared the tutorial to make this mushroom hat on my blog— so I’m finally hopping on here to share this year’s rendition. I have a bunch of catching up to do, so follow for more seasonal, sustainable nature-inspired crafts! #diy #halloween #flyagaric #amanitamuscaria #cottagecore #mushroomhat #mushroomcostume
Tess Mohundro says
This is amazing!! Now I just have to convince my 3 year old to change her costume plans 😂💛🍄
Woodlark says
Oooh I hope she agrees! I’m totally making this for my son again this year!!! 🙂
Golosh the 2nd of the woods says
she could be Kinoko Komori🍄✨
Kinoko 🍄 says
Oh! That’s who I’m being! 😜♥️🍄
Eva Kim says
I need to make a pink mushroom/toadstool hat so I can be Toadette for my grandson’s Super Mario birthday party. This idea is so much better than any I have seen!!! Wow!! I need to give it enough space to hide my waist length black hair!! He is going to love Grannie as Toadette (his character assignment for me!) I can hardly wait!
Mahalo nui loa!!
Amy says
Thanks so much for posting this! I made a mushroom costume based on your instructions for an adult friend of mine; she loves it! She wanted her face to be hidden so I made the gills with a casing on the bottom so that it cinched loosely around her neck and put a piece of netting on part of it so she could see. Again, thank you for the instructions. So helpful!
Woodlark says
Hi Amy,
That’s so wonderful to hear. I love the use of the netting so that her face could be hidden. Nicely done!
– Ashley
Haden says
I was directed her form a make up tutorial for a mushroom fairy makeup tutorial and I must say that this is so easy to make! Great job!
Woodlark says
Glad to hear, I hope that you have a chance to make it!
Iris says
Thanks for being a last minute Halloween for me 😅
Liam Jones says
Thank you! Made it for myself as an adult haha. Used a sombrero from the party store as a shortcut…will probably just use the cardboard next time. Turned out great though!
Woodlark says
That’s a great idea! Glad to hear that it turned out well.
Dee says
Hi- I’m trying to make this and getting stuck with the red Felt. How do you wrap it tightly so it doesn’t bunch?
Woodlark says
Hi Dee,
You’ll just need to pull it as tight as possible and our does bunch up slightly on the edge. It won’t be super noticeable if you try to scrunch up consistently the same amount as you go all the way around. Hope that was helpful, let me know if you need any additional help!
Sharon says
My 4 year old son wanted to be a Super Mushroom for Halloween and your post was very inspiring. I followed all the instructions, the only things I changed were the gills (I glued on beige tissue paper instead) and used brown clothes. I sewed a cape onto one of his long sleeved shirts to make it “Super.” The costume turned out great! Thank you, you have a beautiful website!!
Woodlark says
Oh, a super mushroom is an amazing idea. How creative! It sounds like it turned out beautifully, thank you for sharing!
denali says
what kind of fabric did you use for the gills? i’m trying to make the hat and i rly loved what you used, but i’m having a hard time trying to find a fabric like that.
Woodlark says
Hi Denali,
I used a natural cotton muslin fabric for the gills. It’s generally just referred to as “muslin”
– Ashley
Mia says
I’m a kid, and this was really easy to make and I get to live my mushroom fairytale life thank you 🍄👍
Woodlark says
Hi Mia!
So happy to hear that it was easy for you to make! Enjoy!
– Ashley
Del says
I’ve made the base and when I put the red fabric on, it comes out as lumpy and you can see the cardboard through it. MY THEORY is if I use a thicker material it will work better. Rn I’m just testin out and old red shirt but I think I’m going to invest in some red felt or fabric soon. I plan to wear a flowy white dress with it for Halloween and do red blush with white freckles! (I have natural freckles so maybe I’ll just draw over those). The idea is so very cute and thank you for sharing it! Much love <3
Woodlark says
Hi Del,
A thicker material will help (we used a thick felt) but if you’d like to use the thinner fabric that you have you can also add some sort of stuffing inside before you close it up which would help to smooth the top out. That sounds like it will be so cute! If you take pictures I’d love to see how it turns out. Feel free to reach out if you need any help along the way. You can reach me via email or on IG @woodlark 🙂
– Ashley
Lulu says
When I made mine it looked kinda AKWARD but then I found this and it was perfect! I’m a kid and I love stuff like this!
Woodlark says
Hi Lulu,
So glad to hear, thank you for sharing! Enjoy!
– Ashley
mya says
i tried it but mine got all messy =(
Woodlark says
Hi Mya,
Sorry to hear, let me know if there are any specific steps that you needed help with! I do love the imperfect look though, it’s very charming 🙂 Good luck.
– Ashley
Mya says
i `restarted and it looks perfect! this was awesome!
Arlo says
My daughter decided she needed a mushroom hat for some cosplay thing and then my youngest son jumped on board too. We hit the craft store with this ‘recipe’ in hand and so far we are about 75% done. Just need the felt on top and the spots on the mushroom. Looking great and the kids are super excited. The 14yo thinks they are both nuts, lol.
Thank you so much for the instructions and great pics. I’ve been checking out some of your cute gardening ideas too (that’s my jam). You’ve got a great website with lots of cute ideas. Great job!!
Cheers,
Arlo
Woodlark says
Hi Arlo!
Oh that’s so great to hear and thank you so much for the kind words, I really appreciate it. Hope that they love the hats! My son asked for one again this year so I’ll be making another one soon too.
– Ashley
Anna says
Love this! I have to try and make it.
Thanx for the tutorial!
Woodlark says
Hi Anna,
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Good luck!
– Ashley
Nettie says
Absolutely love this! 💖💕
Woodlark says
Hi Nettie!
I’m so glad, it’s one of my favorites. Thank you so much!
– Ashley
Eileen says
🍄 I love the Mushroom Hat. 😃😀
My kids are planning to be gnomes for Halloween and I have been looking for a tutorial on making a mushroom hat for myself. This looks so good. Thank you!
Woodlark says
Hi Eileen,
So glad to hear! I’ll be making one for myself this year too. Enjoy!
– Ashley
Alicia Swetland says
Hello, I was wondering if the dimensions need to be changed for an adult. My daughter is 14 and wants to be a mushroom elf. I am about to go shopping and would like to grab it all in one go. So happy I found your site. I always make my kiddos costumes and I would have figured it out one way or another but this made it so much easier and most likely better.
Woodlark says
Alicia,
Hi there, yes– the tutorial does not contain specific dimensions (only guides) so you’ll customize the lengths, etc to fit your daughter’s head. I would buy 1.5-2x the amount of fabric to be on the safe side.
– Ashley
Anne says
Hi! I have some questions I hope you can answer. Where did you find the Muslim and felt? I want to make sure I get the right thickness for the felt.
Also silly question, wha type of cardboard is this or what’s it from? All my boxes seem to be pretty thick for this. Thank you. Love the costume.
Woodlark says
Hi Anne!
You can find the muslin and felt at any local craft store. The felt should be sold as a fabric that you purchase by the yard, etc. We used leftover cardboard moving boxes which are pretty thick!
– Ashley
Dolly pop says
Aww im working on my 4th mushroom hat. I want to do better w the gills. Having trouble cutting them in a circle .
Also we added LED lights to the entire hat so we can have them on for Halloween at night. Thank you so much for this ..loving our hats
Woodlark says
Hi! Wow, so exciting to hear that you’re on your fourth version! A really sharp pair of fabric shears can really help a lot with accuracy when cutting out the circles. I love the idea of adding the lights. Thank you for sharing!
– Ashley
Siri says
My 14yo wants to be a Toadstool for Halloween. We had tossed around ideas and started planning when I found your tutorial.
It made for a lot less trial and error! We used a wide brim hat for base and sandwiched it between 2 cardboard circles (one for gills and one for the top)
The cardboard dome for height and shape was such a great addition. We’re both in love with the end result!!!
P.S. Your son looks Adorable!
Woodlark says
Hi Siri,
I’m so glad to hear all of this, thank you! Using the cardboard to strengthen the brim of a hat is a fantastic idea. If you’re on Instagram and end up sharing pictures, I’d love to see the end result 🙂 @woodlark . Have a wonderful Halloween!
– Ashley
Anne says
Hi- are you putting the cotton batting on top of the card board as a layer before the felt or inside the rounded cardboard pieces?
Woodlark says
Hi Anne,
I personally like to do both– stuff the inside of the form underneath the rounded cardboard pieces as well as to place a layer of cotton batting over the top of the form (underneath the felt). Good luck!
– Ashley
Sarah says
I’m 47 years old and been told I’m not allowed to be wicked witch of the west for Halloween so I’m making a grown up version . This is amazing .
Woodlark says
Hi Sarah,
Haha, that’s great. I’m making the hat for myself this year as well! Enjoy! 🙂
– Ashley
Kimberly N says
Thank you for posting this — I especially appreciated that it has guidelines for measuring, vs specific dimensions. One change I made was to make the gills from four rectangles, each 2″ wider than the cardboard ring, and ¼ of 1.8 * the outer circumference (about 10″ x 32″ each). I didn’t have a big enough piece of fabric to make one giant ring, but I did for four rectangles. One other thing to mention is that I used a *lot* of hot glue (possibly because my son helped?) — at least 10 mini sticks. Make sure you have plenty!
Woodlark says
Hi Kimberly,
That’s very helpful information, thank you for sharing! I’ll add in the note about the glue soon.
– Ashley
Sophie says
This greatly inspired my costume for carnival (Fastnacht) this year! It turned out super cute and I got lots of compliments for my DIY hat! I wish I could show you a picture.
Thank you for this tutorial!
Woodlark says
Hi Sophie!
Oh, that’s so wonderful to hear! I’d love to see a picture– you’re always welcome to email me (hello@woodlarkblog.com) or message me on Instagram @woodlark . Thanks for sharing!
– Ashley
Cloud says
This is awesome! Thank you :] I’m planning to be….. uh…. let’s just call him a charecter with a mushroom hat for Halloween this year, so this is great! Mine’s a lot thinner and wider, and I’ve attached lace and dangling chains to it as well. My only problem is that I’m broke and don’t have a hot glue gun, so this’ll be an adventure to make hahah…
Eva Kim says
Dollar Tree has hot glue guns. Or hobby lobby or other craft stores for around $5 many time I borrow from a neighbor
Best wishes!
Blake says
Thanks for the idea!! Other than the fact that i made it too big to fit through a door, oops, it turned out pretty awesome
Woodlark says
Blake,
So glad to hear that you’re happy with how it turned out! Have a wonderful Halloween!
– Ashley
Amy Chavez says
Thank you so much for this tutorial! I spent several evenings with it this week and mushroom hat all good!
Woodlark says
Hi Amy,
So glad to hear that! Hope you had a wonderful Halloween.
– Ashley