Creating your own Yip Yap costume, inspired by the furry and friendly characters from Sesame Street, can be a fun and rewarding project. This guide outlines the essential materials you’ll need to bring your DIY Yip Yap Sesame Street costume to life. Whether for Halloween, a themed party, or just imaginative play, gathering the right supplies is the first step in crafting a memorable costume.
Materials for Your Yip Yap Costume
Curly Fleece for the Body
For the main body of your Yip Yap Sesame Street costume, 5 to 6 yards of curly fleece is ideal. This fabric is not only soft and breathable, ensuring comfort while wearing the costume, but it also provides the necessary volume and texture to effectively mimic Yip Yap’s distinctive furry appearance. Curly fleece is also light enough to allow for ease of movement, yet substantial enough to maintain the costume’s shape. While it may shed a bit initially, the long fur fibers are excellent for concealing any safety pins used during assembly, offering a seamless look. An alternative, Flurr (fleece + fur), can also work well. Aim for fabric length that is approximately 2.5 to 3 times your height to ensure ample material.
Black Chiffon or Mesh for the Mouth
To create the mouth of your Yip Yap costume, which serves as your viewing window, you’ll need 1 to 1.5 yards of black chiffon or mesh. The key feature of this material is its see-through quality. Depending on the fabric’s thickness, you might need 2 to 6 layers to achieve the right balance of visibility and concealment. Test the material by holding it up to your face: you should be able to see clearly outwards, especially in brighter environments, while preventing others from seeing inside the costume due to the lack of internal light.
Contour Shaped Sponge for the Lip
A contour shaped sponge, readily available at home improvement stores, will form the lip of your Yip Yap Sesame Street character. A half-oval shape, around 7.5″x3.5″x2.5″, is a good starting point. You might find it beneficial to cut it in half lengthwise to achieve the desired lip shape and size for your costume.
Styrofoam Spheres for the Eyeballs
For Yip Yap’s characteristic large eyes, you will need two styrofoam spheres. A diameter of 4 inches is suitable, but you can opt for 5-inch spheres for a more exaggerated, cartoonish look. These spheres will serve as the base for the eyes of your Sesame Street inspired costume.
Beanie for Head Support
A beanie is crucial for securely and comfortably wearing the Yip Yap headpiece. Choose a lightweight beanie that isn’t too thick to prevent overheating. It should offer enough structure to stay firmly in place without flopping around, ensuring the costume head remains stable while you move.
Pipe Cleaners for Antennae
To create Yip Yap’s antennae, gather pipe cleaners in a color that complements your costume’s main color. Thin pipe cleaners work best; purchase enough to twist together to form sturdy yet flexible antennae. Glittery pipe cleaners can add a playful touch and enhance the visual appeal of your Yip Yap Sesame Street costume.
Other Essential Materials
In addition to the above, you’ll need:
- Hot glue gun: For quickly and securely attaching various costume components.
- Needle and thread or staples: For more robust fabric joining.
- Safety pins (various sizes): Indispensable for adjustments and securing fabric pieces temporarily or permanently.
- A friend: Having someone to assist you, especially when fitting and adjusting the costume during creation, is extremely helpful.
With these materials, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on your DIY Yip Yap Sesame Street costume project, bringing a beloved character to life with your own hands.
