Having a hard time coming up with a Halloween costume? Here is a great costume that uses only a Halloween garbage bag and a little green felt for a hat and leaves. It can really be a fun costume for your little pumpkin.

PUMPKIN COSTUME FROM A GARBAGE BAG

Materials Needed

  • Jack-o’-lantern garbage bag or leaf bag
  • Sealing or strapping tape
  • Drawstring
  • Stuffing material (newspapers, inflated balloons)
  • Green felt (optional)
  • Safety pins
  • Glue gun
  • Fall leaves (optional)
  • Headband (optional)
  • Elastic
  • Green, black, or brown sweatsuit, or tights and leotard

 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pumpkin Costume

  • Cut the bottom out of the garbage bag
  • Reinforce the cut edge with tape
  • Create a casing at the top of the bag for the drawstring

2. Make the Costume Wearable

  • Cut armholes on the sides and reinforce with tape
  • Dress the child in a base layer (sweatsuit, tights, or leotard)

3. Assemble the Pumpkin Shape

  • Turn the bag inside out and upside down
  • Tape the bottom edge around the child’s legs, gathering as you go
  • Turn the bag up, place arms through the holes, stuff with newspapers or balloons, and tighten the drawstring

4. Add the Finishing Touches

  • Cut green felt into leaf shapes and attach to the shoulders with safety pins
  • Create a headband with glued-on fall leaves or a “stem” hat using green felt and elastic


Did you know that turnips were the first jack-o’-lanterns? Children in Europe carried turnips with them on Halloween night.