L.M.Reid is an Irish writer who makes prize-winning Halloween decorations. Learn how to make them from scratch at home.

How to Make a Superman/Clark Kent Halloween Costume

Whenever possible, I prefer to make Halloween costumes for my children rather than buy them. They tell me who they want to be for trick–or-treating well ahead of time so I can plan, shop, and make their costumes from scratch.

This year, my eldest son wanted an unusual Halloween costume; he didn't only want to be Superman—he wanted to be Clark Kent, too! He really does think outside the box, that child.

Materials Needed

• White shirt
• Superman tee shirt
• Tie
• Old pair of glasses

Tools Needed

• Sewing needle
• Black thread
• Scissors

Instructions

1. It would be ideal if you could find a children’s black tie. If not, buy an adult tie in a secondhand thrift or charity shop.
2. Cut a piece of about 8 inches off the tie on the smaller side.
3. Sew back the end bit.

Cut the tie to fit the Clark Kent costume.

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Completing the Look

If your child does not wear glasses, then look around for an old pair of sunglasses. You can remove the lenses from the frames and he can wear those with his costume.

Get your child to try on the costume and see what he thinks. In the last few years here in Ireland, it has become a custom that kids wear their costumes to school the day they break up for the holidays. My son is very excited and happy to go in his newest costume.

Why Do We Go Trick-or-Treating?

Centuries ago, because of the connection to All Souls' Day, poorer people would use the night of 31st October to knock on doors and ask for food and treats in exchange for prayers for relatives' souls belonging to the house. This was known as 'souling.'

The modern-day version of trick-or-treating is more sinister—give us a treat or we will play a trick on you!

Celebrating Halloween in America

In the 1800s, when there were over a million Irish and other European immigrants of Celtic origin emigrating to America, this was one of the holidays that was introduced.

Why Doesn't England Celebrate Halloween?

The English stopped celebrating Halloween when millions of people in Europe broke away from the Catholic church. This was due to the Protestant Reformation and Martin Luther’s teachings. They believed that faith alone got you salvation after death—not good deeds. They did not believe in saints and therefore could not celebrate the eve of All Saints’ Day.

Other Halloween Decorations I Made

Each of the following articles includes step-by-step instructions and original process photos.

• A Chucky doll from Child's Play
• A blood-soaked skull decoration
• Pennywise, the clown from the movie IT that terrorizes the children
• Georgie and his boat from the horror movie IT (I love this one)
• A display coffin for my skeleton, Percy
• Scary eyes for my yard
• A locked zombie door from The Walking Dead
• An evil Annabelle from the horror movie Annabelle
  
• A Woody Halloween costume from Toy Story that I made for my son
• A scary wreath with snakes that you can hang on your door

10 Easy DIY Halloween Decorations

Dollar Tree Halloween DIY Decorations

Comments

L M Reid (author) from Ireland on September 28, 2020:

Hello Caroline, Yes I believe it is always so much better when we can make our own Halloween costumes.

Caroline Mullen on September 04, 2020:

great idea , must show my kids , see if one of them wants me to make for them .

L M Reid (author) from Ireland on October 19, 2019:

Hello Thelma, yes I love it when I can make the kids' Halloween costumes. My son was determined to be Clark Kent this year. He is very proud of his new costume.

Thelma Alberts from Germany and Philippines on October 18, 2019:

This is a wonderful tutorial. Thanks for sharing.