Make An Ewok Hood: Upcycle A T-Shirt

If you're a fan of Star Wars, you'll know that Ewoks are some of the cutest characters in the franchise. If you want to dress up as one, you can make an Ewok hood from a T-shirt. You'll need a sewing machine, a balaclava pattern, knit fabric, fake fur fabric scraps, buttons or other embellishments, and some other basic craft supplies. You can find tutorials online that will guide you through the process of measuring, cutting, and sewing the fabric to create the hood, complete with ears. So, get your craft on and channel your inner Ewok!

Characteristics and Values Table for Making an Ewok Hood from a T-Shirt

Choosing the right fabric

When making an Ewok hood, the type of fabric you choose is important. You'll want something that is soft, comfortable, and breathable. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right fabric:

Fabric Type

The most common fabric options for T-shirts are cotton and polyester or a blend of the two. Cotton is natural, comfortable, soft, and stays cool in the summer. It is great for hot weather, but it can be prone to wrinkling and shrinking. Polyester, on the other hand, is a synthetic fabric that is durable and can withstand stretching and creasing. It dries quickly and holds printed designs well. However, it can vary in texture and feel coarse to some people. A blend of cotton and polyester can offer the best of both worlds, combining comfort, breathability, and durability.

Fabric Weight

The weight of the fabric will also impact the look and feel of your Ewok hood. Lightweight fabrics (around 100-150 GSM) are thinner and more breathable, while heavyweight fabrics (200+ GSM) are thicker and more durable. For an Ewok hood, you will likely want something in the mid-weight range (150-200 GSM) to balance breathability and durability.

Fabric Texture and Weave

The texture and weave of the fabric can affect the softness, durability, and print compatibility of your Ewok hood. Cotton, for example, can range from soft twill to sturdy denim. If you plan to add any embellishments or designs to your hood, consider a fabric with a smooth surface, like cotton or a polyester blend.

Climate and Intended Use

Consider the climate you live in and how you plan to use your Ewok hood. If you live in a warm climate, choose a breathable and lightweight fabric like cotton or linen. If you plan to use your hood for dress-up or cosplay, you may want a fabric that is easy to sew and comfortable to wear, like cotton or a cotton-polyester blend.

Cost and Sustainability

Finally, consider the cost and sustainability of the fabric. Natural fabrics like cotton and linen tend to be more expensive, while synthetic fabrics like polyester may be more affordable. If sustainability is important to you, opt for organic cotton or recycled polyester to minimize your environmental impact.

Cutting the fabric

First, fold your fabric in half, with the wrong side facing up. If your pattern is large enough, pin it to the fabric and cut around it, adding some extra fabric to the length so that the hood looks more authentic. If your pattern is not large enough, take the number from the head circumference and divide it in half. For example, if the head circumference is 20", mark 10" from the fold and add an extra inch or two. Draw the basic shape of the hood, using the mark to guide your measurements. Cut your fabric and pin it.

Next, carefully put the hood on your subject and, using your pencil, mark where their chin and eyes are. Remove the hood and lay the fabric flat again. Cut from the eye mark to the chin, following the general shape of the pattern.

Now, cut out the ears. You will need four ear pieces in total. Cut two thin ear slits, marking through the pattern for symmetry. Make sure the pile of the fur is going downwards.

Finally, cut a 12-inch strip from your scrap fabric. You will use this to create the fastening for the hood.

Sewing the ears

To sew the ears, you will need two 3-inch by 3-inch squares of light brown faux fur for the inner ears, and two 10-inch by 5-inch strips of dark brown faux fur for the outer ears. Cut a rounded shape on the top two corners of the light brown squares.

Place one of the light brown inner ear pieces onto one of the dark brown outer ear pieces, centering it, and sew or glue it in place. Repeat this process for the other ear.

Now, fold the strip of the outer ear over, inside out, and sew around the rounded portion of the ear, about an inch outside the inner ear. Cut off any excess fabric. Do not sew the straight portion of the ear. Repeat this process for the other ear.

Turn the ears right side out and trim the bottom if they are uneven.

Attaching the ears to the hood

Now that you have cut out the ear slits and assembled the ears, it is time to attach the ears to the hood. This step is crucial, as it will determine the overall positioning and look of the ears.

Firstly, gently insert the ears into the hood, ensuring that the raw edges of the fabric are on the wrong side of the fabric, or the inside of the hood. You should gently tug the fabric in with the ears, ensuring that all raw edges are tucked neatly inside the hood. This will create a seamless and polished finish.

Next, sew the ears in place along the edges of the ear slits. This will secure the ears to the hood and ensure they do not shift or move during wear. Sew carefully, keeping close to the edge of the slit to avoid any bunching or puckering of the fabric.

At this point, you can also add some additional details to the ears if desired. For example, you could hand-sew buttons or small embellishments to the tips of the ears to give them some extra texture and detail. You could also add some fur or fabric to the inside of the ears to give them a more dimensional look.

Once the ears are securely attached and any additional details have been added, it is a good idea to try the hood on to ensure the ears are positioned correctly. The ears should protrude through the slits in the hood and stand up straight or at a slight angle, depending on the desired look. If any adjustments are needed, carefully remove the stitches and reposition the ears until they are just right.

Finalising the hood

Now that you have the ears and hood ready, it's time to assemble the pieces. Gently insert the ears into the slits you cut in the hood, making sure the raw edges of the fabric are facing inwards. Carefully tug the fabric in, ensuring all raw edges are tucked inside the hood. Sew along the edges of the slit to secure the ears in place.

Place the two hood pieces together, with the right sides of the fabric facing each other (RST). Sew along the back and throat areas, remembering to leave the eye and face hole open. You can use a sewing machine or hand sew this part, whichever you're more comfortable with.

To add some extra detail, cut a 12-inch strip from your scrap fabric. Sew buttons or small rocks along its length, then hand sew this strip onto the top of the hood. This will give it an authentic Ewok look.

Finally, trim the bottom of the hood to make it asymmetrical and jagged. This will create the furry, uneven look of an Ewok's hood. You can use fabric scissors or a rotary cutter for this step, depending on your preference.

Try the hood on to ensure a comfortable fit. Make any necessary adjustments to the eye and face hole, as well as the overall fit. Your Ewok hood is now complete! You can pair it with a brown shirt and pants, or even add more details to create a full Ewok costume.

Remember, this is just one method of creating an Ewok hood. You can always experiment with different fabrics, colours, and embellishments to make it your own.

Frequently asked questions