Check out the DIY Jake and the Neverland Pirates costumes I created for the boys, they were perfect for our Disney Junior Live adventure!
They turned out super cute – way better than I anticipated – and I was even more stoked that they were almost “free” for me to make.
DIY Jake The Pirate Costume
The DIY Jake and the Neverland Pirate costumes are upcycled from one of those blue “velvet” Amazon gift bags. I used one of the smaller Amazon gift bags and had enough material to make two Jake vests. I even used the gold ribbon from the amazon gift bag to accent one of the vests.
If you don’t have random blue material (like an amazon gift bag) in your craft stash, blue felt would also work well with no hemming necessary.
How to Make a Jake Neverland Pirate Vest
I went back to the easy template I used to make our Cowboy Woody costume vests. I recommend printing two copies of the template and taping it together. Then your kiddo can try it on and you can make any necessary adjustments.
I folded the material in half and placed half of the back template along the fold. Then when I cut, I only had to cut out 1/2 of the template. Once I unfolded the fabric, I had a full vest back that was fairly symmetrical. I used the same method for the front of the vest.
Unfortunately, the amazon gift bag material cannot be ironed. TRUST ME on this. So I had to sew my vest pieces together instead of use iron-on hem tape. Basically I sewed together where I had taped the template together. Fabric glue would also work great.
The sewing is minimal for this costume and really anyone can manage a few simple stitches with a thread and needle.
Gold Trim On Jake & Neverland Pirates Costume Vest
The gold ribbon from the Amazon gift bag was a perfect match for the edge of Jake’s vest. Seriously it’s basically destiny for the Amazon gift bag to be upcylced into Jake and the Neverland pirate costume!
My one mistake was cutting the wide gold ribbon in half before gluing it to the edge of the vest. This was definitely a crafting novice mistake – the satiny ribbon frayed like crazy. So I removed my failed first attempt at the ribbon edge. The good news? I made the mistake already and you don’t have to!
Instead glue the uncut ribbon along the edge, folding (and gluing) the ribbon on both sides of the vest (1/2 on the inside and 1/2 on the outside).
I didn’t have enough gold ribbon for the 2nd vest, so instead I used gold duct tape. Duct tape is also too wide, so I cut it in 1/2 lengthwise to make the dimensions work. Don’t worry duct tape doesn’t fray like ribbon! 😉
It was very easy to work with and I recommend using it in lieu of ribbon unless you are upcycling an amazon gift bag of course. Then I err on the using what you already have on hand.
I didn’t have any large gold buttons to use on the vests so I made my own! I simply covered cardboard circles (my buttons) with gold fabric or gold duct tape. Gold spray paint would also work. Then I hot glued the buttons on to the vest!
Jake The Pirate Costume Shirts
I cut the neck and arm out of old white t-shirts to make them seem ragged. Then I cut out a set of triangles from each sleeve too. I added a black “X” out of black duct tape to complete the pirate shirt look.
And being super fans of Jake and the Neverland Pirates meant we already had 2 red pirate bandanas in our costume box.
What do you think? I think my DIY Jake and the Neverland Pirates costume turned out pretty cute.
Of course my pirates are pretty cute too! 😉
If you’re planning a Jake and the Neverland Pirates party or Halloween costume, you might want to check out our Peter Pan Halloween costume ideas
More Disney Junior Costume Ideas
Disney Junior costumes are perfect for the toddlers and younger elementary school kids.
This post was originally published October 14, 2013.
AmieJo says
My son would have loved to have this for his pirate birthday party we just had. Maybe I will make one for fun. Thanks for the great idea.
angie says
love it so super cute great skills of reusing as well.
Natalie says
Those are really cute! My daughter love Jake and I’ve been thinking about making her an Izzy costume. Thanks for sharing!
Cathy says
What cute costumes. Jake is a favorite at our house – even my hubby watches it with our granddaughter every afternoon. Thank you for sharing at Share It One More Time. Cathy
Amber L. says
I love the reuse of the Amazon bag. Great idea.
Felissa (Two Little Cavaliers) says
The costumes tuned out great! I know a little boy that would really like a costume like these.
I would be honored if you would hop over to share with us at Inspire Us Tuesday.
Ginger says
So cute! And I love that you used materials you already had on hand.
I’m visiting from the Come Bloom link party. If you’re looking for a new link party, I’d love to have you over at Gingerly Made. The Show & Tell party there runs from Wednesday night – Saturday.
Mrs. Mashed Up says
Wow, this looks so cool! I’m pinning this, and totally making this for Baby Mash!! Thanks for posting on Turn It Up Tuesday so that I could find you! Following you on Pintrest so I don’t miss any future costume ideas!