DIY Bat Headband Template - How to Make Halloween Costume Ears

Designing Your Own Bat Headband for Halloween

Halloween is the perfect time to get creative with fun and spooky DIY projects. One popular costume accessory that is easy to make at home is a bat headband. Bats have become a Halloween staple thanks to their connection to vampires. With a few simple materials and some easy steps, you can create a customized bat headband to complete any Halloween costume.

Materials Needed

To make your own bat headband at home, you will need:

• A headband (plastic or fabric)
• Felt or foam sheets in black and other colors like red or pink for the ears
• Wiggle eyes
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Scissors
• Pencil

Designing the Bat Ears

Bats are best known for their pointed ears, so your headband ears will be the focal point. Consider what style you want when designing:

• Simple triangle shape: Cut two triangles out of black felt. Good if making with kids.
• Large cartoon style: Cut tall, wide ears for an exaggerated look.
• Realistic bat ears: Use photos as reference and capture details like curved points.

Sketch ear shapes on paper first so you can adjust the size and shape before cutting your felt. Leave at least 1⁄2 inch along the bottom to attach to the headband.

Attaching the Ears

Follow these simple steps to attach your bat ears:

1. Cut out your ear shapes from black felt using scissors.
2. Take your plastic or fabric headband and test the ear placement to find the right spot and angle.
3. Put a line of hot glue along the bottom of each ear, attach to headband ends and press down firmly for 30 seconds as it dries.
4. Add more dots of hot glue in front and back of the ears for extra stability so they stand up and don’t flop over.

Finishing Bat Headband Details

Once your ears are securely attached, you can embellish your headband bat to really make it stand out. Consider adding:

• Shape details - Use pink or red felt to cut small triangles for inner ear details.
• Eyes - Glue on wiggle eyes or draw eyebrows with marker for personality.
• Nose - Cut a small triangle from pink felt and glue in the center to make a snout.
• Fangs - Make tiny white triangle fangs and glue on the underside of pink inner ears.

Get creative mixing colors, ear shapes, angles and facial details. The great thing about making your own bat headband is you control the design!

Tips for the Perfect Bat Headband

Check out these tips for making the perfect bat headband DIY accessory for Halloween costumes:

1. If using fabric headbands, hot glue a clip or other plastic piece along the underside to help weigh it down. Light fabrics can cause ears to flop over easier.
2. Have kids color plain aluminum foil using crayons or markers then shape foil into ears. Glue onto headband for a lightweight, molded option.
3. Trace your ear shape onto paper and tweak to perfection before transferring to fabric or foam. Template patterns make cutting smoother.
4. Layer two pieces of thin black foam or felt when cutting ears. This makes them sturdier and easier to glue symmetrical sets.
5. Let hot glue fully dry and add reinforcements if needed over time. Check ears to ensure they don't droop or become crooked with wear.

Using Your Bat Headband

The great thing about DIY bat headbands is they work for all kinds of costumes including:

• Vampires or vampiress - Pair with black clothing and vampire fangs.
• Witches or wizards - Glue ears onto wide-brim hat instead for a witch's hat transformation.
• Batman or Batgirl costumes - Use black or yellow felt and add mask.
• Monsters - For zombies or monsters, distress the edges by cutting or burning slightly.
• Goths - Go dramatic by making tall ripped ears with a punk or goth outfit.

You can also wear bat headbands beyond Halloween. They make great costume pieces for kids' dress up play all year long. Display on a hat stand when not in use.

Going Batty for DIY Projects

Making your own bat headband allows you to put your own creative spin on this popular Halloween accessory. With just a few inexpensive craft materials and simple DIY instructions, you can easily customize ears to match any costume. Let your imagination run wild dreaming up ear shapes, colors and facial details. The next full moon, your homemade creation will be ready to take flight!

FAQs

What type of glue should I use for the felt ears?

It's best to use a hot glue gun so the glue adheres instantly and firmly. Hot glue also works well on fabric headbands, foam, and the felt itself for attachments.

How big should I make the bat ears?

It depends on personal preference, but a good guideline is 2-3 inches long from point to base. Cut wider ears for a cartoon style or longer ears for realism. Always leave a half inch base at minimum to adhere well.

What shapes can I cut the inner ear details?

Small triangle or point shapes work best cut from pink or red felt. This mimics the look of inner ear markings on real bats. Get creative with abstract shapes or even glitter shapes for a fancier headband.

Can I wear a bat headband all year or only Halloween?

Bat headbands make great accessories year-round for goth fashion, costumes, or just for fun. Display yours proudly or keep it handy for dress-up play. Just take care not to bend the ears out of shape when storing.