DIY Dollar Store Princess Costume: Quick & Easy Tutorial

Updated at: 04/06/2025

Ever dreamed of a fairytale princess look without the fairytale price tag? Then get ready to unleash your inner royal with this surprisingly simple DIY Dollar Store Princess costume! Forget expensive boutiques and complicated patterns; we're diving headfirst into a world of budget-friendly crafting that yields stunning results. With a little creativity and a few cleverly chosen items from your local dollar store, you can transform yourself into a dazzling princess in a fraction of the time (and cost) of a traditional costume.

This tutorial will guide you through each step of creating a beautiful and believable princess costume using only affordable dollar store finds. We'll explore simple techniques to create a majestic gown, a sparkling crown, and other enchanting accessories, all while staying well within a budget anyone can appreciate. Ready to turn your dollar store haul into a regal masterpiece? Let's begin with the step-by-step instructions below.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Dollar Store princess skirt
  • Elastic
  • Scissors
  • Needle and thread
  • Sock
Safety Guidelines
  • Adult supervision is required, especially for younger children using scissors, glue guns, or other crafting tools.
  • Always check for and remove any small parts that could pose a choking hazard, particularly for costumes intended for toddlers or young children.
  • Ensure fabrics are flame-resistant or treated accordingly to minimize fire risks, especially when using fabrics like tulle or glitter.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Skirt

    • Cut off the tulle, leaving the gathered fabric at the top.
    Deconstruct the princess skirt: Cut off the tulle, leaving the gathered fabric at the top.
    Prepare the Skirt

  2. Make the Petticoat

    • Measure and cut the tulle, fold in half, create a casing, and thread elastic through it.
    • Distribute the gathers.
    Attach the petticoat to the skirt: Distribute the gathers.Attach the petticoat to the skirt: Distribute the gathers.
    Make the Petticoat

  3. Add Straps and Sleeves

    • Use leftover fabric to create straps and attach them to the top of the dress.
    • Use leftover fabric to make simple sleeves and attach them to the dress.
    Make sleeves: Use leftover fabric to make simple sleeves and attach them to the dress.
    Add Straps and Sleeves

  4. Make the Cardigan

    • Cut down the middle of the sock, remove a small section from the heel, and hand-hem.
    Create a cardigan from a sock: Cut down the middle of the sock, remove a small section from the heel, and hand-hem.
    Make the Cardigan

  5. Assemble the Costume

    • Use existing pants (from a previous project) and a simple long-sleeve turtleneck.
    Combine with pants and turtleneck: Use existing pants (from a previous project) and a simple long-sleeve turtleneck.
    Assemble the Costume

Read more: No-Sew DIY Pet Tank Top: Easy Leggings Upcycle!

Tips

  • The petticoat adds fluff and makes the skirt stand out.
  • The gap in the back of the dress will not be visible when the doll is standing.
  • You can adjust the cardigan length as desired.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using only cheap, flimsy fabrics

Reason: Dollar store materials can be thin and easily tear, resulting in a costume that looks poorly made and falls apart quickly.
Solution: Layer inexpensive fabrics or reinforce seams with fabric glue or additional stitching for durability.

2. Ignoring proper sizing and fit

Reason: Rushing through the project without considering the body shape of the wearer can lead to a costume that is too tight, too loose, or awkwardly proportioned.
Solution: Take accurate measurements and create a simple pattern or use existing clothing items as a base to ensure a proper fit before starting construction.

FAQs

What if my dollar store doesn't have the exact colors or materials I need for the costume?
Don't worry! Get creative! Dollar stores often have a variety of colors and textures. You can mix and match items or use fabric dye to achieve the desired look. Substituting similar items (like a different type of ribbon or fabric) is perfectly acceptable and can even add a unique touch to your costume.
How can I make the costume look more realistic or less ‘dollar store-ish’?
Focus on the details! Adding embellishments like glitter, sequins, or ribbon can elevate the look significantly. Neat stitching and well-placed accessories (like a homemade crown or jewelry) will also make a big difference. Ironing the fabrics before assembling the costume will also improve the overall presentation.