DIY Cheerleader Costume: Easy 15-Min Build
Time15 minEffortEasy
⏱️ We timed it, but results may vary.
Plan this costume →No signup · 2 minutes.
Team colors and pom-poms made from cut plastic bags. The pom-poms are the trick, and they're free. Fifteen minutes, easy: a team-color t-shirt and skirt or shorts, white plastic grocery bags, and a hair ribbon. Cut the bags into strips, bunch them, and tape the handle end tight.
2 of 5 things covered, counting basics we assume you have.
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Still need:
Tip: roll a sheet of paper into a cone megaphone and tape it.
Steps
- Safety: Cut the bags up right away. Keep whole bags away from very small children.
- Stack 2 to 3 white plastic grocery bags.
- Cut them into long strips.
- Stop 3 inches from one end.
- Do NOT cut all the way through, or the pom-pom falls apart.
- Roll the uncut end tightly.
- Wrap it with a rubber band or tape.
- Fluff the strips.
- Make a second pom-pom the same way.
- Pull on the team-color t-shirt and skirt or shorts.
- Tie the hair ribbon in a bow.
- Carry a pom-pom in each hand.
- Optional pro finish: roll a sheet of paper into a cone megaphone and tape it.
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Common questions
How fluffy should the pom-poms be?
Fluff each strip individually after rolling the handle, the fluffing is 80% of the look. Flat strips read as trash bag; fluffed strips read as pom-pom.
Are plastic bag pom-poms safe for toddlers?
Cut the bags up right away and keep whole bags away from very small children. For under-3s, use tissue paper pom-poms instead.
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