Project

Rib Cage T-Shirt

A few strategic cuts transform simple white and black T-shirts into a skeleton-inspired Halloween costume.

Source: The Martha Stewart Show, October 2010

Introduction

A tried and true family-friendly favorite, a skeleton costume is easier to create than you might think. With a few steps and materials, this Halloween dress to impress in a spooky Rib Cage T-Shirt. Complete the look with our exposed bone jeans for a simple DIY costume.

materials

Front rib cage template

Back ribcage template

Tape

White T-shirt ($6.50, oldnavy.gap.com)

Cutting mat

Repositionable adhesive spray ($15.29, target.com)

Small (18 mm) rotary cutter

Fabric scissors

Black T-shirt ($8.50, oldnavy.gap.com)

steps

Print the front and back rib cage templates before trimming the first page on a solid line and matching to a dotted line on the second page. Then tape together.
Pinch the front of white T-shirt at the center of neck and pull forward, lining up the sleeve and side seams to create a fold down the center front of the shirt. Lay the T-shirt flat on a cutting mat with this fold to the right.
Spray repositionable adhesive on the back of the front rib cage template. Then place on the folded front side of the T-shirt, lining up the vertical line with the fold.
Cut horizontal rib lines with a small rotary cutter. Leaving the T-shirt flat, cut curved areas using the fabric scissors.
Repeat steps two and three to create ribs on the back of the T-shirt, using the back rib template and lining up the vertical line with the back fold.
Peel off templates. Unfold T-shirt and wear over a black shirt.