Design clothing from unusual materials

What can we use instead of newspaper or plastic bags if those are hard to find?

Use large butcher paper, a flattened bedsheet taped at the seams, or a wide piece of flattened cardboard instead of newspaper and plastic bags when you lay out and overlap the sheet until it looks big enough.

My taped seams keep peeling or the shape rips when I join pieces—what should I try?

If seams peel or the sheet rips while you tape the overlapping edges or join the cut pieces, reinforce those joins with stronger duct tape, add a second layer of taped material, and have an adult hold edges while you press and trim for a smooth finish.

How can we adapt the activity for younger children or older kids?

For younger children, an adult can pre-measure with the measuring tape and pre-cut the taped sheet so kids can stick tape and decorate safely with wide scissors, while older kids can take exact measurements, experiment with elastic or string fastenings, and add structured trims.

How can we make the finished piece fancier or more wearable long-term?

To improve wearability, follow the make a fastening step using a taped waistband or sewn elastic, reinforce seams with extra tape or a fabric lining, add pockets or decorative trim during the decorate step, and then photograph it to share on DIY.org.