Learn how to make a dino tail with this FREE tutorial and pattern. Perfect for boys and girls all year round. Add it to their dress up bin!
This is an easy to follow sewing tutorial. Even beginners can make this!
I’m Jessica from Running With Scissors where I share all my projects, from sewing, crafting, decor, painting thrift store makeovers, building furniture, and whatever new hobby comes along.
But just as a quick disclaimer:
Thanks.
DINO TAIL TUTORIAL
CUT LIST:
MAIN FABRIC:
tail: (cut 2): 22″ x 11″
waist straps: (cut 4): 12″ x 3″
circle: 7″ in diameter
(*I cut a 7″ square, fold it in fourths, then cut the curve from fold to fold)
CONTRASTING FABRIC:
spikes (cut 2): 22″ x 3.5″
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Trim tail strips
Taking your two strips 22″ x 11″, lay them face down. On one end you’ll measure 4.5″ from each side. The two inches left in the middle will be the tip of the tail.
On the other end, you’ll measure 4″ along the sides as a marker. Connect these two markings to create a diagonal for the cone shape of the tail. Cut off the triangular sides and throw them away.
Then you can turn the whole strip of spikes right side out, using a pen lid, knitting needle, etc. to push the tips of the points out. Iron your spike strip nice and flat.
Check out the other Handmade Dress Up tutorials!
Stephanie E. says
So cute and definitely going in the dress up box.Thanks!
Maryanne says
Thank you for this great tutorial. I made one for my son to wear to his cousin’s dinosaur birthday party. He is only 18 months. He caused lots of laughter when we would say “Where is your tail, Will?” and he would turn round and round in cicles trying to catch a glimpse of it! It is a favourite dress up now.
Andrea @ The Train To Crazy says
So fun!!
Mandy says
Wow. That was a great tutorial. I did it, and I am a beginner. Thanks so much!
Jessica says
Can I hire you to make these for my kids party? I’m totally serious BTW.
Barbara says
WOnderful! Thank you! My granddaughters want a mermaid tail, which I have yet to make) and I had nothing for the boys! Now I do! Thank you!
Andrea says
Love this! Headed to Hobby Lobby this weekend! Thanks for sloving my Halloween costume problem!
Sarah says
I have to tell you , I was sitting on Pintrest when my 26 mo old little girl, who frequently announces that “She just needs to be a stegosaurus” saw this and immediately demanded that I go find my “snowing machine” to make her a blue tail….thank you for making her day!! (And mine!)
Cindy says
What a great Idea. Thank you so much for sharing. I have made 3 so far, the kids love them.
Fanny says
These are incredibly cute! I’m in the process if making 20 to use as favors for my daughter’s dinosaur birthday party 🙂 I’m making 10 as is and 10 with just four spikes at the end (stegosaurus). Thank you thank you for posting this tutorial 🙂
Andrea @ The Train To Crazy says
Wow!!! Fun party!!
[email protected] says
What length would you recommend for a three year old and about and 8mo old. I’m making them for gifts for my nephews and I don’t want to mess up the sizing. Thanks!
Nancy says
Would you be willing to make me one? I suck at that type of thing but my grandson would love it.
Sandra says
What a fantastic idea. I would have loved to do this for my son when he was that age. He’s now 38 but loved to pretend he was a dinosaur at age 3, using a housecoat belt tucked into his underwear to be a tail. You are very creative and I will try this for my grandson who just turned three yesterday.
alica says
This also works very well as a mermaid tail with out the spikes…a great win for the aspiring Ariel in my house! Thanks
Jess says
I made one of these out of Costume suede cloth with a crocodile foil pattern and bright orange duck cloth. It was perfect for my four-year-old nephew this Christmas (And his six-year-old brother, and their four-year-old cousins… this was definitely the most fought-over Christmas present this year).
It also made a stinkin-cute wizard hat for my four-year-old niece.
Yogi says
This was a clear, well written tutorial. I made one and it’s the cutest thing ever. Thank you!
Jen says
Thanks for the tutorial. I just whipped one up as a last minute birthday present. I used one of my husband’s old button down shirts (striped fabric so it’s a multicolor ringed tail!) and used the button placket for the belt part. It worked out great!
Ericka says
Thank you for the awesome tutorial! I just finished my first one and it came out amazing! My 4-year-old daughter about lost her mind when told her I’d make her one for her birthday!
Vivien says
Thanks for a great tutorial! I’ve just made one for my daughter and she loves it. Everything was so well explained that it was pretty easy.
Allison says
I just wanted to drop in and say thank you so much for posting this pattern and instructions for the dinosaur tail. I just finished a purple one with pink spikes for my daughter and I’m starting my sons tomorrow. They absolutely love them and can’t wait for my to finish the rest of their dinosaur Halloween costume
Kelly says
Brilliant tutorial! Have made my son a fab crocodile tail that he loves!! Thanks!
ellen says
Hi Thanks for a great tutorial – I am making 3 for my grandkids – I did add iron on interface to the spike material to make them stand up nice and straight. They came out very cute!!! Adding those foam dino feet and gloves with foam claws attached and a foam mask made from some printable masks. They will love these costumes for Christmas!
Anneris E Kondratas says
Thank you very much!! This is an amazing tutorial, I can’t wait to get started. I need to make one oversize for my husband. ? Thank you again for such a cool idea.