Step 1: Assemble Wings

Cut wings along the outline of the printed pattern, except I left the half circle uncut (see first picture) since it helps stabilize the wings when I'm sewing.

Also cut one layer of batting. I cut the layer of batting slightly larger than the wings since it tends to move on me as I'm sewing.

Lay out the wings in this order:

bottom layer - batting

middle layer - one of the cut out wings pieces face up

top layer - the other piece cut out wings face down.

Measure around the shoulders and wrists of the person who is to wear the wing costume and cut an appropriate length of elastic for each shoulder and wrist. The green and yellow wings show where to pin the wrist strap. The shoulder strap is also pinned between the two printed layers, only at the top center of the wing pattern.

Step 2: Sew the Wings

After pinning the wings, sew along the edge of the design.

Be sure to leave about a 3-4 inch opening to turn the wings right side out after sewing and cutting. I find it best to leave the space along one of the straighter parts of the design.

There is some wiggle room for seam allowance here. I tend to sew about 1/4 inch from the printed edge and then cut off the extra batting and fabric so that the edge of the fabric is only about 1/8 inch from the seam.

You can also see that I sewed about 1 inch down into the wings at the top in order to make space for the child's shoulder straps to fit better. This works well if the size you ordered is slightly small for the person it's intended for or if you need more space between the shoulder straps. The space between the seams is just there to indicate where the elastic is placed for the straps (for tutorial purposes or if you forget to include the straps when you initially sew the wings).

Step 3: Sew the Tail

Next, cut and assemble the tail pieces the same way as the wings.

Lay out the wings in this order:
bottom layer - batting

middle layer - one of the cut out tail pieces face up

top layer - the other piece cut out tail pieces face down.

Don't worry about getting a good point on the end of the tail as it looks good with a rounded end to it as well.

Leave the top of the tail (where it attaches to the dragon) open as space to turn the design right side out after sewing.

Step 4: Cut Corners

Since this design includes so many curved edges, cutting notches in the excess fabric helps the design lay flat once turned inside right. This is a photo of what the end of the tail looks like after the notches have been cut. Do this on all of the rounded edges on the wings and tail.

Step 5: Turn

Turning the wings is relatively easy. Just reach into the hole you left when you sewed it (between the two printed pieces of fabric) and pull the design in side right.

The tail, on the other hand is a bit trickier and I've found that rolling it up like a burrito before turning it makes it much easier as it then fits through the narrow part of the tail more easily. In this photo, I have the end of the tail rolled and it is part of the way turned right side in.

Step 6: Finish

I went and sewed around the wings about 1/4 inch from the edge to keep them from bunching up. You could also sew along each of the "fingers" on the wing to give it more definition. My kids were too impatient to wait for me to add that touch to them.

To finish the tail, fold over the top edge, leaving enough space for your elastic to slide through and sew in place. Then guide the elastic through and sew the ends of the elastic together, making a waistband. Be sure to measure the child's waist beforehand so you know how wide to make the band.

This costume is reversible and older children can put it on/take it off independently since the wings work much like a backpack and the tail is just a waistband.

Voila! A unique dragon wing costume for playing dragons or for part of a Halloween costume.

If you would like these wings in a different color, be sure to contact me through my facebook page.