Cardboard Loligo Vulgaris (Squid) Costume

     The costume design for this squid costume was for a school project. The assignment was to build an  efficient marine themed costume. Before actually getting to the final copy, many changes needed to be made to the original design, so that the squid costume was comfortable and safe.

Design Brief:
      The task was to develop a squid costume out of recycled cardboard. The cardboard is used so the pieces can slot together easily for middle school aged children for Halloween, plays, etc.

Specifications:
     The squid costume must be safe for the one wearing it, such as being comfortable and being able to see easily. The costume also needs to have a professional appearance.

Limitations:
     The squid costume needs to be made entirely out of cardboard

Step 1: Materials

Step 2: Making the Parts: Front

1. Cut a 3ft X 2ft piece of (S1) single ply cardboard with the (T2) utility knife on the (T1) cutting mat.

2. Measure 10.5" from the bottom drawing a line from side to side using (T3) ruler and (T4) pencil.  

3. Following the line, measure 4", 12", 20" inch marks.

4. From each mark draw 4.5" lines towards the bottom using (T3) ruler and (T4) pencil.

5. From the top measure and mark 2" in from each side using (T3) ruler and (T4)pencil.

6. From each mark draw 1.5 ft lines down each side using (T3) ruler and (T4) pencil.

7. Measure from the top 9" down and 12" from the side, pinpoint intersection using (T3) ruler and (T4) pencil.

8. Using compass (T5) draw 4" radius from pinpoint.

9. Cut all lines in bold print with the (T2) utility knife on the (T1) cutting mat.

Step 3: Making the Parts: Back

1. Cut a 3ft X 2ft piece of (S1) single ply cardboard with (T2) utility knife on (T1) cutting mat.

2. From the top measure and mark 2" in from each side using (T3) ruler and (T4)pencil.

3. From each mark draw 1.5 ft lines down each side using (T3) ruler and (T4) pencil.

4. Cut all lines in bold print with the (T2) utility knife on the (T1) cutting mat.

Step 4: Making the Parts: Side (x2)

1. Cut a 3 ft X 1.5 ft piece of (S1) single ply cardboard with (T2) utility knife on (T1) cutting mat.

2. Measure 10.5" from the bottom drawing a line from side to side using (T3) ruler and (T4) pencil. 

3. Following the line, measure a 9" mark.

4. From the mark draw a 4.5" line towards the bottom using (T3) ruler and (T4) pencil.

5. From the bottom measure and mark 2" in from each side using (T3) ruler and (T4)pencil.

6. From each mark draw 1.5 ft lines up each side using (T3) ruler and (T4) pencil.

7. Measure from the top 13" down and 9" from the side, pinpoint intersection using (T3) ruler and (T4) pencil.

8. Using compass (T5) draw 2" radius from pinpoint.

9. Cut all lines in bold print with the (T2) utility knife on the (T1) cutting mat.

Step 5: Making the Parts: Fin

1. Cut a 3 ft X 3 ft X 3 ft triangle piece of (S1) single ply cardboard with (T2) utility knife on (T1) cutting mat.

2. Measure  up 5" from the bottom of any side, drawing a line from side to side using (T3) ruler and (T4) pencil.

3. Using same side at bottom make a mark at 7" using (T3) ruler and (T4) pencil.

4. From 7" mark follow pattern marking 4"- 2"- 4"- 2"- 4"- 2"- 4" using (T3) ruler and (T4) pencil.

5. From each mark draw a 5" line up from the bottom using (T3) ruler and (T4) pencil.

6. Cut all lines in bold print with the (T2) utility knife on the (T1) cutting mat.

Step 6: Making the Parts: Socket (x5)

1. Cut a 6" X 4" piece of (S1) single ply cardboard with (T2) utility knife on (T1) cutting mat.

2. Measure down 5" on left side. Draw line at 45 degrees to bottom using (T5) compass and (T4) pencil.

3. Mark up 1" from bottom on right side. Draw line at 45 degrees to bottom using (T5) compass and (T4) pencil.

4. At the top mark 2" across. From the mark draw a line down 4" using (T3) ruler and (T4) pencil.

5. From the end of the 4" line draw a line 45 degrees up to the right edge (T5) compass and (T4) pencil.

6. From left edge measure in 1/2" using (T3) ruler and (T4) pencil.

7. Following the line draw a 2" line from the top down and bottom up using (T3) ruler and (T4) pencil.

8. Cut all lines in bold print with the (T2) utility knife on the (T1) cutting mat.

Step 7: Making the Parts: Tentacle (x5)

1. Cut a 1 1/2 ft X 2" piece of (S1) single ply cardboard with (T2) utility knife on (T1) cutting mat.

2. At the top mark 1" across. Measure down 1" and draw a 2" line down using (T3) ruler and (T4) pencil.

3. Mark up 1" from bottom on both sides. Draw lines at 45 degrees to bottom using (T5) compass and (T4) pencil.

4. Top left edge measure 3" down. Freehand a 7" semicircle 1" deep using (T4) pencil.

5. Bottom right edge measure 1" up. Freehand a 7" semicircle 1" deep using (T4) pencil.

6. Cut all lines in bold print with the (T2) utility knife on the (T1) cutting mat.

Step 8:

Step 9: Assembling the Costume: Part 1

 Insert (P3) sides into the slits of (P1) front and (P2) back

Step 10: Assembling the Costume: Part 2

 Insert (P4) fin to the top of (P1) front

Step 11: Assembling the Costume: Part 3

 Insert (P6) tentacles to (P5) sockets

Step 12: Assembling the Costume: Part 4

Insert (P5) sockets to the slits near the bottoms of (P1) front and (P3) sides

Step 13: Assembling the Costume: Part 5

You now have the finished product.
If you choose to paint the costume be sure to paint both sides so that the cardboard doesn't warp.