Introduction: Octopus Hoodie

I made this octopus hoodie for a halloween costume a few years ago but I thought it'd be fun to post instructions for it here. You could probably wear it around town as just a regular hoodie too, it's pretty nice and warm.

Here's what you'll need:

A really large hooded pullover sweater
It should be a lot bigger than you normally wear, preferably of just one solid color.
I got mine from the thrift store for pretty cheap.

Some felt, foam, or fleece circle things for suction cups
I used about 40 circles, about an inch and a half in diameter. I was lucky and found this foam mat with big circles in it I just cut out but you could just cut out a bunch of circles from fabric though. Or use real suction cups off a rubber mat, though that's more of a pain to cut out and sew on.

Stuffing matterials
I used scarves and hats but you could also use batting, socks, newspaper, underwear, etc...

Scissors

Sewing supplies
I sewed it by hand cause I didn't have a machine so I just had needle & thread, but it would go much faster with a sewing machine. Or if you're really in a pinch, fabric glue.

That's it!

Step 1: Remove the Front Pocket

I love the little pouch in front of hoodies, but it'll just get in the way here, so let's get rid of it. Cut it out without while making sure your not cutting into the main part of the hoodie underneath it.

Step 2: Cut Strips

Now to cut some strips! Cut along the sides up to the armpits first so you can separate the front from the back easily. Next cut twice in the front, up to armpit level, to make 3 strips. Do the same for the back. You should end up with 3 strips in front, 3 strips in back, and 2 arms for a total of 8 dangling things.

Step 3: Make Some Tubes

Turn the whole thing inside out (fuzzy side out) so you can sew each of the strips into a tube/sleeve. Only sew each one up about 3/4 of the way, otherwise the hole will bunch up and be too small to get back into. I had to cut up a little further after sewing so I could fit in it.

Step 4: Add the Suction Cups

Turn it back so it's right side out (fuzzy on the inside) again and you should have a nice hoodie with 8 arm sleeves. Now sew on the "suction cups" (or whatever you found for those) along the underside of all the sleeves.

Step 5: Stuff the Other 6 Arms

Unfortunately humans only have 2 arms, so we'll have to stuff the other 6 so they're nice and plump. Whatever you can find to put in those sleeves works. Scarves are nice cause they're so long and soft already.

Step 6: Insert Human

Get in there! You're done!

Optional Add-ons:

You can thread some fishing line between the ends of all the sleeves so they all lift when you lift your arms. Or you can add some eyes to the side of the hoodie.