Padded Belly/Fake Stomach

This is not Star Wars related, although I guess it could apply to anyone making Pregnant Padme costumes...

What is the best way to go about making a padded belly for a costume? I'm helping a friend put together a garden gnome costume, and that's the only thing that's stumping us. It's more than likely just going to be a one time costume, so he doesn't want to invest a ton of money into it.

 

I would definitely consider using foam. You can contour it to your body and also attach ties on it or elastic to fasten it on your body. If not foam, I'd try a costume store. They should sell pregnant tummies.

 

I can tell you how I did mine--I keep wanting to do a tutorial but with hurricanes and Halloween I just haven't found the time

I used lycra/spandex and created a girdle type "tube". I basically cut a piece large enough to go from just under the breasts to about upper thigh. The piece wrapped around the body and lacked about 10" in the back--I inserted another panel in there--Making sure the stretch runs around the body (although 4-way stretch lyrcra is best). You will then need to fit this to your form or person to make sure the "tube" fits nice and snug--Like a leotard. I then took a piece of lycra and cut a large "egg" shape--and zig=zagged it to the center front of the tube leaving a space for stuffing. I then used about 5/8" elastic and zig-zagged it to the top and bottom of the tube making sure to spread out the stretch and evenly distribute it. (the elastic should measure the underbust measurement minus about 2-1/2", and the fullest point of around the hips at upper thigh (minus about 2"). Try on the "tube" and make sure it fits nice and snug--but comfortably. You then take poly-fill stuffing and stuff the egg until it is the desired shape and size. Stich the egg closed. Voila!


Cheaper--easier options--Use an existing girdle. body girdle. or leotard and use the same steps to sew on a lycra "egg" and stuff it.

The lycra gives a nice smooth skin like surface under even the lightest of materials and the poly fill will give a firm and full "belly"
but will be incredibly lightweight and comfortable to wear

I hope that makes sense and helps--a wee bit

~Ferd

 

Nice maternity stores like Motherhood, Pea In The Pod, Mimi Maternity, and others usually have "fake tummies" in their fitting rooms so that you can try on maternity clothes and see what they will fit like later if you are still early in pregnancy and are shopping for them now. They are a padded half egg shaped tummy with a simple strap system that goes around.
If you wanted to do something no-sew...you could inquire at a couple of these types of shops and get some information about getting one from their supplier. Just another possible option to throw out there.
QS

 

For a man's all-around girth (versus a pregnant suit), I like to use a method very similar to the one Ferd described, with a little variation. I start with a very close fitting tee shirt (fitted to the wearer), and then I cut it up the back and insert a separating zipper or similar. Then I sew a layer of fabric over the tee shirt along a line that runs around the whole body, just below the armpits (Basicall, you're making a giant upside down pocket). This pocket gets stuffed and filled out until you like it. I like to put a zipper in the bottom of the shirt where this "pocket" piece connects to the tee shirt so I can take out the stuffing and throw the shirt in the wash. It means I have to restuff for each use, but it keeps the shirt fresh and the stuffing/foam/whatever I use to make the girth doesn't get all wadded up in the wash.

 

when i need to make mine.. i was just gonna take fabric.. make it into a circle.. sew it and stuff it as if were a pillow and then add straps.

 

A pillow put on your stomach can make you look a lot bigger. We've used that for Santa Claus costumes.

 

You mean to tell me that nobody is bugging their significant others to go the all natural route for Ep 3????

 

Absolutely not!

Besides the 30 + year reminder of Celebration, what if the timing is off? I'm not willing to decide between seeing the movie on opening night or delivering the baby in the hospital. Too close to call . . .

 

If you started now... youd give birth after episode 3.

hehe

 

I'm kind of anxious to see what Padme's post-partum outfits look like. I just had a baby and would like to make outfits for my daughter and I for Celebration II.