Free Ear Sewing Pattern for Costumes

Learn how to make standing pointed ears with a free ear sewing pattern. This would be perfect for cat ears, horse ears, or dog/werewolf ears.

Over the years I have made a lot of costumes, and sometimes I develop a pattern to use but forget to share it with you. I made lots of costumes that use a standing pointed ear, and I’ve finally put it together in one post where you can get the free ear sewing pattern and learn how to make it.

You can make the ear with just one color or you can make the ear with the center contrast color. There are also two sizes of ears, one is smaller and works for small ears or smaller children. The other one is large and works great for large ears or teens and adults.

These are some costume ideas that use standing pointed ears: DIY cat costume, DIY Bluey costume, DIY Bingo costume, DIY unicorn costume, and a DIY werewolf costume. There are plenty of other ways to use the ears, and I can’t wait to see what you make!

What is a PDF sewing pattern?

A PDF pattern is a sewing pattern designed on the computer and organized so that it can be printed on several letter or A4 size pieces of paper.

I love using PDF sewing patterns because if the pattern gets ruined or if my children or I changed sizes, I can always print it again. It’ll never be destroyed since I have a digital version!

How do you use a PDF sewing pattern?

Open the PDF on a computer and click print. When printing make sure that the scaling is set to 100% or no scaling so that the pattern prints at the correct size. Learn how to use PDF sewing patterns.

What fabric can I use for the ears?

I have used this pattern lots of times with great success. I’ve used French terry fabric, minky fabric, fleece fabric, and felt. It will work with both woven or knit fabrics, and thick or thin fabrics.

It will work with quilting cotton, canvas, French terry, minky, fleece, sweatshirting, felt, or cotton spandex jersey, as long as you use interfacing which I talk about in the next question.

How do you make an ear pattern stand up?

The way to making standing ears stand up is to have the right shape of the ear and to use interfacing. This ear pattern is a 3D shape so it helps the fabric begin to stand up in the right shape.

Then you need to add interfacing inside to give strength and stability to the ears. This will keep the ears standing up even if they are smashed or washed.

Want more halloween ideas? Check out these sewing projects:

• DIY costume ideas
• Free costume sewing patterns
• Halloween sewing projects

How to Sew Ears for a Costume

Supplies

• Fabric that matches the costume (the ears work with any fabric as long as you use interfacing)
• Fusible interfacing
• Sewing tools
• Sewing machine
• Free Ear Sewing Pattern – get it at the end of the post

Instructions

Cut out four ear pieces of fabric using the pattern piece for two ears.

Place two of the ears right sides together and sew the sides and up around the point.

Trim the points to reduce the bulk.

Swivel the bottom of the ears so that the seams are on top of each other. Sew across the bottom and leave a 1.5 inch hole.

Trim the points to reduce the bulk.

Turn the ears right side out. Poke out the corners.

Tuck the seam allowance into the hole. Edgestitch across the bottom to close the hole.

Place the inner ear pieces on the ear and sew them in place. It’s hard to see in the photo, but be careful to not flatten the 3-D shape.

Trim any part of the inner ear that extends below the bottom of the ear.

The ears are finished. Sew the ears onto the top of a hood or hat, or glue the ears onto a headband or clips.

Get the Free Sewing Pattern here!

If you make something using this sewing project, I’d love to see! Please share it on social media with the hashtag #heatherhandmade and tag me!