Instructions on Making an Executioner Halloween Costume for a Child

I can recall back to the sixth grade when I reached the point and had to decide whether or not I was "too old" to go trick or treating. Yeah I was coming closer and closer to towards becoming a teenager but like everyone else, I still loved candy. Now the dilemma that I incurred was that I couldn't walk out at night as something cuddly or cute, I had obviously outgrown that. I couldn't go forth and buy one of those manufactured costumes that you would see younger kids in simply because if I looked like any of them, I would have no credibility while just having entered Junior High. It had to be something unique, cheap and sinister, all-in-one. I decided to go as an executioner.

Now the thing that I discovered about going as an executioner at that age is that you can design the entire costume really cheap. As you observe what most executioners look like in movies and on television, the anonymity of the role is the only critical aspect. There are so many alternatives to designing a child's executioner costume to overspend would simply be an over exaggeration on your own behalf.

The first item that you need to go out an purchase is enough black fabric to drape over your head and onto your shoulders. Some would prefer leather for the more medieval look, some would prefer cotton so that it is cheaper and still gets the job done. I went with cotton not only because it was cheaper but I'm certain that walking miles on end on the great candy crusade, I knew I was going to be much more comfortable. Now some kids will have the sewing capabilities to create the hood by themselves. I was not one of those kids so the child may have to recruit their mother to get the look accomplished. You need to cut out eye holes and sew the hood so that it appropriately fits whomever plans to where it. It is a very simply look but one that grabs attention. You may want to incorporate black face paint around the eyes to darken the look. When I think of the look, I feel that looking into the eyes of a hooded stranger with their eyes exposed and fixated on me is far scarier. In this instance, to each their own.

The rest of the look is really up to how far you want to go with it. If you can find a brown tattered vest, then that would be a good addition to the look. When I went, I went without a shirt, as I have seen many executioners look before. My only advice is this, if you live in a warmer climate, it may be something to consider. Otherwise, go with the vest, the child will be much warmer throughout and have a far greater trick or treating experience.

I believe adding a rope for a belt is also another good aspect of the look to consider. As far as weaponry, I would advise choosing some plastic costume decoration that almost any department store is carrying during October. If you go out in public wielding an actual ax or butcher knife, I would venture to say the likelihood of the child receiving a police escort goes up exponentially. Stick with the plastic. Otherwise, I would implore the designer to make certain the costume had black boots of some sort. You never saw too many executioner's roaming around in their Keds while standing at the chopping block. Lastly, consider carrying a burlap sack for your candy. It will really sell the look.