Go Bananas! DIY “Bananas in Pyjamas” Costumes

by Elizabeth / Saturday, 28 January 2017 / Published in DIY Tutorials

“Bananas in Pyjamas,” the beloved Australian children’s show, offers a fun and recognizable costume idea. Whether for Halloween, a themed party, or children’s entertainment, creating your own B1 and B2 outfits is a relatively simple and rewarding project. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for crafting these iconic banana costumes.

Materials You’ll Need

Creating your banana suits requires a few basic materials. Adjust quantities based on desired size and number of costumes.

Material	Quantity (per costume)	Purpose	Alternatives
Yellow Fabric	4-5 yards	Main body of the banana	Felt, fleece, broadcloth
White Fabric	1-2 yards	Pyjama stripes and cuffs	Cotton, muslin
Black Fabric	Small amount	Shoe covers/details	Felt, vinyl
Batting/Stuffing	As needed	Filling for shape	Foam, recycled fabric scraps
Elastic	As needed	Cuffs, waistbands	Drawstring
Sewing Supplies	As needed	Thread, needles, scissors, pins, measuring tape
Cardboard/Foam Board	Optional	Structuring elements (e.g., shoe covers)	Stiff felt

Constructing the Banana Body

The core of the costume is the banana-shaped body. Here’s how to make it:

Creating the Pattern

Measure the wearer’s height and desired banana length.
Sketch a simple banana shape on large paper or directly onto the yellow fabric. The shape should be wider in the middle and taper towards the top and bottom.
Add seam allowances (about 1/2 inch) around the entire shape.
Cut out two identical banana shapes from the yellow fabric.

Sewing the Body

Pin the two banana pieces together, right sides facing inward.
Sew along the edges, leaving openings at the top (for the head) and bottom (for the legs).
Turn the banana body right side out.
Stuff the body firmly with batting or other filling material. Distribute the filling evenly to maintain the banana shape.

Making the Pyjamas

The pyjama stripes are crucial for the B1 and B2 look.

Cutting and Attaching the Stripes

Cut horizontal strips of white fabric, approximately 4-6 inches wide. The length will depend on the width of the banana body.
Pin the white strips onto the yellow banana body, spacing them evenly.
Sew the white stripes onto the yellow fabric.

Creating Cuffs and Neckline

Cut strips of white fabric for the cuffs (wrists and ankles) and neckline.
Fold the strips in half lengthwise and sew along the open edge to create tubes.
Attach the cuffs to the arm and leg openings, inserting elastic for a snug fit.
Attach the neckline piece similarly, leaving enough room for the head to pass through.

Adding the Finishing Touches

To complete the transformation into B1 or B2, consider these details:

Shoe Covers

Cut black fabric into simple shoe cover shapes. You can use cardboard or foam board to create a more structured base if desired.
Sew the fabric pieces together to form covers that fit over the wearer’s shoes.
Attach elastic to the top of the covers to secure them around the ankles.

Headpiece (Optional)

A simple yellow hood or hat can enhance the costume. You can add a small black stem at the top for added authenticity.

Distinguishing B1 and B2

While the costumes are nearly identical, a simple way to differentiate between B1 and B2 is with small patches or labels. You could create small fabric squares with “B1” and “B2” written on them and attach them to the front of the costumes.

Silk Options

If you’re looking for a luxurious touch, consider using silk for the pyjamas. PandaSilk offers a variety of silk fabrics that could be suitable for creating the white stripes and cuffs. Silk’s smooth texture will add a unique and comfortable element to the costume.

With these instructions, you’re well on your way to creating fun and memorable “Bananas in Pyjamas” costumes. Get creative and enjoy the process of bringing these beloved characters to life!