Tools:

Coping Saw

Sewing Machine

Scissors

Fabric Tape Measure



Materials:

Irrigation piping roll

Irrigation pipe couplers

1" black nylon straps

1" nylon strap adjustment fastener

Thread

Duct Tape



Resources:

3d Model



I read where someone had created a Totoro costume with hula hoops, which in turn gave me the idea of using irrigation piping found in rolls at your local home improvement center. Actually they worked out so well for hula hoops that I used them as give-aways at one of my sons birthday parties.



My next thought was to have the bottom half of the costume be collapsible so I could reach inside and make any adjustments or help them in and out as needed. This would also allow them not to trip as much on the actual costume as it would give way if their feet kicked it. The top half would be more rigid.



With these idea's and the 3d model, I created the hoops and straps that would hang the bottom half of the costume from their shoulders. I measured a length of pipe by taking the diameter of the hoop and multiplying by Pi and then subtracting one inch for the coupler. (This is the first time I have had to use Pi in real life, yay Math). I didn't put the hoops together yet.



To make the straps I used the measurements between the hoops on the 3d model. The straps had loops in them where the hoops would slide into. From the sewing points I would measure up the next amount. For instance between the bottom hoop and the next was about 5.5". I made the bottom loop then measured up from that sewing point 5.5" and create another sewed another loop. Repeat this process for each of the 5 hoop connection points. Leave extra strapping after the top hoop to connect the straps so they can sit on the shoulders with a slide fastener. Create 4 of these straps with loops.



Putting these items together just slide the right size hoops through the correct loops making sure the hoops/loops are on the inside of the straps/costume. Now you can put the coupler on the pipe and form the hula hoop. Stop here and do a sanity check to make sure it is looking right. Slide the straps apart as evenly as possible and try it on with just holding the straps. If it looks right keep going, if not go back to your 3d model and tweak things.



I needed a way to fix the pipe to the straps so they wouldn't slide all around. Take each of the hoops circumferences' and divide by 4. This is how far apart the straps should be placed. I put the pipe couplers either at the front or back of the costume and these were my reference points as I fixed the straps with tape. As I went I would use duct tape to attach the straps to the hoops. This is best done if the costume is hanging.



To make the costume slightly adjustable I attached slide fasteners between the front and back straps. Put the fasteners closer to either the back or front of the costume, they should only be a few inches away from the top hoop. This gives extra space so I could put in straps between the left and right sides. These straps create a square hole where their head fit through and allowed the straps to stay on their shoulders.