How to Create Your Own Teletubbies Costume

The Teletubbies — Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa, and Po — were among the most recognizable children’s TV characters of the late 1990s and early 2000s. With their bright colors, unique antenna shapes, and soft plush look, they’ve become a favorite for Halloween costumes, fancy-dress parties, and nostalgic throwback events.

While you can buy Teletubbies costumes online or in stores, creating your own is more budget-friendly, customizable, and a lot of fun. With some fleece fabric, a bit of sewing, and creativity, you can make a Teletubby outfit that looks great and feels comfortable.

Materials You’ll Need

For each costume (adjust the colors depending on which Teletubby you’re making):

• 2 yards of solid-colored fleece (purple for Tinky Winky, green for Dipsy, yellow for Laa-Laa, red for Po) – used for jacket/hoodie, pants, and hat

• 1/3 yard of lighter-colored fleece for the belly patch (gray or white works best)

• 1/8 yard of black felt (for mouth, eyes, or details if needed)

• 1/2 yard of silver or gray fleece for the antennae

• A Styrofoam ball or cardboard ring (to shape the head if making a hood with structure)

• Polyfill stuffing or foam (to pad antennae and make them stand upright)

• Hot glue gun or fabric glue

• Basic sewing supplies (needle, thread, scissors, or a sewing machine)

• Elastic bands or Velcro strips (for easy fitting around wrists, ankles, or waist)

Optional:

• Cardstock or poster board (to shape the antenna)

• Face paint (for a cartoony look)

• Comfortable shoes covered in matching fleece to complete the full-body effect

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: The Base Outfit (Body)

1. Use fleece fabric to create a simple tracksuit — loose pants with elastic waistband and a long-sleeved top.

   • If you don’t want to sew from scratch, you can buy a solid-color hoodie and sweatpants in your Teletubby’s color and simply modify them.

2. Attach a light gray or white fleece oval patch to the stomach using fabric glue or sewing. This represents the Teletubby’s TV screen tummy.

Step 2: The Headpiece

1. Create a hood from matching fleece, or use a store-bought hoodie.

2. Pad it lightly with foam to give it a rounded, plush look.

3. Cut out felt shapes for the eyes and mouth if you want a cartoon look (optional—many DIYers skip this since the human face works fine).

Step 3: The Antenna

Each Teletubby has a unique head antenna:

• Tinky Winky (purple): Triangle

• Dipsy (green): Straight rod

• Laa-Laa (yellow): Curved swirl

• Po (red): Circular hoop

How to make it:

1. Cut the shape from cardboard or poster board.

2. Wrap it in gray or silver fleece, padding lightly with polyfill.

3. Attach securely to the hood/hat using hot glue or by sewing it into place.

Step 4: Hands & Feet

• Sew fleece mittens or simply create sleeve extensions to cover hands.

• For the feet, cover a pair of sneakers or slip-on shoes with matching fleece (attach with elastic bands for easy removal).

Step 5: Finishing Touches

• Add stuffing to the belly patch for a more plush, rounded look.

• Use face paint in soft pastel tones for a childlike cartoon finish.

• Carry a Teletubby accessory (like Po’s scooter, Laa-Laa’s ball, or Tinky Winky’s red bag) for extra authenticity.

Quick & Easy Alternatives

If sewing isn’t your thing, here are some shortcuts:

• Tracksuit Method: Buy solid-color hoodie + sweatpants, add a belly patch with fabric glue, and make a cardboard antenna. Done!

• Onesie Hack: Use a colored fleece onesie, attach the tummy patch, and add an antenna headband.

• Inflatable Costume: For a no-effort option, buy an inflatable Teletubby suit online (usually $25–40).

Comfort & Practical Tips

• Breathability: Fleece can get warm, so wear lightweight clothing underneath.

• Visibility: If making a face-covering mask, make sure the eyes are cut large enough for safe visibility.

• Durability: Use fabric glue for temporary costumes, but sew patches if you want a costume that lasts.

• Kids’ Costumes: Avoid heavy headpieces—light cardboard or felt works best for little ones.

Final Thoughts

Making your own Teletubbies costume is a fun project that can be completed in just a few hours. Whether you’re dressing up kids for trick-or-treating, putting together a nostalgic group costume with friends, or just want something unique for a party, DIY Teletubbies are always a hit.

The best part? You can create all four characters for a group costume theme that’s instantly recognizable and guaranteed to bring smiles.

So grab some fleece, craft an antenna, and get ready to say “Eh-oh!”