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):
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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
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1/3 yard of lighter-colored fleece for the belly patch (gray or white works best)
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1/8 yard of black felt (for mouth, eyes, or details if needed)
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1/2 yard of silver or gray fleece for the antennae
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A Styrofoam ball or cardboard ring (to shape the head if making a hood with structure)
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Polyfill stuffing or foam (to pad antennae and make them stand upright)
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Hot glue gun or fabric glue
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Basic sewing supplies (needle, thread, scissors, or a sewing machine)
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Elastic bands or Velcro strips (for easy fitting around wrists, ankles, or waist)
Optional:
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Cardstock or poster board (to shape the antenna)
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Face paint (for a cartoony look)
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Comfortable shoes covered in matching fleece to complete the full-body effect
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: The Base Outfit (Body)
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Use fleece fabric to create a simple tracksuit — loose pants with elastic waistband and a long-sleeved top.
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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.
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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
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Create a hood from matching fleece, or use a store-bought hoodie.
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Pad it lightly with foam to give it a rounded, plush look.
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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:
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Tinky Winky (purple): Triangle
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Dipsy (green): Straight rod
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Laa-Laa (yellow): Curved swirl
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Po (red): Circular hoop
How to make it:
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Cut the shape from cardboard or poster board.
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Wrap it in gray or silver fleece, padding lightly with polyfill.
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Attach securely to the hood/hat using hot glue or by sewing it into place.
Step 4: Hands & Feet
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Sew fleece mittens or simply create sleeve extensions to cover hands.
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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
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Add stuffing to the belly patch for a more plush, rounded look.
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Use face paint in soft pastel tones for a childlike cartoon finish.
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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:
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Tracksuit Method: Buy solid-color hoodie + sweatpants, add a belly patch with fabric glue, and make a cardboard antenna. Done!
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Onesie Hack: Use a colored fleece onesie, attach the tummy patch, and add an antenna headband.
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Inflatable Costume: For a no-effort option, buy an inflatable Teletubby suit online (usually $25–40).
Comfort & Practical Tips
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Breathability: Fleece can get warm, so wear lightweight clothing underneath.
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Visibility: If making a face-covering mask, make sure the eyes are cut large enough for safe visibility.
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Durability: Use fabric glue for temporary costumes, but sew patches if you want a costume that lasts.
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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!”
