Bank Robber Costume How-To

All you need to create this bank robber Halloween costume is a handfull of materials, to dress in black, and to go heavy on the eyeliner.

By

Martha Stewart Editors

Updated on June 17, 2020

diy bank robber costume — Photo: ADDIE JUELL

Before you begin crafting this adult Halloween costume, you'll want to cover your work surface with drop cloth or craft paper to protect it from stray markings. Press each bag well with an iron to remove wrinkles and creases. Once prepped for stenciling, it's a good idea to place a piece of scrap cardboard inside the bag—this creates a flat surface and prevents the white fabric marker from seeping through. When stenciling, lightly mist the stencil with spray adhesive and let dry for several seconds, until just tacky—this will help keep the stencil in place and stop markings from seeping under the edges. To keep it extra secure, apply painters' tape to the trim.

What You'll Need

Materials

Dollar sign stencil
White fabric marker
Black shoe bags
Balloons
Safety pins
Play money
Black clothing
Black eyeliner

Instructions

Apply the stencil to the black shoe bags, and press it to adhere. Stencil the white dollar signs onto the bags, using the stencil as a tracing design. Let it dry for a few minutes, then carefully peel off the stencil.
Once removed, wipe the stencil clean with a damp paper towel, then line it up to continue the pattern. (A clean stencil lets you see the item underneath more clearly, which makes it easier to ensure you're not applying color anywhere you don't want to and check how you're lining up repeats.)
Repeat to cover surface. When finished repeating pattern, let it dry completely.
Pin the paper bills onto the bags; fill each bag with a half-inflated balloon.
Dress up in all black (a turtleneck, slim pants, and a beanie are all the accoutrements you need); trace a mask over both eyes with black eyeliner pencil.

Originally appeared: MARTHA STEWART LIVING, OCTOBER 2018