Calling all dragon lovers! These easy no sew dragon wings will transform any How to Train You Dragon fan into their favorite dragon. This easy dragon costume is perfect for a How to Train Your Dragon party, a no sew Halloween costume, school book character day, or even a rainy afternoon craft.
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The How to Train Your Dragon films (How to Train Your Dragon, How to Train Your Dragon 2, and How to Train Your Dragon 3: The Hidden World) are blockbuster children's movies based on the children’s book series by Cressida Cowell.
We’re fans of the movies and all the How to Train Your Dragon series available on Netflix (The How to Train Your Dragon Legends, DreamWorks Dragons: Dawn of the Dragon Racers, and DreamWorks Dragons: Race to the Edge.)
Easy No Sew Dragon Costumes
I first created these adorable no sew How to Train Your Dragon baseball hats so my kiddos could dress up like their favorite dragons….
and then decided that they needed simple dragon wings to truly transform into a Night Fury, Deadly Nadder or Monstrous Nightmare!
No Sew Dragon Wings
The no sew project could not be easier; just measure, trace, and cut. In just 10 minutes you will have dragons taking flight all over your house!
Dragon Wing Supplies
These easy no sew wings can be made from any fabric that will not unravel. I like to use fleece or craft felt for several reasons:
- Both fleece and felt are affordable fabrics.
- Both fleece and felt are easy to cut and do no fray so no sewing is needed.
Making Dragon Wings with Fleece
I've used fleece to make easy wizard robes, no sew butterfly wings, and even a lady bug dress with great results. I love using fleece becuase it can be machine washed, perfect for kids who love to wear costumes over and over.
Making Dragon Wings with Felt
Craft felt is my choice for costume accessories such as dragon hats and bows. It holds its shape well and is easy to shape. Unfortunately, felt does not machine wash well.
The verdict: Choose fleece if you want to be able to wash your wings. Use felt if you want stiffer wings that do not need to be laundered.
- ¾ – 1 yard of fleece fabric, 60 inches wide
- Chalk or washable fabric maker
- Scissors
- Salad plate (approx. 7 inches in diameter)
- Yardstick or tape measure
How to Make Dragon Wings
1. Measure the wingspan of the wing wearer from backbone to fingertip, add two inches.
2. Measure the back length of your wing wearer from collar to waistband.
3. Fold your fleece in half.
4. Measure and mark the wingspan horizontally on your fabric with chalk.
5. Measure and mark the back length vertically on your fabric with chalk.
6. Trim fleece to size. DO NOT cut fold.
7. Using the salad plate as your guide, trace a dragon wing shape on your fleece.
8. Cut out your wings. Mark two horizontal armholes approximately 8 and 12 inches from the center of the wing. These should be about 2 inches from the top of the wing. Mark a finger hole about 1 inch from the edge of the wingtip.
9. Cut armholes and finger holes through both layers of the wings.
10. Your wings are complete!
How to Wear Dragon Wings
1. Place each arm through one armhole and back through the other.
2. Place each pointer finger through each fingertip hole.
3. Enjoy your wings!
Dragon Wing Tips
- Make dragon wings without armholes: Glue or stitch a large safety pin onto the center top of the wings. (Use to pin the wings in place on a tshirt.) Then glue or stitch loops of elastic or ribbon where the finger holes should be cut to use as handholds. (See photos in my no sew butterfly wing tutorial.)
- Choose differnt colors and textures of fleece to make different kinds of dragons.
More No Sew Costumes
Check out my easy no sew butterfly wings and How to Train Your Dragon hats!
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Hil says
Stopping in from Merry Mondays – cool idea!! Toothless is my favourite dragon and these would be adorable to make for my toddler crew.
Bren says
Thanks Hil! We love Toothless around here too!
Christine | Where The Smiles Have Been says
This looks so darn fun! We haven’t seen the movie yet, but I know my son would still be all about these…..he’s two and LOVES wearing capes! Love that it’s no-sew too since I don’t have any of those skills. 😉 Thanks so much for sharing this with us at Merry Monday! We hope you’ll join us again starting tonight! 🙂
Bren says
Thanks Christine! I am sure these would be very popular with a 2 year old! Plus the leave the neck free (my kids sometime hated how capes pulled). Thanks for stopping by!
Elspeth says
I found out today that Evie needs a dragon costume for school in two weeks. So I’m on Pinterest and look what popped up!!!
You are so smart and talented!!!! Thanks for the ideas and directions!
Bren says
I’m so glad you like the tutorial, EJ! I hope the wings turn out amazing. You can add some matching leggings and a t-shirt for an easy whole body costume!
Anna says
How long approximately does it take to make these? Also, is it possible to substitute the fleece for cotton or cheaper fabric? Thanks!
Bren says
It takes about 5 minutes to make a pair. You can use any fabric that does not fray, fleece makes the wings stand up more solidly than a fabric such as cotton jersey. Felt would work well too and may be cheaper.
Carly Paul says
Thank you so much for these. They were so easy and have worked great even if you don’t have a toddler by just adjusting the measurements as needed.
Bren says
Thanks Carly!
Debbie Reaves says
Super Cute!
Bren says
Thanks, Debbie!
Karen Knight says
Absolute genius!!!! Thank you so much for sharing this incredible idea!! My daughter is going to be so thrilled with these!!
Bren says
Thanks, Karen. Hope she loves the wings!
Michelle says
I just made these for my son for a school event (he’s a dragon from a different series). This project is a *life-saver*!!! I was pulling my hair out coming up with a no-sew, affordable solution. THANK YOU so much for the great idea!
Bren says
Thanks, Michelle! I am so glad the wings worked for you. I think they make great dragons, bats and even pterodactyls in a pinch!
Meredith says
Just made these for my 4 year-old boy for his Halloween costume. They look amazing! And they were so easy, which is good, because I’ve got 4 boys worth of costumes to make this year. Whew!
Bren says
I’m so glad the pattern was helpful! Have a great Halloween!
Sarah says
Thank you! Needed wings to cover my daughters arms arms – these are going to be perfect! Appreciate you sharing your creativity!
Bren says
I’m glad the wings helped, Sarah!
Shelly says
I would love to see a front view of these with arms out. What a great idea!
Jennifer says
If making for an adult, would more fabric be needed?
Bren says
Yes, you should probably double the fabric.
SarahG says
Thanks! I had a last minute Dragon wing issue (my store bought ones broke, no one sells them anymore) 2 days before Halloween. Your tutorial really helped, made a custom pair that I will be sewing/tacking onto a shirt and then making small loops for my fingers from elastic so that they fit over my DIY Dragon claw gloves. 🙂
Bren says
I’m glad the tutorial helped, Sarah! Have a great Halloween!
katie says
THANK YOU !!!! big big thank you absolute life saver , 3 days i have been trying to make some wings for my daughters book day , its now tomorrow and this has completely saved the day !!!! thank you thank you thank you
Bren says
Woo, hoo! Glad the craft saved you! Hope your daughter enjoyed the wings.
Ang says
Just used your pattern for a school dress up day costume for my 10 year old daughter. She’s delighted with her wings. Thank you for the pattern.
Bren says
Ang, I’m glad to be helpful! My kids love the wings too.
Liberty says
Thanks! I’m one of those weird people who stress out about their costume a month before Halloween, I wanted to be a flightmare because of their direct association with the httyd holiday “Dreadfall” and since I had nothing to off of (because no one has dressed up as a flightmare and posted it on the internet) this was great! I might have to glue on some blue swirls to make it more realistic, but this was fantastic! Thanks a bunch!
Bren says
I’m so glad the tutorial was helpful, Liberty!
Jane Adams says
Hello and thank you! I just finished making this for my Son, he absolutely loves it! Simple and perfect.
Bren says
Thanks Jane!
Nikki says
Thank you so much! This took took 10 minutes to do (or less!) and my son says “its so comfy!”. Looks awesome and I am NOT a crafter, so this says a lot.
Bren says
Woo hoo! Glad the wings were a success!