The little monster was born so close to Halloween last year that we were too busy to dress up… But this year, we were more than ready!
The Gruffalo being one of our favorite books, it was easy to choose the kids’ costumes: the Little Brown Mouse for the little monster, the Gruffalo’s Child for the big monster. So, the kids book in hand as a reference, I went to the fabric store and got some fleece in the required colors. Then, using the hood of one of Timo’s jackets as a template, I started by drafting the characters’ heads with paper and Scotch tape.
After sewing the ears I cut the pieces for the hood and appliqued the eyes on, then assembled everything. Despite my great paper templates, the mouse hood turned out way too big for the little monster’s head though and I ended up going through a number of alterations until it finally fit. But I learned my lesson, cut the pieces of the Gruffalo hood a bit smaller and after sewing the pieces together, it actually fit perfectly on the first attempt.
As the next step I made the tails – a long pink one for the mouse and a much shorter one with a brown tuft for the Gruffalo. The two bodies are almost identical. The Gruffalo’s is just a bit bigger of course and it has purple prickles all over his back. A very important detail though if you know the book! 😉
Then, nothing left but sewing those three components together. That evening I may have stayed up a bit longer than planned, but I just couldn’t go to bed before seeing the final results!
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Dragon Dreams (PDF Pattern)CAD $19.00
And then that great moment the next morning, when I put the costumes on the kids for the first time! Mommy’s heart was melting only a bit when I saw my cute little monsters running through the living room! 💛
It didn’t take long though and they both wanted to take them off – no real surprise I guess… Fortunately, there were still a few days left until Halloween. So trying to get them really excited about the characters and thus hopefully increase the chances that they’d keep their hoods on on Tuesday, we have been reading the books and watching the movies a number of times over the last few days. 😉 And it worked! Or maybe it was seeing the other kids in their costumes, but both monsters seemed to really enjoy being dressed up when we went to our play group in the morning.
And even in the evening, when all the little trick-or-treaters came to our door they proudly wore their costumes again! By that point, Timo’s tail was not very pink anymore but rather grey from all the dirt he’d been collecting over the day… 😉
I really enjoyed using fleece for the costumes. To me, it is just the perfect material: it’s soft and cozy, easy to work with as it doesn’t fray, you can get it in a broad variety of different colors and it’s relatively inexpensive. I am already looking forward to next year when the monsters will come up with their own ideas about how to dress up – hopefully nothing too complicated though! 😛
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First Steps (PDF Pattern)CAD $19.00
Hi Astrid, just came across your post and love the mouse costume. Any chance you can share the sewing pattern?
Thanks!
Hi Solina,
Unfortunately, existing trademark regulations prevent me from circulating any instructions (free or paid for) in connection with the “Gruffalo” brand. And I currently do not have the capacity to modify them into more generic designs that would avoid this problematic. I am sorry, but my help is limited to the above photos. Good luck with your own version!
May I please have the pattern for the mouse? What did you use for the tail to stay erect? These are positively darling!
Hi Anne,
Thank you for the compliments! Unfortunately I can’t share any detailed instructions (due to existing trademark regulations). I stuffed the tail with strips of fleece (same length as the tail itself) which I attached to the tip before flipping it. I just pinned it up for the photo, but you definitely add wire! Good luck!
I would LOVE this for my daughter! Could I have the plans? This is AMAZING!
Hi Rebecca,
Unfortunately existing copyright and trademark regulations don’t allow me to circulate patterns (paid or unpaid) in association with the Gruffalo brand. I am sorry, but I won’t be able to provide any help beyond the photos on my blog. I hope that won’t stop you to make your own version! Good luck!
Are you still sharing the pattern for the big bad mouse? We have bookweek here in Australia next week and my son would love to dress up as the mouse!
Hi Jess,
Thank you for your comment!
Unfortunately, existing copyright and trademark regulations prevent me from publishing any patterns or instructions (free or paid for) in connection with the “Gruffalo” brand. Things would be different if they were generic animal costumes but alas they’re not…
I am sorry, but my help is limited to the photos on my blog and you would have to make your own version.
I truly hope this doesn’t stop you from a little dyi costume adventure!
Good luck and happy book week!
Astrid
These are so cute. I have a question on the ear construction for the mouse, did you put any kind of interfacing in there to stop the ears from flopping? And are they attached in a seam? I can’t quite see from the pictures. Thanks for the inspiration, best Gruffalo costumes I have seen by far!
Thank you!
If I recall correctly, it was just the fleece that had enough body on its own to not be floppy. And yes, they are sitting in a seam – each side of the hood is made of two pieces with the ear in between. You can see better on the picture with the Gruffalo’s child which is constructed the same way.
Good luck!
Hi Astrid. My daughter has asked me to make the big bad mouse for my granddaughter, who also happens to share my birthday, which is super great. Some of the comments are mentioning a template pattern. Can you advise how I get hold of one please.
I would also really love a pattern to make this wonderful outfit.
Can I somehow get a hold of it? Drawing it up for myself is proving harder then I hoped for.
Hi there!! I am here, just joining the scores of your fans as well! These are so lovely! Would you mind sending me the pattern as well?
Hi Astrid, these are amazing, I was planning a full “onesie style” mouse and gruffalo costume but yours is much simpler and more practical. I love it! Any chance if the pattern please? Or is there a link to it?
TIA.
Joh
Hi Astrid,
Seems you’ve created an endless and timeless fan club! Your wonderful costumes are such a delight on your cute kids. Would love to replicate for my 2 Gruffalo enthusiasts please. If you are still sharing the patterns.
Huge Thanks Jade 🙂
Could i please have a copy of the templates also please 🙏 Thank you!
Hello,
May I have a copy of the Gruffalo pattern please? My son would love this.
Thanks
These are absolutely gorgeous! Would it be possible to get a copy of the mouse pattern?
Hi Astrid,
As many have said, these are amazing! Are you able to send the pattern, I am making the mouse and the gruffalo for my kids.
Hi Astrid,
These costumes are so cute! I’d love to attempt the mouse one for my youngest. Sadly I missed world book day this year but I’m thinking of attempting it for next year. If you are still able to share the pattern that you use, it would be lovely. Thank you so much, Emma
Hi. My daughter is obsessed with Gruffalo and this is the most amazing outfit, please please can you send me a pattern so i can make it for the world book day?
thank you
Hi Astrid
Would you kindly be able to share the pattern with me? I’ve been trying to make one myself but struggling with the hood pattern. Thank you. My son is 3
Hi,
I’ve just come across your lovely Gruffalo’s child and mouse costumes. Would it be possible to get the pattern/any instructions. They are so lovely x
Hi Astrid, these are amazing! I would love to make the mouse costume for my daughter for World Book Day at nursery. Please could you share the pattern/instructions with me? She’s nearly 3.
Hi Astrid, I love your website having just found it. My daughter is deperate to go to school as the mouse from the gruffalo. please could you share your tempate with me? Thank you.
Hallo Astrid,
Ich kann mich nur anschließen, geniale Kostüme hast du da genäht! Ich sitze grade an einem Grüffelo-Anzug für meine Große und es wäre der Brüller, wenn die kleine Schwester dann passend dazu die Maus oder das Grüffelokind sein könnte 🙂 verschickst du das Schnittmuster immer noch? Ich würde mich riesig freuen!!
Liebe Grüße, Conzy
Hi Astrid,
I simply love those costumes!!! I was just looking for ideas how to make costumes for my 3.5 year old daughter and 2 year old son and I found your website. Is it possible to get the patterns and instructions? Thank you, sivan
Hallo Astrid,
was für zauberhafte Kostüme. Unsere ganze Familie ist Fan der Güffolo Bücher und das diesjährige Faschingsthema im Kindergarten ist der Wald. Das Maus- und das Grüffelo-Kostüm würden also ideal passen. Ich würde mich freuen, wenn du mir die Schnittmuster/ Anleitungen zur Verfügung stellen würdest.
Vielen lieben Dank und herzliche Grüße,
Nicole
Hi,
i love these costumes. OMG, they are amazing. I am impressed 🙂 Can i get patterns or some instructions, which would help me, please? I would like to sew it for my kids … 🙂
Thanks a lot, M.
Hi Astrid,
the costumes are really cute, congratulations! And not just for the idea but because you managed to prepare the costumes with your kids! I’d also like to make them for my two boys (5 and 3 years) or at least give it a try. I would be grateful if you could share the patterns with me..
Liebe Grüße, Eva
Hallo Astrid,
was ein zauberhaftes Kostüm. Meine Tochter spielt in der Theatergruppe die Maus und ihr Freund den Grüffelo. Ich würde mich freuen, wenn du mir die Schnittmuster zur Verfügung stellen würdest.
Herzliche Grüße
Wiebke
Oh my how cute! I would love to know where you got your pattern/template from. My son has been reenacting the whole Gruffalo story ever since we first read the book!
Would you mind sharing the template? Thanks!
Hi Astrid! This is so cool.can i please have the instructions fornhow you made this! X
This is beautiful! My children love the story. Could I please have the patterns/instruction for both?
These are amazing!! Would you be willing to send me the pattern. My daughter would LOVE this for book day.
Hi Astrid, may I have the plans for the brown mouse costume for halloween? It’s beautiful!
Hi Astrid,
I’m a teacher in Belgium and I adore your costumes.
We’re working with The Gruffalo this week and the next and I would love to use your patterns.
Could you please sent them to me?
I’m not a good sewer, but I would love to give the patterns to my mother in law so she could make them.
Thank you!
Evi
Hi, The gruffalo child is my little one fave..i came across your site and if i may have the pattern for the big bad mouse will be great..
Many thanks
We absolutely love The Gruffalo and these costumes are the best I’ve seen to date – would you kindly sure your patterns with us for both; the mouse & gruffalo – our crew of five is going as each character Mouse & Gruffalo in addition to (Fox, Owl & Snake) from the book this Halloween!
These are amazing! My kiddos LOVE the gruffalo. Could you please share the plans? Thanks!
Hello, I love the costume you made. I was wondering if I could get how you made it. My son school project he doing the gruffalo and he wants to dress up as the mouse for his project. Thank you
These are adorable! Very well done. Would you be able to share both patterns with me as well? Thank you!!
Would you be able to share the pattern?! I’m obsessed with these for my two littles!
Hi Astrid, they look awesome!! My 4 year old wants to be the mouse and his 2 year old brother to be Gruffalo this year as well. Would you mind sharing the pattern with me? I will need to change the mouse’s eyes to be red as my older one is finicky about that but else I will stick to it 😀
This has inspired me! My girls love the Gruffalo, or any book from that author. Are you still sharing the pattern? I would love to try it. Thanks in advance.
Hello! Would you be able to send me the templates for both mouse and gruffalo costumes? These are adorable!
I love these costumes. I would really love to have the template you used to make them.
If possible, would you please share them with me?
Dag Astrid, mijn dochter werkt in de derde kleuterklas en ik zou zo graag voor haar de gruffalo en de muis maken.
Kan je a.u.b. de patroontjes naar mij doorsturen? Jij maakt zo’n mooie dingen!
Heel vriendelijk bedankt!
Emmy
These look amazing! Could I please have the patterns/instruction for both?
So, I just came across this, but wanted to make this for my son’s Halloween costume…he LOVES the Gruffalo! Would you mind passing along the template (I realize this is a few years old)?? I absolutely love your crafts, you are definitely inspiring me to get back to my sewing machine!
I love these costumes so much! You are so talented. Are you still sharing your template? If so I would love to make these for my boys
Hi my daughter also wants to go as the brown mouse from the Gruffalo next week. Could you please share your pattern with me? The costumes you have made are fantastic. Thanks
Hi Astrid
I am totally in love with your beautiful costumes.!
If you are still willing to would you be able to pass on the template/pattern for both costumes. I have two Gruffalo obsessed boys who would love this for book week.
So cute!
Hi Astrid! These are phenomenal! My daughter is obsessed with the Gruffalo and I would love to make her the mouse costume if you are willing to share the pattern? Thanks so much!
Sent! 😉
Hi Astrid,
You are so creative! Are you able to share the template you created? I’m not sure I can sew, but I will give it a try (or ask my mother in law to help!!) my little boy is super excited to be the gruffalo mouse for book week!
Cheers!
Sent! 😉
These are amazing! I would love to see the instruction/patterns if you are still willing to share them. Thanks
Sent! 😉
Hi! You are such a creative person and with great skills!!!
I would love to try the mouse costume for my sons book week. Cold you PLEASE share the patterns!!! PLEASE
THANK YOU
Sent! 😉
Love them! Just what I needed, could I grab the pattern too please!
Sent! 😉
Could I have the mouse pattern too? Thank you!!
I just adore your creations! You are a genius! Are you still sharing the patterns of these? It would be a life saver if I can make these for my kids’ school book week next week! x
Better be quick then! I’ll shoot you an email instantly!! 🙂
Hi Astrid. Just found this for little brown mouse and love to make it for book week. Would it be possible to email me urgently the pattern for little brown mouse. Would be much appreciated.
Thank you very much.
Sent! 😉
Hi! These are amazing! You should be selling these patterns – GORGEOUS!! I’d love a copy if you are still sending this out to people!
Thanks in advance!
What an incredible compliment!! I’ll consider… 🙂
The email is going out in a moment!
Hi Astrid
I LOVE these gruffalo and mouse costumes you did an amazing job! Couldi please have a copy of the instructions? I would love yo make the mouse for my little one for book week.
Thanks so much
Awe, thanks Keely! You should find them in your inbox!
My little girl is in love with Gruffalo and Gruffalos child! Can you please send me the instructions? Thanks.
Hi Dana, I just sent you an email! 🙂
Hola.
Me han encantado los disfraces. Le han quedado estupendos.
¿Podría mandarme, patrón o instrucciones para poder hacerselo a mi hijo que se ha enamorado de ellos?
Muchas gracias.
Thank you so much but unfortunately, I do not have a pattern for these costumes. I had some rough sketches but due to trademark regulations I am not able to share any instructions in the context of the Gruffalo brand. Sorry!
Hi Astrid – amazing!!! If it’s not too much trouble, would you mind sending me the instructions to please?
Many thanks!
I will! Give me a moment and you’ll find them in your mailbox! 🙂
Hi Astrid!
Discovered your blog whilst looking at gruffalo fancy dress on pinterest! I am so in love with the costumes you have created! I would really like to have a go making this for my sons gruffalo theme birthday party .. but im a complete novice!! Would you mind sharing your patern/guide on how to make these pretty please? Xxx
Yes, of course! I’ll send you an email!
Oh my goodness Astrid these costumes are the cutest! They are so adorable and look just like the book characters. I would really love a copy of the pattern/instructions if you are still happy to share them. Thanks
Of course, Hilary!
I’ll shoot you an email…
Nice costumes! Could I have the notes on how to make the gruffalo? Appreciate for your kindness! Thank you very much!
For sure, I’ll send them in a moment!
I would like to make these for a preschool if you could send me the patterns ! They are fabulous
Thanks, Sue! And yes, of course – check your mail! 🙂
I would really appreciate the notes on how to make the mouse please. Also a rough estimate on how long it would take a complete novice to make??! Thank you 🙂
I was rushed to finish the costumes in time for Halloween, that’s why I tried to keep them as simple as possible – a hooded vest with a tail, no more…
I would guess a few hours, depending on how motivated you are 😉
And nobody will stop you from taking even more shortcuts – if you’re intimidated by too much sewing, cut the face pieces out of felt sheets and glue them on… Just an idea… 😉
Hi Astrid, these costumes are great! Please could you send details of the mouse one so I can make it for my daughter. Thank you Tara
Absolutely! Check your emails! 🙂
these are going viral now because we’re all scrambling for this year’s costumes for book day 🙂 Could you please send me the instructions?
I’m definitely quite flattered, thank you! I would just love to upgrade said instructions to something a bit less scrappy, but unfortunately I don’t have the time right now…
Can you send me the pattern plz would really appreciate it
Sent! 🙂
Hi
Would you be able to send me the pattern please as my two have choose the Gruffalo and mouse and they love these costumes
Awesome, the costumes certainly are best as a pair! 🙂
These look fab, I’d love it if you could send me the instructions please
Sent! 🙂
Hi astrid.these are really amazing can you please send me instructions aswell.
Thanks in advamce.
You have mail! 😉
Hi Astrid, these costumes look great! Please could I get the instructions for the gruffalo? I’d love to give it a go for my 2year old for world book day!
Many thanks
Check your inbox! 🙂
Hi Astrid! Wondering if it might be possible for you to also send me your instructions if possible! My eldest has requested the mouse from the Gruffalo for world book day too, and after dutifully getting some fleece I sit at the sewing machine a little lost! Your costumes are adorable and I’d love to know how you went about it so I can create my own?!! Would it be at all possible to email me as well? 🤞🏻 (more chance of looking like the mouse than a bedraggled rat! 😉). Many, many thanks in advance!! Kirst x
Haha, Kirsty, we wouldn’t want to let that happen!!! 🤣 Of course I can pass my notes on to you, too!
Thanks for your hilarious comment, made my morning!
Hi Astrid,
I’d really love the rough instructions for the Gruffalo’s Child costume if you’re still willing to share them? I’ve been looking and looking for a suitable pattern for world book day and your idea seems so achievable you’ve given me hope!
Oh yeah, definitely! This is not a commercial blog, just my personal and humble hobby and I’m more than happy if it is an inspiration to others!!
I just don’t understand why this post seems to be going viral just now, more than a year after it was published…?
The costumes really aren’t complicated, even though the instructions might seem at first. I tried to keep things simple by making just a hooded vest, but I find that did not reduce their charm in any way. I did upgrade them to full suits though when I made dragon costumes for the boys last Halloween. But the hood construction was still the same.
Anyway, good luck and you should receive an email soon!
Hello Astrid,
I too would like a copy of the brief instructions you have for this. I love the idea of making the costumes instead of the same shop bought ones everyone else has. My son is 5 and is hoping to be mouse for world book day
Hi Emma,
Each time I send the sketches to someone I’m adding a comment or two on some details I previously missed, so the instructions are actually growing constantly… 😉
You’ll find a copy in your inbox soon!
Good luck and happy sewing!
Wow you are so clever,this is just too adorable for words.if possible would you be able to share your instructions with me,I would be so grateful xxx
Oh Donna, such sweet comments make me dance around the room!! 🤗
You should receive an email soon!
Hi I love these costumes . I will try to make the mouse myself 😱 did you say you have some instructions for it? I would love to have them if possible. Thanks a million
Hi Ella,
Thanks for the compliments!
I’ve had a few people ask me for the pattern, maybe I should consider making and selling one?! 😉
So far, I have a rough sketch of the pieces and some comments on how to assemble them. If you are willing to give it a shot and brave enough to improvise where I forgot some details, I’ll send these to you by email…
The costums are Look beautiful.
Do you have a pattern of the gruffelo ans the Little mouse??
My son and my daugther Wants the costums😍
We are from Germany ans My englisch are Not so good.
I Hope you can Unterstand Me ☺️.
Mareike from
Germany
Hi Mareike, thank you for your inquiry!
Guess what – I’m from Germany, too, it’s a small world! 😉
I do not have a professional pattern, but I have a brief instruction with all the required pieces that I made for a friend last year. How old are your kids?
I’ll email you that “pattern”! Good luck and I would love to see your results!
Grüße nach Deutschland!
My son ist 3 years old and My daugther 2 years.
Yes, it s a small world😉.
I have wrote you an E-Mail, so you have my address.
Many thanks when you ll E-Mail the „pattern“.
Of course, i ll Sent you my results😍.
Liebe Grüße Mareike 😃
You should find a new email in your inbox! 😉
Hi Astrid,
WOW, these costumes are absolutely AMAZING!!!!! The Gruffalo and the little mouse are perfect in every way! Just like in the book!
Thanks, Rose! They both got a lot of compliments at the Halloween party at our play group, I was the happiest mom ever… 🤗
Hi Astrid. Looks to me like you have at least as much fun as the little boys.
How sweet.
Oh yeah, if not more! 😉
Thanks, Willma!