The spookiest night of the year is just around the corner and if you’re hesitant to buy another Hallowe’en costume for your child, why not get creative and make them a unique outfit yourself?

Using the NEW Bosch XEO, the first power tool that is as handy in the sewing kit as it is in the tool kit, making a Halloween costume has never been easier!

The XEO slices through clothing and upholstery fabrics with ease especially those that traditional scissors can make a mess of, such as net, felt and denim.

To get started, why not try your hand at making a wickedly fun Witch costume? The materials are easy to find and this is an activity both you and your child can enjoy.

You will need one large length of black or purple cotton material about the height of your child for the cape, and one black length half your child’s height and wide enough to wrap around their waist twice for the skirt.

You will also need two metres of purple ribbon, a black leotard, purple or green tights, and a black witches hat.

If you have a sewing machine this will help, but a needle and thread can be just as effective!

Scary Skirt

Taking your length of black material, use the XEO and cut it to the width you need to wrap around your child. . It should be long enough to go around them at least twice – especially if you want to put a stiff net petticoat underneath to hold up the skirt. Then, cut a jagged pattern around the hem all the way along the length of the material. This can be as clean or ragged as you like depending on the final desired effect.

Dress your child in their leotard and tights, before wrapping the skirt high around their waist. Have your child hold it so you can take one length of purple ribbon and wrap this around the skirt, several inches from the top. Once the ribbon is tied securely and comfortably, fold the top of the skirt down over the ribbon to hold it in place.

For those who are a little more confident and adventurous, you can add colour to the skirt with several layers of green, orange or purple net. Simply cut the fabric into shorter lengths, stitching each layer to the top of the skirt so it hangs freely.

This coloured net can also be sewn onto the sleeves of the leotard to match.

Adding a Creepy Cape

Using some light cotton or silky material selected for the cape in black, purple or dark green, use the XEO to cut the length to suit your child’s height ensuring it will not drag along the ground and cause them to trip. Again, use the XEO to cut a pattern along the bottom of the cape if desired.

Spread the material out on a table and taking the second length of ribbon, place it about 2 inches from the top of the cape and fold the material over the ribbon. Sew the folded material into place, either by hand or using a sewing machine, ensuring the ribbon can move through freely.

You can now tie the cape comfortably around your child’s neck.

Add the final touches - the hat, broom and shoes and your little witch is ready for some trick or treating action!

Handy hints:

 Stick stars or creepy crawlies to their hat or cape for an extra spooky effect.

 Use silver cardboard to make simple shoe buckles that will attach to any black shoes.

 Get creative with your make-up, using green eyeshadow, an eyeliner pencil to create witchy moles and some powder to whiten their face.

The NEW Bosch XEO will be available at B&Q from 24th Sept 2007 onwards. And other stores from 7th November. The RRP is £34.99, including VAT.