Measure across the shoulders and from the shoulders down to the desired length of the cape.

Cut a trapezoid from the fleece. Make the top approximately 4–6 inches wider than the shoulders if you plan to gather it, and the bottom another 4–6 inches wider than the top.

For Batman, fold the cape in half lengthwise and cut scallops along the bottom edge to resemble bat wings.

Gather the top of the cape using pleats, a running stitch, or stretched elastic. You can also secure pleats with hot glue for a no-sew option.

Attach the cape to the superhero T-shirt using hand stitching, safety pins, or sew-on Velcro.

Use a pair of underwear as a pattern, tracing the general shape onto the fleece. Add 1–2 cm around the edges for a looser fit over leggings, and another 2–3 inches at the waist to allow room for the belt.

Cut a front and back piece, making the back slightly longer to allow extra room.

Place the pieces together with their right sides facing inward. Sew along both sides and across the crotch, leaving the waist and leg openings open.

Turn the trunks right side out and try them on over the leggings. Adjust the fit as needed.

If needed, add elastic around the waist to help keep the trunks in place.

Cut small slits at the sides of the waist and thread a strip of yellow fabric through them to make the belt. Add a decorative buckle if desired.

Measure around the arms and determine the desired glove length, from the forearm to just below the knuckles.

Cut two rectangles of fleece, allowing a little extra fabric for the seams.

Fold each rectangle in half lengthwise, with the right sides facing inward.

Sew along the long open edge to form a tube, leaving both short ends open.

Turn the tubes right side out and try them on.

Mark where the thumb separates from the fingers and sew a few stitches through both layers at that point, creating separate openings for the thumb and fingers.

Use a knit hat as a guide to draw a mask that extends from the top of the head to just below the nose.

Add two pointed Batman ears to the top of the pattern.

Cut two matching pieces of fleece.

Place the pieces together with their right sides facing inward. Sew around the sides and top, leaving the bottom open.

Turn the mask right side out and try it on to mark the positions of the eyes and nose.

Remove the mask and cut out the eye holes and an opening for the nose.

Try it on again and adjust the openings for comfortable breathing and clear vision.

Stuff the pointed ears with fleece scraps to help them stand upright.

Put on the tights or leggings.

Pull the trunks over the leggings and adjust the belt.

Put on the fleece boot covers, followed by the shoes. Pull the bottom edges of the fleece over the shoes.

Put on the superhero T-shirt and fingerless gloves, pulling the gloves over the sleeves.

Attach the cape to the shirt.

Add the optional Batman mask.

Your homemade superhero costume is ready!