Want to make your own Ursula mouse ears for a Disney trip? Follow this step-by-step photo tutorial to create them. If you prefer a different style, use the same method and swap fabrics, bows, or embellishments to make any custom mouse ears.
When we visit Disney World I always seem to bring home at least one new pair of mouse ears. I usually tell myself I’ll skip them, but seeing the options at Disney Springs and the Magic Kingdom makes that impossible. Instead of spending $20–$30 on a pair that looks like everyone else’s, this year I decided to make my own.
I ended up making three Halloween-themed pairs for our trip to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. I’ll be dressing as Ursula, so I made a purple, sea-witch inspired set, but the same process works for any design.
Materials for Ursula mouse ears:
- Purple fabric (a quarter yard or less is usually enough)
- 2 styrofoam discs (3–4 inches, depending on desired ear size)
- 1 headband
- 1 bow (or fabric to make a bow)
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Straight pins
- Needle and thread
- Scissors
- Sharpie or fabric marker
The bow I used came from Hot Topic. I removed the metal hair clip so I could glue it to the ears. If you prefer to make your own, search for cheer bow tutorials, or use a premade bow from a craft store.
Step 1: Decide placement
With the headband in hand, position it over the styrofoam discs to determine where you want the ears to sit. Keep in mind the headband will stretch slightly when worn and the ears will move inward, so don’t place them too close together.
Use a sharpie to mark the discs with the headband on top so you have exact placement guides for cutting.
Step 2: Trim the styrofoam
Cut out the inner portions of the styrofoam discs where the headband will sit. Scissors work fine for this; create a shallow channel so the base of each ear will sit flush on the headband.
Step 3: Cut fabric pieces
Lay the fabric face down and trace the outline of each styrofoam disc on the wrong side. Leave a seam allowance—about 1/4 to 1/2 inch—around each disc. Cut two fabric pieces for each ear.
Step 4: Sew the fabric
Pin the two pieces for each ear together with the right sides facing inward. Sew around the curved edge of the ear, leaving the bottom edge open. Tie off your thread and leave enough opening to insert the styrofoam disc.
Step 5: Turn and insert
Remove pins, turn the ear right-side out, and slide in the styrofoam disc. It may take some gentle wiggling to seat it fully.
Fold the opening closed and use a hot glue gun to secure both flaps so the bottom lays flat and neat.
Repeat the process for the second ear.
Step 6: Attach ears to the headband
Mark the headband with a sharpie where each ear should sit, keeping the earlier stretching in mind so they don’t end up too close. Hot glue each ear to the headband, pressing and holding for 30–45 seconds until the glue sets.
Step 7: Add the bow and finishing touches
Hot glue the bow in the center, securing it to both ears and the headband. Hold in place until the glue cools and the bow feels secure.
TADA — Ursula mouse ears ready to wear!
These ears complete my Ursula costume, and I made two other pairs to wear around the parks.
Here are the additional ears I created: Jack and Sally themed ears using fabric found at JoAnn Fabrics, detailed with a spider charm from Hobby Lobby and a pumpkin-and-cat pair for a playful touch.
If you make a pair using this tutorial, I’d love to see photos. Have fun creating your custom ears and enjoy your Disney trip!
