[Children’s Day] Let’s make a handmade samurai helmet! A collection of fun, easy crafting ideas
As Children’s Day approaches, you naturally want to prepare a cool helmet to celebrate your child’s growth.Store-bought ones are lovely, but handmade pieces have a special warmth.From items made with familiar materials like origami and felt to projects that follow more authentic crafting methods, there are actually many ways to make a kabuto by hand!Some are meant for display, while others can actually be worn—there’s a wide range of finishes.In this article, we’ll introduce handmade kabuto ideas that make use of various materials and techniques.There are also projects you can try together with your child, so be sure to use them as inspiration!
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[Children’s Day] Let’s make a handmade samurai helmet! A collection of fun ideas (31–40)
Safety Pin and Beaded Kabuto (Samurai Helmet)

A super stylish kabuto (samurai helmet) made with safety pins and beads! Start with the lower section—the shikoro that protects the neck.
Make several dozen components by threading beads onto safety pins, then string them together with wire.
For the headpiece, prepare a base using a craft hat-shaped part and decorate it with beads and sequins.
Create the other parts with beads and buttons as well, and glue everything together to finish! It takes some effort, but the cuteness of the result is exceptional.
Why not give it a try?
sponge helmet

You might be wondering what a kabuto (samurai helmet) made from sponge is like.
The sponge used isn’t the kind for cleaning, but a thin, sheet-like sponge.
Cut the sponge into parts and glue them together.
For some parts, you can apply a polyethylene sheet in your preferred color before gluing to add color.
If you assemble the parts first, you can apply the colored sheet afterward.
Combine all the finished parts, add decorative cords, and you’re done! Since you’ll need an adhesive that contains organic solvents to bond the sponge, be sure to wear a respirator and work in a well-ventilated area.
paper-cut samurai helmet
Kirie is the art of taking a single sheet of paper and using scissors or a craft knife to turn it into a complete artwork.
It’s a very demanding process, as you have to be careful not to accidentally cut off any parts along the way, but when the cuts are clean, the result is a truly beautiful piece.
To make one, first prepare a drawing of the kabuto (samurai helmet) you want, place it on top of black paper, and staple them together.
Then simply cut away the unnecessary areas with a craft knife or scissors.
You can paste the finished piece directly onto white paper, or attach colored sheets from the back to give it a vibrant, colorful finish—both approaches are recommended.
Embroidered helmet
@anikaru1 For May and Children’s Day, I embroidered a kabuto (samurai helmet) ♡ …Stitches used… chain stitch, lazy daisy stitch, satin stitch, French knot stitch, backstitchHelmetChildren's Day#EmbroideryBeginnerEmbroidery stitch#embroiderySimple StitchEmbroidery#HandEmbroidery
♬ silent main theme – Masahiro Tokuda
Try embroidering a samurai helmet (kabuto) on items your child uses—like handkerchiefs or fabric wall hangings! You can combine various stitches such as chain stitch, satin stitch, and backstitch for a detailed finish, or keep it simple with easy stitches for a quick project.
Change the thread color for each part of the helmet as you go.
It could also be nice to add embroidery around it that evokes Children’s Day, like iris flowers or fresh green leaves.
Give it a try!
woodworking helmet
@chipa.tiktok I tried making a samurai helmet for my beloved dog Finn 🐶🔨Children's DayHelmetcarpenter
♬ Yoshida brother style cool shamisen lock – moshimo sound design
This is a helmet whose striking features are its three-dimensional presence and sense of power, built by combining wooden parts.
Since it takes skill to carve the rounded portion that fits the head from square lumber, it might be better to use pre-rounded pieces from the start.
Not only are there curves, but the brim flares out and there are decorative elements as well, so it’s important to envision the overall shape first and then consider the balance of each part.
It seems best to create a powerful impression by skillfully alternating between areas you make smooth and areas you intentionally leave sharp.
plate metal helmet
@user2044610451314 Children's Dayroof#Hirai Sheet MetalHelmet makingHelmet
Original Song – Hirai Sheet Metal Bankin Juku – Hirai Sheet Metal Bankin Juku
Let’s try making a cool kabuto (samurai helmet) out of sheet metal! We’ll cut sheet metal into the unfolded pattern of the kabuto and assemble it.
When bending the sheet metal, use a tool called tsukami-bashi (seaming pliers).
To create each part of the kabuto from a single sheet, you’ll form it using these pliers.
When making the bag-like section that fits over the head, carefully open up the metal by hand.
Finish by refining the shape, and you’re done! Since we don’t often get to work with sheet metal, it’s a great activity to try with your kids.
Mizuhiki Kabuto (paper cord samurai helmet)
If you’re looking for a stylish decoration for Children’s Day, we recommend a mizuhiki kabuto (samurai helmet) that showcases the elegance of traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
It will look great as an entryway or room accent, and will also complement a set of May dolls beautifully.
You can display a piece made by an artisan, or try making one yourself using mizuhiki materials available at craft stores.
Choosing or crafting a piece while thinking of your child’s growth will make Children’s Day an even more memorable occasion.
Paper band kabuto (samurai helmet)
Let’s make a tasteful samurai helmet (kabuto) using paper bands.
Paper bands are strips made of paper.
By weaving these strips together, you can create a kabuto.
You can use strips of the same color, but switching colors partway through adds a stylish touch.
You can make a three-dimensional, hat-shaped kabuto, or create a flat version to hang on a wall—both are great options.
The weaving process can be a bit challenging, but involve your child here and there as you work, and craft it while wishing for your child’s happiness and growth.
Kabuto-themed money envelope

How about making a samurai-helmet-style pochibukuro (small gift envelope) to hold a Children’s Day allowance or a message of support? You can easily make one with a single sheet of origami! Choosing a traditional Japanese-patterned paper enhances the helmet vibe, so it’s recommended.
As you fold the helmet shape, you’ll also create the envelope portion.
The opening where you insert the contents is designed to tuck into the helmet’s tip, making it simple to put things inside.
It’s cute just to display, too—so give it a try!
Tsumami-zaiku kabuto (a samurai helmet made with the tsumami-zaiku pinching technique)

This is a kabuto (samurai helmet) made with tsumami-zaiku, created by pinching and gluing fabric.
Make patterns for each part of the helmet and cover them with black fabric.
Then attach chirimen crepe fabric in a slightly smaller size on top, and frame the edges with gold decorations.
Pinch gold chirimen fabric to make the kuwagata (front crest) parts, and attach them to the base of the helmet to complete a beautifully traditional-looking kabuto.
It may seem difficult, but it only involves two steps—cutting and gluing—so even those who aren’t confident in sewing should find it approachable.
Give it a try to delight your child!



