[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-to-make ideas (21–30)
Sashiko cross helmet

This is a kabuto tapestry you can enjoy making while stitching seven types of traditional Japanese patterns, using red and gray sashiko threads.
Because it uses a single-piece sashiko cloth, the stitching method differs slightly from that of a hanafukin.
Carefully check the fabric finishing, the steps for sewing the outer border and the kabuto, and the techniques and tips for stitching the seven patterns before completing it.
You’ll experience the pleasure of sequentially stitching beautiful motifs like Seigaiha (blue ocean waves), Hana Kikkō (flower tortoiseshell), and Shippo-tsunagi (interlocking seven treasures), and the finished work makes a striking display piece.
The content lets you learn everything from sashiko basics to key points, making it easy to enjoy a Japanese craft—so why not try making it in time for Children’s Day?
A helmet made with Styrofoam and felt

This kabuto helmet can be easily made using only felt pieces cut by part and a Styrofoam base.
First, cut felt in colors matching each part into shapes that fit the parts you want to make.
If there are pieces you want to attach together before fixing them to the base, please stick them together at this stage.
For the Styrofoam, place a spherical piece on top of a cubic one.
Then, attach the cut felt pieces so they form the kabuto shape you like.
Finish by decorating with string, metal fittings, beads, and the like!
[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?
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.



