Have you been enjoying WandaVision as much as I have? If so, here’s a free printable template for Wanda’s classic Scarlet Witch headpiece to help you get into character! The headwear in the photo was made using foam, Worbla and a headband, but you can use the template to make it any way you like, from any material and do a headband or elastic. The tutorial below goes through the process I used, and offers some tips for changing it up a bit.

Scarlet Witch Headpiece Tutorial

In this tutorial I’ll go through the steps I took to create the Scarlet Witch headpiece shown in the photo, which I made to look like the classic style she wears in WandaVision. You can also print the free template to make your own, in any medium you prefer! I used thin craft foam and Worbla, and attached it to a headband. You can also use elastic, but I prefer a headband because it stays on easier and doesn’t mess up my hair.

**If you are interested in the full Scarlet Witch costume, click here for details!

Step 1: Click the link below to download the free printable template

Step 2: Print two copies

Download and print two copies of the pdf file, which will print the correct size on a regular 8.5 x 11 paper.

Step 3: Cut out and assemble pattern

Cut out both patterns and leave the blue shaded area on one side. This is where you will connect the two sides together. Line them up so one side covered the blue part, then use tape to secure the pieces together. Tuck down or cut off the little extra part that sticks out.

Once you have it assembled the Scarlet Witch headpieces as a paper pattern, make sure you hold it up to your face and check the size. At this point you can redraw it and customize it any way you want to fit your face.

Step 4: Trace your pattern

Once you have it exactly the way you want, you can trace your paper pattern onto whatever surface you plan to use to make your headpiece. You can make this as fancy or as simple as you like. I used a single layer of the craft foam and Worbla to make a long-lasting and flexible design, but you can use something as simple as cardboard and skip all the next steps!

The photo below shows the tracing on a piece of tan foam, but I’d recommend using red so it blends better. I’m only using tan because I have a bunch of it and like to use what I already have. I’d also suggest using a red marker!

Step 5: Trace and Cut Worbla

You can skip this step if you are not using Worbla or a similar thermoplastic material. But if you are, then trace the design onto Worbla with chalk. You can then cut out your design with heavy duty scissors or an X-acto knife. Do not use good sewing scissors for this!

Once both patterns are cut out, make sure they match up perfectly. It is OK for the Worbla piece to be a little bit bigger, but trim the foam piece if any sticks out beyond the edges. I use the black Worbla because it has a smoother surface and I don’t have to prime or sand it before painting. I draw on the matte side and put it shiny side down on top of the foam because it’s the stickier side.

Step 6: Heat the Worbla and foam together

Make sure you are heating this on a surface that is protected with wax paper, or one that will not burn easily. I use the high heat setting on my heat gun and run it slowly over the Worbla until it gets soft. Once I can see it start to flatten out, I stop to press it down around the edges and make sure the two pieces adhere. You do no need to add any glue to make them stick together. It helps if you have a roller or something to smooth the surface and make sure you don’t get any bubbles. If you get the Worbla hot enough, it will seal itself to the foam and the piece will move and bend as a single unit. Once it gets to that point, quickly move to Step 7!

Step 7: Shape it to your head

At this point, I pick it up and run to the nearest mirror to bend it around my head. The Worbla will be warm, but not too hot to touch. You’ll have a little bit of time to get it just right before it starts to harden and hold its shape. Once you get it just right, it helps to sit it on a curved surface to fully dry.

At this point you also have some options to customize it – I added a seam in the center and also flipped the top of the headpiece out a bit on the ends. The get the center seam, I reheated the middle and folded it to make a crease, then pinched it a bit to make it more defined. Then I reheated the top parts and flipped them forward a bit.

Step 8: Attach it to a headband or add elastic

I used an old headband for this, because I find it easier to slip it on rather than have the elastic around the back of my head. But you can easily glue or tape elastic to the sides. If you go with the headband method, just use a big squirt of hot glue on the headband and then make sure you place it just right on the headpiece so it doesn’t show around the edges. Once you have it attached, you can still go back and reheat and get it to fit the exact shape of your face.

Step 9: Paint it Scarlet Witch red

The last step is to paint it red! I used about three layers of glossy red spray paint. I made the mistake of painting the inside too, which you won’t need to do if you used red foam. I didn’t think about the paint on the inside touching my face! So I went back and glued paper over the bottom parts that sit against my cheeks. Not something you need to do unless you happen to paint the whole inside of yours too!

That’s it! I hope you found this tutorial useful. If you’d like to see a quick run-through of the steps, check out my Scarlet Witch headpiece tutorial on YouTube:

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If you use this tutorial or template, I’d love it if you tagged @SewGeekMama or @GeekMamasBlog on social media when you post your photos!

Looking for the full costume? Click here to check out my Amazon Influencer page for a shoppable photo with all the pieces I used to create the Scarlet Witch costume!

About the Author

Candy Keane is a digital content creator and long-time cosplayer, most well-known for being on the cover of the Star Wars documentary Jedi Junkies. After making costumes professionally for over a decade, she now writes about about geek culture and mom life, and continues to cosplay for fun, while sharing her love of costumes on Instagram @SewGeekMama. Her first children’s book, I’m Going to My First Comic Convention, was published in 2020 and won a Story Monsters Approved award for Excellence in Literature.

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