With the National Day celebrations just around the corner, we are reminded of how resilient we can be as Singaporeans. After all, though we’re just a little red dot on the world map, we have survived, and even flourished, as a nation.
No doubt, there will be challenges ahead but we – all of us – have it in us to bring Singapore forward. As a little reminder, here’s a National Day craft dedicated to all you Super Singaporeans!
No-Sew Sock Merlion National Day Craft
Captain America has his shield. Thor has his hammer. And Super Singaporean has the super cute, super easy-to-make Sock Merlion! Be prepared to melt hearts with it!
What you’ll need:
- A pair of white socks (quarter socks)
- Cotton wool
- 2 Rubber bands (best if they’re transparent or of a light colour)
- Markers
- Fabric glue
- Scissors
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Follow these steps:
- Stuff cotton wool into one sock till you get a round shape at the toe end of the sock. This is the head of the Merlion. When you’re satisfied with the size and shape, tie a rubber band to close off the section.
- Stuff some more cotton wool into the sock to create the body of the Merlion. Note how the heel section of the sock gives a natural curve to the body leading to the tail of the Merlion. Tie a rubber band near the end and fan out the last part of the sock to create the tail fin.
- Cut strips of different lengths out of the other sock, to create the mane of the Merlion.
- Use fabric glue to stick the mane strips to the top of the Merlion’s head. There’s no need to glue the whole strip down. Just attach the strips to the top of the head, to allow the “fur” to have more movement.
- Draw the eyes, nose, and mouth on the face, plus a few scales on the body, and your Merlion is complete!
(I know this is a no-sew Sock Merlion, but if your fabric glue doesn’t stick the mane strips securely enough, just put in a few stitches using white thread to secure the strips.)
Super Singaporean Emblem
Bolster your Super Singaporean identity with a patriotic emblem!
What you’ll need:
- Red and white felt (I bought a 70×60-cm piece of red felt, which was enough for both the emblem and the cape)
- Fastening tape
- Fabric glue
- Scissors
- Super Singaporean emblem template (download now)
Follow these steps:
- Print out the Super Singaporean emblem template. If you intend to use the design directly, print in colour on thicker paper, cut out the emblem, and use fastening tape to attach it to your t-shirt. If you have a bit more time, make the emblem out of felt, which will sit better on the uneven surface of your t-shirt.
- To make the felt emblem, print the Super Singaporean template in grayscale. Cut out the design and with a marker, trace it out on a piece of red felt. Cut out the shape.
- Using the same design, trace the Singapore shape on a piece of white felt. Then cut out the shape. Tip: Cut the shape slightly smaller so that you will not see a white edge when you glue the red portion onto it later.
- Position the red portion accurately on top of the white one. Stick the two together using fabric glue.
- Attach corresponding pieces of fastening tape on the t-shirt and the back of the emblem.
- Stick the emblem on the t-shirt. Tada! You’re instantly recognisable!
Super Singaporean Mask
Even super heroes need to accessorise! How about a cool National flag-inspired mask to communicate your Super Singaporean status?
What you’ll need:
- Super Singaporean mask template (download now)
- Thicker paper for printing
- Red rubber bands
- Scissors
- Penknife
- Glue
- Red and white felt (optional)
- Fabric glue (optional)
Follow these steps:
- Print out the Super Singaporean mask template. If you’re using the design directly, print in colour on thicker paper and cut out the mask.
- Make slits on the left and right sides of the mask, and loop a rubber band through each side for hooking onto the ears.
- Cut out the crescent on the template. Stick it on top of the same shape on the mask to cover over the rubber band and slit, and you’re ready to make Singapore proud!
- If you would like to make the mask out of felt, cut out the isolated mask base and crescent and star shapes. Use a marker to trace them on red and white felt pieces respectively. Cut out the individual components and glue them together using fabric glue.
Super Singaporean Cape
Complete your Super Singaporean outfit with a bright red cape!
What you’ll need:
- Red felt
- Scissors
- Marker
Follow these steps:
- Use the felt left over from making the mask and emblem. Fold it into half. Then draw two scallops with the marker and cut to achieve the scalloped edge effect when unfolded.
- Make a sloping cut from the bottom left corner of the cape to the top, and from the bottom right corner to the top, so that its shape is more like a trapezium now.
- Attach two pieces of fastening tape to the top of the t-shirt, near the shoulders. Attach two corresponding pieces of fastening tape on the underside of the cape.
- To wear the cape, drape it over the shoulders and stick the fastening tape pieces to each other. Fold the extra cloth at the back into two pleats. For a quick solution, stick the pleats in place using double-sided tape. For a more durable solution, sew a few stitches using red thread.
Happy National Day!
