It Takes Two is a modern masterpiece of cooperative gaming that tells a heartfelt story of adventure and reconciliation.
One half of this iconic duo is May, a hardworking mother who finds herself transformed into a small wooden doll.
Her character design is a charming mix of domestic materials, everyday textures, and practical adventurous utility that fans love.
This DIY May costume guide focuses on capturing her unique handcrafted aesthetic using simple items and easy crafting techniques.
Whether you are a seasoned pro or a first-timer, this project is budget-friendly and creates a truly recognizable look.
Complete Costume Breakdown
Clothing & Core Pieces
The foundation of May’s outfit starts with her vibrant yellow knit turtleneck sweater, which provides a bright pop of color.
Look for a sweater with a heavy ribbed or cable-knit texture to emphasize the handcrafted doll aesthetic of the character.
The turtleneck should be snug but comfortable, allowing you to move freely while maintaining the silhouette from the game world.
For her lower half, May wears distinctive patchwork jeans that highlight her practical and industrious personality during their magical journey.
You can achieve this look by taking an old pair of denim and sewing on various rectangular fabric scraps and patches.
Use different washes of blue and gray denim to create a mismatched appearance that looks like it has been repaired.
Visible, slightly messy stitching around the patches adds to the charm and reinforces the idea that May was handmade by Rose.
Complete the base outfit with a pair of simple black slip-on shoes that are both stylish and functional for platforming.
These shoes are perfect for the challenges May faces, and they will keep your feet comfortable during a long event.
Accessories & Details
May’s hair is one of the most creatively challenging parts of the costume because it is made of blue yarn.
A blue wig with bangs provides the perfect foundation for the color and the basic hairstyle she sports throughout the game.
To take it to the next level, attach actual strands of blue yarn to the wig to create a textured effect.
Her round black-frame glasses are an essential detail that reflects her personality and gives her face a studious, focused look.
Look for frames that are bold and perfectly circular to match the exaggerated proportions of the in-game doll character model.
Since May is an engineer, carrying a pair of prop scissors can serve as a great character-specific accessory or weapon.
You can also incorporate blue paper plates into your props to represent the specialized mechanics found in various puzzle levels.
A length of cotton rope tied around your waist symbolizes the tethering gameplay mechanics shared between May and Cody.
These small details help tell the story of the game and make your costume stand out to fellow gaming enthusiasts.
Cosplay Tips
1. Use a thick white or tan embroidery thread to add oversized ‘doll’ stitches to the collar of your sweater.
2. Distress your patchwork jeans with a bit of sandpaper or fabric paint to give them a worn, adventurous feel.
3. If your wig feels too shiny, apply a bit of dry shampoo to give the blue hair a matte appearance.
4. Practice a few determined ‘action’ poses where you look like you are about to swing a heavy hammer prop.
5. Coordinate with a partner dressed as Cody to create the ultimate duo that everyone will recognize at any convention.
6. Apply a matte foundation and use brown eyeliner to draw subtle wood grain patterns on your hands and neck.
Character Vibe & Styling Notes
May is the pragmatic and sometimes stubborn half of the relationship, always focusing on solving the problem in front of her.
Her body language should be sharp and decisive, reflecting her high-energy personality and her professional background as an engineer.
When posing for photos, keep your chin up and your gaze focused to capture her confident and goal-oriented temperament.
The ‘wooden’ nature of her character allows you to experiment with slightly stiff or puppet-like movements during your cosplay performance.
Embrace the blend of cozy domesticity and high-stakes fantasy that makes May such a compelling character to portray in person.
Final Thoughts
Creating a DIY May costume from It Takes Two is a rewarding project that celebrates the power of creative collaboration.
By focusing on textures like knit wool and denim, you can turn simple materials into a stunning and recognizable masterpiece.
This project is as much about the journey of crafting as it is about the final look you present.
Find your Cody, grab your tools, and get ready to show the world that collaboration is the key to success.
