How to Make A Jedi Robe

Jedi robes are popular costumes at science-fiction themed conventions.

After their debut in the first Star Wars film in 1977, Jedi robes became one of the most easily recognized parts of cinema costume history. Alongside lightsabers, these long robes with their oversized hoods became key parts to dressing up as favorite Star Wars characters. Even decades later, Jedi robes are popular Halloween costumes.

Things You'll Need

• Brown fabric
• Tape measure
• Scissors
• Pins
• Sewing needle
• Cotton thread

Instructions

1. Measure the fabric. Calculate how much fabric you will need by measuring your shoulder height. Double this figure and that is the length of fabric needed. The width of the fabric should be the same as your arm span or roughly 72 inches. Fold the fabric in half length-wise, right sides together, and place it flat on the floor. Lie down on top of the fabric with your arms out and your head above the folded edge and have someone trace around your body. Allow 4 or 5 inches below the arms and from the sides of your body to make sure the robe is loose.

2. Place pins along the outline to keep the fabric steady while you are cutting. Cut around the traced outline of your body, allowing roughly 1 inch for the seam and necessary looseness of the robe. Once cut, sew along the bottom of the arms and the side of the robe. Turn the robe right side out.

3. Open the robe. Cut down the center of the front of the robe to make the opening. At the top of the robe, cut a semi-circle 6 inches in diameter for your neck. Try on the robe to make sure all the measurements are correct. If the sleeves or bottom of the robe are slightly too long, you can trim them or make a larger hem. Hem the sleeves and bottom of the robe by folding roughly 1 inch of fabric and sewing it in place all around the edges.

4. Make the hood of the robe. Take a rectangle of fabric roughly 1-by-2 feet. Fold this rectangle in half so that it is now a square. Sew along one of the open edges that shares a corner with the fold to make a hood shape. Sew each side of the hood to the neck opening in the robe. The hood may be bigger than the hole allows. Hem the front of the hood so that it is the appropriate size.

Tips & Warnings

• Make the sleeves suitably baggy. Jedi robes from the Star Wars series are always oversized, including the hood.

• Wear the robe over a grey tunic or shirt to make your costume even more accurate.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish