How to Make an Apprentice Wizard's Robe

Do-it-yourself costumes have become extremely popular in recent years. Commercial costumes can often be of poor quality and inaccurate fit, and they are often priced much higher than what they are worth. Sewing your own costume is a great way to get a high-quality costume that fits well. One popular costume for play or Halloween is the wizard robe, often scaled down to an "apprentice" wizard robe for children and even young adults, as full wizards tend to be very old. To make an apprentice wizard robe for yourself or your child, read the following instructions.

Things You'll Need

• Sewing equipment and supplies Robe fabric Lining fabric Matching thread Matching buttons Fabric pencil

Instructions

1. Measure the distance between the shoulder and the ankle of the person you are making the apprentice wizard robe for. Then measure the distance between your wrists and add a few inches for sleeve length. Double the first measurement, and cut a rectangle of robe fabric that is the length of the first measurement and the width of the second measurement. Cut an identical rectangle in the lining fabric.

2. Fold each piece of fabric in half lengthwise. Have the person the costume is meant for lie down spread eagle-style on top of one piece of folded fabric, with the head at the fold. Using the fabric pencil, mark angled lines along the outside of the legs and underside of the arms to create the shape of the robe. Make sure that your markings are about 4 to 5 inches away from the body. Also mark the neck position.

3. Cut along all marked lines, except for the neck area. Pin the sides together to keep them in place and lay the robe fabric on top of the lining fabric to use as a pattern piece. Cut around the robe fabric to create a lining layer in the same shape.

4. Turn both fabric pieces inside out, so that the right sides of each piece are together. Pin the edges of each piece together and stitch the sides together, about 1/2 inch away from the edges. Press and trim the seam allowances.

5. Mark the center front, or lengthwise middle, of each piece. Cut through the top layer of fabric only, from the bottom all the way to the folded neck. Cut a neckhole at the top fold, using the markings you made earlier. Make sure that the neckholes are identical in the robe and lining fabrics.

6. Place the robe fabric inside the lining fabric, so that the right sides are together. Line up the edges and pin them in place. Stitch around the bottom hem and center front. Press and trim seam allowances. Turn the robe right side out and fit the lining sleeves into the robe sleeves.

7. Fold the sleeve edges under 1/2 inch and pin together, so that the raw edges are between the lining and outer robe layers. Slipstitch the sleeve hems in place. Fold the neckline under 1/2 inch and pin together in the same way, making sure that the layers lay smoothly together. Slipstitch the neckline.

8. Sew buttons all the way down one side of the center front, and create buttonholes on the other side. Make an apprentice belt by creating a tube of fabric, stitching two long rectangles of fabric together at all but one side and turning it right side out, then slipstitching the remaining end. Put the robe on its intended wearer and tie the belt around his waist.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are unsure of the measurements, make a test robe first out of cheap muslin, then make alterations directly onto the muslin.

Resources

• Wizard pattern suggestions
• How-to Gryffindor robe
• Guide to commercial costume patterns