How to Make a Sorcerer's Robe

Make your own sorcerer costume.

For centuries, people have been intrigued by the notion of magic and supernatural powers. Although the sorcerer was originally conceptualized as an evil character, in more recent Western culture, he has been re-defined as being more humane. Long black robes and magic wands are visual symbols frequently associated with sorcery. Whenever this costume is needed, both children and adults will enjoy dressing up in sorcerers' robes.

Things You'll Need

• Black fabric, about 4 yards
• Black thread
• Tape measure
• Scissors
• Tailor's chalk
• Straight pins
• Bathrobe or professional pattern
• Safety pin

Instructions

1. Fold the black fabric in half with selvages aligned, wrong side facing out. If using a professional pattern, lay the pattern on the fabric and pin in place according to the directions from the pattern manufacturer. If not using a professional pattern, take a bathrobe which fits the person requiring the sorcerer's outfit, and turn it inside out. Fold it in half lengthwise and lay it on the fabric with the long folded side of the robe aligned with the long folded edge of the fabric. Put one sleeve of the bathrobe inside the other sleeve and lay it out at right angles to the robe. The sorcerer's robe and sleeve will be constructed of one piece. Pin the bathrobe to the fabric.

2. Take the measurement from the shoulder to the bottom edge of the bathrobe. If the bathrobe does not go to the ankles, add the difference from the edge of the bathrobe to the ankles, to the measurement for the length of the sorcerer's robe.

3. Trace around the outline of the bathrobe with the tailor's chalk, adjusting the length if necessary. Cut around the outline for the sorcerer's robe. Unpin the professional pattern or the bathrobe. If using a professional pattern, follow the instructions from the pattern. Without a professional pattern, use the sewing machine to sew the two outside seams of the robe. Using a seam allowance of 1/2-inch, start at the hem edge of one side and sew along the side seam and up through the underarm and down the sleeve seam to the edge of the sleeve.

4. Sew along the other edge of the sleeve, starting at the cuff edge, along the shoulder and ending by the neck edge. Repeat these seams on the other side and sleeve. Fold over about 1-inch towards the wrong side at the edge of the sleeve. Pin and press in place. Sew to form a cuff. Repeat on the other sleeve.

5. Fold over 1-inch along the bottom of the robe to form a hem. Pin and press. Stitch in place. Fold over 1-inch towards the wrong side all along the opening of the robe. Pin and press. Stitch in place.

6. Cut a long strip of fabric about 2-inches wide, long enough to reach around the waist, plus at least an additional 24 inches to create a tie belt. Fold the belt in half length-wise with right sides inside. Pin in place. Stitch together with a 1/2-inch seam allowance, leaving one of the ends open. Fasten a safety pin at the open end of the belt and insert it into the gap. Push the pin all the way through the belt, turning it inside out. Press. Stitch the end closed.

Tips & Warnings

• Add a decorative braid along the opening edges of the robe for a more dramatic effect.

• A sorcerer's hat can be made from black cardboard. Cut a donut shape, with the inner circle matching the circumference of your head as the hat brim. Cut a large triangular shape from the cardboard with the length of the bottom edge of the triangle matching the circumference of the inner circle. Roll the triangle and tape the ends together to form a cone. Tape the cone on top of the brim.

• Pins, needles and scissors should not be left in reach of young children.

References

• Encyclopedia; Witchcraft; 2001
• Encyclopaedia Britannica; Sorcery; John Melton
• Canoe.com: Costume Craziness "It's Sew Easy"
• Sorcerer Costumes: Harry Potter Halloween Costumes; 2011

Resources

• Family Vacation Getaways; Wizard, Witch and Vampire Costumes; Vivki Funes; 2011