How to sew a Jedi Knight costume - Episode 1 (Preparation)

Star Wars is a phenomenon that has captured the hearts of fans ever since the 1977 release of Episode IV: A New Hope. Today, you can buy all sorts of Star Wars-themed items in stores worldwide – from toothpaste to resin statues worth thousands of crowns.

In some cases, you can even meet the heroes of this galactic space fantasy in person. They might not have the faces of famous actors, but know that they wear their film-accurate costumes with just as much pride. Even though, unlike Hollywood legends, they don't get paid for it.

Star Wars costuming organizations are called the Rebel Legion ("the good guys") and the 501st Legion ("the bad guys"). These organizations are tolerated by both Disney and the original Lucasfilm Ltd., even though these multinational giants are not involved in their activities. They operate here in the Czech Republic, too. You can regularly meet the Rebel Legion - Lion Base at various events – from the mainstream Comic Con Prague and evolving pop-culture events like Fantastická Ostrava, to intimate and beloved cons like KoprCon. The same applies to the Czech Garrison: 501st Legion.

To ensure certain standards are met and the heroes you meet at events look authentic, these organizations have costume guides. You can find the full text in the CRL, which stands for Costume Reference Library. It clearly tells you which materials, colors, or details you need to consider and what rules to follow when making your costume.

Of course, you can make and wear a costume of whoever you want. And be proud of your great work and the time you've invested. Or, you can try to make the costume not just look nice, but also visually accurate. Personally, I recommend using the existing CRL as a cheat sheet to check if you're doing things the way they "should be done."

Generic Jedi

One of the most classic and, in my opinion, easiest costumes is the Jedi costume. In the CRL, there is something called a generic Jedi. Before Order 66, thousands of Jedi roamed the galaxy. Who's to say one of them couldn't have looked like you, right?

This gives you the opportunity to sew your own Jedi. It can have whatever colors you want (except black or a combination of black and red). And whatever lightsaber you want. And whatever hairstyle you want. With or without a beard. Isn't that great? No complicated rules, just a few boundaries to stay within. Want to get started?

Let's do it!

How to do it?

We will show you how to make a fully functional and "standardized" Jedi costume in a series of four articles. Step by step, I will guide you through sewing a basic Jedi outfit. I'll explain what you'll need and what to watch out for. The Jedi tunic will be unlined, made in a way that even someone who has only ever sewn a pillowcase will truly understand. But you know what? It works.

Trust me, I am a Jedi. ;)

I am currently working on a Jedi costume for my friend, presenter and actor Jiří Krupica. He is about 187 cm tall, has a classic build, and fairly standard proportions. He would like to join the Rebel Legion, represent the organization, and perhaps go to events or cheer up children in hospitals, where the Rebels regularly fulfill their primary charitable mission.

A Jedi costume (the textile parts) consists of several layers: inner tunic, outer tunic, tabards, and a sash belt. In the films, the material used is wool, but feel free to reach for cotton canvas, linen, or even double gauze.

For trousers, you can use any canvas, linen, or cotton ones (never jeans, cargo pants, or harem pants). They must be solid-colored. Long enough to tuck into your boots. They can have classic pockets on the back and sides. That's fine, they will be hidden under the outer tunic.

Shopping list & equipment

• 2 m of fabric in your chosen color for the inner tunic *(any natural color except black – though you can go for dark gray. For those shaking their heads at the fabric dimensions: 2 m might be too much, but I prefer having extra fabric in case I make a mistake)
• Thread in the color of the chosen fabric
• Scissors
• Tailor's tape measure
• Sewing machine
• Tailoring pattern for a T-shirt/blouse. You can find plenty online. If you don't have a pattern, grab a T-shirt you have at home. It shouldn't be tight. Use one that doesn't stretch when you've had a big meal. ;)
• Parchment paper
• Pencil, eraser
• Pins
• Ruler

Measuring (for both tunics)

As for the inner and outer tunics, you will effectively be working with the same dimensions, so it's best to get them done in one measuring session.

The only thing that changes between the inner and outer tunic dimensions is the angle of the neckline. I admit I don't have a big secret for this. I follow my instinct. The inner tunic is closer to the neck, so the hem is a bit higher than on the outer tunic. It doesn't matter that much how high it is. However, both overlaps must be visible on the final model.

Important rule: the Jedi tunic always fastens from left to right. This applies to both the inner and outer tunic.

If you aren't working with a T-shirt/blouse pattern but are drawing your own or using an existing T-shirt as a template, then measuring acts more as a final check. This way, you verify that the model will fit you.

How to create a pattern from an existing piece of clothing? You can find a guide here.

The measurements for the outer tunic sleeve length are very important - the sleeve must reach at least to the knuckles when at rest (arms along the body).

The length of the entire outer tunic is also important - it must cover at least the crotch area and the lower part of the buttocks. The outer tunic can be as long as the floor if you want it to be.

So, what will you measure - waist circumference, chest circumference, sleeve length, total tunic length, and neckline length.

In the next part of the series, we will focus on patterns and sewing the inner tunic itself.

List of parts:

1. Preparation
   
2. Pattern and sewing
   
3. Outer tunic
   
4. Tabards and sash belt

author Eva Lassler