That’s a good question. Typically, the answer in costuming is that you have to choose two of the three options: Good, Quick, Cheap. With Jedi costumes this is not necessarily the case. You can make a good quality Jedi costume in a relatively short amount of time for very little money.
The first thing you will need is a good pattern. For that, look in Simplicity or McCall’s patterns for the “ninja” pattern. It should be McCall’s M2940 or Simplicity 5840. That’s the base for your inner tunic, outer tunic, and tabards. The obi is easy enough and we’ll get to it in a moment.
Most everything you need can be picked up at Jo-Ann’s. I’m not trying to sound like an advertisement, but it’s where I get all my stuff (and my wife and I make costumes). Look for their coupons and DEFINITELY sign up for the email coupons, the snail mail coupons, and the smartphone coupons. Also, when you’re in the store, look for a
fashion fusion magazine (it costs $3.99 and has 2 50% and 4 40% coupons on it).
For the inner tunic, I’d look for natural muslin. It’s soft enough to go against the skin and looks rather Jedi-like. You can easily dye it, or just leave it as-is. The modifications for the inner tunic are to close the neck a little higher and lengthen the sleeves slightly.
The outer tunic will need a cotton material. You can get natural, brown, tan, or whatever color you want. When you make it, widen the sleeves a little and lengthen the skirt and you’re good to go. If you want to get advanced, add a lining and flare the skirt (waist seam, A-line, etc).
The tabards are made using the same pattern as before in whatever color you want. Some people use the same outer tunic material, others change it up. That’s your preference. However, if it’s the same material as the outer tunic, getting the cut will be cheaper as it will use one coupon. For something a little more advanced, add a waist seam so they hang correctly.
The obi can be made from any material, but can be done on the cheap using the same material as the outer tunic. The best tutorial is found here on the site:
Jedi Tabard & Obi / Sash Tutorial. It’s the one that I use and looks awesome. Though, you may want to add some heavy interfacing to it so it doesn’t fold funny when you sit down.
The pants are easy. Do you have an earth tone pants or leggings? There, easy. If you don’t, then head to Goodwill and you do. So, easy. You don’t even have to worry if the pants have pockets as the skirt of the outer tunic will cover them. Just make sure they don’t have cargo pockets (unless your Jedi has cargo pockets, but I don’t know the rules on that).
For most women, the boots are not a problem with the current fashion trends. The boot situation sucks for us men right now. If you don’t have any high boots that can work for a Jedi, look into a pair of low boots and spats/gaiters or wraps. They are seen in
Official Media.
The belt might be the most troublesome item. It can be made in leather with a little patience. My materials costs for belts are about $75 for a basic belt and 2 pouches. However, if you are doing this on the cheap, then a sewn pleather belt might be more to your speed (or a belt from fleabay, but the quality might suffer). Pouches can be made similarly. Food capsules are a pen cap, a little epoxy putty, and some paint.
If you want to go all out, the Robe tutorials on this site are really good. It’s not required, and can be your first upgrade!
If you have any questions, there are several knowledgeable people here that can help. I hope I was able to.
