Jedi Tunic Tutorials (plus tabards/obi), by EeanLedgor

[JediKai ()]

One CAN wash wool but it must be pre-washed prior to making the article of clothing. After having done so, the clothing can be washed. I washed my 100% wool in cold water on gentle prior to making my robe so now I can wash my robe.

I do the same with linen and raw silk.

Even with fabrics that are washable, such as cotton, the fabric must be pre-washed before the garment is made.
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Peace over anger. Honor over hate. Strength over fear

[EeanLedgor ()]

Yep, Kate

Unfortunately, I didn't learn that until AFTER I made my robe...which is why I now stress RESEARCH! lol

I would add this however...

Be aware of how wide your fabric needs to be. For example...if your fabric is 60" wide and you're over 6' tall AND you're making a Jedi robe without a seam at the shoulder, then the measurement from the neck to the arm (including enough to hem) might be as much as 52"-55". If your fabric shrinks as much as 10% (which is probably a normal range of shrinkage...but for some fabrics might be on the low side), you could be screwed.

I suggest folks wash (in what ever manner they're going to normally wash their costume) a test sample of the fabric and see how it will behave
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Past Offices held within the Rebel Legion: LMO, Asst. LMO, Legion Costume Judge, DCO and DXO KJO, BCO and BXO Tranquility Base
Writer of many costuming tutorials.
Maker of costume props and costumes for Rebel Legion and 501st members.

[Jedi_Chris ()]

Roger, if the skirt is attatched to the waist seam, why does it look like you haven't cut along the waist in your finish patterns, but rather a few inches below the waist? Did you actually cut along the waist later or am I missing a step?

The waist does seem kind of high for the 'skirt' to start, but if the case is cut along the waist seam (with an added 5/8 for my seam allowance) then Im ready to cut my pattern!

[DX6channel ()]

In your costume, you have a much bigger V in the collar of the outer tunic. I like it much more closed (like in this picture http://www.padawansguide.com/obiwan/three/promo5_m.jpg). Is that how the pattern is made, or is it just how you were wearing it?
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Me.

[EeanLedgor ()]

[DX6channel ()]

Thanks!
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Me.

[Zam I Am ()]

Just starting on my inner and outer tunic, and my character uses pretty much the same design, ruffled inner sleeves tunic. The question is the v of your inner tunic with OWK - is that different from what you laid out in your patterning? In the first picture it looked like there were 2 other pleats near the v. That's not what's in your pattern, right?

[EeanLedgor ()]

[DX6channel ()]

Right now I'm making the pattern for the tabards. In the picture you have three blue lines for the widening of the shoulder; are they in the middle?
Max
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Me.

[Mihunai (Jermain Palmen)]

Speaking of which, why -did- you widen the shoulders?
Was this a personal choice, or did the 'movie' tabards have this too?

I'm asking because I couldn't find any definitive reference myself...
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mTm

[EeanLedgor ()]

[Mihunai (Jermain Palmen)]

That answers it for me

It's always interesting to hear other people's
'costume philosphies', especially when it's based
on personal experience and reference.
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mTm

[Tag Aldeggon ()]

That's ultimately the key to making a superior Jedi costume - perfect fit. Just as getting a perfect suit requires meticulous tailoring specified to the wearer, so too does the Jedi tunic need careful consideration of build, height, and proportion.

For example I have a pretty fit, healthy build with good shoulder width and average height at 5'9. However, I have unusually long, slim arms, and shorter legs. Yes, like a monkey. So, my tabbards are perfectly straight since I narrow at the waist anyway, but the tunic is longer and the obi is high; this makes the legs seem longer in proportion to my long ape-arms, and the outfit has a perfect, tailored look. I also used a rich, fine-weave corduroy for the fabric to add some structured shape to my slimmer frame.

Now, if I had a different build, or was taller, or heavier, all of those details would need to change. The kind of details you see on shows like "What Not to Wear" apply to Jedi costumes as well. My father does professional costuming, and the most important part of a costume is FIT. Until the ensemble is perfectly fitted to flatter your frame, it will look like a costume. Once it fits, it becomes real.

Sorry for the long post, but I hope this helps some people in the end!
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"Training to become a Jedi is not an easy challenge ...

... and even if you succeed, it's a hard life."

[Ky-Wan Zann ()]

Agrred, these outfits are not simply off the rack. I have broad shoulders and a defined chest and I have a real hard time getting komono type attire to hug my neck as it should.......with custom made stuff that is greatly reduced in most cases if the seamstress is skilled.
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'Just because I don't like to fight. Doesn't mean I can't'

[Zam I Am ()]

Ugh, I am making the tabard pattern now, but with mine, there is no seam at the shoulder in the real costume, so I am making my own. I also have to adjust for female proportions of course... Any female jedi or suggestions for this future female jedi to where I should widen or narrowed tabbards in certain parts to adjust for contour? I am scared to cut into my pleather. I used one muslin test, but it's not sewn yet, cause I forgot to account for the shoulder and my girth, so back to the adjusting the muslin test. I blew up a picture of Bultar and just used a muslin over it and traced it. But I don't know how to account for the 3D effect.