How to Make Your Own Hogwarts School Uniform (PoA version)

Oct 14, 2015 16:38

Posting this for Mandy, who posted this many years ago.  She is deleting her LJ but wants this post to live on, so here it is again.  Enjoy!

How to Make Your Own Hogwarts School Uniform (PoA version)
by Mandy’s Cosplay



Here are the costuming notes for the Hogwarts school uniforms that appear in the Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (PoA) and the Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire movies. Please note that I do not take responsibility for any of the purchases that you make.

Harry Potter Costume Resources

Ties:
The first thing you need to do before you get started on anything else is to purchase your tie! I would highly recommend Wizard Ties because they sell excellent quality ties based off of the movies. You need your tie in order to match the color of your lining.

Alivans (PoA Youth and Adult Sizes)
http://www.alivans.com
Alivan’s also sells PoA ties and they have excellent customer service.

Dervish and Banges
https://www.universalorlando.com%2FMerchandise%2FShop%2FHarry_Potter%2FAccessories%2FNeckwear_Ties.html
Dervish and Banges (from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, Florida) sells PoA ties from all four houses.

Official Online Store of Warner Bros. Studios
http://www.wbshop.com/category/wbshop_brands/harry+potter/costumes+hpcostumes.do?nType=2
The online Warner Brothers shop sells PoA ties that come along with matching scarves from all four houses. I cannot say how accurate they are to the movies. You might want to read their online reviews.

Whimsic Alley
http://www.whimsicalley.com
Whimsic Alley sells PoA ties from all four houses. However their Ravenclaw tie is not that accurate to the movie. Lately, they've been having lots of problems with online orders such as late shipments. I would recommend you to purchase items at their store in Los Angeles, California. If California is out of your reach, I suggest looking at other shops that sell robes.

Where to buy robes:

Dervish and Banges
https://https%3A%2F%2Fwww.universalorlando.com%2FMerchandise%2FShop%2FHarry_Potter%2FAccessories%2FHouse_Robes.html
Dervish and Banges (from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, Florida) sells PoA robes from all four houses. Their robes can only be dry-cleaned.

Whimsic Alley
http://www.whimsicalley.com
Whimsic Alley sells PoA robes from all four houses for Adults and Children’s sizes. You have to put your own patch onto the robe. Lately, they've been having lots of problems with online orders such as late shipments. I would recommend you to purchase items at their store in Los Angeles, California. If California is out of your reach, I suggest looking at other shops that sell robes.

Official Online Store of Warner Bros. Studios
http://www.wbshop.com/category/wbshop_brands/harry+potter/costumes+hpcostumes.do?nType=2
The online Warner Brothers shop sells PoA robes. They only sell Gryffindor, Slytherin, and Ravenclaw. I cannot say how accurate they are to the movies. You might want to read their online reviews.

Twin Roses Designs
http://www.twinrosesdesigns.com
Twin Roses can make really nice robes that come along with a house patch, but you have to specifically request them to make one for you. They can make wand pockets upon request.

How to Make Your Own Robe

Where to find fabrics for your robe:
For PoA, the exterior of the robe is black while the lining represents the color of a Hogwarts house.

Fabric suggestions:
Kona cotton
Broadcloth
Cotton
Cotton/polyester
Suit-weight wool
Suitings (polyester, linen, rayon, blends)
Twill
Linen

For the black exterior, I would recommend kona cotton or broadcloth. The only drawback to broadcloth is that it attracts lint. Otherwise it will work just fine. I will recommend getting your black fabric at Michael Levine’s at the LA Fashion District because it’s cheaper there. Go to solids section in the middle of the store and you will find bolts of broadcloth or cotton/polyester fabrics. Just make sure that you don’t choose a fabric that’s too heavy or too thick. If you want movie accuracy, I would recommend wool, but it can get really hot in the summertime.

For the lining, I would recommend kona cotton because it comes in more colors than broadcloth. This is where you need to purchase a tie first before making a robe. You need to match the color of the lining to the color of your tie. The color of your lining may not necessarily match the color of your tie 100%. If it is very close, then purchase it. If it’s still way off, I would recommend you to purchase your lining at F & S Fabrics. That fabric store has solids that come in every shade known to mankind. It’s a bit more pricey but it’s well worth it. That’s where I got my lining for my Ravenclaw robe and the lining for Ashley’s Slytherin robe. However you can also purchase your exterior fabric there as well.

F & S Fabrics
10629 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
(310) 475-1637

Either way, it’s still a worthwhile fabric store to check out. I usually go there for last resort if I can’t find anything. They do sell amazing fabrics and they can also re-order bolts of fabric for you just like Michael Levine’s.

Robe patterns:
You may use patterns to make your own robes. You may have to modify them and make alterations on your own if necessary. My best suggestion would be to use pictures of the robes from the Harry Potter films as references while you make the costume:

In-print patterns:
Simplicity 5840
Simplicity 9887

These following patterns are excellent but are out-of-print. You might still find them in JoAnn's or on ebay:

McCall’s 3663
McCall’s 4340
Butterick 4050

Robe instructions:

Here are the following robe tutorials:

Simplicity 5840 is a popular pattern used for PoA robes but it also tends to be roomy. The sleeves must be changed to bell sleeves. The hood must be made longer and end at a point. However this pattern can be used for females but it tends to be too large from what I’ve heard and needs appropriate alterations.

McCall’s 3663
http://www.mccallpattern.com/item/M3663.htm?tab&page=1
I used McCall’s 3663 for my robe. The sleeves have a lot of excess and the robes are too full that they need to be shortened.

McCall’s 4340
http://www.mccallpattern.com/item/M4340.htm?tab&page=1
I would also suggest using McCall’s 4340. This pattern needs few alterations and is a lot closer to the movie. The robe is also less full.

McCall’s 3663 creates drapery effect. McCall’s 4340 hangs straight down. In the end, it doesn’t really matter. They’re both really good patterns. It depends on what type of look that you want for the robes. Both robes look very similar anyways.

Robe instructions:
The length of the sleeves needs to be reduced. Once you are done cutting out the sleeves, measure your length from your shoulder to your wrist. Fold the sleeve over as if it were about to be sewn together. Cut off the excess fabric from the sleeves. (You’ll have somewhat of an excess to cut off because the sleeves tend to have a fantasy drape.)
Once you are done sewing the seams of the sleeves together, you need to make bell sleeves otherwise your sleeve will end up pointy. In order to do so, round off the sharp corners of the sleeve by cutting the excess off. Do not forget to refer to the Harry Potter pictures.
Make the hood end at a point.
When sewing the hood and the robe together, sandwich the hood in between the robe. This will be kind of confusing but you have to make sure that the colors match once you turn the robe inside out.
Finish sewing the edges of the robe together. Then sew on the sleeves.
Make sure that the robe falls to your ankles. To hem the bottom edge, cut of ¾ of inch of the lining. Turn up the exterior edge twice, press, and then sew. It sounds kind of confusing but that’s how I hemmed my robes. Unless you have better way, then go for it.
When in doubt, always refer to Harry Potter reference pictures.

Robe closures:
The robe closures are soft black clasps. You can also use black Chinese frog closures. The opened loop of the frog closure will be on your left-hand side of the robe (where the patch is).

Online Robe Tutorials:
How-To Gryffindor Robe
http://diyfashion.about.com/od/costumes/ss/gryffindor_robe.htm

Rebel's Haven Hogwarts Robe Research
http://rebelshaven.com/hogwarts.html

Sweaters (optional):
For PoA, the sweater is the same as SS except that the stripes on the V-neck collar are gone, and the sweater is charcoal grey. Students also have the option of wearing the PoA sweater vest. Note that the Hogwarts school uniform can also be worn without a sweater as in the Buckbeak scene in the Prisoner of Azkaban movie.

Hobbie’s House of Wizard Wear (Adult and children’s sizes available)
http://www.wizardknits.com
Hobbie’s House of Wizard Wear sell sweaters that are accurate to the movie, and everything is custom made. However Hobbie’s House might have a long turnaround time. If you want a sweater, place an order right now and be very patient. They won’t start making the sweater until you order it.

Whimsic Alley
http://www.whimsicalley.com
Whimsic Alley sells PoA sweaters from all four houses. They also sell sweater vests. Their sweaters are high quality and comfortable, and the colors are accurate to the movie. Lately, they've been having lots of problems with online orders such as late shipments. I would recommend you to purchase items at their store in Los Angeles, California. If California is out of your reach, I suggest looking at other shops.

Lochaven of Scotland
http://livelochaven.com/store_main.asp?int_category_id=6
Lochaven of Scotland also sells PoA sweaters. They sell sweaters that are identical to the ones in the movies. They provide the sweaters that are sold in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in the Islands of Adventure theme park in Orlando, Florida. However they are located all the way in Scotland.

Of course, if you don’t want to buy a sweater, you can try to make one. I made my first sweater by ordering a heather grey sweater/sweatshirt from Target. I added my stripes by using fabric ribbons. Overall, I pulled off the look. But I didn’t like the quality of it. It was part of my first Gryffindor outfit that I wore once and then retired it.

Scarves (optional):
For PoA, the scarves have the trapped bar design.

Hobbie’s House of Wizard Wear
http://www.wizardknits.com
Hobbie’s House sells PoA scarves four all four houses and in different lengths. That’s where I got my scarf, and it’s of the highest quality. Once again, they have a long turnaround time.

Dervish and Banges
https://https%3A%2F%2Fwww.universalorlando.com%2FMerchandise%2FShop%2FHarry_Potter%2FAccessories%2FNeckwear_Ties.html
Dervish and Banges (from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, Florida) sells PoA scarves from all four houses.

Whimsic Alley
http://www.whimsicalley.com
Whimsic Alley also sells scarves but they tend to be slightly shorter in length. Their colors are accurate to the movie. Lately, they've been having lots of problems with online orders such as late shipments. I would recommend you to purchase items at their store in Los Angeles, California. If California is out of your reach, I suggest looking at other shops.

Alivan’s
http://www.alivans.com
Alivan’s sells PoA scarves for Gryffindor and Slytherin only.

Make your own scarf:
Scarves can be time consuming. So if you’re going to make one, you better start right now. Make sure your yarn colors match the ones in the movies. Unfortunately, the only online tutorial that I found no longer exists.

Skirts:
For PoA, girls wear charcoal grey kick-pleat skirts. You can either make one or purchase one. They don’t take too long to make.

Buckhead Uniforms
http://www.buckheaduniforms.com
Buckhead Uniforms now sells PoA kick-pleat skirts. Select "Skirts" under "Girls Uniforms" from the menu on the left-hand side of the website. Then scroll down and select Skirt Style #134PT Teen. Pick charcoal.

Frank Bee
http:///www.frankbee.com
(They sell pleated skirts from SS/CoS and kick-pleat skirts for PoA. Pick charcoal grey.)

How to make your own your own PoA skirt:
Fabric: Charcoal grey fabric or suiting material. You can find them easily in the LA Fashion District.
Pattern: Simplicity 5351 skirt F (with a few modifications)
Make sure that before you cut your fabric that you extend the length of your skirt. The skirt falls just above the knees. Refer to the picture of Hermione. Don’t just cut everything right away with this pattern. Skirt F puts a horizontal seamline on the skirt. Do not cut the fabric according to the pattern. Add the horizontal band to the current skirt pattern. Tape them together and then cut the skirt. Don’t even bother cutting out the flaps.

Shirts:
Students wear long-sleeved white collar dress shirts. You can buy them at JC Penny, Old Navy, and other department stores.

Socks:
For PoA, girls wear black nylons.
Boys wear black socks.

Pants:
Boys wear charcoal grey pants for PoA.

Patches:
I would recommend ironing on the patch onto the robe and then using a zigzag stitch to secure the patch.

Patch Palace
http://www.robewares.com/

Dervish and Banges
https://https%3A%2F%2Fwww.universalorlando.com%2FMerchandise%2FShop%2FHarry_Potter%2FAccessories%2FCrest_Patches.html
Dervish and Banges (from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, Florida) sells patches from all four houses.

ebay
http:///www.ebay.com
You can still try to find patches on ebay.

Whimsic Alley
http://www.whimsicalley.com
Lately, they've been having lots of problems with online orders such as late shipments. I would recommend you to purchase items at their store in Los Angeles, California. If California is out of your reach, I suggest looking at other shops.

Shoes:
Boys wear nice black shoes while girls wear black Mary Janes.

Zappos Shoes
http://www.zappos.com
eBay
http://www.ebay.com
Payless Shoes
http://www.payless.com
Planet Shoes
http://planetshoes.com

Wands:
The Noble Collection
http://www.noblecollection.com/
The Noble Collection is selling exact replicas of Harry Potter wands at affordable prices. I would highly recommend them if you are portraying a specific Harry Potter character.

Whirlwood Wands
http://www.whirlwood.com
Whirlwood Wands sell excellent wands! They are pricey.

Alivan’s
http://www.alivans.com
Alivan’s sells high quality wands.

Whimsic Alley
http://www.whimsicalley.com
Whimsic Alley sells wands provided by Phoenix Wands. Lately, they've been having lots of problems with online orders such as late shipments. I would recommend you to purchase items at their store in Los Angeles, California. If California is out of your reach, I suggest looking at other shops.

Harry Potter Movie Pictures:
Leaky Picture Galleries
http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/%23gallery:home

Mugglenet’s Harry Potter Gallery
http://www.mugglenet.com/gallery/

Harry Potter Costume Links:
The Harry Potter Cosplay Community
http://www.livejournal.com/community/hp_costuming/
Feel free to post any questions you may have on the Harry Potter Cosplay Community. I Co-Moderate this forum. This forum is opened to people who have questions on any Harry Potter character.

Harry Potter Costume References
http://www.livejournal.com/community/hpc_ref/

Harry Potter Knitting & Crafts
http:///www.livejournal.com/userinfo.bml?user=weasleysweaters

Best Wizard Wear Resources
http://www.wizardknits.com/best-wizard-wear-resources.html

Contact:
https://www.facebook.com/mandyscosplaypage
chochang77@gmail.com
If you have any questions or need any help, feel free to contact me on my Facebook page or my e-mail address. Best of luck on your costume!
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