Simple Leia Costume

This was my first attempt at cosplaying. I'm going to do more of these. I did most of the sleeves by hand (though I originally did this with hot glue). The picture is the one I based the costume on.

This Princess Leia costume is only the dress. It's more of a springboard for ideas than anything else. Please tell me if it's helpful!

The dress I made was made out of a white top sheet I bought from Walmart. It's very thin, so you must wear something under it.

For the sleeves, measure from your wrist to the tip of your "pointer" finger. Mark it with a fabric pencil. Allow some seam allowance for hemming. Then, go about six inches down, and mark that. Finally, draw the outline of your sleeve, and cut it out. Hem the wrist, and set aside.

For the dress, have someone take your measurements. Mark the height from the base of your neck to your ankles on the fabric. Trace the shape of your gown, adding about an inch at the top for a collar.

Lay your dress out open (so that the head hole is in the middle) inside out. Put the sleeves where they will go. Make sure they face the "wrong" way too.

I did this by hand, but you might be able to use a sewing machine. Take about half an inch of fabric from the both where the sleeve will go and the sleeve itself. Pin it together. Do this on both sides. Sew.

Now fold the gown in half again, making sure it is still inside out, and that everything is lined up. Sew each sleeve closed (except where you need to put your wrist!). Then sew the sides of the gown closed.

Turn right side out, and check the fit. Make any adjustments needed.

Wear your Princess Leia dress! ;) You may want to look at photos or stills from the movie to get details. Wear a wig or put your hair up her "Leia bun" hairstyle, and maybe add a silver belt and a blaster.

Go boss that scruffy-looking nerfherder around!