Do you have a Halloween costume yet? Are you disappointed by the quality of costumes at Spirit Halloween? Do you want something that will thoroughly wow your friends and is one of a kind? Well, why not try sewing your own costume! Sure, you might be thinking it's too difficult or time consuming. But considering that a good sewing machine starts at $100 these days and the ease of getting fabric online, sewing your own clothes has never been more doable.
As someone whose first sewing project was a gown from Lord of the Rings, there's no more fun way to learn how to sew than to tackle a dream project. After all, the journey to being a cosplayer begins with a single stitch. So if you're looking for ideas for some ambitious sewing projects for an upcoming Halloween party, or Broadway Con, here are some theatre-themed patterns to get you started.
Glinda and Elphaba (Wicked)
Are you a good witch or a bad witch? Luckily you don't have to choose. Mood (the fabric shop frequented by Project Runway contestants) has a number of free patterns, and they're not just simple dresses and shirts. Their newest pattern: Glinda's pink bubble dress, inspired by Paul Tazewell's Oscar-winning design from the first Wicked film. And the pattern is completely free! It's not for the faint of heart (you have to sew your own sequins), but Mood's detailed tutorial on how to make it means you don't have to figure it out alone.
If you're more of an Elphaba, then you're in luck too. There's a pattern inspired by Elphaba's gown (designed by Susan Hilferty) from the second act of the Wicked stage show. This pattern is from a smaller pattern maker but we were able to verify it was created by a real person based on their detailed (and intimidating) sewing tutorial. Granted, like the Glinda gown, it contains a ridiculous amount of ruffles. So if you want to make either dress, you should probably start on them now.
The Six Queens
Are you looking for a group costume, and something that is a little bit faster to sew? Famed pattern makers Simplicity actually has a pattern resembling Gabriella Slade's costumes for the queens of Six, with Tudor-inspired tops and bottoms. Granted, there's only four queens represented in these patterns (Jane Seymour and Anne of Cleaves are missing). So if you and your five other friends want to dress up as the Six queens, you may need to do some adjusting.
Lydia (Beetlejuice)
If you're a Beetlejuice fan and want a version of Lydia's dress that is sufficiently floofy, Mood also has a free pattern. Kind of. This one is actually modeled after the Wednesday Adams dress in the Netflix series Wednesday. But if you shorten it, add long sleeves, and add lace to the neckline, you have a dress that is perfect for that whole being dead thing.
Mary Todd Lincoln (Oh, Mary!)
If you've seen every Mary Todd Lincoln on Broadway and want to sing your own madcap medley, then Butterick has a pattern for a Mary Todd Lincoln-style dress. It also includes a tutorial on how to create a petticoat for maximum effect when you're falling dramatically onto a chaise (heart-dotted undergarments sadly not included). Just make it in black, add a Peter Pan collar and bratty curls to really channel Oh, Mary!
Heathers
If you're having trouble finding matching suits and skirts for your Heathers group costume, then you may have to make it yourself. Luckily, Simplicity has a pattern for an '80s-style suit jacket and matching mini skirt. You'll be ready for croquet and the candy store. Just don't forget to make yourself a matching scrunchie.
Hamilton
Do you have a big group that wants to dress up as the characters in Hamilton? Simplicity has patterns that work for A. Ham coats and Schuyler sister dresses. Plus, Mood has a free pattern if your favorite costume is Eliza Hamilton's blue empire-waist dress from the show's second act. Just remember when you're sewing to not throw away your seams (i.e. finish them).
Christine (The Phantom of the Opera)
If you're trying to dress up as the Phantom of the Opera, it's not difficult: get a suit and a half mask. But if you want to be the ingénue Christine, it's a little bit more complicated. And it can be surprisingly difficult to find the right Victorian bustle gown if you want to recreate Christine's blue dress from "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again" (after all, Maria Björnson's design was notoriously detailed). But if you are able to source the right blue fabric and trims, then here's a pattern for a bustle gown that will have you wanting to sing to the Angel of Music (and here's a cloak pattern if you get cold—make sure to clip the hood just-so onto the middle of your head so you don't cast shadows on your face). Or if you're the type of advance sewer who prefers to draft your own pattern, this Youtuber has a three-part guide on how to make the gown (including where to find the right fabric).
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Speaking of capes, if you want a sewing project that's a little more beginner friendly, capes can be fast and satisfying. After all, the store-bought capes don't have the anywhere near the right amount of swish since they usually skimp on fabric. You can swish to your heart's content when making your own cape, which you can do with this Hogwarts cape pattern (it also comes with instructions for how to make a matching necktie and sweater). Wands not included.
Anna and Elsa (Frozen)
Do you want to build a snowman? How about your own Disney princess gown? You can buy a pattern for both Anna and Elsa's dresses from pattern maker McCall's (which comes in child sizes, too, if there's a little one in your life who wants to dress up). It may take some attention to detail, since you have to make your own snowflake and flower appliqués. But if you're taking the trouble to make your own costume, then you should get the details exactly right.
These costumes are from companies known for creating patterns. With the rise of AI has also come the rise of AI patterns, which can be ill-fitting with confusing directions. So when you're trying to find a pattern, be sure to read reviews, and see if there are in-depth video or written tutorials. That way, you'll know that the pattern was made by a real person for real bodies, instead of by a machine. Happy sewing (and if you're struggling, just go slow, don’t be afraid to seam rip and start again, and always make a mock up).
