How to Create a DC: "Harley Quinn" Costume
Introduction: How to Create a DC: "Harley Quinn" Costume
"There she is...The one... The Only... The Infamous <PERSON>
Dr. <PERSON> was a psychiatrist at Arkham Asylum and crossed a few ethical boundaries when she fell for one of the patients- The <PERSON>. Since that time, shes been a bit off, but still has quite an ability to get into trouble. She is often paired as the girlfriend of the <PERSON>, but has also close contact with the other ladies in the <PERSON> world such as <PERSON>.
For the 2020 Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo, our group of friends wanted to go as a large <PERSON> themed group. We had two ladies in the group who liked the idea of going as <PERSON> and <PERSON>. I have seen several versions of the suicide squad <PERSON>, but I wanted to stick with a classic. Here is my tutorial for the <PERSON> jester suit. Let's get started!
Supplies
- Red Full Body Lycra Suit
-Black Full Body Lycra Suit
-sewing machine, thread, needles, clips
-cotton stuffing
-masking tape
-Clear wrap
-tape measure
-white fabric
-white small fabric balls
-large white fabric balls
-Stitch
-shoes (preferably flats)
-elastic
-1.5-2 inch wide White ribbon (several yards)
-plastic mascaraed mask
-paper
-chalk
-white face paint
-black lipstick
-make up sealer
-black eye mascara
-fabric fasteners
-blue contacts (optional)
Step 1: References
Before I ever start ANY costume, I look up a ton of reference photos from various sources and put it in a folder. The more pictures from different angles, the better. Look up:
1. Actual photos of the character from its source (movies, comics, action figure, etc)
2. Cosplay pictures. You can see what has been done, what you like, what you don't like, how to improve on a design. You can also start getting an idea of different poses you think you'd like to do.
3. I start looking at art work. I usually look up things via google images, deviant art, tumblr, etc. This way, you can see different renditions of a character through a new perspective and once again, start thinking about what you like, don't like, etc.
4. Use your own imagination. Think about what you want, how to make it your own original design, what are some tricks you think you'd like to incorporate.. 348
perhaps you want to try out a new technique with this build, etc
5. If you can draw, I sometimes will take all my reference sources and start drawing out my own design.
Step 2: Body Suit
1. First, try on the suits and see how they fit. Most of the time, these suits are generic so they don't fit comfortably. Often times, there is way too much material. (pic 1+2)
2. Use your stitch remover to take off both zippers from the back of both Zentai suits. Set them aside as you will use them.
3. You want each of the suits to fit like a glove.. IF THEY DO NOT, turn the suit inside out and put on. Use your sewing clamps and close the back.
4. Cut off the head area very carefully around the neckline. Remember, you will be wearing a white bib over that area so it doesn't have to be super pretty.
5. Then cut off the hands from each of the suits. It is better to cut the suits closer to the hand area than the wrist, especially if the material is stretchy. You can also cut the feet off, but if you do, cut closer to the foot, as the material will ride up on you if you cut too for up the leg.
6.Bunch up the fabric around the arms, waist, and inner/outer legs.Clamp off the excess fabric
6. Using your clamps as a guide, sew new seams on the suits to make the suits form fitting. (pic 3+4)
7. Because they suits are form fitting, they should be relatively the same size now at this time. Put one of the suits on, and use your chalk to make on the suit where you are going to split it. This was a very anxiety provoking process for me considering i was probably 4 hours into the project by now. Once everything is mark, cut the suit apart.(pic 5)
8 place your pieces over the other suit and cut along those lines as well
9. 316