It was in 1977 that the Dark Lord of the Sith, better known as Dart Vader, was introduced to the world for the first time. Since then, this galactic villain (Luke and Leia's father) has become a popular culture icon. Whether you want to create a costume for a party, for Halloween or impress your friends, dressing up as Dart Vader is a guarantee of success. You can save and create a unique design by making the costume and accessories at home.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Get started
Step 1. Search for pictures of Dart Vader on the internet to guide you
Use a search engine like Google or Bing to find photos of Dart Vader that show the entire body, but you also need close-up shots of the different parts of the costume (i.e. mask, cape and clothes). Use them to guide you in purchasing or researching materials.
Step 2. Make a list of everything you need
You need to make sure you are prepared and get all the necessary materials and tools that you don't have at home. Divide the costume into 6 parts: helmet, dark clothes, dark boots, dark gloves, cape and accessories.
- Decide what kind of costume you want - it could be 100% accurate, comfortable or quick and easy to make.
- Decide which parts of the disguise you can do at home, and which parts you should buy at a toy or costume store instead.
Step 3. Buy cheap black clothes
Black is the color that distinguishes Dart Vader, and dark clothing is a key element of the costume. You can save money by purchasing clothing in this color at a thrift store. You need a long-sleeved shirt or sweatshirt, sports or cargo pants and a pair of socks.
- When selecting clothing, think about where you will wear the costume. If you plan to put it outdoors for Halloween or Carnival, buy heavy, bulky clothes. For a fancy dress party, look for lightweight, soft cotton clothing so you can feel comfortable indoors too.
- If you plan to add armor or padding (such as those used in American football) underneath your clothing to look more muscular, you may want to buy one or two sizes larger than yours.
Step 4. Make or purchase the boots and gloves
You will need thick black gloves and boots. Due to his deformity, Dart Vader always kept his body completely covered, including his hands and feet. Motorcycle gloves and boots are ideal, because they are large, durable and generally black. Chunky leather or faux leather gloves and usually cheap black snow boots work just as well. You can also make boot covers to wear over your shoes. Here's how to make them:
- You can sew the boot covers yourself using leatherette fabric, a 6mm wide elastic and a sewing machine. Create a pattern by drawing the contours of the shoe and pants from the bottom of the sole to the knee. Do this for both the right and left legs.
- Draw the pattern on the fabric, making sure to include the width of the shoe in the toe and heel area and adding fabric as needed. Leave 1.5 cm of fabric along one side for sewing. Do this twice for each side and then cut out along the edge.
- Sew the 2 halves of each boot; do this only along the sides, keeping the top and bottom open.
- Cut 4 pieces of elastic the same length as the bottom of the boot. Place one end of the elastic next to the right seam and the other end next to the left seam. Secure it with tacks and machine sew it to the bottom of the boot. Put the boot covers on by pulling them over your shoes and pants.
Method 2 of 4: Create the Dart Vader Helmet
Step 1. Buy or purchase everything you need to make a papier-mâché helmet
Papier mache is ideal for creating a three-dimensional, hollow, durable and lightweight helmet. You can always buy a helmet at a toy or costume store, but making paper mache is easy and fun. Here's what you'll need:
- Newspaper.
- Ingredients for making papier-mâché (1 part of flour for 5 of water).
- Cooking pan.
- Bowl for mixing.
- 1 balloon.
- 3-4 empty cereal boxes.
- Masking tape of paper.
- Recycled plastic container.
- Hot glue gun and glue.
- Black spray paint.
- Polishing spray paint.
Step 2. Prepare the papier mache dough
Mix 1 glass of flour and 5 glass of water in a pan. Let it boil for 3 minutes and let it cool. This method allows you to obtain a uniform and smooth dough.
- You can also add equal parts of water and flour, and then mix them in a bowl.
- Do not add salt to the solution, as otherwise it will be difficult to shape the papier-mâché.
Step 3. Make a base for the papier mache helmet
You will use the balloon to make the base of the papier mache helmet. Inflate the balloon and place it in a plastic bucket to prevent it from moving. Add a single layer of papier mache to the balloon by dipping strips of newspaper into the dough and sticking them directly to the surface. Before proceeding to the next step, let it dry completely.
Paper mache can get dirty. Use a flat work surface, such as a table or kitchen floor, and spread newspaper over the entire area before you begin
Step 4. Cut shapes from the cardboard of the cereal boxes to create the face of Dart Vader
Make the face by cutting out geometric figures (squares, rectangles, triangles and circles) and attaching them to the papier-mâché base with masking tape or hot glue. Once you have finished modeling Dart Vader features with card stock, add another layer of papier mache and let it dry.
- Don't forget to make a visor that protrudes over the eyes and to the side.
- Dart Vader breathes through a triangle shaped respirator that exits the face and covers the nose and mouth.
Step 5. Deflate the balloon and cut holes for the eyes and mouth
Carefully remove the bottom and back of the mask, and use a pin to pop the balloon. Add extra papier mache to smooth out any uneven edges and fill in any gaps. Let dry before cutting 2 large, circular holes for the eyes and a triangular hole for the respirator.
Cut strips of plastic from a recycled container and glue them to your mouth to create the respirator openings
Step 6. Spray the paint on the helmet and make the final finishing touches
Spray black spray paint all over the helmet, and finish with some polish. On the back of the helmet, drill a hole in each end, then thread a rubber band through the holes so you can attach the mask.
After you finish dyeing your helmet, use hot glue to stick the lenses of an old pair of sunglasses over your eyes
Method 3 of 4: Create the Dart Vader Cloak
Step 1. Take some basic measurements
You need to measure 3 parts of your body. While wearing shoes or boots, measure the distance from the nape of the neck to the floor; stretch your arms sideways and measure the distance between the fingers of one hand and those of the other; finally, measure the circumference of the base of the neck. Bring them with you when you go to a fabric store, and ask a clerk to help you figure out how much fabric you need to buy.
- Purchase extra fabric, 6-8 cm extra per side, for the purpose of hemming.
- The fabric is usually sold by the meter.
Step 2. Select a model and buy everything you need
Online or at a fabric store, you can find patterns to create a classic superhero cape. If you don't know how to use the sewing machine, remember that there is a variety of cloak designs available for different skill levels. Also, the Dart Vader cape is different from the classic superhero cape; in fact, it does not "flutter". You have to use a heavy fabric to give weight to the garment. For a simple cape, you will need:
- At least 1m of heavy black fabric (enough to make a child's costume; adults need more fabric based on weight and height).
- At least 1m of extra fabric if you decide to include a lining.
- Pattern.
- Multi-purpose black thread.
- 5-8 cm of velcro.
- Erasable marker or chalk to mark the fabric.
- Sewing machine.
Step 3. Draw the pattern on the cape and then cut it out
Using a chalk or an erasable fabric marker, transfer the pattern from the paper to the fabric. Adjust the model to fit your measurements (height from the nape of the neck to the floor, and width of the extended arms). Measure the width at the base of the neck to determine the size of the collar, and add several extra inches for comfort. Once you're done, cut out the fabric.
- Repeat this step if you want to add a lining to the cape.
- Alternatively, you can draw, cut and then join 2 semicircles by sewing them. Fold the fabric in half and pin it in place. Double the measurement you calculated from the nape to the floor and mark on the fabric, leaving approximately 5 cm from the base of the semicircle to the edge of the fabric. Use a piece of chalk attached to a thread to draw a perfect arc. Cut out the material. In the center, draw and cut out a smaller semicircle for the neck. Use a sewing machine for the purpose of joining the two halves.
Step 4. Create the hem of the collar and the bottom of the cape and add the velcro
Use your sewing machine to make a simple double fold hem on the collar and bottom of the cape. Fold the fabric about 1.5cm, and then 1.5cm again. Secure with pins. Sew the hem approximately 3mm from the second folded edge. Once you're done, flatten the hem with an iron.
- When you take initial measurements for the cape, you need to add several extra inches for the hem. The hem will make the garment more durable, and will prevent fraying at the edges.
- Secure the collar by sewing or gluing a 5-8cm piece of Velcro on each side. If the cloak is heavy, you may need a slightly larger piece of Velcro.
Method 4 of 4: Assemble the Costume
Step 1. Allow 10-15 minutes to put on the costume
First, try on each piece separately to make sure it fits you. Before putting on the costume, make any necessary adjustments. You need to be sure you have everything you need to become a Dart Vader. Here's what you need: padding (optional), helmet, long-sleeved shirt and black pants, black gloves and black boots.
Step 2. Put the pads on first (optional)
They are not necessary, but they add thickness and make the body look more muscular. You can use old American football or hockey equipment, such as shoulder and chest pads, shin guards, and / or protective sports shorts. To avoid skin irritation, you should wear a tight fitting shirt and boxers under the pads. If you have decided to wear them, first put on protective sports shorts or a modeling waistcoat. Next, position the shoulder pads so they are comfortable for you, and ask someone to help you secure them at the front and back. Finally, fasten or tear off the shin guards.
- Padding can be bulky, making movement difficult or uncomfortable. If you're not used to wearing them, practice putting them indoors for a few hours over the course of several days.
- Use duct tape with polyethylene backing (attach to clothing, not skin) to help secure any pads that feel loose or move too much.
- Sports equipment is expensive. If you don't have any upholstery at home, borrow it from a friend or pop into a flea market, but they should be clean.
Step 3. Put on the pants and the black long-sleeved shirt
The pants and long-sleeved shirt or sweatshirt should be snug, but not too tight. If you decide not to wear padding, but still want to look muscular, you could wear a chunky sweatshirt or overlap several shirts. You can do the same for the pants: wear two pairs of sweatpants, or put some black sweatpants over a classic pair of jeans.
Layering your clothes is a good idea even if you will be wearing the costume outside and it will be cold
Step 4. Slip the pants into the boots and put on the gloves
Pull the boots over your pants, or slip the pants into your boots. If necessary, lace up and tighten your boots before putting on your gloves. If you have made boot covers, you can just put them on your sneakers. Try walking. Stomp your feet hard when you do this to make it look more threatening.
Step 5. Add the cape and helmet
Tie or velcro the cape around your neck. Adjust it to be comfortable and not too tight. As a finishing touch, put on your helmet. Make sure it fits your head, and allows you to see and breathe smoothly. Before you go out, try walking around your house to get used to the costume.
Step 6. Add a lightsaber, or make your own
If you have one, take it with you by tucking it into a belt. You can also make it with one of the tubes that kids use when learning to swim in the pool. With a knife, cut it in half. Around one end, wrap silver polyethylene-coated masking tape over a quarter of it. Finally, use black electrical tape to create 3 horizontal loops around the top of the silver duct tape, and 2 vertical bands between the horizontal loops and the bottom of the silver duct tape.
Step 7. Create a dashboard
Dart Vader has one on his chest, and it serves to monitor his vital signs and body functions. You can complete the costume by painting or spraying black spray paint on a cardboard box. Next, create the keys and switches by drawing them with different metallic colored markers, or by gluing buttons, beads, toy pieces or caps of toothpaste to the front of the box. Use black polyethylene-coated tape to attach the control panel to the shirt, or thread some black thread or twine on each side and wear it around your neck.
Step 8. Breathe deeply and make rattling sounds
Following the near-fatal battle with Obi-Wan Kenobi, Dart Vader was equipped with mechanical lungs and a respirator. As a result, his breaths are extremely loud and hoarse. Despite heavy breathing, his voice is deep and respectful. Get ready to watch movies featuring Dart Vader, including Star Wars Episodes III, IV, V, and VI. Record yourself as you try to speak like the character. When wearing the entire costume, practice the gait, expression and movement in front of a mirror.
Advice
- Before you go to a party or anything else, make sure you have enough time to put on the costume.
- If you can't find a piece you need in stores, be creative and try making it yourself. Making different parts of the costume will allow you to customize it, and make it stand out.
- Make sure you keep all of the costume pieces in a safe place so you don't lose anything.
- Practice expressing yourself with a deep voice; if you can't, stay silent. Dart Vader only speaks when necessary.
- Move safely by making movements that are slower and easier to control. Avoid making moves that seem jerky or overly enthusiastic.
- Get someone to accompany you. The costume may restrict you in terms of sight or movement. Having a person discreetly pointing you to an approaching step or car will be of great help. You can also coordinate the disguises: he could disguise himself as a Stormtrooper or an Imperial officer.
- Above all, have fun and remember that safety comes first!
- A helmet with a built-in voice editing tool can help you create the character more accurately. You can also download an app on your mobile that allows you to get the same voice as Dart Vader.
Warnings
- The helmet may prevent you from seeing well. Make sure you walk safely and don't drive while wearing it.
- Remember that you may scare children. If you meet any of them, don't be serious, do something fun, like sing or dance.
- Try to hydrate yourself. Unless you've designed a ventilation system, the costume will soon start to make you feel quite hot. Make sure you drink plenty of water, and if you start feeling dizzy, take off your helmet and cool off.
- If you carry a sword, do not use it to strike people or damage other people's property. Not only is it annoying, it can also be dangerous.
