Harley Quinn is one of the most famous villains in the Batman series so it's no wonder that many women want to dress like her for Carnival, Halloween, or a comic convention. That said, you should be as crazy as Harley to buy a pre-made costume when you can make your own. Here is what you need if you want to save.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: The Top
Step 1. Mark the center of a red and a black shirt
Use two long-sleeved tops for the classic Harley Quinn version or two sleeveless fitted tops for the "Arkham Asylum" one.
- Arrange the two shirts on the work surface.
- Use a ruler or tape measure to find the exact center. Draw a vertical line with tailor's chalk.
- Following the ruler, draw another line 2.5 cm away from the middle one. On the black shirt draw one on the left. On the red one, the second line goes to the right.
Step 2. Divide in half
Cut both stitches following the second lines you drew.
- Do not cut along the midline. You will not have enough material for the seams.
- You may need to pin the front and back of the shirts together to make an even cut. Otherwise, draw the lines on the back as well and cut separately.
- Keep the cut fabric aside to make the diamonds to apply on the sleeves.
Step 3. Sew the red half to the black half
Pin toe along the midline so the extra fabric is hidden inside the swimsuit behind the fold. Turn the shirt inside out and sew a straight line.
- Choose a black or red thread and then sew the two halves together with the sewing machine. Backstitch the edges for safety.
- If you sew by hand, use the full length back stitch.
- Sew both sides together before turning the shirt inside out.
Step 4. Attach the diamonds to the sleeves
If you are making a classic Harley Quinn costume, you will need to attach three diamonds on each sleeve.
- Cut them out of the extra fabric of both shirts. They should be about 5cm long and 2.5cm wide.
- Sew the three diamonds in a partially diamond pattern to the top of the sleeves. The diamonds should be mirrored.
- Sew the black ones the same way but on the bottom of the red sleeve.
Step 5. Wrap a corset around your waist
This option is actually for those who want to play the "Arkham Asylum" version instead of the classic one.
Tie it around the waist, over the shirt. If possible, also sew a black cord or belt over it
Part 2 of 4: The Legs
Step 1. Untie one pair of black and one red leggings
They have central seams that extend from the waist to the ankles. Use a thread puller.
- If you just cut them, you won't have enough fabric to stitch the halves together.
- You can also use leggings, but leggings are made of a more resistant material and will be easier to work with.
- If possible, use leggings of the same type so that the two halves fit together perfectly.
- Match the colors of the leggings with those used for the shirt. If the right arm is to be black and the left to be red, the right leg must be red and the left leg black.
- Save the leftover fabric to make the diamonds.
Step 2. Sew the two halves together
Turn the leggings inside out and pin the unstitched edges of the red and black halves together. Sew a straight line down from the waist down the legs, both front and back.
- Use red or black thread.
- If you are using a sewing machine, choose straight stitches and back stitches to secure the fabric.
- If you sew by hand, use the back stitch for a strong seam.
- Test your pants. Before you put everything away you have to try on the pants to make sure there are no holes and that the seams hold when you sit, stand and bend over.
Step 3. Add the diamonds
Cut three black and three red diamonds from the fabric. They should be twice the size of the shirt.
- Sew three black diamond shapes to the top of the red leg.
- Sew three black diamonds in the same way on the bottom of the other leg.
Part 3 of 4: Makeup
Step 1. Paint the face white
Rub white cosmetic paste all over your face.
Create a look that is as homogeneous as possible. The white paste should go from the hairline to where the neck begins. You don't have to include the ears, eyelids and mouth
Step 2. Apply black makeup
Eyeshadow, eyeliner and mascara must be black.
- Brush some black eyeshadow over your lids.
- Apply a thick layer of gel eyeliner along the upper and lower lids. The gel smudges easier than the brush, which is perfect for this look.
- Apply mascara to your lower and upper lashes.
- Use a cotton swab to smudge your makeup. It must be wrong but still attractive.
- Use some gel eyeliner to create the tear-smeared makeup effect. Apply it in quick, short strokes starting from the lower eyelid. Just create a few. Just smudge them with the cotton swab.
Step 3. Put on a red lipstick
You can also use a black one, as long as it is dark.
Step 4. Apply some blush to your cheeks
Quickly brush your cheekbones for a subtle pop of color.
Part 4 of 4: Accessories
Step 1. Put on some black ankle boots
Low tops are preferable, but you can also choose ankle boots with a little heel.
- The ankle boots are ideal for both versions of the costume, but for the one inspired by “Arkham Asylum” you can also opt for knee-high boots.
- Technically, Harley Quinn has one red and one black shoe. If you find cheap footwear that you can permanently change, paint it with spray paint. Obviously remember to associate the red shoe with the black leg and vice versa.
Step 2. Use a red and a black glove
Both swimsuit and handmade ones are fine, as long as they are thin.
- Invert the colors as always. The red glove should match the black sleeve and vice versa.
- Add white flounces to the cuffs. The easiest way is to wear hair ties made of puffy, soft fabric.
Step 3. Put on a joker hat
This touch is only for the classic version of the costume.
Look for one that is red and black. Otherwise it would not match with the costume
Step 4. Put on a blonde wig
It is required for both versions, especially if you can't find the joker hat.
- Find a long blonde wig. Tie the pigtails to the sides of the head.
- Tie them with black and red ribbon. You can use both colors on both sides or alternate the ribbons as for the rest of the costume.
Step 5. Add the black bezel
Harley Quinn wears a black mask that barely covers her eyes and part of her nose.
- A carnival mask will do just fine, but if it covers your face you can always cut it so it only stays around your eyes.
- Check that the elastic of the mask remains under the wig or under the hat.
