I am so excited to share this Wiseman Costume Tutorial!!! I refashioned this costume out of some old curtains. And they may or may not have been picked up from the side of the road. I was looking through a junk pile on my neighbor’s curb and she offered them to me. Free fabric. I couldn’t say no. I loved the thick feel of the material and I knew they would be the perfect wisemen costume. The rich dark color is perfect because we know that dark material is for the wealthy. And I am going to assume the wisemen were well off as they brought treasured gifts and could travel to find our Newborn King. I love when I can reuse something to bless my family. And our family always acts out the nativity on Christmas Eve. I have been slowly making/collecting items so we can dress up.
My oldest likes being the Wisemen. Maybe someday all three of my boys can be Wisemen. He feels like he can relate because he is a smarty pants too. It only took me 10 months but I finally got around to making this robe and headpiece. So let’s get started!
WISEMAN COSTUME TUTORIAL
Materials needed:
- Material. An old sheet or curtain works great. Or you can purchase some material. You want to make sure you have enough material if your child or adult. The picture below can help you figure out your measurements.
- Sewing machine
- Scissors and possibly Pinking Shears if your material will fray
- Pins
I laid out my material and had my son lay down for me. Trace a sleeve and then draw down to the corner. It’s very similar to my Jedi Robe Tutorial. Once I cut this piece I pick it up and place it down reversed and cut the other side. This helps me keep my angles the same. Unlike the Jedi robe you can have seams at your shoulders. Also you may notice that I try and utilize my seams. Because of this layout I won’t have to hem the sleeves or bottom of the robe. If you are not using curtains or sheets you may have to do that step. But it shouldn’t take too long.
Next I sew the right pieces together at the sides and on the top. Keep about 5-6 inches on the center top NOT sewn together so you have room for your neck. I also sliced a vertical line up the center to create the robe. I didn’t realize how much my material would fray so I broke out my pinking shears. (Thanks again Mom!) Also I did a zig zag stitch on all my unfinished edges to help stop fraying that I didn’t cut with my pinking shears.
Have your child try on their robe. I found I needed to sew my shoulder seam in a bit more to have it lay right. I wanted to give me some space just in case. Then with the open flap pieces I folded them into the seam and stitched them in place. Because I had extra trim from his Kristof Costume I used some of that and stitched it on the front of the robe.
To make the head piece I used the scraps from under the arms. I stacked three of them and quickly stitched them together. Then while holding them down with my foot (you could enlist the help of someone else) I braided the three pieces of material. When I got the bottom I stitched the ends together again. Sew a small piece of elastic to one end. I cut small square, again utilizing my finished seams. I wrapped this material around my braided end to make it look more finished. You can see from the picture below. I hand stitched this into place. Then sew the other piece of that elastic to your other braided end to make a circle. Cut another square and cover the other side of your braid.
I suggest measuring your child’s head. I made mine larger so my husband could wear it too. This would be perfect for any scripture character. I always loved when a man from my church would come into Primary, our children’ group, and pretend to be an old prophet. The kids were entranced as they watched the scriptures come alive.
We took some nativity pictures with the rest of my kids. I love having material around to utilize and make different costumes. Draco usually likes to be a shepherd but I talked into being Joseph this time. Be sure to follow me on Instagram to see pictures of our nativity this Christmas Eve. Last year it was just our family and the spirit was so strong. It’s my favorite tradition!!! We read from Luke and sing Christmas carols and act out the events that happened on that sacred night. I love that my children can learn about our Savior and feel the spirit through music and the scriptures. It’s been wonderful having a larger family so we have someone for each part. I am so thankful for all the years we had friends and family over to celebrate. I love looking back at those pictures of who was Mary or the Wisemen. I hope this is a tradition that my children continue. I love making Christmas Eve a time to reflect on the Savior without the competition of presents. I hope this Wisemen Costume Tutorial helps your family to focus on our Savior.
My little sheep.
Georgiana LOVED being Mary. She took the role of holding Baby Jesus very seriously. She makes such a sweet Mary.
As we gather as families to celebrate the season let us all ask ourselves what gift will I give to our Savior? For a video of our Savior click on the banner #asaviorisborn
Check out my Jedi Robe Tutorial. It makes for a great Shepherd or Joseph costume.
Or for more items I found on the curb click the post below or click Monday Treasures.
Roadside Treasures
Linking up at Friday Finds and Link Party Palooza
Some of these items are affiliated links. You are welcomed to buy from anywhere. But I don’t mind if you buy them from here. I only share items I really like or use. Thanks for your support!
