One of this year’s top costumes at comic conventions has already been Harley Quinn and it looks like Halloween is going to be no different. Rather than go the typical movie route we’ve been seeing though, we tried our hand at one of the new cosplay patterns from McCall’s and created this awesome steampunk-inspired Harley. Complete with crazy eyes and cute pigtails.

Fabrics & materials used:

• Pattern: McCall’s Red Reign Cosplay Pattern M2091
•  Jacket
  • Luminous Black and Off-White Floral Satin Jacquard
  • True Red Solid Poly Shantung
  • Black Solid Poly Shantung
  • Black Stretch Velvet with Sheer Gathered Trim
  • Black Elastic Button Loop Braid
  • 1/4″ Black Nylon Velvet Ribbon
• Corset
  • Luminous Red and Black Floral Satin Jacquard
  • Black European Crochet Trim
  • Nickel Grommets
• Skirt
  • Garnet Crinkled Taffeta
  • Black Honeycomb Embroidered Soft Tulle
  • Black European Crochet Trim
  • Black Corded Crochet Trim
  • Black Raschel Lace Trim
  • Pewter Single Faced Velvet Ribbon

This new line of patterns from McCall’s is pretty fantastic. They’re fun, creative, and pretty easy to follow. In addition to the basic steps, they also go into some tips for some of the more advanced techniques so you can be sure to sew your absolute best, even if you’ve never taken on a project this big before.

The pattern creates four separate pieces: the jacket, corset, overskirt, and also a cage petticoat (which I chose to leave out).

To capture Harley’s iconic jester vibe, I found a black and red jacquard that was usable on both sides. I decided to use it for the corset, using the mostly black side on the left and the more dominantly red face on the right.

The matching black and silver jacquard makes up the collar and sleeves of the jacket. For the body, I went with a basic shantung that I found in both black and red.The skirt was especially fun! Mood’s crinkled taffeta has a ton of body, so I was able to skip the petticoat and have the skirt still keep it’s shape which saves on both time and comfort.I also found this absolutely perfect embroidered soft tulle for the skirt overlay. They’re not diamonds, but I love how the hexagons feed into the jester aesthetic.

Every time I finish a costume, I feel like I say that it’s officially my new favorite make. In this case though, Harley might be a reigning fave for a while. I love how detailed it is, how many fabrics and trims I was able to work with, how spot on the colors are.

If you’re going to be at NYCC this weekend, you can actually check it out in person! For the first time ever, we’ll have a booth on the show floor (#846). Be sure to come say hi!