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How I made my Nico Robin cosplay

Writer's picture: Indra RojasIndra Rojas

Hi friends! I'm here with another One Piece build (because of course haha). When I first saw Robin's outfit in the Egghead arc, I knew I wanted to tackle the ridiculous shoes and challenge myself with a more revealing costume (that part was more of a personal thing).




Let's get into how I made it and show you some thoughts and tips on working with the materials. Remember to always be careful when working with hot tools, scissors/cutters, pins, needles, and make sure to take any necessary protective measures when working with adhesives that have fumes or heating up foam (pls mask up and do this in a well-ventilated area).


Jacket and briefs

Let me start this by saying - get a different fabric than what I used. I used a holographic stretch vinyl and TBH I recommend using a less sticky fabric. I would use a stretch pleather (like the purple one) or a coated spandex. Something like a metallic stretch or something softer and less "plastic" - I hope that makes sense. It was HELL to sew (I'll go over that later), it's so difficult to get any creases out, it's stinky, and when I was taking the costume off, it was basically stuck to me, because it was just TOO hot. I ended up popping seams because it was that sticky. Nonetheless it's a REALLY cool looking fabric. I would make it the same way, just pick something more comfortable to craft with and wear.


For the jacket, I used a bodysuit pattern that I modified. I basically cut the front and back of the bodysuit up to the waist. Just measure yourself to how long you want it. A good way to check if the front and back are the correct length, is by checking the side seams match. So basically just don't cut the leg parts out. Make this as long as you need and adjust accordingly.

I then took the front panels and cut out a "V" shape that went from the collar to the waist.

The sleeves I made a little wider at the wrist, to make them a little baggier. You can see it in the photo (I think that explains it better).


For the briefs, I used a bikini bottom that I own as a pattern. It ties on the sides, so it was easy for me to just open it up, fold it in half and cut around it. Make sure to leave as much sewing allowance as needed. I also cut strips to add to the sides of the briefs.


Next, I sewed all the parts together. I added some strips to the collar, to give it a more finished look, as well as cut a rectangle, sewed the edges, flipped it over, then sewed it as a collar. I sewed the front of the jacket by sewing overlapping the bottom and sewing it up a few inches. I noticed it was puckering a little bit, so I solved this by making a stitch across (so basically it look like an upside down L). I then added a strip to the waist and finished all the edges and hems.


Details and accessories

I added some belt loops to the jacket, by sewing strips that I folded over.


For all the studs, I used a studded iron-on trim. It worked just fine for the photos, but because of the type of fabric, it peeled after I wore it. So again, use a different fabric if you want to use any iron-on items.


For the arm details (I'm not sure what to call them?) I used a metallic stretch that I cut into an oval shape. I filled it with a squishy foam I had (you can also use poly-fil for this), sewed it shut, then sewed it onto the arms. The letters were done with an iron-on metallic that I cut using my Cricut.


The belt was done by just covering a webbed belt with purple stretch vinyl. I sewed some snaps for closures and a ring to the center.


I also made gloves (I have a video of it I'll post soon) with the same purple fabric. I basically just traced my hand onto the fabric, sewed it together, then cut it out.


For the orange stockings, I just cut up a pair of orange leggings I had for a previous costume project that I never did (oops).


The Vegapunk armband was just done with a wide elastic that I added colored foamie details to.


The little radio headpiece wasn't the best TBH, but I made it using transparent Worbla and foam. I heated a piece of the Worbla over a cup, so it would create the bubble effect. I did this little by little. So heating it up, letting it cool, then repeating it. I didn't want it to overhead and burst. It actually worked really well, but I accidentally touched it when it was still hot and creased it. If I made this again, I would use one of those Christmas ornaments that come apart in the middle. I also cut out a little antenna out of the transparent Worbla. I painted the back of the pieces with yellow acrylic, then glued them onto 5mm EVA foam. I added some trim to the edge to cover some of the rough parts. The silver oval was made with a sparkly vinyl I had left over. SO it was like a sticker haha. When I wore it, I glued some strips to the back, so it could be pinned on. It was fine for photos, but I recommend attaching it to a headband instead. That way it's sturdier.



The boots

This was definitely the most difficult part. I made SO many patterns until I came to a design I liked and worked out! (I'll try to have the pattern for these in my shop soon!)

I cut out the pieces out of 5MM EVA foam, making sure to cut the front parts at a 45 degree angle and the back at a 90 degree angle. I cut the edges also at a 90 degree angle. The soles were 8MM EVA foam (also cut at a 90 degree angle). I assembled the pieces using contact cement. I did some minor heat forming using a heat gun, mostly to round out the leg opening.


I used the same pattern to cut the fabric to cover the boots, making sure to leave extra fabric for the top and bottom. I sewed the pieces and then slid them over the boots. I folded them into the boot and the bottom of the boot and glued it in place. Because the back of the fabric isn't vinyl, I was able to glue it in place using hot glue.


I cut out the rest of the details out of foam, then used my Heat N' Bond method to cover them with the fabric. I then glued them onto the boots using contact cement.

At this point, you can further finish the boots by adding another sole or covering the bottom with a non-slip fabric.



Sewing tips and FINAL REVEAL

The BIGGEST tip I can give you when using vinyl is to use a walking foot:

This is the biggest blessing to sewing. You can use both a straight stitch or zigzag and it will work perfectly. I basically keep this on my machine at all times. It's amazing for all types of fabrics, but especially for stretch fabrics, coated fabrics, and vinyls.

You can also get a teflon foot or put tape on your foot.

HOWEVER, if you do this and your fabric is still not sliding, chances are that it's sticking to the bed of your machine. A good workaround is to tape a piece of paper to the parts the fabric is sticking to. Make sure you don't cover the parts where the foot and needle are.

Simple but it works!


Now that you've read allllll of that, here's the final reveal of my Nico Robin Egghead cosplay!


I wasn't too happy with the full body photos I was getting, since they kept getting blown out (lighting) but HECK I needed to show those boots!!!

I was EXTREMELY nervous about this. I get self-conscious about showing my stomach and I was worried that the costume wouldn't be flattering, but thankfully it was really pretty!! It's always a worry when the character is basically tall, thin, and with crazy proportions (I love her so much though). I hope you like it!!!


Thank you so much for reading!! I hope this helps you on your cosplay journey or Egghead projects! Maybe given you some ideas or tips on using these types of fabrics. Happy crafting!!!

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