The Dobby costume is a popular choice for Harry Potter fans who love this kind and brave house elf. Although Dobby's "pillowcase" outfit looks pretty simple, plan to make the costume at least a few days in advance so you can gather all the ingredients. You can make everything by hand or replace some parts with store-bought materials, depending on how complete you want your costume to be. As long as you don't forget the key elements to Dobby's cosplay (socks, of course!), you can't go wrong.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Making a Dobby Pillowcase Shirt
Step 1. Sew a large pillowcase using a sewing pattern
When Dobby was first introduced in the Harry Potter series, he wore a dirty pillowcase because house elves weren't allowed to wear real clothes. Purchase sackcloth (such as burlap) and large pillowcase patterns at your local craft store. Sew the pillowcase by hand or with a sewing machine.
You may need to double or triple the size of the pattern, depending on your needs
Step 2. Use an existing large pillowcase as an alternative
If you have a pillowcase large enough, use it instead of sewing a new one. Look for long pillows (jumbo pillows or love pillows) at home that usually have a cover large enough to fit.
Make sure you tell people at home before making a pillowcase a costume
Step 3. Make holes for the head and hands
You can't just wear a pillowcase as is. Measure the circumference of your arm and head, then make a hole in the pillowcase based on that size. Outline the holes with a marker first for a more precise cut.
Measure the widest circumference of your head and arms so that the holes fit
Step 4. Add rips or holes to the pillowcase
Dobby is depicted wearing a tattered pillowcase in Chamber of Secrets. Take scissors, make small slits in your costume to make it look worn. Squeeze the ends of the pillowcases to make them look more shabby.
Try on pillowcases first so you don't make holes in places that would make it awkward
Step 5. Bring socks as property
Because Harry Potter freed Dobby from his lifelong bondage with socks, these socks became Dobby's favorite clothes. Make sure you have at least one sock in your hand at all times. Without it, people may not know who you are or may even mistake you for Gollum from Lord of the Rings.
Step 6. Wear clashing outfits as an alternative
After being released as a house elf, Dobby can wear whatever he wants. He often wears anything that catches his eye or that his friends give him. Usually all are used at once. Check the wardrobe for the clothes that stand out the most and the colors that clash the most, then layer them up and make a costume that Dobby is sure to love.
- In the series, Dobby once wore a tea-kettle hat, a horseshoe-pattern tie, soccer shorts, a dark red sweater, several hats piled on top of each other, and a scarf.
- Don't forget to wear two completely different bright patterned socks!
Step 7. Go barefoot or wear leather sandals
Usually, Dobby is depicted barefoot. For an accurate picture, do not wear any footwear. However, if you don't want your feet to get dirty or you'll be walking a long distance, wear leather open-toed shoes.
Part 2 of 3: Applying Makeup and Prostheses
Step 1. Paint your skin a grayish beige color
If you're making a Dobby costume close to Halloween, it's fairly easy to find face paint in that color at most stores. Maybe you need to visit a craft, party supply, or theater supply store. Make sure you choose a face paint that has passed the BPOM test and is labeled non-toxic to keep it safe.
Step 2. Make ears from flannel (felt fabric) and glue them to the headband
Buy a gray or cream flannel and draw long pointed ears. Use fabric glue to attach it to the headband. Let the glue dry, then try Dobby's new ears.
- House elves have very large ears. The length of the ears depends on the size of your own head, but is generally 15 cm long.
- Purchase fairy ears at an online marketplace or at a costume shop as an alternative.
Step 3. Wear a long nose prosthesis
Like other house elves, Dobby has a pointed nose. Buy a witch's fake nose and spray it with paint that is the same color as the ears and face. Dobby's nose should be long, but not more than 8-10 cm. Wear your nose at Halloween parties so people know who you are playing.
- Some Dobby costumes skip the nose and use makeup to make the nose appear longer. Use this method if you don't like wearing a prosthesis.
- Spray your nose with paint a few days to a week in advance so you don't smell the paint again when you use the nose.
- Alternatively, just paint the nose of the prosthesis with face paint if you are sensitive to the smell of spray paint.
Step 4. Purchase a Dobby mask as a simpler alternative
If you don't have the time or energy to put on makeup or put on a prosthesis, just buy a Dobby mask. This way is easier and other people will recognize who you are.
Part 3 of 3: Acting as Dobby
Step 1. Shout "Dobby is freeee …!" when someone asks who you are. Dobby is deeply grateful for his freedom and-unlike some other house elves-is not ashamed that he doesn't have a master. If anyone doesn't recognize your costume, these iconic Dobby quotes are a great way to tell them. You can also shout:
- "Master has given Dobby a sock!"
- "You shall not harm Harry Potter!"
- "Bad Dobby! BAD DOBBY!"
Step 2. Scream when someone mentions Malfoy's name
Dobby liked most wizards, but there was one family he hated: his cruel former master. Avoid anyone dressed as Draco or Lucius Malfoy. If you dare (and if there's no one dressed up as Malfoy), slander the pureblood family at every opportunity!
Step 3. Approach the person in the Harry Potter costume
Because Harry had been so kind to Dobby and respected him when no one else had done so, Dobby became Harry's loyal friend. He even sacrificed his life to save Harry and his friends. Ask a close friend to put on a Harry Potter costume or accompany someone else in the Boy Who Lived.
Don't scare people dressed as Harry Potter. Give him space, especially if you don't know each other
Step 4. Prepare a large collection of socks
Bring a few pairs of socks to this special party or event. Wear two on your feet and hold the rest in your hands. Show off socks to anyone who asks and praise others' socks out loud.
