Kaladin Cosplay: Sewing Resources and Advice

Written By Kaylee Godley

In my experience, Kaladin Stormblessed is among the most popular Stormlight Archive characters to cosplay at a convention. Maybe you are looking to head to Dragonsteel Nexus in a few months and want a great costume to wear! It’s also possible that Brandon Sanderson is going to be at a convention in a major city near you, and you cannot wait to get a special book signed while in cosplay. Now, for these big events, many hard core Cosmere fans have commissioned me to make them a custom Captain Kaladin costume. But what if you want to sew your own costume for our beloved bridge boy?

Since I had the absolute privilege of making a bunch of costumes for the Worldhopper Ball at Dragonsteel Nexus 2024, (including Bright Lord Dalinar and High Marshall Kaladin), other Cosmere fans around the world (!!!) have reached out to me about acquiring sewing patterns. I have good news and bad news on this topic.

  • Bad news first: According to the Dragonsteel Fan Art Policy, I am unable to distribute or sell my sewing patterns. This not negotiable. (These aren’t my rules, they’re Dragonsteel’s rules.) Right now, I am on good terms with Nale, Herald of Justice and I intend to keep it that way. Maintaining my good standing with Dragonsteel and keeping my integrity and honor as a Windrunner are paramount.

  • Good news, however, is that I can recommend several commercial patterns that you can start with!

But before we get into a great list of tips on making a cosplay of Kaladin’s uniform, we need to answer an important Cosmere question: What is canon when it comes to cosplay? We Cosmere fans are super passionate people. I care deeply about my personal bottom line when it comes to costuming and canon accurate cosplay: Do what you love, do what is functional, and try what you think is cool.

  • What aspects about the costume do you love? Go look at the official Stormlight Archive art and be inspired. Comb through fan art for creative interpretations of Kaladin Stormblessed. Find what you love and incorporate those design choices into your costume plans. (Be sure to tag the artists and give credit when your costume is done!)

  • What is going to be functional? I prioritize functionality when I make my costumes. To me that means extra pockets for my phone and snacks. Then I will include a D-Ring on my belt for my water bottle clip. Whatever that means for your needs in real life, make sure the costume is functional.

  • What do you think is cool to try and incorporate? Now, I am going to flex here and brag a bit. I am among the FIRST and the FEW people who actually have made truly canonically accurate Stormlight Archive costumes. (AHEM!) So, as a professional cosplay costumer, I am giving you permission to decide and prioritize what is most important TO YOU when it comes to any extra things you want to try. Learning a new sewing technique? Perfect. Skipping a wig all together? Totally fine. Most canon traits are helpful guidelines rather than absolutes. I aim to encourage and empower! We lift the bridge together! Because ultimately, that’s what cosplay is all about.

  • Practical application: When it comes to canon character traits, I recommend hitting the main ideas rather than focusing on tiny details about a character. For example, Captain Kaladin has a blue military style uniform jacket, the Bridge Four insignia somewhere, and maybe a matching blue vest. Kaladin has shaggy dark hair, possibly some scars, and carries a spear. Just try to hit the highlights and you will be recognizable as Kaladin! Alright, onto the sewing pattern recommendations.

Commercial sewing patterns:

Here are some commercial sewing patterns that can work nicely for a Captain Kaladin cosplay costume. These patterns each have different distinct elements which can work well for Kaladin’s uniform. Be sure to buy the right size sewing pattern you need according to your actual measurements!

Fabrics:

  • Decide on your blue: I have seen many costumes in varying shades from bright royal blue to deep navy blue. Both look great for military style uniforms, so take confidence in which blue you would prefer color wise for your Kaladin cosplay costume.

  • The type of fabric is important. I recommend a medium weight gabardine or twill type fabric. These fabrics have a diagonal weave (like denim jeans) which makes them stronger and more durable. Polyester gabardine and twill fabrics are usually less expensive per yard. Poly-cotton blends of these fabrics are going to be particularly great to minimize wrinkling and improve breathability if you can find the “Kholin Blue” you prefer. If you are an excellent sewist and want to be extra spiffy, a wool blend suiting would be swanky because this uniform is essentially a suit coat.

  • I advise using fabrics without stretch and have low shine. I tend to avoid any spandex in the blends for these kinds of uniform style costumes (2% or less).

  • Please use interfacing when recommended by the sewing pattern.

  • For lining, a thinner poly-cotton broad cloth is fine. Or you could be fancy and choose a satin suit lining. Remember though that a slippery fabric is fussier to sew.

Patches:

  • Dragonsteel sells very nice quality Bridge 4 patches. I order these off the Dragonsteel Website and have always used them for the Kaladin custom commissioned costumes I make.

  • Dragonsteel also sells nice Cobalt Guard patches for the elite Kholin bodyguard.

  • I’ve also seen people incorporate a Radiant Order patch on one upper sleeve and then put a Bridge 4 patch on the opposite.

  • Once I iron the Bridge 4 patches, I sew them onto the upper sleeves of the uniform so they will stay put.

Trim and Embellishments:

  • If you are wanting to add white or blue stripes to the Kaladin costume, I recommend using bias tape. Double fold bias tape comes in multiple widths and is great for accenting edges, hems, and cuffs.

  • If you are interested, metallic braid or gimp trims can add some metallic shine to incorporate into Kaladin’s costume, especially at his higher ranks later in the books.

  • Decorative buttons are cool, even if they don’t actually function. Buttons add interest in my opinion.

  • Extra sewn on decorations like epaulets on the shoulders and decorative pocket flaps can be a fun way to make your Kaladin costume your own.

Next level recommendations for serious sewists:

  • Press your seams. Seriously, do it. Your iron is basically your Shardblade when it comes to sewing. It’s that important.

  • Use 100% polyester Gutterman thread. (You’re welcome!)

  • Make a muslin (draft / mockup from cheaper fabric) to test out the fit.

  • Add extra pockets.

  • Add gussets for the armpits of your coat to build in extra mobility. (Especially if Kaladin is going to be doing gymnastics.)

  • Try modifying a collar or lapels by drafting your own pattern piece to alter the original commercial sewing pattern.

  • Consider embellishing your costume with other techniques you may enjoy. Crochet a little Spren friend, or hand embroider a special insignia for the collar. Make heat transfer vinyl decorations, or use fabric paints to weather the uniform. Incorporate skills you may already have and enjoy doing.

So, while the answer to the question, “Can I get your Captain Kaladin sewing pattern,” is sadly a no, I hope that this information gets you started. I hope I can provide some inspiration and empower your next sewing adventure! Onward sewing Radiants!

Kaylee Godley
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