Fandom Crafts: Star Wars

Star Wars is the "big daddy" of fandom crafting, with Star Trek running a close second. The hard part isn't finding Star Wars crafts; it's in deciding which projects and crafts to leave out. The amazing variety of Star Wars tributes in crafting form is truly amazing.

A good place to start, if you're looking for a craft for yourself and the kids, is at the official Star Wars website. They have a collection of craft activities, including papercraft, finger puppets, painted rock buddies, and my personal favorite, a Hanukkah "droidel" featuring R2D2 in spinnable Hannukah form! (Don't miss the recipes, which include a "Greedo Fauxito," blue milk, Death Star popcorn balls, and more.)

Image courtesy Flickr/anniehp

Knitting
There are literally two entirely different sets of patterns for Star Wars golf clubs, that is how strong the force is with the knitting community. One of my favorite Star Wars knitting patterns has always been the R2D2 beanie, with the Felted Baby Yoda Hat running a close second.

If you have mastered the art of stranded knitting, check out these Fair Isle beanies, this storm trooper hat, this R2D2 hat, and - for the fan who just can't decide - the flip hat that has the Rebel insignia on one side, and the Empire logo on the other.

No matter what you want to make, crafters are ready with charts for you to add to your project. This AT-AT chart is pretty great, and here's a big collection of charts for your needs.

When it comes to toys, we have Admiral Ackbar, light sabers, a Bantha, a Tooka, and of course Princess Leia hair.

Image courtesy Flickr/Girl Like The Sea

Needlepoint/Cross Stitch/Embroidery
If you are interested in making a Star Wars themed bit of needlework, then Etsy is the place to go! Wired correspondent Sophie Brown found these five great cross stitch designs for sale on Etsy, and there are oodles more patterns for sale beyond that.

Quotes are a common feature in needlework. I found many "Han Shot First" pieces, but of all the Han Solo-themed needlework I found (and believe me, I found a lot) I think I like this one the best. Partly because it uses a somewhat obscure quote from the movie, and partly because of the clean design.

Sewing
You want cosplay? We've got more cosplay than you can shake a stick at. Han Solo, Jedi cloaks, and Slave Leia are common sights at any convention, of course. I'm personally smitten with the R2D2 cosplay dress, which is something I have seen in several different places (here's a pattern you can buy).

A lot of experienced crafters set their sights on Queen Amidala. Not because anyone particularly likes Queen Amidala, but because her outfits were so incredible.

Quilting
I found some truly amazing quilts with a Star Wars theme. This one is an entirely hand-stitched representation of R2D2, which is just amazing. And here's another incredible patchwork quilt of the Return of the Jedi Death Star which the crafter made for her Star Wars-loving boyfriend. It was only the second quilt she had ever made! I am in awe.

Image courtesy Flickr/Ben (Falcifer)

Origami
I see that there is an officially licensed book of Star Wars origami patterns now, which is pretty neat. Back in the earlier days of the internet I stumbled across this site of free Star Wars origami patterns and made a pretty kick-ass collection of X-Wing fighters. Origami is uniquely suited to rendering the smooth planes and straight lines of the spaceships and robots of the Star Wars universe.

Misc
There are so many Star Wars crafts that defy categorization. Like this X-Wing fighter made out of office supplies, X-Wing fighter soapbox derby car, Boba Fett plywood wall plaque, R2D2 coffee maker, AT-AT loft bed, and so many more.

There are also tons of different "make your own lightsaber" projects out there. If you have a hankering to make your own lightsaber, the toughest part would be deciding which set of instructions to follow! There are even multiple stores that sell lightsaber parts online, including electronics that can help your lightsaber light up, make noise, and generally be awesome. If you want to go straight to the hardware store to DIY, here's an infographic that walks you through the process of building one out of PVC and LEDs.

Main image courtesy Flickr/kalexanderson