How to Finish an Orange Johnny Joestar Cosplay – Complete Build Summary

Introduction

In this tutorial update, Kara (@wayre.exe) completes a cosplay project that was over ten years in the making: the Orange Johnny Joestar costume from JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. Picking up after finishing the pants in a previous installment, the video covers the remaining construction of the top, sleeves, shoulder details, gloves, belts, and final embroidered embellishments using Big Z Fabric's Micro Suede.

The tutorial focuses on the detailed finishing work that brings the costume together, including embroidery, extensive beadwork, custom padded appliqués, garment assembly, and accessory construction.

Materials Used

Fabrics

• Big Z Fabric Micro Suede (main costume fabric)
• Jersey fabric (custom printed for the shoulder hearts)

Additional Materials

• Turquoise beads
• Polyester stuffing
• Embroidery stabilizer (for cutaway embroidery)
• Thread
• Belt hardware and notions

Tools

• Sewing machine
• Embroidery machine
• Hand sewing supplies
• Stuffing tool
• Topstitching thread
• Scissors

Step 1: Construct the Sleeves

With the pants already completed, construction begins on the sleeves.

The decorative cutout details are created using cutaway embroidery, allowing the openings to remain clean and stable while maintaining the shape of the fabric.

Step 2: Add the Torso Beading

While the embroidery machine is working, attention shifts to decorating the torso.

Turquoise beads are individually applied across the garment.

This is one of the most time-intensive stages of the project, requiring extensive handwork before moving on to garment assembly.

Step 3: Create the Padded Shoulder Hearts

Johnny's costume features raised heart details on the shoulders.

To recreate these:

• A custom heart design is printed onto jersey fabric.
• Each heart is sewn into a small pillow.
• A small opening is left for stuffing.

The hearts are first topstitched onto the garment, then stuffed afterward through the opening to achieve their raised appearance.

Step 4: Complete the Remaining Beadwork

After attaching the shoulder details, the remaining sections of beadwork are added to the costume.

Although repetitive, completing all of the embellishment work before final assembly makes construction easier.

Step 5: Assemble the Top

Once the sleeves and decorative elements are complete, the garment is assembled.

Despite the challenge of sewing through areas covered with beads, the creator is able to successfully:

• Join the garment sections.
• Sew the sleeves into place.
• Add topstitching where needed.

Careful sewing helps avoid damaging the beads while maintaining clean construction.

Step 6: Install the Lining

The top is half-lined, adding structure and a cleaner interior finish without fully lining every section.

The lining is sewn to the outer garment before the entire piece is turned right side out.

Although this step requires extra care due to the decorative elements, it results in a polished interior.

Step 7: Make the Belts

With the main garment complete, the creator begins constructing the small belts used throughout the costume.

Matching belts are made for:

• The gloves
• The pants

Each belt receives extensive topstitching to match the look of the source material.

Step 8: Finish the Gloves

The gloves are assembled and finished with their matching decorative belts.

Compared to the rest of the costume, the gloves are relatively straightforward and become one of the simplest parts of the build.

Step 9: Embroider the Feather Detail

Rather than creating the feather as a separate piece, the final decorative feather is embroidered directly.

This provides a clean, durable finish that matches the overall level of detail throughout the costume.

Final Result

With the garment construction complete, only the wig and hat remain before the cosplay is fully finished.

After more than a decade of wanting to create this version of Johnny Joestar, the completed costume features:

• Embroidered sleeve cutouts
• Extensive hand-applied turquoise beadwork
• Raised padded shoulder hearts
• A half-lined top
• Matching belts for the gloves and pants
• Decorative topstitching throughout
• An embroidered feather detail

The creator credits Big Z Fabric's Micro Suede for helping bring the long-awaited project to life and looks forward to wearing the finished cosplay at an upcoming convention.

Tips from the Creator

• Complete embroidery before assembling the garment whenever possible.
• Work on multiple construction steps simultaneously to save time, such as beadwork while embroidery is running.
• Sew padded appliqués onto the garment before stuffing them for easier construction.
• Take extra care when machine sewing through heavily beaded areas.
• Half-lining provides a clean finish without adding unnecessary bulk.
• Decorative topstitching helps unify the finished costume and improves durability.
• Embroidering small design details can produce a cleaner result than making separate appliqués.