I've never sewn before, how can I start?
What is a Pattern?
Where can I get Patterns for Costumes?
Where can I buy a Cosplay?
What can I use to make (prop)?
How do I hide breasts for a crossplay?
How much do cosplays usually cost?
What is a Wigcap? / How do I hide my hair under a wig?
There are multiple outfits on a pattern package, what does this mean?
What is a Commission / Where can I get a commission?
What limitations are there on prop weapons at a con?
How can I dye a wig?
What hair products can i use on a wig?
How do I make a _____?
Is maids/lolita/steampunk/other fashion okay to cosplay?
How old is too old for cosplay?
Cosplay and
"The Time of the Month"
Laundry and Conventions / Wearing the Same Costume Twice in a Row
Choosing Poses for Characters?
I've Never Sewn Before, How can I Start?
First, you should look for sewing classes in your area. This way you can learn from a pro and they can teach you the proper way to do everything. Sewing classes will probably be hosted by local fabric, sewing and craft stores, and sometimes they are held by sewing machine stores. There may even be sewing classes run as a city program.If you cannot find a sewing class, then ask around your family if anyone can help you sew or learn the basics. You could also look into getting a sewing book. I have heard sewing for dummies is a good book for learning, but you should look around and find one that suits your needs - you might want a book with more pictures and diagrams, or you might want something that is very descriptive.
To actueally start a project, you will probably want a Sewing Pattern which gives you instructions on how to sew what the pattern is for. When learning to sew it is good to start simple, start with things you can exactly find patterns for rather than needing to alter them. Avoid anything too big! Stuff like t-shirts for example are pretty easy, something like a vinyl bodysuit is much more challenging.
As for learning to sew in general, and learning to sew specific things, I sugguest looking for tutorials.Youtube and deviantart are great places for tutorials, but you can find a lot on google. I run a tutorial list here, under "tutorials", that is a giant list of hundereds of sewing and cosplay tutorials. I also have a twitter account Cosplay Tutorial that updates daily with new sewing and cosplay tutorials.
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What is a Pattern?
A pattern is used in sewing as a guide to how to make whatever the pattern is for. It is a package that tells you how to make a certain thing. It has instructions, shapes you pin to the fabric to cut out, a thing on the back that explains what size you should make, a list of the amount of fabric you need and sugguested fabric, and a list of what else you may need.[ Top ]
Where can I get Patterns for Costumes?
Patterns can be bought online or at most sewing stores, some wal-marts, and some craft stores. In stores, usually there are pattern books you look through to decide which one you want and then you give the reference number to someone who works at the store, and they can give you the proper pattern. You can also look at these pattern books online, as the pattern companies have it on their websitesSimplicty
Butterick
McCall's
Vogue
Sewing Patterns.com
Jalie
Burda
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Where can I buy a Cosplay?
You can either buy one pre-made or get one commissioned. For more information on commissions see "What is a Commission"The easiest place to buy a costume is online, ebay offers a lot of cosplay shops with pre-made costumes, you can also find a lot of results on google for cosplay shops. If you are planning to buy online make sure to check out: Commissioners NOT to go to, The Commissioner Review Thread, Merchant Reviews.
You can also buy cosplays from some comic/anime stores, specifically ones in chinatown, but their options are usually limited if you can find a store that sells them. Some booths at anime conventions may sell cosplays or even imported clothes, so if you have a friend who has attended you can ask them if they have seen them in the past.
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What can I use to make (prop)?
Depending on the prop there is a wide variety of materials you can use depending on your budget and your skills. Some of these materials are:- Wood / wooden dowels
- Metal
- Cardboard/Papermache
- Wonderflex/Plastic/ PVC pipe
- Foam -> craft, insulation, green or styrofoam
- Clay
- Resin
- Model Magic
- Sculpty
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How do I hide breasts for a crossplay?
The most common way is binding (Tutorials Here) since it is pretty cheap and effective. Usually done over a sports bra, you wrap ace bandages tightly around your chest to flatten the breasts. You can also use strips of cloth instead of bandages. You should try this out a couple of times before the con to learn your "comfort zone", wrapping too tightly can hurt your ribs and cause breathing problems. If you experience this at home you can quickly remove them and do it less tightly next time.
Another method that is commonly sugguested, though i don't reccomend it, is tape. Wrapping tape over your breasts, with or without a bra, acting like ace bandages to hold them down. The upside is that tape does not start to slip during the day. The downsides are that the tape can rip off skin, it is a one time use, and that there is no quick way out if you experience chest pains. If you do decide to do it this way, make sure to tape over ace bandages or a old shirt. Bring scissors to easily cut yourself out if needed, and practice before hand so you can learn your comfort zone.
And if you plan to crossplay often you might want to invest in a compression shirt.I have not used this method myself but I have read good things about them. A compression shirt is a tight spandex shirt that will push down on the breasts and hold them flat.
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How much do cosplays usually cost?
This is a trickey question without an absolute answer. Costumes can cost anywhere from $10 to $1000 or more! It all depends on who is making it, how much materials cost, and how complicated the outfit is.Average cosplay, by my definition, is the kind that are generally found at cons or asian malls. They range from $60-100+ and they are usually missing out on details or accessories, and definately are missing a wig.
Costumes you make yourself can be any range, depending on what you are making. My costumes were about $100-200 for the more simple ones (when I first started) and are about $300-500 for more complex ones.
Costumes from a commissioner will usually cost about $100 and up, since you are paying for the materials AND the cost of them making the costume for you.
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What is a Wigcap? / How do I hide my hair under a wig?
A wig cap is a nylon cap that is made for hiding hair under a wig. They are usually sold by the same retailers that sell wigs, and are usually around $5 or less. You can use a wig cap multiple times, and for multiple wigs. Usually it is good to get a skin colored cap, or one that matches the wig you plan to wear it with.How to Put on a Wigcap
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There are multiple outfits on a pattern package, what does this mean?
This means the pattern package comes with the instructions, and pattern pieces, for more than one outfit. They are usually very similar outfits. Don't worry though, the instructions will tell you what pieces to use for your specific piece.[ Top ]
What is a Commission?
A commission is where you get someone to make you a custom cosplay, or prop. Unlike buying a pre-made costume they will make it for you using your exact sizes, and if you have anything specific you would like (a certain fabric, a different color, an extra piece) they will most likely include it. The downfall to commissions are that they take more time since they make it themselves, and that it usually is a bit more costly because you are paying for their time and skills.
While some sites and ebay stores offer commissions, you can also ask for commissions in cosplay.com's marketplace
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What limitations are there on prop weapons at a con?
This depends on the convention, some cons are very strict and have restrictions on size while other cons only check if it is dangerous. No convention will allow you to carry a prop that is illegal in your state/province. The convention's website should include what they will and will not allow at the convention. If you would like clarification then you can email them or ask on the convention's forums.Props that are normally not allowed at cons, such as a sharpened metal sword, could be used for photoshoots. However, make sure to check that your photoshoot location is okay with such things, and make sure the other people in the location know that they are props.
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How can I dye a wig?
Aside from using dyes made specifically for wigs, you can dye wigs with ink. Check out these tutorials for more details: Ink Dye FAQ, Sharpie Dye FAQ[ Top ]
What hair products can i use on a wig?
Most hair products can be used on a wig. Hairspray, spiking glue, freeze spray, etc. The product you cannot use on a wig is hair GEL. Gel is made to work with the oils in your natural hair, and so it won't work properly on a wig, though it's okay since gel isn't as effective in making anime style spikes.Other products you can use on a wig are white school glue and tacky glue, they are good for antigravity spikes and usually cost less than hair glue. Both will wash out of wigs with warm water. Avoid super glue and epoxy glues since they generate heat and can hurt the wig, they also do not wash out. Additionally, you should avoid hot glue because it can melt fibers, it also will not come off the wig.
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How do I make a _____?
If you are wondering how to make something a good idea is to search google for tutorials or see if it is on my tutorial list. You could also ask on a cosplay forums or message other people who have made it.[ Top ]
Is lolita/steampunk/other fashion okay to cosplay?
While they are considered fashion and not cosplay, many people do wear them to conventions.There is such thing as cosplay-lolita (and I am sure there are cosplay versions of the other styles), which is basically a lolita outfit that is worn while cosplaying a character from a series, or it can refer to a lolita that is wearing it like a costume (usally this means they are not following "proper" rules of lolita, or are wearing costume-ish accessories like cat ears)
It is always a good idea to research a style before you wear it.
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How old is too old (for cosplay)?
A good thread to check out is this oneMy answer to this is that you never get to old for cosplay. Even into old age you aren't too old to dress up in a costume, and it even open doors into cosplaying characters younger people can't!
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Cosplay and "The Time of the Month"
Unfortunately for us girls, we might get our period the same time as a convention. This is a general idea on what to do to avoid costume mishaps!
Unless it is one of your first, you should have a good idea of how your "time of the month" goes so you can prepare for it. If you expect it to be heavy then you may want a tampon and an absorbant pad, if it's medium then a tampon and a panty liner, if it's light then maybe just a good pad. . . but go with what you are comfortable with. If you don't wear tampons, it is usually a good idea to go with a heavy flow pad, just to be safe.
Remember to bring enough for the length of the con, and carry some with you for when you walk around. Change your pad/tampon every so often, that way you can prevent leaks. Once again you should have a general idea of when it will need changing based on past experiences.
As for taking care of costumes, clean up well before putting it on. If you expect it to be messy, then you may want to carry some wipes with you in case toilet paper is not enough. Otherwise, just be cautious of your clothes. A good idea is tobring extra underwear and clothing to the con, just in case your costume does get stained.
To be comfortable, you may want to bring asprin or other medication if you tend to have cramps or think you might. It's always good to have that stuff with you at a con anyway (con sickness). Additionally, you should plan ahead and choose costumes that are comfortable and easy to go to the washroom in, zentai suits for example may not be the best choice.
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Laundry at Cons / Wearing the Same Costume Twice in a Row?
Sometimes you want to wear the same costume for more than one day at a con, but you don't want it to be dirty or smelly, so what are some things you can do?
First, plan ahead. Before wearing the costume make sure to have a shower, use deoderant with an anti-persparent (to help prevent sweating). Wear a thin shirt underneath the costume if possible, to keep the costume off your body.. however if the costume has many layers or is very warm then you may want to go without. Carry a stain remover pen to get rid of stains that may appear throughout the day and avoid activities that may make it dirty (like walking through mud).
You will want to take the costume off at night, so if you are staying at the con then you will probably want to bring an extra pair of clothes or PJs. This allows you to let the costume air out at night. If the costume isn't too bad then you can use a stain remover pen to remove any small stains,
give the outfit a light cover of febreeze and then let it air out in front of a window. For more extensive problems, such as a very smelly or dirty costume, you can ask if the hotel has a washer and dryer available - some do. If not, you can spot wash a costume in the sink, or hand wash a costume in the tub. You can use the hairdryer provided to help speed up drying. If your costume is an absorbant material, it may take a long time to dry and would be better to spot wash.
For the next day, you will want to change anything you can, such as socks and underwear. Make sure to have another shower before wearing the costume and once again put on deoderant.
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Choosing Poses for a Character?
Most people choose poses by mimicing what the character does in the show, movie, game etc. A good way to choose poses is to look up a variety of reference pictures and print off ones with poses that are interesting and easy to get into quickly. Interesting poses generally involve an action of some sort.
For example medusa (left) is standing very stiff, so it's not very interesting. Sakura (right) is in an interesting pose so it is more interesting.
You can also decide poses on the spot by interacting with the enviroment. Is there a tree? You could climb it, lean against it, sit under it, hang off it, or hide behind it ... this goes especially well if you think about the character's personality.
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