If you’re desperate to enter the world of cosplay but know it’s time you started to make your own costume, then you’ve come to the right place. Sure, we could all splash out and buy high-end costumes if we wanted, but where’s the fun in that? Not to mention, costumes get mega expensive, and it’s not as fulfilling as going in something that is something you have put your time and tears into.
Get reference images for your character
The first thing you want to do, as recommended by a number of expert cosplayers, is to make sure you find good quality, full-sized reference pictures of your character. Some characters are very simple, while others are incredibly complex. If you’re new to the whole thing, then we recommend that you start small and work your way up the ladder of complexity, find a character you love who looks a little more simplistic. Once you have all of your reference materials, you’re free to start planning your outfit.
Buy cheap to save on sewing
If you have gone for a character who has a lot of accessories to add to the outfit, then you might consider purchasing some of the additional items cheap online. Whether it’s a necklace, an armband, or a helmet, it’ll save you time and make the entire process much more enjoyable. You will eventually be able to move on to these tougher craft pieces, but for now best to stick to the main outfit.
Start small and move up with sewing
If you start sewing some of the smaller pieces you know you have to do, it gets you ready for some of the larger pieces you have to get right. You need to draw out what you’re trying to make, measure your body, so you know how big it needs to be, work out how much fabric you’re going to need, cut the shape out and then sew it all. It sounds easier than it might feel in the beginning, but once you’re in the swing of things, you’ll be away in no time.
Props props props
There’s no point going to all that effort to make the costume and look magnificent only to forget an essential proper. After all, what’s Sora without a Keyblade? Could you imagine Sephiroth without his Masamune? The thought isn’t right, so, you will also make a prop to go with your character, if there is one. If you’re having to make a prop like the ones we mentioned before, then cardboard is your best bet. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect, people appreciate the effort.
Craft Foam it up
If in doubt, use craft foam! You can do almost anything with this material from impressing images into it or changing it from a simple piece of foam into Wonder Woman’s bracers. It’s a great way of creating those smaller, more details pieces of the outfit that might be more complex to make with any other material. There are many online tutorials that will show you how to make what you’re after.
Use a wig
Last but not least, wigs are your best friend. It’s quite rare that we have the locks of the person we’re dressing up as, and wigs are the perfect solution to changing the ordinary into extraordinary. At the end of it all, if you haven’t got your hair in that iconic style, then nothing will look quite right.
Whatever you do, there is probably going to be a tutorial online to help you along the way.
