How to make a costume?

Planning Your Costume

• Choose a character or concept you want to portray. This could be a specific fictional character, historical figure, animal, object, or abstract idea.

• Research your chosen costume thoroughly. Look at reference images, descriptions, and existing cosplays for inspiration.

• Break down the costume into its key components - clothing items, accessories, props, makeup, etc.

• Assess your budget, time constraints, and skill level. Be realistic about what you can accomplish.

• Decide which elements you'll make from scratch vs. modifying existing items.

• Sketch out your costume design and make a list of all materials needed.

• Consider practical factors like mobility, comfort, and bathroom accessibility.

Gathering Materials and Tools

• Scissors (fabric and all-purpose)
• Measuring tape
• Pins and needles
• Thread in matching colors
• Fabric markers/chalk
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Craft knife/box cutter
• Ruler
• Pencils/pens

• Main fabric for clothing pieces
• Interfacing, lining, and accent fabrics as needed
• Zippers, buttons, snaps, velcro
• Elastic, bias tape, ribbon
• Batting or stuffing if needed

• EVA foam for armor/props
• Craft foam sheets
• Cardboard
• Wire
• Paint (fabric, acrylic, spray paint)
• Paintbrushes
• Mod Podge or other sealants
• Worbla or other thermoplastics
• Makeup and prosthetics if needed

• Dust mask
• Safety goggles
• Work gloves

Creating Clothing Elements

1. Find or create patterns for each garment piece. You can use commercial patterns, draft your own, or modify existing clothing.

2. Take accurate body measurements and compare to pattern sizing.

3. Cut out pattern pieces from paper and test fit if possible.

4. Lay out pattern pieces on fabric, paying attention to grain lines and nap.

5. Cut out fabric pieces, adding seam allowances if not included in pattern.

6. Mark any darts, pleats, or other details on wrong side of fabric.

7. Sew darts, pleats, and other shaping elements.

8. Sew main seams, leaving openings for zippers/closures.

9. Add interfacing to areas needing structure (collars, cuffs, etc).

10. Install zippers, buttons, or other closures.

11. Finish raw edges with serging, bias tape, or other methods.

12. Hem garments.

13. Add any appliques, trim, or decorative elements.

14. Press all seams and give garment a final press.

Crafting Armor and Props

1. Create patterns/templates out of paper or cardboard.

2. Transfer patterns to EVA foam, craft foam, or other materials.

3. Cut out foam pieces carefully with a sharp blade.

4. Shape foam pieces using heat (heat gun or hair dryer) if needed.

5. Glue foam pieces together with contact cement or hot glue.

6. Sand edges and surfaces smooth.

7. Seal foam with Plasti Dip, Mod Podge, or other sealants.

8. Prime surface if needed.

9. Paint with acrylics, spray paint, or other suitable paints.

10. Seal paint job with clear coat.

11. Add straps, buckles, or other attachment methods.

1. Create an armature from wire, PVC pipe, or other sturdy materials.

2. Build up shape with foam, clay, paper mache, or other lightweight materials.

3. Sand and shape as needed.

4. Apply surface details.

5. Prime and paint.

6. Seal and weathering as desired.

Wigs and Hairstyling

1. Choose a wig in the appropriate style and color, or purchase a plain wig to style.

2. Trim wig if needed to desired length and shape.

3. Style wig using heat tools, products, and techniques appropriate for the fiber type.

4. Add any accessories like hair clips, extensions, or decorative elements.

5. For natural hair, practice the hairstyle in advance and gather necessary styling tools and products.

Makeup and Prosthetics

1. Gather all necessary makeup products, tools, and prosthetics.

2. Do a test run of the makeup look well before the event.

3. Prep skin with appropriate primers and bases.

4. Apply prosthetics if using, blending edges carefully.

5. Apply makeup according to your design, building up layers as needed.

6. Set makeup with powder and setting spray for longevity.

7. Add any final touches like fake blood, glitter, or other effects.

Fitting and Alterations

1. Put on all layers of the costume, including undergarments and shoes you'll be wearing.

2. Check for any areas that are too tight, loose, or restrict movement.

3. Mark areas needing adjustment.

4. Make necessary alterations, such as taking in seams, letting out waistbands, or adjusting straps.

5. Reinforce any areas under stress with extra stitching or interfacing.

6. Make sure all closures (zippers, snaps, etc.) function properly.

Adding Final Details

1. Add weathering, aging, or distressing effects if appropriate for the character/concept.

2. Attach any final trims, appliques, or decorative elements.

3. Create or add any small accessories like jewelry, badges, or patches.

4. Make sure all props are securely attached and functional.

5. Double-check that all edges are finished and no raw seams are visible.

Practical Considerations

1. Comfort - Ensure you can comfortably wear the costume for extended periods.

2. Mobility - Test your range of motion and ability to sit, walk, and use your hands.

3. Temperature control - Plan for ways to stay cool or warm depending on the event conditions.

4. Bathroom accessibility - Make sure you can use the restroom without completely disassembling the costume.

5. Transport - Have a plan for safely transporting the costume, especially delicate pieces.

6. Emergency repairs - Pack a small repair kit with safety pins, needle and thread, and other essentials.

Safety Considerations

1. Ensure all materials are flame-retardant or treated with flame retardant spray.

2. Avoid sharp edges or points that could injure yourself or others.

3. Make sure your vision and hearing are not overly impaired.

4. Use non-toxic materials, especially for elements close to your skin or face.

5. Test any special effects (smoke, lights, etc.) thoroughly before use.

6. If wearing platform shoes or heels, practice walking and ensure stability.

Final Preparations

1. Do a full dress rehearsal, wearing the entire costume for an extended period.

2. Take photos from all angles to check for any visible flaws or unfinished areas.

3. Practice any character poses, movements, or expressions.

4. Prepare a storage/transport solution to keep the costume in good condition.

5. Create a checklist of all costume pieces and accessories to ensure nothing is forgotten.

6. If participating in a contest, familiarize yourself with all rules and requirements.

Maintaining Your Costume

1. Clean all washable elements according to fabric care instructions.

2. Spot clean non-washable items carefully.

3. Make any needed repairs promptly.

4. Store costume pieces properly - hang garments, stuff wigs, and protect delicate elements.

5. Keep all patterns, extra materials, and notes for future reference or modifications.