Hi! Some of your sewing tips have helped me prepare for a cosplay I'm doing. It's also my first time cosplaying so I want to ask for more tips. This is a very specific cosplay, so sorry if you might not know what im talking about. But do you have any tips on how to make the team uniform from Kimetsu no Yaiba? Specifically the pants. The pattern confuses me, and it looks pleated, but I'm not entirely sure how to do that. Again, this is very specific, sorry! But any help is appreciated! Thank you!
Right. Seems it’s been AGES and apparently i don’t know how to use tumblr anymore. I’ve been very busy with my school, hopefully graduating in a month. Sorry about my absence for everyone whose asks i’ve left unanswered.
I gave the team uniform a quick google, and the pants look quite a lot like modified hakama(traditional japanese pleated pants). Sewing instructions for them are easy to find online just by googling “hakama pattern” - they only have measurements, not actual patterns. Then for the lower leg part you might want to kind of.... make a separate pattern for a more regular pants leg. Kind of like you’d make cuffs for shirt sleeves. Remember to not make it too tight, or you won’t be able to fit you feet through - believe me, I’ve made that mistake a few times.
Another option would be to use a pattern for regular pants, maybe dress pants, and add 5-7cm(2-3inches?) for each pleat, depending on how deep you want them to be. If you’re familiar with making a pleated skirt, it won’t be much different from that. I recently stumbled upon Clothing Patterns 101, and they’ve got a pretty good selection of tips and tricks for pattern drafting. Here’s one for a pleated skirt you could use as a reference.
I hope this helps. I’m unfortunately unable to provide pictures to go with this, but if you have any more questions, feel free to ask. As for anyone else who’s sent me asks through-out the years that i’ve left un-answered, i’ll try to answer them in the near future because even if the reply won’t be relevant to you anymore, it might help someone else.
Hi! Some of your sewing tips have helped me prepare for a cosplay I'm doing. It's also my first time cosplaying so I want to ask for more tips. This is a very specific cosplay, so sorry if you might not know what im talking about. But do you have any tips on how to make the team uniform from Kimetsu no Yaiba? Specifically the pants. The pattern confuses me, and it looks pleated, but I'm not entirely sure how to do that. Again, this is very specific, sorry! But any help is appreciated! Thank you!
If you're in need of gloves for cosplay, consider sewing by hand - (fake)leather, felt and some wools need no seam allowance as they won't unravel. If you have time, practice first. Always consider the material. Stretchy is good. Learning to properly make gloves with sewing machine takes years, so pick up that needle. Next time, I'll probably provide some patterning help for gloves.
Ohhh my goodness. So. I need to make a jumpsuit. I was going to buy one but none look right and I'm a bit of a perfectionist. Any tips for hand sewing clothing? (The sewing machine here scares me ^^; )
Err, wow, I apologize for my absence, I've been super swamped with school stuff so idk if you're still looking for hand sewing tips - but here's some general tips for that anyway!
.learn to use a thimble! Especially with thicker materials or multiple layers, it's a true blessing. Your fingers will be so much better for it. Just remember - don't push with the tip of your finger, use the side! This way you'll avoid accidentally bending the joint wrong way if you sew a lot by hand.
.a good length of thread is about twice the length from your fingertips to your elbow - you can easily pull the thread through almost any material in one smooth move instead of wasting time on pulling a much longer thread through.
.the beeswax! I haven't tried it myself, but it's supposed to help with tangling. I wonder if candle wax or soap would do the trick?
.don't sew too close to the edge - you need to have wider seam allowances, especially on fabrics that come apart real easily.
.sew while watching tv or hanging out with friends! I find it easier to concentrate on the work for longer periods of time when there's another activity going on. (plus, working on cosplays with a group of people it's a lot of fun and very educating!)
Hi, this isn't so much a sewing question (yet), but rather a fabric one. I'll be making my first cosplay ever for a convention next year. I'm going to be sewing two garments for the costume myself (a trench coat and a pencil skirt) and do a bit of savy shopping for the rest, but I was just wondering what kind of fabric one would make a trench coat out of. I live in quite a hot environment so I don't want anything too heavy. What are your suggestions?
Hey there!
I'm sorry for the delay, life happens, you know?
Trench coats are usually made with very heavy fabrics, such as leather, poplin or waterproof gabardine. For cosplay, we luckily don't have to be quite that particular about the material.
I'd recommend something like medium cotton twill, as cotton is easy to work with and it breathes quite well. Thin cottons get wrinkly quite easily, though. (Synthetic materials don't breathe as well and can get very stifling! Cotton mixed with some polyester could work, though.)
Overcoats have lining, but if the inside isn't going to show, leaving out the lining will make it lighter to wear. If you're using very light fabric for the coat, I don't recommend doing this though.
If you're very unsure about the materials, try and get a feel of some trench coats in stores, to get an idea of possible textures and weights of the fabric.
I've been thinking about making another basic help post, in the same manner I did the post about washing fabrics.
What do you want to know? I've been considering equipment and tools, like scissors(maybe extended to proper way of cutting the fabric?) or the proper way to work - how to sit, how to stretch, how to hold the pieces you're sewing...
I want to say thanks for the advice on the hood. 3-seamed worked a lot better and stretches over my head nicely :) I'll definitely be recommending your blog ( if that's ok?)
Wonderful that I was able to help!
Recommending my blog, wow, sure ! I'd be grateful.
Hi, I have a question about making hoods (think balaclava, ski mask, ninja hood, etc). I was going to make mine out of old cotton/polyester leggings that are too big for me. To give you a (somewhat silly) picture, I put my head into one of the legs of the leggings, cut off at the top of my head, and sewed the top shut. So now I have a hood that fits my head well, but the neck is really loose and I'm not sure how to fit it. It just goes straight down and I need it to fit snugly :/ help please?
Now that's something I've never tried myself!
I can't give any solid advice on this, but I'll try my best to help you figuring it out. Give you options. Hopefully something that you haven't thought of yet.
If the material isn't 100% see through, you could try making a seam in the front, like many ski masks seem to have, or several darts around the neck. Or have the seam stop right under your jaw. Don't make it too tight, though, unless you can have some sort of zip/buttons/velcro on the back.
If it's not very loose, simply gathering the excess fabric on the back of the neck might help.
You still have the other leg, right? Experiment with one of them and then make the final hood.
I'm sorry I can't be more help on this :/ I don't even have any extra leggings/stockings that I could butcher to try this out.
(hmm, I figure if you're up to making a hood with several seams, maybe three parts would work, getting it fit around the neck as well? I have no idea if this would even work.
)
ANYWAY whatever you end up doing with your hood, be careful not to make it too tight! And if you're pinning the seams/darts/anything while wearing it, be careful. Don't poke yourself in the neck.
Hi! I'm working on my first full cosplay and I'm a bit nervous about the sewing part. For the costume, I need to make a really baggy jumpsuit (the character is Pyro from a game called TF2) and I know I'll have to hand make it. But I don't know much about sewing and have no idea where to start with this! Do you have any suggestions for making clothing-like items? Thank you!
Have good reference pictures, and keep them always at hand! Take a look at how other people have made their cosplays, it’s a great way to figure out some details and techniques.I have no idea how much you know about the whole process, so I’m going to explain some very basic things as well. This got very lengthy, so I’m putting a read more here.
Now, the very first step is to find a good pattern. I really can’t help much there, as I usually draw my own patterns or get them from magazines at the library. You have two choices for the jumpsuit pattern - one piece pattern, or two pieces - top and bottom, that is.
I would say using the two piece method would save more fabric, as you can move the top and bottom parts around without much trouble. However, then you would have to have a seam around waist and you would have to be extra careful to make sure the bottom of the shirt part and the top of the pants part measure the same, as they will be sewn together. This method is great, as it will allow for easier altering if you notice any problems while fitting. The seam at the waist will also likely to be hidden by belts!
If you want a clean, nice jumpsuit with as little seams as possible, I suggest using the one piece method. If you can’t find a ready pattern for jumpsuit, don’t worry - you can tape shirt pattern to pants pattern, and ta-dah! jumpsuit! Be sure to have centerback continue to centerback and same to centerfront.
I know I keep saying ‘one piece’ and ‘two piece’, while in fact you will need way more pieces than just that. Sleeves, front and back pieces, collar and whatever else the instructions may tell you to have. The ‘one’ and ‘two piece’ simply indicate the parts of the main body, front piece.
Whichever method you end up choosing, you need to take your measurements. So, you want baggy jumpsuit? Add at least 10-15 cm to all your measurements - chest, waist, hip. (so, if your measurements were, say, 102/90/101, and you’d add 12 cm, it’d be 114/104/113.) Then you find a pattern that corresponds to these measurements. If possible, measure these straight from the pattern, as the size chart gives ‘base’ sizes - the actual measurement of the body. The measurements with extra centimeters are for clothes, for how loose fitting the product will be.If not possible(if you’re purchasing patterns from online or store), try and find a pattern for loose shirt/pants and choose one maybe one size too big - remember, it’s always possible to take away, but not add.
Material-wise, I’d suggest something strudy but soft, definitely non-stretch. Something that won’t crease too quickly. Strechy fabrics like jersey are difficult to sew without an overlocker. Fake leather, PVC and such are also difficult for beginners, but something that’s been rubber-coated would definitely look good on this costume - so if you think you’re up for it, try it out. It will take patience and time.As for the amount of fabric, I’d estimate you’ll need at least 2x the total length of the pattern - top to bottom - if the width of the fabric is 140 cm. To get clearer idea, try positioning your patterns on the floor in a way they roughly form a rectangle - as below.
When cutting the fabric, add seam allowance of couple of centimeters - usually 1-3, around one inch. Unless, of course, the pattern already includes the seam allowances. The patterns I’m used to working with usually don’t.If you add the seam allowance yourself, it’ll be wise to trace the pattern on the fabric so you knwo where to sew. Always pin the pattern well onto the wrong side of the fabric! That way, any marking you make won’t be visible.If the seam allowance is already included, just remember how much it was and try keep at that. You can also mark points along the seam to make it easier.
When cutting, try to use sharp scissors if possible. Always cut on something, never lift the fabric and the scissors into the air.
Now, the sewing - most patterns come with instructions, so I’m not going to go into that, just give a few pointers.
Sewing is nothing to be afraid of. If you have a material where the stitches won't be visible, you can take the seam apart with small scissors or seam ripper whenever you mess up. This happens to everyone, so don't give up if you need to redo a seam several times!
If you have a sewing machine, get to know it. Most home machines are very basic and do both regular stitch and zig-zag. You can usually adjust the lenght of the stitch and that’s it. After every adjustment, make a short test seam on a piece of scrap fabric, preferably the same material you’d be actually working on.
When starting or finishing a seam, make one or two backstitches. It’ll help the seam not to come apart. Since you’re just starting, don’t do anything too fancy, simple things often look very nice. Just regular seams, no complicated structures if possible.
If you do not have a sewing machine(or if you just need to get some hand sewing done), you must be prepared to have a lot of time, patience and be ready to survive hundreds of tiny wounds on your fingers. Unless you have better luck than me. In this case, I’d suggest using a very simple stitch for the seams - one step forward, half step back. It takes a lot of time, but is rather sturdy. The amount of thread you’ll be using on this is also insane…
To keep the thread from getting tangled so easily, cut around twice the distance between your fingers and elbow. This will also allow you to not spend ridiculous amounts of time pulling the thread through the fabric.
I don’t think I can stretch the importance of ironing enough - make a couple of seams, then iron. Well-ironed beginner costume may easily look way better than veteran’s un-ironed! Keep in mind your material - can it be ironed? Which temperature? Steam irons are a dressmakers best friend, the steam itself may work on some fabrics that can’t be ironed in high temperatures.
I hope at least some of this was useful - I’m dumping a lot of info on you, and some of it might even be unrelated. Sometimes I get lost and might even get very unclear. If so, please send another ask/comment on this/anything and I’ll attempt to clarify!Or, you know, any other matter arises - I’ll be happy to help.
So, quick question if you don't mind. Do you know if something like ace bandages can be wrapped more than once? I want to use them for arm wrappings but I wouldn't want to buy it every time...
Hello!
Yes, I have actually used them for leg wrappings couple of times. However, if they go past your wrist & to your hand/around your fingers, they are more likely to get dirty/worn - few years back I had to wear one on my wrist/hand for a while and tbh, that one got dirty quick soon!
I'd say they're good to wear for couple of times! Maybe even up to five? It totally depends on how worn they will look after use, or two, or three-
You could also try gently washing them, but I have never tried that and don't know how that'd work.
Just don't put them on too tight - this way, they won't stretch as much and will more likely stay nicer for longer!
Hello,
since no one has sent any asks yet(none that have gotten through to me, anyhow) I decided to share a tip.
It's very basic, and you might think it's even a bit stupid and obvious, but I really can't tell you how many times I've forgotten about it. Plus, it's good to start from the very beginning!
Washing your fabrics before getting to work.
Why is that important? you may ask. It just takes time !!
Well, when making clothes to everyday wear, the fabric is often washed to pre-shrink it, and to minimize future shrinking. It'd be a pity if your new, tight-fitting shirt got smaller in the wash! (so, be sure to get about 20 cm extra fabric!)
But I'm going to wear my cosplay only once, to this convention! Or maybe twice, not enough to get it dirty!
What if you later decide you want to wear it again? What if you spill something on it? You're also very likely to sweat on it and get traces of make-up here and there.
But there are other reasons than just preventing shrinking.
Some fabrics have very different texture and/or feel, pre-wash and after. There are fabrics that feel kind of coarse and stiff before washing. If you want them to fall nicely and feel comfortable, be sure to wash them. All such fabrics I have encountered were commonly used for lining, so comfort and softness are very important there!
Then there are traces of chemicals. It's likely you won't know where exactly that lovely fabric you got came from, how it was manufactrured, what chemicals may have been used. Sometimes unwashed fabrics may irritate your skin, so if you're sensitive to things like that, wash your cosplay fabrics. It'll take one, one and half days most, to wash and completely dry.
Some fabrics leave colour, most often in wash. Some do that even when dry, so if you have a fabric in a very strong colour, be sure to check by rubbing a piece of white fabric on it!
However! It is also important to be mindful of the material - don't wash wool, or fabrics containing high percentage of wool, unless you know what you're doing and are aware of consequences. Use fabric softener, if needed, and appropriate washing chemicals for materials - silk, for one, requires it's own.
If you're in a hurry, you can reduce the washing time by couple of hours by just dumping the fabric in a bucket and moving it around so that it's completely wet.
So, now you've washed your fabrics. Now, leave it to dry - hang it somewhere or spread it in a place where it's not flat against any solid surface. It's important to have your fabric dry in a place where it can't stretch - don't put it over any corners. Wet fabrics are more prone to stretching, and even with ironing, the stretched parts are pain to get straightened.
The drying time depends on the material. Synthetic fibers, like nylon and polyester, or fabrics containing high percentage of them, are more quick to dry. Natural fibers, like wool, cotton, linen, silk and such can take over night to dry.
Give me your two cents on washing fabrics for cosplay!
Questions, suggestions, ideas?
Like stated in the sidebar, this is an ask based cosplay help blog!
Why ask based?
There is already a horde of other cosplay tip blogs that have a wide variety of tutorials and lists of sewing/cosplay related stores. While most, if not all, of those blogs also help through asks, I wanted to create a place where help is given individually to those who ask - of course, I will have a tag system up and running, with tags like ‘patterning’, ‘seams’, ‘finishing touches’, and such, that anyone looking for help can look through before asking!
Who am I, exactly?
Just someone who got into sewing through cosplay and is now hoping to make a career out of it. I have a degree in dressmaking and am currently studying millinery. I recently realized how much I can be of help to my fiends in their cosplay making, so - bring on your sewing related questions and I’ll help to the best of my abilities!
ps. I can also answer questions ins Finnish so if you're in need of sewig advice but don't really get the instructions in English... here's the blog for you.
