#applique binders

[shapeshiftersvt]

So as a Christmas gift, my dad is going to be giving me the money for my first binder from you guys! The problem is, I don’t know exactly how much I should ask for. I’m hoping for a custom design one and I know your prices range on those a bit, so is there any way you can show some examples of your previous custom work with the associated prices you charged? I’m looking specifically for your longest length of binder too.

Hello! Sorry for the delay -- I hope you’ve had a great Christmas.

Custom designs really do range a lot. My usual rule of thumb is $30 for the first applique, plus $5-$15 per additional applique piece past the first. So something like The Goose:

Short binder, five appliques, all relatively simple to draft and cut. $50+$30+$20= $100 for the Goose.

The Phoenix is two appliques:

and that bird was very complex! First because of all the angles in drafting and cutting, and second because it was gold lamé, which is always tricky. So $50+$30+$15 = $95. 

Then there’s something like Stammi Vicino.

That’s six appliques and they’re all complicated. The white block had to be centered and carefully angled. The black blocks had to be fitted to the white and overlapped just so. The three gold braids - again, lamé - went over the white and black and were carefully drafted to scale down in tiers. If I did this again it would be $170.

But you’re asking for a long binder! These would range from something like a Zodiac ($75 + $30 = $105):

to a Transformation Bow ($75 + $30 + $15 for the big applique + $10 for detail stitching = $130):

to this Medium-length cosplay binder from a game called Angels of Death with five appliques, three simple, one complicated, and one Really Complicated. ($55 + $30 + $10 for the two bars + $10 for the arrow + $60 for the blood spatter = $165).

As you can see, prices are based on the labor and materials required for each custom piece, and can’t often be predicted ahead of time! As always, please do email info (at) shapeshifters (dot) co with reference images for a quote for your specific project. 

Happy New Year!

[shapeshiftersvt]

Would the aplique feel weird against the skin?

That depends on some things!

Most of the time, our appliques are on the outer layer only, so you won’t feel them.

If this is in reference to the reversible superhero binder ask, well it might. For the most part, the appliques are fairly flat -- one or two layers of spandex sewn flat to the fabric with a flat stitch -- and the binder is tightly fitted enough that it won’t rub a lot against your skin as you move. But ultimately you know better than we do your personal sensory issues.

-Poppy