#l2s tutorials

[learning-to-sew]

Hi Webhead! 

Firstly - Don't let lack of experience stop you from trying a project. There are SO many resources out there and with time and determination you can definitely accomplish any cosplay that you have your heart set on! 

That said, here's how to get started! 

First, pick up some basic materials: 

Sewing Scissors (NOT your normal scissors, and DON'T use these on anything besides fabric/thread to keep them sharp)

Pins

Needles

Thread the color of your fabric

Seam Ripper

These are the basics that you'll need whether you end up machine or hand-sewing (there's almost always SOME SORT of hand-sewing to do.)

If you having a sewing machine (or one you can use) already, great!

Otherwise you have two options - track one down, or handsew things, I'll go into that a little later. There ARE places that have sewing machines you can use. If you go to a college that has a fashion school/major, they likely have a room with sewing machines. Shoot some emails around and see if you can find one! High schools with sewing/home ec courses might also have one of these rooms, so ask around! 

As a beginner, don't drop a ton of money on a machine (unless you have a lot to throw around!) Instead, check the classifieds, craigslist, etc and see if you can find an older/used machine for cheap. If you end up sewing a lot, you can always upgrade later! 

It's important to learn the basics of your machine before you do ANYTHING else. Read tutorials on threading, winding bobbins, changing tension, etc before you start! This Site has a few good ones, but there are literally hundreds. You'll probably be able to find one for your exact machine!

Whether you have a machine or not, you should also look up and read (and practice!!!) the basics of hand-sewing. Simplicity has a basic guide to some stitches and tricks (like using a needle threader) and ShadowedPorcelain also has a really easy to read guide on stitches!

After you've messed around, I'd buy some test fabric and try out a few easy patterns! Learning to follow patterns is a great way to get started as most cosplay can be put together by modifying patterns! 

Here are a few places with free patterns: 

BurdaStyle

AllFreeSewing

Free Sewing Patterns on Pintrest

Joann's also regularly has sales where you can get patterns for $1, so never buy a pattern full price unless it's an emergency! 

Good Luck! I can't wait to see what you accomplish!

[learning-to-sew]

Hi Everyone! Lindsay made a quick mini-tutorial on fusible interfacing! 

Interfacing is great for the stiff, unnatural shapes that a lot of anime/game/etc outfits tend to have! (Sometimes things that are easy to draw aren't so easy to create in real life! :) )

(Also I kept bugging Lindsay to make videos >3< )

Here's a few extra tidbits about interfacing!

    -It  comes with instructions! I would read through them, the amount of time you need to add pressure to the iron varies! (You may also NEED to use a damp cloth depending on the stiffness, fabric choice, etc.)

    -There are two types of interfacing! Fusible and non-fusible. I'm using fusible in the video (which I like XD) but sometimes patterns call for the sew-in interfacing (non-fusible - you don't iron it). Make sure that when you're buying you pay attention to which type it is so you don't end up with something you don't need! 

    -I mention that there is a rough, bumpy side in the video, this is what fuses the interfacing to the fabric - this is the glue. (Make sure that you're lining up the glue to the WRONG side of the fabric - the side you don't want showing. :) )

    -As for what stiffness you should buy - Try to choose an interfacing that's the same thickness/weight as the fabric you're using (or lighter/thinner.)  In some cases you may need to go thicker, but that depends on your project!

     Let us know if you have ANY other questions or ideas for videos! :) 

[learning-to-sew]

Tutorial Tuesday

Here's a list of some fun looking tutorials (and one that was very helpful to us!)

Ribbon Rose : I can't wait to try this out!!! :D (after these cosplays are done, Lnz, only THEN)

Circle Skirts : You're BEST FRIEND in costume making (I've noticed a LOT of people use circle skirts for a LOT of different things :) Also they're pretty easy to make. You'll recognize them in the madoka petticoat tutorial we're using!!!)

Steampunk Goggles : Again, one of those projects I really want to try. I really like steampunk :3

Queen Amidala's head piece : I thought this was REALLY cool! Also, look at how she uses raise paint to make the designs!

Yes, all DA stuff this time around :) But remember to search EVERYWHERE for tutorials! Let us know if you have any submissions for Tutorial Tuesday! (Either today or next week or ANY time. We'll make sure to post them on Tuesday :) )

[learning-to-sew]

Look what I found!

Link

Using freezer paper to copy patterns! :O

Also

Link

Easy glove tutorial! :)

All right I'm off to ruffle!

Lnz

[learning-to-sew]

I like research :)

Emi sent me this one:  cosplaytutorial.com

Check it out! There are a TON of helpful tutorials!!!

Lnz

[learning-to-sew]

Hello everyone! I thought I'd share a website I stumbled on last night while watching pleated skirt tutorials.

http://evangesews.com/

Her tutorials were very straight forward and easy to understand :)

Lnz