Q&A for How to Make Cosplay Costumes

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  • Question
    Can I use makeup to cover my entire face for a good cosplay of Jasper from "Steven Universe"?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can use makeup, but you should probably use face or body paint like Snazaroo, and not odd-colored eye shadow.
  • Question
    What is the most affordable way to make a cosplay if I don't want to sew?
    Community Answer
    Try to find resources that can be part of your costume. Look in your wardrobe and find clothing that will match your cosplay. You can also go to stores and look for objects or pieces of clothing that will help your cosplay; thrift and second-hand stores are great for this!
  • Question
    What if it's my first time cosplaying, and I have my heart set on a costume?
    Garrett
    Top Answerer
    Just do it. Don't let your dreams be dreams.
  • Question
    Is it cheaper to make the costume or is it better to buy the costume?
    Community Answer
    Typically, it is cheaper to make cosplay costumes instead of buying them.
  • Question
    How can I cosplay if I am not pretty?
    Community Answer
    Cosplay is about having fun and making something you are happy with. Looking good is not necessary by any means.
  • Question
    How can I make a squirrel tail?
    Community Answer
    Get some lighter brown and darker brown fabric as well as some stuffing. Then look at some squirrel pictures online and draw out a pattern on the fabric. I think it would be a good idea to make a bottom part out of the darker fabric and a top part out of the light. Then sew the two parts together and leave a small opening to stuff it. After it is stuffed, sew up the last little hole and then you will be all done!
  • Question
    How can I make my own miraculous ladybug costume?
    Community Answer
    Get a red spandex suit and spray paint black spots on it. Get any superhero mask and spray it red, wait for it to dry, then add black.
  • Question
    What's a good material for mimicking tactical gear like Batman and Nightwing?
    Community Answer
    Visit and Army Surplus store. There is lots of stuff there that will work or can be worked with. They usually are very inexpensive as well.
  • Question
    How do I make my own sewing pattern?
    Community Answer
    You can trace your design on cardboard. Use a tape measure to ensure a good fit, or trace articles of clothing you know already fit well.
  • Question
    How can I sew without a sewing machine?
    Community Answer
    You can either sew by hand or use fabric glue.
  • Question
    What are good sites to design the plans on?
    Community Answer
    I've used Polyvore before to design a Maka cosplay. You can also use YouTube as a source for help.
  • Question
    What is the best material to use for a school uniform cosplay costume?
    Community Answer
    Cotton is usually used for those kinds of projects. However, if your uniform has some parts that require other fabrics, such as silk scarves, then of course you can use that particular fabric/material. You can look up tutorials and guides for your uniform from the internet. Places like YouTube, Tumblr and Pinterest have a lot of great guides and tutorials about cosplaying.
  • Question
    How do you make your eyes look like the color of the character's? His eyes are important for the costume and I was wondering what works well.
    Community Answer
    Colored contacts are the only way to change the color of your eyes. Otherwise, you could just use a mask or makeup around the eyes.
  • Question
    Is there anyway to make a wig with household items?
    Community Answer
    Take a good amount of yarn and brush it with a dog brush, it will break apart and look like hair. You can sew the "hair" to a cap, or anything similar to that (or you can sew/make a little cap that wigs have out of a light fabric) I'm not really sure if hot glue works, I have never tried it before but try to experiment with it first before you make a whole wig. Then you can trim it if needed. This may take some time but the more you do it the faster you get and it can be done in less than a day! This works best with short hair, if you do long hair it may be a little stiff.
  • Question
    Where are the best places to show off my costume?
    Community Answer
    You may want to show off your costume at conventions, comic book stores, and school (if it is appropriate).
  • Question
    How do I make my own pencil pink-and-white skirt with the stuff I have at home?
    Community Answer
    You'll need a pink skirt and a white skirt. If you don't have such at home, ask friends and family, or visit a local thrift store. Split one skirt up to the waist in 4-6 places. Leave the hems in. Sew in wedges of the other skirt. Adjust hems to be even, and you're ready.
  • Question
    What do I do if I have no experience or supplies for sewing?
    Community Answer
    Many outfits can be bought online, but if you have a close friend of family member who's willing to sew parts together for you, then they could do it instead.
  • Question
    Which is the best way making a cat tail?
    CurtM
    Community Answer
    Head down to your local fabric store and pick out a roll that suits the look you're going for. Once you get your fabric home, cut it into a 5-6 inch strip, then roll it up and sew or glue the ends together. If you like, you can stuff your cat tail with cotton, fabric scraps, foam beads, or other materials to make it more lifelike.
  • Question
    What fabric is best to use for a school uniform cosplay costume?
    Community Answer
    Cotton is easy to work with and affordable.
  • Question
    I'm really worried about what my family will think! How should I tell them I want to do cosplay!?
    CurtM
    Community Answer
    Just be honest with them! There's nothing shameful or embarrassing about cosplay. It's a productive hobby that requires lots of imagination and creativity. You'll probably be surprised by your family's reaction once you open up to them. They may even be able to lend you a hand tracking down or making components for your costumes!
  • Question
    How do I make ladybug wings?
    Community Answer
    Check online for ideas and patterns. You'll probably need some felt and some wires to shape your wings. Then you'll sew the felt together and place it over your wire frame.
  • Question
    I want to cosplay Alice Margatroid from Touhou Project. How should I add in her dolls?
    CurtM
    Community Answer
    Go thrifting for cheap babydolls that look similar. Focus on finding ones with curly blonde hair and a black or blue Victorian-era loli-style dress. You can add a red bow yourself if needed.
  • Question
    Can I cosplay as other characters who aren't iconic?
    Garrett
    Top Answerer
    You absolutely can. You should always cosplay for fun, not for recognition. Cosplay as whatever character you choose.
  • Question
    What if I'm too young?
    Brye Noelle
    Community Answer
    You're never too young! Ask your parents for help with finding the material and color you want, get some help from friends, and remember that everyone can cosplay!
  • Question
    Is it difficult to make detailed designs for cosplay costumes?
    Community Answer
    It is very helpful to have a character reference so that you can get the details right, and make sure you observe the details of the outfit. Be patient with yourself and don't be afraid to use help from stencils or patterns.
  • Question
    If I were to do a Rose Quartz dress, how could I do it on a budget? I don't have a sewing machine and I am not good at making clothes.
    Community Answer
    You can buy a white wedding petticoat and wear a Mr. Universe shirt. Wedding petticoats are fairly inexpensive online or in thrift stores, and they are already white. If you want to, you can use Rit dye to do the multicolored pattern in the layers of her skirt. Just make sure the skirt is layered.
  • Question
    How can I make a Yuno Gasai (from Mirai Nikki) costume?
    Community Answer
    Yuno typically wears a school-girl outfit. So look for a blue shirt and skirt and a red ribbon. You can attach some white fabric to the shirt. You may also be able to find an inexpensive school girl or Yuno outfit online.
  • Question
    How do I make an orange wig?
    Community Answer
    It's very difficult to make a wig if you don't have the proper skills and materials. Even if you do, it can be really hard. I would suggest buying a wig. Rockstar Wigs and Epic Cosplay are both great places to get wigs. Amazon and Ebay are very hit-or-miss, I personally avoid them and if you do shop there for wigs, always look at the customer reviews. Arda is a bit pricey, but has great quality and the cap size is great is you have a lot of hair.
  • Question
    Will people take me seriously if I'm 13-year-old cosplaying as a female version of Kaneki Ken?
    Community Answer
    There are lots of people that create their own cross-gender versions of their favorite characters. Just come up with some good ideas and have fun with it. The cosplay community is almost always ecstatic when they see people create unique versions of their favorite characters.
  • Question
    Will other cosplayers be insulted if I wear a dress while cosplaying a male character? I'm thinking of a dress similar to those made by Darling Army.
    Community Answer
    No, and if they do, that's something they need to work out with themselves. I've seen many male characters in dresses at conventions before, and people are always really supportive.
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