When the subject of costumes and cosplay comes up in conversation, these fateful words soon follow: “I can’t sew.” It’s okay. It’s not the end of your costuming world. Repeat after me, you can make it work.
I admire seamsters and gush over their creations. Sewing costumes produces results unmatchable with a hot glue gun. That said, the intermediate to advanced sewing skills needed to create a costume are not everyday abilities. Even if one knows how to sew, one has to have regular access to a sewing machine. Based on the type of costume you are planning, you can usually get around even picking up a needle. Just think about what you can do without thread before getting discouraged.
Get the Basics
If the costume you are building can use as-is clothes or props, start there.
- Visit stores like Sidecca or Charlotte Russe for basic colors that you can layer. I have found everything from lace gloves to a green corset for a Poison Ivy costume to a red sweater for a Dr. Horrible Penny costume from these kind of stores.
- Go to the local thrift store. You’re almost guaranteed to find a piece you can use or tear apart to use. Don’t discard something if it’s not your size. Elastic and safety pins do wonders.
- Visit any craft store you can. Pick up simple fabrics or simply wander the aisles for ideas. I’m always surprised at the helpful things I find in the bridal section at Michael’s.
Those of Us Who Don’t Sew, Fasten
Glue is not the path to elaborate stitching and incredible details, but it works for putting pieces together. Try these fastening methods:
- Hot glue gun; it’s a classic for a reason.
- Fabric glue such as Liquid Thread or Aleene’s, good for mocking pleats and attaching delicate trim. – Hemming tape to make those seams pretty.
- Velcro does miracles for making thrift store finds fit.
- Clear silicone caulk; find it at your hardware store in a small tube. Great for thick fabrics, just clothespin them together, add caulk, and let it dry overnight.
- For parts of the costume that are not prominent, cut holes in it (only if the fabric is sturdy) and lace it up with ribbon.
Crafty Tips
When you are looking for a way to make say, a Number Six bracelet, you notice a whole new life for the items in the craft store aisles. These items are invaluable gems for costumes:
- Sheets of craft foam that can become the base for wrist guards, a shield, or boot covers. They are really easy to cover with fabric and come in many colors.
- Upholstery and curtain trim often make great costume trim. They can’t be beat for pirate hats.
- Spray paint
Be patient and get out there and make something fabulous. Remember, if you get in over your head, you can probably find a friend with a knowledge and a sewing machine.
Amy Ratcliffe still has no idea what she wants to be when she grows up. But until then, she will keep playing D&D, reading comics, and perfecting the ultimate chic lightsaber. Strong female characters in the world of geek (movies, comics, & books) influence her attitude and costumes. Visit her blog Geek with Curves.
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Amy Ratcliffe still has no idea what she wants to be when she grows up. But until then, she will keep playing D&D, reading comics, and perfecting the ultimate chic lightsaber. Strong female characters in the world of geek (movies, comics, & books) influence her attitude and costumes. Visit her blog Geek with Curves or follow her on Twitter. 
Cute and helpful little article ^^ All of my costume stuff is a mishmash of lost and (occasionally) found items picked up from fairs, thrift stores, antique stores, toy stores and raiding old wardrobes. Even though many things need a bit of a human touch (a little sanding here, dirt and paint there), with a little creativity it's quite easy to make even the most fake looking items look awesome!
And when all else fails I have a girlfriend who can sew, so that works out well.
Thrift stores are my favorites for costume bits. I forgot all about hitting up toy stores for weapons you can mod. That might be a whole other post.
And yeah – Lianne is a rocking costume maker/seamstress. You're lucky!
Glue! Why didn't I think of glue! It's so simple, and yet…. Thanks for this!
Seriously.
Seriously. Hot glue and hemming tape are my best costuming friends.
I have okay sewing skills, so glue has always felt like cheating, but I may have to reconsider that opinion.
I see what you mean, but it will definitely be helpful in a pinch or for a last minute costume.