What You Need to Start [Sewing] Cosplay
Here’s a list of common items needed to begin your sewing creations. It is a bit generalized because different costumes require different thread, fabrics, and patterns, though the core tools are the same. I’ve included both Amazon [affiliate] links and links to JoAnn Fabrics [not affiliate] since some stores are more accessible in different areas. Though, if you find something similar but a better deal, by all means choose that! Be sure to keep an eye out for sales/coupons. Also, investment items like sewing machines tend to be deeply discounted on Black Friday/Cyber Monday. Now, let’s get started!
Needles- For hand-sewing needles, I suggest getting a general assortment pack. Different people have different needle preferences and an assortment lets them experiment to find out what they like.
Amazon https://amzn.to/2MUcndO
JoAnns [Notions Aisle] https://www.joann.com/singer-hand-nee...
Pincushion- A pincushion is a convenient way to store pins when they are not in use. You can find novelty pincushions in a wide variety of shapes and styles, but the most common is the traditional tomato.
Amazon https://amzn.to/2KGpiTU
JoAnns [Notions Aisle] https://www.joann.com/dritz-tomato-pi...
Scissors- Fabric scissors are a necessity for cutting fabric. Make sure you only uses you scissors on fabric, as cutting paper or other items dulls the blade and makes them less effective. An alternative to scissors is a rotary cutter, but I personally find scissors better for beginners.
Amazon https://amzn.to/2ubRkMc
JoAnns [Scissor Aisle] https://www.joann.com/fiskars-8in-rig...
Tape Measure- Tape measures are soft rulers that make it easy to measure around curved things- like the human body.
Amazon https://amzn.to/2zge17N
JoAnns [Notions Aisle] https://www.joann.com/prym-dritz-tape...
Seam Ripper- The seam ripper is a tool used to remove unwanted stitches, whether accidental or intentional.
Amazon https://amzn.to/2KVRY7z
JoAnns [Notions Aisle] https://www.joann.com/prym-dritz-delu...
Sewing Machine- The sewing machine is the biggest investment item on this list. If possible, try using a relative or friends’ machine to get a feel for what qualities you like before purchasing. I personally use a Viking Emerald 116 and love it, though from my research Viking brands are mostly sold through dealers rather than online. For a more commonly found machine I’ve included the Singer Heavy Duty due to its high ranking on Amazon, and the fact that it is a heavy duty machine. (The more plastic components to a machine, the less durable it is over time). Though it does have a high sewing speed which could be intimidating to new sewers, which is why I recommend trying a friends’ machine first to see your comfort level.
Viking Emerald 116 Amazon https://amzn.to/2GenFdt
Singer Heavy Duty Amazon https://amzn.to/2zsJtQn
[Note: If buying online, make sure a machine is compatible with the power source in your country before purchase!]
Dress Form- Dress forms are another investment item for cosplay. While not essential right away, they are extremely useful for fitting and adding details without having to wear the garment while doing so. I recommend using an adjustable dress form if you are like me and tend to fluctuate in size. An alternative to purchasing a dress form is to make an inexpensive “duct tape dummy.” YouTube has many tutorials for creating one yourself.
JoAnns- https://www.joann.com/singer-dress-fo...
Iron + Ironing Board- You don’t need to purchase a fancy iron for sewing, you can just use whatever you have at home. If you don’t have an iron readily available, you can get a budget-friendly steam iron and upgrade it later if you desire. The same goes for ironing boards. For those of you in school dorms, you can even get a mini ironing board to save on space.
Amazon https://amzn.to/2LaNRZE
My Website: http://www.koumorinohime.com/
My Book!: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KQU02B0#...
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