Fraying seams are the worst. They’re scratchy and uncomfortable, they can leave threads hanging out from under you clothes, but worst of all, they can be unstable, cutting the life of your garment to nothing in a flash. Here a few different ways to finish a seam that will increase the longevity of your garment [...]
Today's post is all about the basic and common stitches you'll need to learn to make your costumes! These stitches are found on almost every machine these days, so get ready for the 12 most useful stitches. (Note: though your machine may not have the exact stitch pattern, there is going to be something close. [...]
Disneybounding and cosplay run along the same lines when it comes to original design. Arguably, Disneybounding itself is cosplay-lite. They both have two very simple, but extremely important, characteristics that make the design successful or not: Iconography and Color Identity. Let's look at just the Disney Princesses as those are so often cosplayed and Disneybounded. [...]
Let's talk about all the scissors you might want or actually need for cosplay creation! There are quite a few, so I've broken them down here with their uses and place in the cutting world: Types of Shears and Scissors Dressmaking ShearsEmbroidery Scissors/ Thread SnipsPinking ShearsTailor's ShearsRotary CuttersHair Cutting ShearsThinning scissorsHair Razors Dressmaking Shears Dressmaking [...]
Beyond a doubt, fabric selection is the most crucial part of sewing - it literally is the costume. When I was a starting seamstress, my fabric choices were ALL over the place, especially for skirts, I used lining fabric, charmeuse, silky solids, and a myriad of completely inappropriate fabrics for the styles I was making. [...]
Starting sewing is intimidating, especially when you're going through rows and rows of sewing notions in Joann Fabrics. I've distilled those walls into a list of the basics you'll need to get started and with the 'advanced' tools you will likely want to acquire over time if your needs call for them. Click on the [...]
Using the right or wrong needle for the job can make or break your project that you've worked on for hours, days, or months. Figuring out which needle is right for your fabric selection is tricky, but below I've created two handy phone-friendly infographics for you to reference the next time you need to buy [...]
Beware: Algebra Ahead! Petticoats are not hard. I repeat, they are not hard. All of it is simple math and I’m here to help you figure out your fluff, length, and fabric requirements for a basic tiered petticoat like the one I’ve made for Anna! First things first: Fabric. You’ll need a stiff organza as [...]
Taking inspiration from Dior and the 19th Century (specifically the mid 1860’s) I designed a skirt with petals that are short in the front and lengthen as they get to the back. These petals are more intricate than they appear, in fact, there are four layers of fabric to them: two types of organza, glitter [...]
Pattern: Vogue 8943 Pattern Description: Dress has bias shoulder and armhole binding, fitted bodice, scalloped lace-edged neckline, three-quarter length sleeves, waistband yoke, flared skirt and purchased ribbon belt. Fitted slip has shoulder straps, and side slits. A, B: French darts, underlined and back zipper. Pattern Sizing: 16 and then scaled down to fit. Did it look like [...]