Tip for those looking for a *very* budget friendly alternative to poster board or craft paper (Which can get pricey if you need a lot of it for when you inevitably mess up when beginning) is wrapping paper. Most people already have a roll or two kicking around, and if you don't, it can come at a dollar a roll or less for much, much more paper than getting poster board or craft paper.
Jom Bur Also good for not so big designs is baking or parchment paper (better if it comes in a roll, not in single sheets tho) it is easy to draw on and more important can very easily be pinned onto the fabric ^-^
I like the ductape patterning. basically wrapping a manniquin/someone you make the costume for (since it is a hell to do it on yourself) with clear wrapping plastic, putting ductape over it and drafting a pattern on it with a sharpie. cut the back/front and cut out all the pieces :) I found it really quick and accurate
even if you get a rough shape you can take to it with a seam ripper (carefully documenting how you took it apart so you know how to sew a new one)and make a pattern
Animegirlnanami speaking of the ciel dress, can I ask how you added the volume to the dress? I'm making a dress similar to his and after all the research I can't find a way to do it without buying 5 miles of fabric.
I didn't make it, but I have made princess dresses before and the best way is either a hoop skirt or a tulle underskirt (can't remember what it's called). There's a lot of great tutorials out there for both. I mean, your still gonna use a ton of fabric, but not quite as much.
When creating a ballgown type dress it's kinda impossible to not use 5+ yards of fabric. You could always shorten the length or look for cheaper alternatives for fabric you are using but it's still difficult if you are trying to make it as accurate as possible. Like Animegirlnanami had said, use a hoopskirt/a petticoat to give the dress more floof instead of painstakingly adding the volume to the skirt with additional fabric. Amazon has some hoop skirts that come cheap.
If you're making it from scratch one thing I like to do is make a small mock up out of felt or something. This helps you see if the pieces will go together properly and make the right shape before going into a full sized mock up for fitting reasons. Make sure to scale everything properly, though.
I prefer starting with my baseline pattern that lives in my my mind (such as a loose sleeveless shirt) and adding or subtracting from there. That way all I have to worry about is adding sleeves, cutting the neckline, taking the waist in, etc, instead of having to measure for the entire pattern. Also thrift shopping at goodwill and modifying what I find by painting or cutting/adding pieces.
I also like to draw out my garment on paper quite small and "take it apart" in my head and then draw out each potential pattern piece, and then scale it up to my measurements. This is for more complicated designs.
I learned how to create patterns by buying existing patterns and modifying them for my uses. It has taught me so much about how garments are made and now I can draft a lot of patterns on my own
You can make your own dress form for super cheap, and it'll fit you better than a commercial dress form. :) www.handimania.com/diy/your-own-shape-sewing-mannequin.html
I got my dress form (after doing the tshirt/paper tape method) on clearance with a coupon for about $50 at JoAnns. Make sure to shop around for a good deal. Also, make sure to have your measurements beforehand, since dressforms aren't a one size fits all or even most.
drafting is actually one of my favorite parts of cosplay haha it feels soooo good to see my cosplay take shape when ive done so much work on it, so rewarding! i like using my clothing as a base usually but drafting from scratch is fun too! i havent tried draping yet but once i get my hands on a dress form i will for sure
Pattern drafting is one of my favourite parts of cosplay, to be honest! I think one of the most important things (helpful, at least) is to have an understanding of how clothing works. I sort of just wing everything; I always have. But using the methods of Modifying Existing Patters and Existing Garments can really help in grasping that understanding! And it really comes in handy when you’re working on a character that has very little screentime and/or few available references. I don’t do draping often, so as for favourite methods of pattern drafting, I’d have to go with Modifying Existing Patterns, especially Frankensteining them together. I’ve been working on the Huntsman’s main costume from Once Upon A Time, and I’ve pretty much ended up doing /everything/ in the making of the pattern for his over-tunic. Such a fun puzzle to work on. But then for costumes like Gray from Torchwood, that one heavily relied on “accurate” proportioning and counting for all the panels of the jacket and pants. Then I was able to build the shape from there.
I saw this in my sub box and was overly excited to watch it. THANK YOU MANGOSIRENE! You're honestly a lifesaver for cosplayers. ^o^ I'll be able to use this video to help me with my Anders (from Dragon Age 2) cosplay. So many layers ;-;
I'm slowly starting to transition from altering clothing to creating my own costumes and this video helped so much! Patterns and pattern-making has always seemed so intimidating, but I feel like it's not as scary now that you've talked through the methods! Thanks for being such a helpful member of the cosplay community, your videos definitely make me feel more confident in my work!
I used store bought patterns and altered them for the first time this summer! As a self taught, learning on the go sewer, I recommend this to start so you can see how garments get put together in real life
I love love love love love that you encourage using patterns!!! I love making Cosplay, and Lolita coordinates but am rubbish at draping! Frankenstein-ing and altering existing patterns makes it so possible for me to get what's in my head into fabric! I love it! You can also get rolls of brown paper for patterns at Home Depot for like $8! I bought some a year ago and have gone through barely even a quarter of it! (I like to trace the tissue patterns onto it to keep them around longer).
Talk about amazing timing! There's a con about a month away and I am trying to get Pidge's outfit put together. This video helped a lot in how I could modify/create the pattern for her top. :) Thank you for making this!
i really like flat drafting from scratch because it makes me think about how im gonna assemble all the pieces and what order i need to create seams in. but ive used all the methods you showed and they are all really different but still interesting. this is the stage that im always most trying to understand in my preliminary sketches and notes of a costume i want to make.
Usually what I do is I use draping, and sometimes I even just press the paper against my dress form and fold it until it works. I'm going to try these new methods too! Thank you so much for the video!
For my first major sewing project (Lady Oscar's tailcoat thing from Rose of Versailles) I used a combination of the "clothing-tracing" and "frankenstineing" methods. Because the body of the coat is fitted, i traced the body of a fitted jacket i have. The sleeves aren't fitted so I traced the sleeves of a peacoat. For the tails, i drafted those out on paper, tacked those to the coat to see if i liked their size/shape, then moved on to fabric. For my first time, it turned out pretty good if i do say so myself. I'll be remaking this winter by cutting it apart, redrafting and refining the patterns, then sewing a mockup, then sewing a new one.
I really only make armor and props, so if my sewing partner needs a pattern for sewing from me I use the duck tape method and he usually figures it out from there. Thank god you made this, maybe I can help him out more by learning to draft proper patterns!
I love draping! I end up with a Frankenstein's mess of colors for my mock up (since I usually buy some form of broadcloth because its usually cheaper than muslin in my area) but I always have good luck with it.
you can also use old bedsheets or anything else!! most of my mockups are also a mess of colors because i just use whatever i have left over that i can sacrifice
for corsets, i get a t-shirt, cut off the sleaves, put it on, and wrap my torso comfortably, but formfitting with packing tape, cut first down the middle, take it off, and cut it so i have a corset pattern, and pick my favorite halves so they're symmetrical
This is super helpful! My first pattern making project will actually be for armor, specifically N7 Armor for Commander Shepard (Female). Im so excited to get into it and while Im nervous I do have plenty of references on hand. So if I mess up making the patterns, I can always start again.
Oh boy my first time with a pattern was earlier this year! I bought a cheerleader pattern in a kid's size and made a cheerleader outfit for Nishinoya from Haikyuu and oh boy xD what an experience lol it didnt really fit too good but the pleats on my skirt turned out so good. Super excited to remake it and I'll definitely be using some of the tips and resources in this video, theyre really helpful!!
I've always traced and modified from clothing and existing patterns. Now I'm getting into draping. For my second draping project (my first was Yona), I'm going to be doing Lunafreya from Kingsglaive FFXV. Very informative video! Thank you! 😁
Thank you for making this video. I just decided i'm going to make a costume from scratch and while i've sown from pre-existing patterns before i've never drafted my own pattern and i was kinda freaking out so thank you so much you :D (and your eyes were so pretty in the video :) )
Beginner I "adopted" an apron from work to use as a pattern for Tohru (from the Dragon Maid anime) to make the torso and pattern for the skirt part. I used a Simplicity Lolita fashion pattern for the shirt (I'll have to modify the collar, but the rest is the same) so that was nice to find. And I got the pattern when Simplicity patterns were 99 cents at Hobby Lobby. Score!!
I love the method of altering preexisting patterns. I'm none too good at drafting my own patterns, but I can alter the crap out of something that already exists.
I LOVE making patterns from existing clothes. It's the easiest way to get the hang of how clothes work and I know going that it will probably fit me without me having to make a mock-up (which I should do anyways, but bleeeggghh effort D:)
The method I generally use to make patterns is to cover my dress form in freezer paper (it's super easy to draw on and is cheap) and draw my pattern pieces out on it. This was a great video as always Nina!
i was planning on cosplaying England, and its gonna be my first time putting the cosplay together myself instead of buying it. i have zero experience or knowledge about sewing costumes, or even how to use my sewing machine. so your videos are helpful
You are my absolute favourite cosplayer and your RU-vid videos are so perfect and I cannot tell you how many times they have helped me. I'm just getting into making cosplays from scratch, and your videos are a godsend
For a future video, can you go over the concept of crossplay, genderbending, and/ or gijinka cosplays? Kind of what the differences between the 3, tips and tricks, real life examples, etc.?
I know you have the Crossplay makeup tutorial but I was wondering if you expand on these concepts since it seems like you do a lot of gender bending cosplays with your Free cosplays
If you want to suggest and vote on future episodes of Cosplay 101, please consider joining our Patreon club! Patrons get to choose upcoming videos for this series, CosAppetit, and more! patreon.com/mangosirene
My favorite ways to draft patterns are using packing tape and wrapping it around myself (sticky side out and then sticky side in), then cutting it off. This works for form fitting clothes you don't already have a pattern for. I also like using butcher paper to draft my patterns, then taping the pattern together to see if it fits and how it goes together. c:
Tip I learned while starting on drafting: if/when you drape, don't be afraid of the scissors! Just keep an eye on a reference pic and take into account how it will look on you. Believe me, cutting away the extra makes it so much easier to see what you're doing than pinning up ALL the extra and trying not to severely wrinkle what you're working with.
I'm planning to make Soren's Path of Raidence outfit (Fire emblem) for a con next year, and that would probably be my biggest project yet. This video is really helpful to me I'll make sure to refer back to it when I actually get started. (Luckily it's one of the few Fire Emblem costumes that are entirely fabric)
Thank you so much for making this video! I have been trying all week to figure out how to make Keith Kogane's jacket from Voltron Legendary Defender, and this might just be the answer! When you mentioned existing clothing, it reminded me that I had a cropped Attack on Titan jacket, that with a few adjustments might work perfectly! Your videos are always so fun and helpful, and I'm super glad I found your channel!
I'm a very, very new cosplayer-I just figured out how to use pre-existing patterns a couple months ago when I was making my Prilla dress. My next projects are going to be a pleated skirt and a circle cloak, which are simple enough in concept that I'm not feeling too worried about them! Though I probably will make a mock-up, just in case ^^; Also! I want to thank you for taking the time to make all these Cosplay 101 videos. They've been a huge help to me as someone who's not quite sure what they're doing just yet, and they're always so cute and well-edited that it's a real pleasure to watch them! You have a very concise way of explaining things while still encouraging people to do their own research instead of spoon feeding them. As soon as I have a somewhat steady income, I'd love to become a Patron and try to help you out! Again, thank you so much for everything you do :) have a wonderful day!!
I know that there are already many Sailor Scout patterns out on the market, but they aren't always flattering for all body shapes, so I'm going to be tweaking one (if not all out drafting one) to fit me, plus the costume modifications needed for the character I'm designing.
I would like to hear any tips you have on pick the right shoes for cosplays, or modifying them. If this is too vague, My interest is video game characters, and boots.
Thank you! I'm going to send this to one of my friends who was asking me about drafting! For me I like to make copies of patterns I buy by tracing them out onto a roll of butcher paper and then altering the copy so I can save the original pattern. I also like to trace out my patterns on fabric with a liquid chalk marker. They're super handy and still wash out with a little bit of water. I also hit up thrift stores on 1$ days for large, unstained bed sheets to do my drafting.
I like to use existing patterns when I can because that's easiest for me, but I also make stuff from clothes I own. My Yona dress was made with a purchased pattern for the skirt, making a pattern from a tank top for the bodice, and then free forming the sleeves. I guess I frankenstein my processes sometimes.
My first cosplay I'm making is quite literally just a sleeveless tshirt and shorts with a few add-ons. Easy start! I'm not sure where to find patterns so the "taking apart an existing clothing piece" idea sounds great, and I'm surprised I didn't think of that earlier. ;u;
Apparently, I've already done my first pattern. I've been working on an Endor Rebel Commando Leia costume from Return of the Jedi, and got a bit stumped when trying to make the poncho. So when I needed a hood, I took the hood of my winter coat, saw how it was constructed, and used the shapes of the pieces to size it up so it would fit over my head with the helmet from the costume on graph paper.
This helped me out a lot XD im a beginner and i'm making an original armor design for Erza from fairy tail and i had no clue how to start on the actual clothes.
My favorite method that I use 90% of the time is the using existing patterns and altering them method! Just recently, I bought 6 patterns from Hobby Lobby! They're having a huge sale on Simplicity patterns, $0.99 each! I think the sale ends on the 15th.
I made my Pidge shirt from an existing long-sleeve shirt I had in my closet! it worked out well, save for the fact that my base shirt was a little tight on me. But, that experience has helped me learn how to piece together a garment properly and my next one will be better fitting for sure. c: Advice for beginners: If it doesn't go the way you planned at first, don't be afraid to scrap it and try again! Measure and remeasure yourself to make sure everything is the proper size.
I draft certain things (sleeves, pants, gloves, circle skirts) but I prefer draping for bodices & dresses. Having a body form scaled to my measurements means that I can make things sit exactly where I want them to.
When it comes to form-fitting stuff, I always use the method of wrapping the item in saran wrap and covering it in duct tape. It's so convenient and the fit is perfect! I've even made duct tape clothing using the same method.
I like making my own patterns for costumes, but lately I have just been using pre-made patterns and altering them because understanding the pattern is more confusing for me. I find that by drafting my own pattern I understand the process better. The first costume I ever made was Kyoko from PMMM and I drafted all the patterns myself and let me tell you that jacket of hers was amazing. It was form fitting and looked close to hers. Although if I made her costume again I would definitely know to allow room fro my head to get through...haha. That was the only thing I overlooked..it all worked out in the end though!
I am about to do my very first cosplay and I am having to draft my own pattern for Asuna's outfit from Sword Art Online. Luckily I took a costuming class in college that let me make a basic Sloper this way, but it's a little (ok, maybe a LOT) different making a pattern fit what you need. :) Thank you for your encouragement to the community and for helping me find the courage to finally enter the world of cosplay. I look forward to getting to meet you one day and express my thanks in person. Lots of love to you MangoSirene
This was SUPER timely! I needed to learn how to draft a pattern for the bodice of my corrupt Pyrrha Nikos cosplay, and here's Mango to the rescue! ^_^ Sempai is the best.
This video is very helpful!! Thank you so much, Nina! I'm a total beginner when it comes to pattern drafting, and I took on the ambitious project of a Fire Emblem character. I'm working right now on drafting a pattern for a kimono-style top for Sakura, and it's harder than I thought! But this is very helpful, so thank you lots!!
My first pattern drafting experience was for a skater dress that I used for my performance in Hairspray (I was Penny). I actually made the costume out of a thrifted bedsheet to save money.
Draping is my personal favorite. I also enjoy flats as well, the drawing has a therapeutic effect. I haven't used drafting tools, however, which leads to a lot of math and is just a pain in the ass. So thank you Nina ^u^ Even for advanced sewers there is always something new to learn and work on!
My first draft was for a formfitted coat.. that was.. interesting. This really helped though, since I tend to just take my measurements and wing it. Sketching it out on paper, pinning it all together with far too many pins, impaling myself on said pins while trying it on to make sure that the pattern will fit, then I transfer it to the fabric and hope that I don't mess anything up x)
nice video! I tend to use flat drafting, which you didn't mention, but it is literally taking a ton of measurements of the body and using geometry to translate the flat material into a 3D shape... It can be fairly complicated but is way cheaper than draping since you don't need a mannequin :D
I make all my patterns but getting out some base measurements and connecting the dots so it looks like the pattern for a garment I want to make. I have a really weird body type so learning how to draft my own patterns was one of the most useful things I've learned for cosplay.
as someone who taught them self how to sew and pattern, i actually pattern in a very unconventional way. I've never used existing patterns (yet) especially since my body shape and height is really unconventional, so self patterning is usually the way to go for me. The way i taught myself is to treat everything like a geometry problem! everything is broken down to shapes and measurements. surprisingly i failed geometry twice in school, but patterning always came easily for me
good tips, never seen those rulers before^^ I'm somewhat new to cosplay but I make my own patterns most of the time. I use some cheap brown paper and just use trial and error. it actually kind of works with a few adjustements as I go^^ so people should just try it and learn from it^^
For ShutoCon this year I actually made my first my first cosplay, Memoca from Wadanohara, and I used one of my dad's old T-shirts to help me out with making the dress. It helped me a lot with understanding the making of clothes. :D
This kind of scares me to be honest. I am excited to learn however and hope to make a cosplay that I am proud of. I'm already in the process of getting all tools I need for making a d&d cleric cosplay. The methods you mentioned hopefully will work for me and when I am ready to make my official cosplay it be a thing of beauty.
My first patrerning project will hopefully be Minatsuki Takami from Deadman Wonderland! She's one of my favorite characters and I've wanted to cosplay her from the moment I first saw her! :) I'm not even kidding when I say I've never even touched a sewing machine in my life and I don't have one. I'm doing a bunch of research beforehand so I'll have some sort of an idea of what to do. Your videos are very helpful!!
thanks for make this video nina. i started sewing own cosplay. this video will great when i started make my charming cosplay from abc's once upon a time and future cosplays. your cosplay 101 videos are very helpful to me.
I remember costuming La Bête in college and I had to draft a ballgown and three vests. My method was a lot of studying existing garments and then doing careful math with my actor's measurements.
Either go to thrift stores to find existing clothing that's closely like the cosplay so you could redesign it, or using the cling wrap/tape method for some armor pieces :))
I'll be pattern drafting Yukiya Reizen from Solmare's Otome game: Wizardess Heart. I tried making two capes freehand and only recently discovered that using paper you can create a pattern to aid the shape and design of the cosplay, something I'm really looking forward to.
This was so super awesome!!! I use a lot of the methods mentioned I just never thought to use the specific rulers!! I drafted all my own patterns for the sailor moon classic fuku's I'm working on right now!
i'm just starting with this whole cosplaying thing and it's really exciting!! i'm currently working on a korekara no someday rin hoshizora outfit... and i'm making it using the method of modifying existing patterns that i bought, and i'm hoping it turns out well!! also, i must say, your videos are super helpful! thanks so much :) love your channel!
My first was Hungary from Hetalia. I drafted using three existing patterns and ‘Frankensteining’. One thing I learned is that it’s normal to trial and error multiple times. Before I finished I redid the cosplay at least 3 times
Draping to me is the most fun but expensive. I also like adapting already existing patterns. It makes me feel more clever then when I drape them for some reason haha Also newspaper is what I often use for pattern making, you need to be careful because its not strong but its cheap and you can always transfer it to better paper later on if its a patter you want to use again/more often.
I’m desperate to make a Glimmer costume (from the reboot), I’ve already found the base leotard thing but she has a funky cape/shirt and then another cape that goes on top. I’d never actually heard of the 'take apart your clothes' method, that’s genius!
I’ve only just now begun sewing my own cosplays and I’ve made a pattern for A2 from NieR:Automata already! I’m currently awaiting the arrival of my fabric. I plan on drafting Ada Wong’s Resident Evil 2 remake dress next
Man, I wish I had this video a month ago. XD I used existing garments I had for my Dark Souls 3 Firekeeper cosplay and edited it as I went along. A bit stressful, but it turned out fantastic!. As my first ever homemade cosplay, it turned out great. I just wish I used thicker fabric for the turtleneck. Also, Muslin is SUPER CHEAP for testing out the costume before you move on to your actual fabric. Try it on, make adjustments, and try again. It'll save you time and heartache if you do this instead of going straight for the actual fabric you're going to use for the cosplay (especially if you bought the whole roll at the fabric store already).
My first cosplay is going to be Leslie Withers from The Evil Within. To make the straight jacket I just got a normal shirt put it on backwards, cut off the excess material then used face paint (cuz it was the night before con and no shops were open so my only available paint was face paint, it did work you just have to seal it with hairspray) it worked really well!
