By Katharine Star

So, you want to go to a convention, but you want the full experience. For many, this means going in costume. Only one problem: you have no costume, have never made one, and don’t know where to start. Worry not, for help is on the way! Here is a pseudo quick-start guide to getting gussied up for your next big con.

STEP 1: Picking Your Fandom

The first part of making a costume is not the sewing (or molding, or casting); before you can start actually making your outfit, you have to decide who you want to be!

            A fandom consists of a group that consists of fans of a particular person, character, movie, book, comic, you name it! Choosing what fandom you want to be a part of is as easy as knowing what you love: think a story or genre you are a fan of, pick a character from that story or genre, and choose an outfit of his or hers to emulate. If you have a particular convention in mind you want to wear your costume to, you may want to consider the theme of the con: is it a science fiction convention? A comic convention? A horror convention? Or maybe even a Renaissance Faire…you’ll likely feel most at ease in your costume if it fits the theme of the con.

            Know who you want to be? Then it’s on to step two!

STEP 2: Research

            No, it’s not time to get crafty yet! Before you start construction, you’ll want to know as much as you can about the costume you are going to copy. Even if you are creating your own character, you’ll want to sit down and figure out what kind of look you are going for, what you can afford, what you want to make vs. purchase, and so on. If you choose to copy a specific costume, then you’ll want to start with something called reference images.

            Reference images are pictures and drawings you find of your character in your chosen costume. These can help you better get to know the components of the outfit. A costume that at first seemed simple may, upon closer inspection, prove to be a bit too much of a challenge for your first time around. Or maybe there will be a special seam, stitch, buckle, what have you that you hadn’t noticed at first and will need to consider as you put together your creation. Reference images can be especially handy when you are doing things such as embroidery, or other detail work, or if you want your costume to be super accurate.

            Finding images may be as simple as “googling” your character’s name. You may also want to try plugging in the character’s name and the word “costume” or “cosplay” into your search engine of choice. Sometimes there are websites devoted to costuming your character that can have not only plenty of reference images, but all kinds of tips and tricks for making your costume or where you can purchase some of the parts that are beyond your current skills to make.

            Also, here’s a BIG part of research: measurements! If the costume you make doesn’t fit, then you can’t wear it and have a fabulous time doing so! Remember things like seam allowances, room for movement if your materials don’t stretch, etc. You need to know these things to know just how much material you need.

            Once you’ve finished your research and figured out all the components of your costume, you’re ready for the next step in the process.

STEP 3: Materials

            Okay, so this is the last step before the actual making of the costume: the gathering of the materials you need to do so. This could be as simple as picking the right fabric for that dress, finding that funny-looking pipe for your custom weapon, or shopping for that perfect wig or body paint. By now if you haven’t figured out your budget, this is the time to do it – before you buy anything! Go out to the local stores or search online to get some ideas of prices of the things you need: a certain costume you had your heart set on may be out of range for the moment. Also, consider things like extra materials you may need in case of mistakes, and even the small things that you need for the construction: embroidery floss, paint, buttons…you get the idea. Maybe you’ll need to buy a glue gun, or beads, or Velcro…these items are small, but they can add up.

            Have your budget figured out? Then it’s time to go shopping! Craft stores, hardware stores, and thrift stores can be magical places when you discover just what crafty things you can do with everyday items! Don’t be afraid to get creative.

STEP 4: Construction

            This is the tricky part. Remember all that research you did? This is where it REALLY comes into play. Don’t forget, if it’s your first time doing this, mistakes may (and most likely will) be made, but don’t get discouraged! Even the pros make mistakes. That’s what you bought those couple extra yards of fabric, or that extra length of zipper for! Also, this can be a time consuming process, so don’t feel frustrated if a week later you feel like you’ve gotten nowhere. Even simple costumes can take weeks to make (this author has made costumes in as short as two days and as long as over a month). The really detailed pieces can take a long time, so the more intricate your costume, the longer it will probably take. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself, and if you don’t get the costume done in time for that convention you were hoping to wear it to, it’s OK: there are always more conventions! The idea isn’t for this to feel like work, but to be a fun project. Yes, there will be times that it will frustrate you, but overall the experience should be enjoyable, and if you feel irritated, just look at those reference pictures and think how great you will look once you are done!

STEP 5: Wear it!

            So you’ve finally put everything together, you’ve tried it on, made your fixes, and huzzah! You’ve got your costume! But now you want to wear it to a con. There are a few things left to consider.

            The biggest thing is transportation. If you need to pack up your costume in a suitcase or garment bag, figure out the best way to do so to keep your outfit from getting damaged during transport. You don’t want your big day ruined by a tear, scratch or snap. Also, if you need it, find out if there is going to be an iron where you are going: lots of hotels provide irons and ironing boards in their rooms, but it’s worth checking out. If your convention is in town, think about how you are going to get to the convention and what costume-hazards you may meet along the way: if you can, change at the convention, but don’t assume you can…find out first what facilities the con has, if there is a coat check, bag check, etc. The size of the convention can make a big difference here.

            Finally, remember, when you are in costume chances are someone is going to want to take your picture: in fact, a LOT of people will! Don’t be camera-shy: bask in the attention (though don’t get a big head) and that way you’ll feel comfortable in you costume, and in your skin. This is your big chance to be someone different: represent that character with pride and respect. And most of all, have fun!