Working with spandex and resin cosplay
On Sunday June 4, 2017, Cosplayers Jerikandra and Abi Sue talked to Lilac City Comicon attendees about working with different materials for costumes. They covered latex, spandex and the use of resin and Worbla in cosplay.
Spandex is sewn not glued like latex. Certain spandex materials come coated for different effects.
“Things that are coated will stretch less,” says Abi Sue.
Patterns can be made using math or by pinning the fabric to your body. If you want to color block a pattern, draw the lines on the pattern and be sure to have a seam allowance. When you are using an applique, it is easier to sew it on to the fabric before you sew the pattern.
“The best stitch is 3-step zig zag,” says Abi Sue. “It stays better. It doesn’t break as easily.”
Attaching rubber soles to boot covers will help the spandex last longer. To create bumps and other effects in spandex, you can pin the craft foam in place and then sew it onto the spandex.
“Spandex around craft foam is a really versatile thing,” says Abi Sue. “There’s a lot of things you can do with spandex.”
Jerikandra on Resin
It’s important to use the right amount of catalyst when working with polyester as a resin. Too little and the resin won’t harden; too much and it will crack.
Before putting the resin in a mold, you can use a mold release that will help the come out of the mold easier. The bigger the mold, the longer it will take for the resin to cure.
Read about working with latex
Read about working with Worbla
Check out the slides from their presentation on Dropbox
Other articles on cosplay:
Cosplay is not consent
Cosplay costs and performance
HaikuCosplay at Malta Comic Con
Making life more complicated: how cosplay reveals a simple truth
Spandex is sewn not glued like latex. Certain spandex materials come coated for different effects.
“Things that are coated will stretch less,” says Abi Sue.
Patterns can be made using math or by pinning the fabric to your body. If you want to color block a pattern, draw the lines on the pattern and be sure to have a seam allowance. When you are using an applique, it is easier to sew it on to the fabric before you sew the pattern.
“The best stitch is 3-step zig zag,” says Abi Sue. “It stays better. It doesn’t break as easily.”
Attaching rubber soles to boot covers will help the spandex last longer. To create bumps and other effects in spandex, you can pin the craft foam in place and then sew it onto the spandex.
“Spandex around craft foam is a really versatile thing,” says Abi Sue. “There’s a lot of things you can do with spandex.”
Jerikandra on Resin
It’s important to use the right amount of catalyst when working with polyester as a resin. Too little and the resin won’t harden; too much and it will crack.
Before putting the resin in a mold, you can use a mold release that will help the come out of the mold easier. The bigger the mold, the longer it will take for the resin to cure.
Read about working with latex
Read about working with Worbla
Check out the slides from their presentation on Dropbox
Other articles on cosplay:
Cosplay is not consent
Cosplay costs and performance
HaikuCosplay at Malta Comic Con
Making life more complicated: how cosplay reveals a simple truth