DIY Cosplay and Wearables Emergency Repair Kit
As we start getting back into attending conventions and doing cosplay, it's also time to make plans for when things go wrong. Someone will step on the hem of that long skirt. A seam may decide to come undone at an inopportune time and in a somewhat embarrassing spot. That hefty battery pack you hoped would last the weekend might die.
This is by no means exhaustive, but consider it a starting point to get you to think about the things that you might need. Because stuff happens, even to professional cosplayers.
Basic Cosplay Kit: - Needles (yes, multiple) and thread in the colors of your costume. You may also want a needle threader. (Those cheap repair kits you find in travel sections at the store may be just the ticket!)
- Scissors to cut the thread or trim dangling threads you may discover while you're wearing your costume.
- Tape. Duct Tape is handy for some repairs. Hem tape is handy for others. You may want some of the double-sided tape used to hold up strapless garments to help prevent an embarrassing malfunction. (If you're already using it, have extras. The space is hot. You will sweat. Extra tape is good.)
- Safety pins. Great for holding hems in place in a pinch. Not wearing a dress? Trousers and coats also have hems that come undone.
- Straight pins.
- Extra buttons, snaps, and/or whatever closures your garment uses. Some adhesive hook-and-loop fasteners might be handy in a pinch.
- Extra makeup/body paint for touch-ups.
- A small mirror to check your makeup/body paint. Or to check for spinach in your teeth before someone asks for a photo!
Basic Wearables Kit: - Any of the above that apply to your costume, plus:
- Small tools.
- Electrical tape.
- A bit of conductive tape and/or wire for small repairs.
- Extra set of batteries.
- Conductive thread and appropriate needles.
You may also want a more detailed kit to keep in your car or hotel room so you can make major repairs. The following items may be useful: - Iron on hem tape. (I know. Many costumers would gag at using it, but in a pinch, it's better than nothing, and can keep your costume wearable until you can get home to make a more permanent repair.)
- Extra trim.
- A kit of various adhesives for repair. You may not need that glue for fabric, but you might need it for foam or other materials.
- Larger tools.
- Soldering iron and solder.
- Extra wire.
- Multimeter to track down bad connections.
- Backups of your processor and other components that may go out, and maybe even a laptop to make adjustments to your program.
- A charger, if you're using rechargeable batteries.
Have fun, and come share your cosplay pictures with us on Facebook!
Filed under: Resources
8/7/2021 3:58:00 PM
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