Sewing Cosplays for Beginners

[angelmage99]

Machine Sewing

 

[angelmage99]

Why Learn to Machine Sew?

The simple truth of why you should learn to machine sew is purely to make costumes faster. Yeah you don't have to buy that $100 machine (usually $30 at Goodwill), but you're going to not be able to finish a costume within a hard days work. There are other advantages as well. Machine sewing can make a piece stronger at the seams and can do different stitches without you do all the hard work.

It's also important to note that there are four types of machines. Starting out you only need a sewing machine, but there are quilting machines/Pull arms for quilting, sergers which create special seams, and embroidery machines (for doing embroidery). Sometimes machines may be a combo and usually you can do quilting on a sewing machine. If you want to go into completion cosplay it maybe helpful to buy a serger or an embroidery machine as you advance in skill, but that won't be until a fair bit down the road.  

[angelmage99]

Tools of the Trade
New and Used Sewing Machines

Unlike hand-sewing there are a lot of pieces and add-ons you can get depending on the machine. Most of these add-ons care called foot/feet. Each foot has a different usage and when you buy a new sewing machine it'll usually come with four or five feet.

It's really important to not the pros and cons of buying a new versus used. Getting it new will mean you get an baggy with extra needles, bobbins, several feet, and tools to help keep your machine working. I personally recommend getting a cheap new machine to start. It'll help start your collection and older machines can work a little differently then new models. The downside is new models break a little more easily, but overall have a good quality of life and are normally easy to fix with a trained eye.

Used machines also have some pros about them. While it's harder to find replacement parts, they are ultimately hard to kill. The machines rarely break and if you're doing historical clothing, then why not start with a historical machine. Most modern machines are fairly universal about how to operate them so you can jump from one machine to another and quickly be sewing.

You also want to think about the brands. Popular brands include Singer, Brother, Viking, Bernina, Baby Lock, and Janome. All of them, overall, are good quality. Some are better quality than others. Here's a run down on the machines.

Singer: The "Apple" of the sewing world. Meaning you have to buy their products to work their machines. These machines are common to find and are very popular. Most of their machines are on the lower end of the quality spectrum.

Brother: Another common machine to find. They use universal parts and are great for beginner sewers. They also sell other products that can be used alongside your machine. Most of their machines are on the lower end of the quality spectrum.

Janome: On the mid-range of the quality spectrum. This machine should be for someone who has about five years of hard sewing under their belt.

Viking: Another mid-range quality machine. These machines are no longer being made, but they are fairly common place and you can still find used ones for sale.

Bernina: The top tier quality in the sewing world. These machines are a little pricey, but the prestige and quality come along with it.

Baby Lock: The top tier quality in the sewing world. These machines are a little pricey, but the prestige and quality come along with it.

I want to point out my overall statement about these machines. That none of them are low quality. A machine can last for a life-time for an average sewer. If you do sew more, like cosplay would, you'll still be upgrading your machine every 5-10 years.  

[angelmage99]

Here are some Youtube Videos

Sewing Machine 101

Sewing 101
Learning about your sewing machine
What you need to start sewing
Staple Supplies
How to sew with a machine
Professional seams without a serger
Cosplay 101: An Introduction to Sewing || MangoSirene

Aspects of a Sewing Machine

Basic Sewing Machine Stitches
Bobbies
Threading a machine
Sewing Machine Basics: Stitches and feet

Sewing with a Sewing Machine

How to do applique with a sewing machine
Military braiding with a machine  

[angelmage99]

Books about Sewing

Sewing Guide Books

New Complete Guide to Sewing: Step-by-Step Techniques for Making Clothes and Home Accessories by the editors of Reader's Digest

Vogue Sewing by the editors of Vogue and Butterrick

Sewing for Dummies by Jan Saunders Maresh

Simplicity Simply the Best Sewing Book: The Essential Reference for All Home Sewers by Simplicity

Costume, Ethnic, and Historical Clothing Sewing Books

The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Beauty: 40 Projects for Period-Accurate Hairstyles, Makeup and Accessories by Lauren Stowell and Abby Cox

The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Dressmaking: How to Hand Sew Georgian Gowns and Wear Them With Style by Lauren Stowell and Abby Cox

The Book of Kimono By Norio Yamanaka

Make Your Own Japanese Clothes: Patterns and Ideas for Modern Wear by John Marshall

Patternmaking Books

Reconstructing Clothes For Dummies by: Miranda Caroligne Burns

How to make your own Sewing Patterns By: Donald H. McCunn

Other Guide Books

All New Fabric Savvy: How to Choose & Use Fabrics by Sandra Betzina

The Hero's Closet By Gillian Conahan

The Costume Making: Creating Armor & Props for Cosplay (2016, Svetlana Quindt AKA Kamui Cosplay)

Special thanks to slapthefatcat2 for his input found here  

[angelmage99]

WIP  

[angelmage99]

WIP  

[angelmage99]

WIP  

[angelmage99]

WIP  

[angelmage99]

WIP  

[angelmage99]

WIP  

[angelmage99]

WIP  

[angelmage99]

WIP  

[angelmage99]

WIP  

[angelmage99]

WIP