March 2018
Cosplay DIY Steampunk Costuming
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3. Belted Beauty 13. Locked & Lovely 21. Top It Off with Hats 33. All About Accessories 39. The Perfect Details
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Steampunk Collection Bring your alter ego to life with DIY costumes made with Dritz construction items and hardware. Wildly decorated corsets, skirts, tops and accessories can be as overdone as you want – the only limit is your imagination. Dritz makes the parts and pieces you need to create unique, super cool costumes. Flip through our lookbook and go behind the scenes to see how we designed and made our one-of-akind steampunk collection.
START WITH
Inspirati
We started with a patterns. We sketch and totally hacked th the Dritz hardware the corset, so we lo and fasteners. The conceptual and als embellish w
ion
The blouse & corset are Simplicity pattern 1558.
a couple of sewing hed out a longer skirt, he corset. We wanted to feature heavily on oaded it with lacing e DIY belt was totally so a perfect piece to with hardware. The skirt is Simplicity pattern 1346.
Be
elted Beauty Meet Belted Beauty. This is our vision come to life. She’s made up of 5 different pieces: a blouse, bolero, corset, belt and skirt. We hacked patterns, mixed fabrics and added bespoke details every step of the way – these are a ‘must-do’ when it comes to cosplay!
THE BLOUSE
Tip: dye your fabric to get an “aged” look. Our blouse was too white, so we dipped the fabric in tea-infused water prior to construction. Combine the simple details of this Simplicity pattern, with a lightweight fabric to create the perfect top. The voile fabric is from Yaya Han.
Mix Fabrics
We used a stretch velvet for the collar that matched perfectly with the checked quilting cotton.
Tip: seasonal fabric can come in handy, even out of season. The check print is a random Halloween print we had in our stash.
The bolero pattern is from Simplicity. Hack: We didn’t like the pattern sleeves, so we borrowed the sleeves from the blouse. We added a “fake lapel,” creating the “buttons” with Dritz heavy duty snaps.
THE BOLERO
THE CORSET
Hack It
Twill ta section of the c accomm tape laci
We made our corset unique by using different fabrics for its front and back panels, & by adding two lacing features – ribbon/grommets down its center, & D-rings/twill tape on either side.
Dritz fashion gromm ribbon close the cor the front.
ape frames out ns on the front corset. D-rings modate the twill ing up the sides.
mets & rset at
Find fabrics with unique textures. This Yaya Han faux leather, that we used on the back of the corset, has simulated studs that complement the hardware on the front of the corset.
THE BELT Not all pieces have to have patterns. Get creative & DIY cosplay accessories from scratch using scraps. Attach sections of your belt together using rivets.
Attach a side pocket using grommets & swivel hook tabs.
Tip: it’s easy to give your hardware an aged finish. We used ebony Rub ‘n Buff on ours.
st b
Apply grommets & tationary hooks around the belt to hang other pieces, or just for looks.
Two D-rings create the belt fastener.
START WITH
Inspirati
S
b b
l
ion
The corset & skirt are Simplicity pattern 1558.
Sewing patterns were the jumping off point for this costume. We found a blouse that was perfect as is – so we bought it! Again, the corset proved an ideal piece for hardware, so we designed it to feature locks and lacing dominantly on its front panel. Tip: hunt for pieces online & in vintage/ secondhand shops. If something grabs your attention, buy it! You can always add your unique personal touches.
Lock
ked Lovely AND
This is Locked & Lovely. She’s made up of a blouse, corset and a skirt. Here, a ready-towear top provides the perfect backdrop for an eye-popping corset (another total hack!). The fabric for the skirt was a nice find, and totally unexpected – it’s actually home décor fabric.
THE CORSET
Hack It
For the corset, we started with a Simplicity pattern & hacked the heck out of it.
Use a fabric that already has texture, like this stretch fabric from Yaya Han.
Dritz eyelets are easy to apply & perfect for incorporating classic corset lacing.
Press lo added chai a perfectly
Split the front-side seams at the bottom to create room for lacing details.
Tip: on t angle to sp
ocks with an in detail create unique corset.
for a more “split” look the sides, change the e of the bottom of seam pread the laced area.
Replace the entire center section of the corset with a contrasting material, such as leather.
Perfect Fit
Fit the back of the corset on your body & use fabric/paper to create a piece that straddles the front; overlap for coverage. Use as a template for the front panel.
THE SKIRT We used a Simplicity pattern & added hardware to make our costume unique.
Use coordinating hardware finishes for a cohesive look.
Tabs with D-rings & swivel hooks create a gathering feature around the skirt. Attach the tabs to the skirt using rivets.
Tip: don’t restrict yourself to apparel fabric. We used home decor fabric on this skirt-- the puckers were already there.
TOP IT OFF WITH
Hats
A hat is the perfect finishing touch for a steampunk costume. They are easy to pull together using a purchased or thrifted hat as the base. A dash of creativity and some cool DIY parts and pieces provide the wow factor.
Don’t forget to embellish all sides of your hat.The top is a large flat surface to add details.
Jewel dep craft s findin add
lry & scrapbooking partments at your store are perfect for ng unique pieces to to your costumes.
Tip: if your hat is soft, add embellishments to a band (such as black felt) & then apply the band to the hat with a lacing detail. This will give it some structure.
Tip: pin your pieces in place first, or freestyle as you go. Use glue to attach the hardware.
Pile it On
Get creative with piling on hardware. Not all pieces have to be used for their purpose.
Not all proje a ton of DIY. with a dainty added pins
Dritz cover buttons add the perfect little touches.
Add texture with a mix of different fabric scraps.
ects require . We started hat & simply & feathers.
Tip: if findings aren’t the right finish, spray paint them.
Mix it Up
Get creative & mix up materials such as feathers, netting & hardware.
Tip: start with a focal point and have all your pieces extend from that area. Layering is important when trying to create interest.
Goggles are a signature steampunk detail. Add a pair to create a one-of-akind hat.
Heavy duty snaps are not only functional, they are also decorative.
Snaps & rivets are key when you need to attach layers of material. Buckles are great for straps.
A huge feather creates a standout detail that no one can miss.
Access
ALL ABOUT
sories
Don’t forget about the accessories! Even if you don’t like to go all-out, a cool accessory here or there puts you in the game. (And if you do like to take it over the top, accessories are key.) We’ve got plenty of ideas for belts, gloves and jewelry. Perfect costume add-ons that are quick and easy to make.
BELTS
Load up your belt with all kinds of hardware.
Add function to your belt with a fun bag.
A fashion buckle is the perfect closure.
2” wide elastic is the perfect starting point for your belt.
Heavy duty snaps, lacing & frog closures are perfect for jewelry clasps.
Add rivets, eyelets, D-rings & hooks to any piece for a steampunk feel. Cuff braceletes & chokers are super simple touches to any outfit.
JEWELRY
CORSETS
Clocks are cool costume elements that add to the steampunk/ time travel feel.
Elastic is a great way to finish off the edges of a piece. We used black ruffle elastic on this corset.
Mix more traditional fabrics with edgy fabrics to create a unique piece.
Turn a store bought corset to an original piece using ribbon & hardware tabs made from D-rings, rivets & heavy duty snaps.
DIY THE PERFECT
Details
s
Experience the power of making with Dritz tools and accessories. You’ll use Dritz products for all kinds of DIY efforts – sewing, quilting, crafting, home decorating, and needlecrafts. Basic tools like pins and needles are must-haves in your supply box. Fashionable hardware pieces such as rings and rivets let you express your personal style.
Get acquainted with all that Dritz has to offer and take your making to the next level. We have education that shows you how, inspiration that makes you want to take action, and communities that are fun to hang out in. Follow along today!
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