We asked crafters, cosplayers, and creators what was the one tool they couldn’t live without when it came to their craft. We complied into the top 10 items and dug up some of their favorite brands, or links to ones that are just as good.
1. Glue Gun
No matter what your chosen medium is, odds are you have to stick pieces together and these guns have proven themselves reliable. These brands also produce some of the best glue sticks out there. You want top quality because you don’t want your cosplay falling apart in the hot Atlanta sun at Dragon Con.
2. Box Cutter
You need a cutting implement, and most seem to prefer to use utility knives. They come in a variety of sizes and blades are easy to change when they get dull.
3. Exacto Knife
The fine point on these gives you the ultimate control when cutting out the finer, more delicate pieces and the various blade shapes help make that cut perfect.
4. Sewing Machine
A handy tool for anyone, not just cosplayers.
5. Velcro
This is probably the most popular way to fasten pieces together that you don’t want permanently together. You can use sew in or glue in style, some choose to use a variety of both.
BLICK LINK
6. Sharp Pencil
It can help you bring your designs to life, mark our patterns, etch the foam, and draw circles. There is no limit to what you can do with a pencil, but without one, you may find yourself limited.
AMAZON LINK
7. Duct Tape
Who doesn’t love duct tape? This versatile tape is probably in everyone’s cosplay repair kit. It comes in a variety of colors, is super sticky and can be used throughout the entire process – from design to final repair. You could even use it to make the whole costume, if you wanted.
BLICK LINK
8. Dremel (with bits)
A favorite tool – used to smooth, cut, and shape foam and worbla. These lovely tools are even used to add wear marks or aging to materials.
9. Tape Measure
This is self-explanatory. If you don’t have one…get one.
BLICK LINK
10. E6000
Another popular glue. It holds things together well, but has enough flexibility that they will still bend.
AMAZON LINK
Hopefully, this list of crafting tools helps you on your journey to creating a cosplay and that we will see you at your next con. Maybe we’ll manage to snag a picture of you.
To see what Cosplay Conventions are coming to your area,
be sure to check out our Cosplay Convention List!
