These are 9 cool cosplay tools I use everyday to craft unique costumes, armor and props with multiple different mediums.
Cosplay Crafting Tools
- Dremel or hand sander – While both of these tools are great for efficiency, they also have other uses to make your cosplays look amazing. You can add unique textures with different Dremel bits or add battle damage to armor sets. They’re great for EVA foam, 3D prints and Worbla.
- 3D printer – Creating incredible armor and props can be a lot easier with a 3D printer. It can give your precision, consistency and efficiency all in one unit. While they are a large up front cost, over time they can pay for themselves with how cheap filament is. Unless you go the route of a resin printer which can still be a good investment for smaller, detail pieces.
- Hot iron or wood burning iron – From smoothing out filaments and welding together 3D printed pieces to creating fine details and texture in EVA foam, these tools are very versatile and affordable. Typically only $20 online, you can use these tools for many materials and techniques.
- Grommet press – For Renaissance faire costumes and cosplays, adding grommets can be exhausting and damaging to your materials when using a hammer and anvil set. A press makes the job easier. They’re typically inexpensive and can last for a long time with how durable they are.
- Sewing machine – This can fall under both a basic and cool machine you will absolutely use daily if you plan to focus on needlework cosplays. If you want to stay on budget, there is simple, beginner units that are made just for basic sewing. Or, if you want to explore unique, new options, splurge on a computerized unit. With unique stitches and even potential for custom ones, you can make your cosplays stand out from others.
- Handheld belt sander – You don’t always need a full-sized belt sander for cosplays. That’s why a handheld option is perfect if you have limited space. I love to use this tool for weathering my fabrics and more.
- Pattern notcher – Registration marks are vital when transferring a pattern to EVA foam or Worbla. A simple punch tool to help you create these marks in your patterns and is very affordable. I use my pattern notcher for every pattern I make or use to ensure I line up my pieces properly.
- Stamps and texture rollers – For texturing and embossing materials like Worbla, leather and EVA foam, you can use stamps or rollers to easily create consistent and uniform details. These are easily purchased online or you can find free 3D print files for textured rollers.
- Airbrush – For makeup, fabric, foam, Worbla and 3D prints, this tool can be used. An airbrush is a great item to have as a cosplayer and you will probably use it a lot. Things like painting and weathering become easier and more realistic by keeping an airbrush in your tool box.
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