The Must-Have Checklist for a Cosplay Workshop

If you are trying to set up a space where you plan to make costumes, then you need the must-have checklist for a cosplay workshop. From storage to tools, this list have everything you can possibly require to make amazing garments, armor and props.

Furniture for Cosplay Workshops

Having tables and other furniture to store stuff and work on is vital for your cosplay workshop.

• Workbench – A dedicated table or workbench for crafting on is a must in your shop. This is where you can cut foams and fabrics, sand 3D prints, paint and more. It’s good to lay masking paper down between projects or cutting boards to help keep the table itself clean and damage free.
• Sewing Station – A safe space to keep your sewing machine set up that you can comfortably work at is ideal. While it can live at your standard workbench, you’ll often have to move things around and any foam dust or other debris can get in the machine.
• Airbrush Booth – Ensure you paint safely with a proper airbrush booth. This helps for ventilation with fumes and prevents paint from getting everywhere. Proper painting set ups can help minimizes messes.
• Comfortable Chair – Make sure the chair you are going to keep in the shop is very comfortable and promotes good posture. Long nights sitting at a sewing machine, painting or cutting out materials can take a toll on someone’s back so it’s important you invest in a good chair.
• Ironing Board – Have a safe surface that you can easily keep clean and dedicated for smoothing out fabrics and costumes. Most of these are foldable so they can easily be stored away when not it use.
• Sanding Box – Having a dedicated space for sanding EVA foam or 3D prints can help minimize the dust and mess. You can get a small sanding box, make your own or do a full custom sanding station if you plan to work on larger than life armor and props.
• Other Tables & Carts – Having other tables or carts can help to store additional machinery. There is plenty of unique options out there for tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, cricut and more.
• Wig Tripod – To easily style and trim wigs, it’s easier to put it on a tripod so you can easily work and see how the hair will lay and the full length of it.
• Dress Form – While not a requirement, dress forms have helpful uses such as storage, draping and more.

Tools for Cosplay Workshops

Different tools and machines are needed for crafting cosplays.

• Sewing Machine – This is a must have for all cosplayers. Whether you choose armor or needlework, there’s a strong change you need to sew your own garments. A sewing machine is a vital tool to ensure strong, uniform stitches and save time.
• 3D Printer – For cosplayers looking to make props or armor, you may want to consider making costumes with a 3D printer. There are different types of printers such as filament and resin. Bambu Labs is a popular brand for quality prints.
• Dremel or Rotary Tool – To sand away seams and shape your foam, you will need a rotary tool. Dremel brand creates a wide variety of options along with many different bits for creating unique textures.
• Airbrush – While you can paint by hand, you can get much cleaner finishes and get the surface fully covered in a fraction of the time by investing in an airbrush.
• Heat Gun – This tool is vital for shaping and sealing foam. If you plan to work with EVA foam you will definitely need to get a heat gun.
• Wood Burning or Soldering Iron – For drawing on details and textures, welding 3D prints and even working with electronics, you need a hot iron of some kind. wood burning, mini irons and soldering irons can work for texturing and welding. If you plan to do electronics, have a dedicated soldering iron.
• Hand Sander – Sanding 3D prints and bondo can be very time consuming. Powered sanders can help speed up the process and avoid taking a toll on your wrists.
• Iron or Steamer – Both options are great for removing wrinkles from garments and fabrics. However, a steamer is also ideal for wig styling.
• Other Textile Machines – A sewing machine isn’t the only thing you might need as a needlework cosplayer. Tools such as a serger can help to finish edges and ensure fabric doesn’t fray, and embroidery machines help to speed up the process rather than doing it by hand.
• Grommet Press – If you’re someone who makes lots of laced up bodices, stays or corsets, you might want to consider investing in a grommet press. This helps make installing easier.
• Resin Lights – If you plan to use epoxy resin specifically, you’ll need proper lights for curing.
• Cricut or Laser Cutter – For vinyl or cutting leathers and foam, a laser cutter or a Cricut can do the job. The Cricut might be a better all encompassing option. Although, laser cutters are better for large sized projects if you have the budget for industrial options.
• Crimper, Hot Iron & Curling Iron – If you plan to style wigs, a crimper can be essential for prepping while a hot iron or curling iron can be helpful to style it.

Storage for Cosplay Workshops

Keeping stuff neatly stored ensures it’s easy to find later and lowers risk of losing or damaging your supplies and equipment.

• Fabric Storage – Have somewhere to store your fabrics so they don’t get dirty or wrinkled. You could store them on bolts, or I like to use a legging holder that hangs up in the closet.
• Shelving – Shelving is good for storing paints, sealers, chemicals, silicones, resin and more. You can put away machines and equipment on shelves as well. Cube storage shelves are my favorite to help organize and group different materials.
• Storage Carts – Paint brushes, markers, texture rollers and other tools or materials might need drawers over shelving. There is many different carts with drawers to choose from by number or drawers and color so it fits your shops aesthetic.
• Bins – Storage bins are perfect for holding molds, fabrics and other supplies or materials. You can get an assortment of shapes and sizes to fit your needs.
• Peg Boards – I love keeping frequently used tools at arms length. Surrounding my workbench and sewing station are peg boards to house my most important tools like box cutters, heat guns and scissors. You can buy or 3D print custom hooks and holders for them too.
• Foam Storage – Keeping foam put away is important for a tidy shop. Depending on the size rolls of EVA foam you get, you can use a closet shoe organizer to hold and sort smaller rolls or scraps.

PPE for Cosplay Workshops

Different adhesives, sprays and materials can be harmful. It’s vital cosplayers use proper PPE to stay safe while making cosplays.

• Ventilation – Fumes, chemicals, dust and more can pollute your workshops air. Have some sort of ventilation for things like airbrush booths and more to ensure you aren’t breathing these things in. You can also consider an air purifier as well.
• Fire Safety – If you work with anything flammable in your shop, make sure to have fire safety supplies on hand like fire extinguishers.
• First Aid Kit – Accidents are bound to happen even when you try your best to work safely. Make sure to have a first aid kit with bandages and more in case something happens.
• Respirators & Masks – Working with harmful chemicals, spraying aerosols and sanding foams or prints requires you wear a respirator or mask. This is to help avoid inhaling these harmful pollutants.
• Safety Goggles – While sanding 3D prints and EVA foam, you need to prevent dust from getting in your eyes. Be sure to keep safety goggles in your shop to protect your eyes from irritants or flying debris.
• Gloves – Protect your hands while sanding, cutting and using resins. There’s different gloves to keep in the shop to help with this such as cut-proof and nitrile gloves.
• Aprons – to keep your cloths clean, wearing an apron can help. This will prevent paints and resins from ruining your shirts.
• Anti-Fatigue Mats – If you are going to be standing at sanding stations and workbenches, an anti-fatigue mat can help make it a little more comfortable for those long nights.

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