From wounded characters to fashion wrapping, fake bandages commonly occurs in cosplaying. So if you need to create some, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will tell you everything about how to make fake bandages for cosplay including no sew methods and weathering techniques.
How to Make Fake Bandages for Cosplay
Making fake bandages is easy and there’s a few materials you can try.
- Foam or fabric base – You can adhere gauze to a foam or fabric base to have a permeant shape and a longer lasting costume piece. You can attach the gauze to your base by sewing or with glue. You can then add zippers or velcro into these to make it easier to take off.
- Gauze fabric – Fabrics meant to look like gauze exists and can be more durable. You can sew them into costume pieces for more permanent shape and end product.
- Fabric strips (muslin) – Muslin fabric can easily be cut into strips and made to look like gauze with some detailing and weather.
How to Make No Sew Cosplay Bandages
You don’t always have to sew together your fake bandages for cosplay.
- Medical gauze rolls – Keeping rolls of medical gauze are an easy no sew option that is very realistic since you’re using actual bandages. It also is mostly reusable but may wear out and need replacing over time. They’re easy to weather and put on.
- Gauze fabric or fabric strips (muslin) – Gauze fabric or muslin can also just be wrapped on instead of sewn. However it may be easier to get unraveled and won’t keep a permanent shape. I happened to make no sew, gauze fabric, fake eye bandage for my Carl Grimes cosplay.
How to Weather Fake Bandages for Cosplay
A lot of time, bandages appear dirty or bloody. So your cosplay will need some weathering to give your bandage wrap a more realistic look.
- Tea or coffee staining – Tea or coffee can stain the bandaging to look dirty. Tea is great for lighter browns while coffee works for darker colors. You can also take your rolled up bandages and dip each end into the tea or coffee to get a quicker stain on the outer edge.
- SFX blood – SFX blood you use for makeup can work. I would avoid coagulated and opt for the spray or regular liquid bloods to apply on a thinner amount. Thus making it just look like you slightly bled through your bandage.
- Dirty down – Dirty down makes sprays to help weather or dirty your bandages. You can use these as an alternative to tea or coffee.
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