#cosplaytricks

Hey Fam!

As you know, my blog is a place where I talk about a variety of things, but it has been a while since I’ve written anything about cosplay. So I decided to start typing up an article, that I hope becomes a series of articles, about tips and tricks when it comes to cosplay. I hope to write one or two of these month. I’ve learned so many tricks and hacks throughout my extensive cosplay “career” and I hope that it helps new or veteran cosplayers in the future.

For my first cosplay trick/tip, I’m going to teach you how to make a studded belt. Now my technique and the materials I use can also be used to put studs on pretty much anything, though for armor I prefer to use googly eyes. :)

I have been working on my Velvet Crowe cosplay which is the main character in the new game Tales of Berseria, and since she is a pirate she is adorned with so many studs and emblems. So let’s get started!

Sorry for the blurry pictures btw. XD

Step 1: Materials!

Paper Taks/Fasteners (gold or silver)

Sandpaper

The fabric or material you want to add studs to.

Seam ripper (or box cutter)

Sharpie

Pliers w/ wire cutter

Step 2: Preparing

Make sure you have a desk to work on. Also, make the necessary preparations. I had gold fasteners with me but my character’s studs were silver so I just sanded it down a bit until the silver metal showed underneath. In the picture, you can see the difference between the gold and silver. This part is pretty much the messiest part. THERE WILL BE DUST... EVERYWHERE. To prevent dust from flying, try sanding things down with a wet paper towel underneath to wipe your hands and catch falling dust.

Step 3: Marking

Mark where you want to put each stud on the belt. I used a ruler and spaced them out 2 inches apart. If you don’t want to use a sharpie, you may use fabric pencils are markers as well.

Step 4: Poking Holes!

You may use a seam ripper or a box cutter. (Depending on how thick the material is.) If using a seam ripper, be very careful. You want to only make small holes big enough for the prongs to go through. Don’t make them too big or the stud will come out.

Step 5: Securing 

Put the fastener through the material and cut the excess metal. Press down with the pliers to secure the studs in place. If you want to make sure they stay secure, you can also add hot glue to the stud before you press it into the material. Also, if the metal prongs are shard, you can also add hot glue to the bottom to act as a cushion to protect yourself from getting poked.

Step 6: DONE!

This pretty much one of 20 million belts I have to make for my character but this is the end result. :) I also used this technique to add studs to my Yuna Braska Gunner Pouch. It’s a quick, cheap, and easy way to add studs to anything. :)