There are all sorts of helpful free resources and tutorials across the web, and I certainly can’t cover every feasible subject here on this site. So I’ve scoured the internet to entertain my own curiosities, and now I share them with you. Several of these readers and other cosplayers have shared with me too. I hope they help you on your cosplay journey!

Fabric Dyes & Paints

• Dharma Trading information center – dye chemicals, mixing, uses, and techniques
• Dharma Trading tutorials – dyeing, fabric paints, markers, and textiles
• Fake lace with puffy paint (video)
• Sublimation markers on fabric
• Shiva Paintstiks on Fabric – basic instructions, cleaning, and chemical information

Makeup

• How to make a fake wound

Props

• Dyeing acrylic plastic
• Painting plastic
• Wrapping a tsuka-ito (traditional Japanese sword handle wrap)

EVA foam

• Core materials – different types of materials used for internal support structures
• Magnets and EVA foam (video)
• Woodgrain with a heat gun (video)

Instruments

• Bamboo pipe flute tutorial
• Dizi tutorial (traditional bamboo Chinese flute)
• Dizi tutorial (video)
• Dizi types and information
• PVC pipe transverse flute tutorial (video)

Lights

• EL Wire fact sheet
• EL Wire – getting started

Thermoplastic

• Acrylics guide
• Make your own Worbla (video)

Sewing

• Cinderella Broadway transformation dress (video) – a look at how it’s made
• Cinderella transformation dress tutorial (video)
• Mood Fabrics Online School of Sewing – sewing, tailoring, and pattern making
• Mood Sewciety Ultimate List of Sewing Terms – all the terms you could ever need
• Top 10 tips for sewing swimwear
• Sheer fabrics – 5 tips for painless sewing
• Sheer fabrics – how to sew (video)

Cosplay hacks & tutorials

• Fabric edging with EVA foam base (video)
• Fairy godmother collar tutorial
• Standing ruff tutorial
• Venetian lace standup collar tutorial (video)

Free Patterns

• Hanfu patterns and construction – traditional patternmaking from New Hanfu
• Fun Sewing Patterns and Guides for Dresses and Separates – fashion pattern collection sent in by a reader! Has beginner-friendly and men’s patterns
• Mood Sewciety Free Cosplay Patterns – free patterns to get you started
• Shenyi – traditional Chinese “white tie” clothing pattern

Skirts

• Cartridge pleat skirt tutorial
• Double circle skirt tutorial (video)
• How ballet tutus are made (video)
• Short fluffy petticoat tutorial (video)
• Understanding and calculating circle skirts – includes a calculator

Smocking

• Dragon scale smocking tutorial – making Daenerys’s dragon scale dress
• Honeycomb smocking tutorial

Wigs

• Arda Wigs tutorial masterlist – wig care, modifications, styling, and character suggestions
• Crimping for beginners (video)
• Fake glued hairline tutorial (video)
• How to pin your hair, wig cap, and wig
• How to wear a lacefront wig (video)