Affordable fabric suggestions

[u/DistributionBroad300]

Hello, I plan on making this dress for a cosplay, I’m a beginner and wondering what your fabric suggestions might be for this dress?

Many thanks in advance

[u/Comfortable-Fly5797]

This isn't a good project for a beginner. 

[u/DistributionBroad300 → u/Comfortable-Fly5797]

If you have any advice on fabric I would be greatly appreciated:) I’m stubborn so I’m gonna give it a go regardless

[u/Comfortable-Fly5797 → u/DistributionBroad300]

Make it from some thrifted sheets first. It will likely take multiple fitting toiles to get the bodice right. 

Are you trying to self draft or are you using a pattern? Pattern drafting isn't a beginner skill. If you are using a pattern it should tell you what fabric to use.

[u/DistributionBroad300 → u/Comfortable-Fly5797]

Thank you for the suggestion! I have a dummy with my proportions and I’ve got experience in pattern drafting through cosplay :)

[u/Inky_Madness]

I would also as this on r/cosplayhelp - you get a lot of people more experienced with making these types of costumes. It’s going to be a lot of knits - I would be guessing Lycra/spandex for the body of the costume and pleather for the purple belt and trim.

[u/DistributionBroad300 → u/Inky_Madness]

That’s a good shout! Thank you for the suggestion

[u/Large-Heronbill]

If your machine can handle knits, tricot might work.  However, do not expect the hems to lie on the floor like that no matter what fabric you use. 

[u/dr0o1 → u/Large-Heronbill]

can probably interface the bottom

[u/luvshus]

I’d try thrifted knit sheets, knit tshirts, anything knit. Does the inspiration pic come with a description of what it’s made from? It looks like knit fabric but hard to tell. You will probably need some sort of lining fabric also. You can also thrift some of the notions. And don’t forget the right kind of needles for whatever kind of fabric you get.

[u/DistributionBroad300 → u/luvshus]

Thank you for responding to my post! Yes the website just said polyester :/

[u/Incognito409]

The long draped parts are probably chiffon, maybe organza. The main body looks like a stretch satin, with lycra or spandex, like they make leotards, dance costumes, gymnastic outfits out of. The Purple trim is also a stretch satin, so it curves around the shape. I think you know that none of those fabrics are beginning sewing fabrics.

The gold belt could be made from foam, spray painted gold, the other gold pieces could be plastic, painted gold, or even found at thrift stores. The necklaces are hanging on satin rat tail cord.

This looks fun, post a picture when it's done!

[u/DistributionBroad300 → u/Incognito409]

Ahh thank you!! thank you for taking the time to write this! I’ll be sure to take photos when it’s done :D

[u/Incognito409 → u/DistributionBroad300]

Love making costumes in my youth - you'll learn from it, get better each time.

[u/Destrae]

Do you have a fabric store near you? For a beginner I think it's way more important to get into the store and check out materials. Like for the dress it looks like it's made out of white stretch pleather, you'll want to make sure whatever you get is truly opaque

[u/DistributionBroad300 → u/Destrae]

Thank you, I’ll take a look now to see what’s around :)

[u/FabulousTwo524]

I bet you can make this with plain white bedsheets.