Creating a Tracer cosplay from Overwatch can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Tracer, known for her iconic look and dynamic personality, is a popular choice among cosplayers. This guide will walk you through the process of making a Tracer cosplay, including tips and tricks to achieve the best results. We'll cover everything from the costume components to crafting techniques, using resources from CrazeCosplay.com and other expert sources.
Components of Tracer's Costume
Tracer's costume consists of several key components:
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Jacket
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Jumpsuit
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Armor pieces (chest, arm bracers, leg armor)
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Gloves
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Boots
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Goggles
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Chronal Accelerator (chest piece)
1. Jacket
Tracer's jacket is a distinctive part of her look. To create the jacket, you will need:
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Materials: Tan faux suede or cotton, faux fur, black webbing, silver buckle, tan separating zipper, Tracer patches (Union Jack, Tracer Patch, Admiral patch), thread, and fray check.
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Tools: Sewing machine, hand sewing needles, straight pins, clear quilting ruler, fabric chalk, fabric scissors, paper scissors, pencil, tape, and iron.
Steps:
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Pattern Selection: Use a pattern like McCall’s M7026 or a similar one. Adjust the pattern to fit non-stretch fabric by cutting a size up.
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Cutting: Cut out the front, side front, and sleeves to size. Shorten the sleeves to elbow length. Combine back, side back, and yoke pieces into one larger pattern piece.
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Collar and Cuffs: Measure and create pattern pieces for the collar and cuffs. Cut these pieces from your tan fabric and faux fur for lining.
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Sewing: Follow the pattern instructions to attach the fronts, side fronts, back, and sleeves. Sew the collar and cuffs to the jacket. Add loops to the collar for extra detail.
2. Jumpsuit
The jumpsuit is another essential part of Tracer's outfit. It should be form-fitting and made from a stretchy material like spandex or a similar fabric.
Steps:
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Pattern Selection: Choose a pattern designed for a jumpsuit or bodysuit. Adjust it to fit your measurements.
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Cutting and Sewing: Cut the fabric according to the pattern and sew the pieces together. Ensure the jumpsuit fits snugly but allows for movement.
3. Armor Pieces
Tracer's armor includes the chest piece (Chronal Accelerator), arm bracers, and leg armor. These pieces can be made using EVA foam, which is lightweight and easy to work with.
Steps:
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Pattern Creation: Create patterns for each armor piece using reference images. For custom fits, wrap your body parts in plastic wrap and masking tape, draw the shapes, and cut them out to create your patterns.
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Cutting and Shaping: Trace your patterns onto EVA foam sheets. Use thicker foam (6-10mm) for main pieces and thinner foam (2-4mm) for details. Cut out the pieces and shape them using a heat gun.
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Assembly: Glue the pieces together using contact cement or hot glue. Reinforce attachment points with additional foam layers.
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Sealing and Painting: Seal the foam with several thin coats of Plasti Dip or a similar flexible sealant. Apply a base coat of paint, then add details and weathering effects for a realistic look.
4. Gloves and Boots
Tracer's gloves and boots can be purchased or made from scratch.
Gloves:
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Use a pattern for fingerless gloves.
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Cut and sew the fabric according to the pattern.
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Add details like straps and buckles.
Boots:
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Modify a pair of existing boots to match Tracer's style.
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Add details like straps, buckles, and armor pieces using EVA foam.
5. Goggles
Tracer's goggles are a crucial part of her look. They can be made using craft foam, Worbla (a thermoplastic), and PETG plastic for the lenses.
Steps:
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Frame: Create the frame using craft foam for the cushion and Worbla for the outer rim.
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Lenses: Cut the lenses from PETG plastic and attach them to the frame.
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Assembly: Glue the pieces together and paint the frame to match Tracer's goggles.
6. Chronal Accelerator
The Chronal Accelerator is the centerpiece of Tracer's costume. It can be made using EVA foam, LEDs, and other materials.
Steps:
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Pattern Creation: Create a pattern for the chest piece using reference images.
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Cutting and Shaping: Cut the pieces from EVA foam and shape them using a heat gun.
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Assembly: Glue the pieces together and add LEDs for the glowing effect.
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Sealing and Painting: Seal the foam and paint the chest piece. Add weathering effects for realism.
Resources and Tips
CrazeCosplay.com
CrazeCosplay.com offers a variety of pre-made Tracer costumes and accessories. If you prefer to purchase parts of the costume rather than making them from scratch, this website is a great resource. They provide high-quality costumes that include the jacket, jumpsuit, armor, gloves, and more.
Community and Tutorials
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YouTube Tutorials: Channels like KellaxProductions offer detailed tutorials on making specific parts of Tracer's costume, such as the Chronal Accelerator and arm bracers.
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Reddit and Forums: Cosplay communities on Reddit and other forums are valuable resources for advice and support. Experienced cosplayers often share their techniques and tips for creating costumes.
General Tips
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Start Simple: If you're new to cosplay, start with simpler designs and gradually work your way up to more complex projects.
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Practice Techniques: Practice cutting, shaping, and painting techniques on scrap pieces before working on your final costume.
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Comfort: Ensure your costume is comfortable to wear, especially if you plan to wear it for extended periods. Add foam padding and test the range of motion.
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Join Communities: Join online cosplay communities for support, advice, and inspiration. Engaging with other cosplayers can provide valuable insights and motivation.
Conclusion
Creating a Tracer cosplay from Overwatch involves a combination of sewing, crafting, and painting skills. By following this comprehensive guide and utilizing resources like CrazeCosplay.com, you can create a high-quality and impressive Tracer costume. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cosplayer, the key is to plan carefully, practice your techniques, and enjoy the process. Happy cosplaying!
