How to make fake bandages for cosplay?

How to Make Fake Bandages for Cosplay

Materials Needed

• White fabric or old bedsheets
• Gauze rolls or medical bandages
• Acrylic paint (brown, black, and other earthy tones)
• Tea bags or coffee grounds for dyeing
• Scissors
• Safety pins
• Sandpaper
• Water
• Paintbrushes or sponges
• Optional: sewing machine, hot glue gun, gloves

Method 1: Using Gauze Rolls

1. Weathering the Gauze:
   1. Dilute Acrylic Paint: Mix brown or black acrylic paint with water to create a diluted solution. Soak the gauze rolls in this mixture to give them an aged, dirty look.
   2. Dry Brushing: Once the gauze is dry, use a dry brush to apply darker paint to the edges and random spots. This creates a worn, rugged appearance.

2. Soaking and Dyeing:
   1. Soak the Gauze: Fully soak the gauze rolls in water. This helps the paint spread evenly.
   2. Dip in Paint: Dip each end of the gauze roll into the diluted paint solution. Let the paint naturally spread through the gauze.
   3. Drying: Hang the gauze rolls vertically to dry. Avoid laying them flat to prevent pooling of paint.

3. Wrapping Techniques:
   1. Start Wrapping: Begin wrapping the gauze around the desired area (e.g., arms, legs). Keep the bandages flat and spread your fingers if wrapping around hands.
   2. Secure the Ends: Use safety pins or tuck the ends of the gauze under other layers to secure them.

Method 2: Fabric Strips

1. Preparing the Fabric:
   1. Cutting the Strips: Lay out your white fabric or bedsheets and cut them into 2-3 inch wide strips. Slight variations in width add to the realism.
   2. Aging the Fabric: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add tea bags or coffee grounds and let the fabric strips soak for 30 minutes to an hour. This will give them a yellowed, aged appearance.

2. Distressing the Fabric:
   1. Fraying the Edges: Use sandpaper to rub the edges of the fabric strips, creating a frayed look.
   2. Creating Holes: Use scissors to make small holes or tears in the fabric strips. This adds to the worn effect.
   3. Adding Stains: Use watered-down black or brown acrylic paint to add dark spots or stains to the fabric.

3. Wrapping Techniques:
   1. Base Layer: Wear a white long-sleeved shirt and pants as the base layer. This helps ensure full coverage.
   2. Start Wrapping: Begin wrapping the fabric strips around your body, starting from the ankles and working your way up. Overlap the strips slightly and vary the direction for a more realistic look.
   3. Secure the Ends: Use safety pins or tuck the ends under other layers to keep the strips in place.

Method 3: No-Sew Fabric Tape

1. Selecting the Fabric:
   1. Choose Stretchy Fabric: Stretch suede or micro suede are good choices as they provide flexibility and comfort.
   2. Cutting the Strips: Cut the fabric into strips of the desired width. Stretchy fabric will conform better to your body.

2. Weathering the Fabric:
   1. Dry Brushing: Use a dry brush to apply dark brown or black acrylic paint to the edges of the fabric strips. This creates a weathered look.
   2. Soaking and Dyeing: Similar to the gauze method, soak the fabric strips in a diluted paint solution for an aged appearance.

3. Wrapping Techniques:
   1. Base Layer: Wear gloves or a base layer to make wearing the wraps more comfortable.
   2. Start Wrapping: Wrap the fabric strips around your body, starting from the extremities and working your way inwards. Keep the strips flat and overlap them slightly.
   3. Secure the Ends: Use fabric tape or safety pins to keep the strips in place.

Method 4: Creating a Mummy Costume

1. Preparing the Fabric:
   1. Cutting the Fabric: Lay out white fabric or bedsheets and cut them into strips. Don’t worry about making them perfectly even.
   2. Aging the Fabric: Boil water and add tea bags or coffee grounds. Soak the fabric strips in this mixture for 30 minutes to an hour. Rinse and dry the strips.

2. Distressing the Fabric:
   1. Fraying the Edges: Use sandpaper to fray the edges of the strips.
   2. Creating Holes: Make small holes or tears in the fabric strips with scissors.
   3. Adding Stains: Use watered-down black or brown acrylic paint to add stains to the fabric.

3. Creating the Base Layer:
   1. Choosing Garments: Wear a white long-sleeved shirt and pants as the base layer. Form-fitting garments work best to avoid bulkiness.
   2. Sewing Strips: Optionally, sew some fabric strips directly onto the base garments for added security.

4. Wrapping the Costume:
   1. Start with the Legs: Begin wrapping one leg, starting at the ankle and working your way up. Overlap the strips slightly and vary the direction.
   2. Wrap the Torso: Continue wrapping around your waist and up your torso. Crisscross the strips across your chest and back.
   3. Wrap the Arms: Start at the wrists and wrap each arm individually, working your way up to the shoulders.

5. Adding Final Touches:
   1. Creating Texture: Leave some areas looser or bunched up to create a more dynamic appearance.
   2. Securing the Wrappings: Use safety pins or a hot glue gun to secure the wrappings in place.
   3. Applying Makeup: Use white face paint to cover exposed skin, creating a pale, lifeless look.

Tips and Tricks

• Comfort: Wearing gloves or a base layer can make the bandages more comfortable, especially for long periods.
• Movement: Ensure you can move comfortably and see clearly before finalizing your costume.
• Repairs: Bring extra safety pins and fabric strips for quick repairs during events.
• Storage: Carefully remove all safety pins before storing your costume. Store the fabric strips flat to prevent tangling.

Conclusion