How to make fox tail cosplay?

Materials and Tools

Basic Materials

• Faux fur fabric (at least half a yard)
• Markers (Sharpies work well)
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Sewing needle and thread
• Quilt batting or rags for stuffing
• Safety pin
• Belt or elastic for attachment

Optional Materials

• Foamcore board (for structure)
• Aluminum wire (for structure)
• Felt or ribbon strips (1 inch wide, as long as the tail length)
• Pool noodle (for a more rigid structure)
• Expanding foam
• Worbla (for a stable base)
• Heavy-duty scissors
• Measuring tape
• Cardboard
• Yarn (for a yarn-based tail)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Designing Your Tail

1. Decide on the Type of Tail: Different animals and characters have distinct tail shapes and sizes. For a fox tail, you'll want it to be long and bushy. Measure from your waist to your knees to determine the approximate length.

2. Create a Pattern: Sketch the tail on a large piece of paper or Bristol board. Ensure the pattern includes a seam allowance of about half an inch around the edges. This will serve as your template.

Cutting the Fabric

1. Trace and Cut: Place your pattern on the back side of the faux fur fabric, ensuring the fur direction aligns with the natural flow of the tail (typically towards the tip). Trace the pattern twice, once for each side of the tail, and cut out the pieces.

Assembling the Tail

No-Sew Method

1. Glue the Edges: Place the two fabric pieces together, fur sides facing inwards. Use hot glue to attach the edges, starting from the base and working towards the tip. Apply glue in small dots rather than long strips to keep the tail flexible.

2. Leave an Opening: Leave a small opening at the base to turn the tail right side out and for stuffing.

3. Stuff the Tail: Turn the tail right side out and stuff it with quilt batting or rags until it reaches the desired fullness.

4. Close the Opening: Use hot glue to close the opening.

5. Attach to Costume: Attach a safety pin or sew a belt loop to the base of the tail for easy attachment to your costume.

Sewing Method

1. Pin and Sew: Pin the fur pieces together with the fur sides facing each other. Sew the pieces together, leaving a large enough hole at the base to turn the tail right side out and for stuffing.

2. Turn and Stuff: Turn the tail right side out and stuff it with quilt batting or rags.

3. Close the Opening: Sew the opening closed by hand.

4. Attach to Costume: Sew a belt loop or elastic to the base of the tail for attachment.

Adding Structure (Optional)

1. Foamcore and Wire: For a more structured tail, create a spine using foamcore and aluminum wire. Cut the foamcore to fit inside the tail and glue the wire to it for added rigidity.

2. Pool Noodle and Expanding Foam: Alternatively, use a pool noodle and expanding foam for a more rigid structure. Cover the pool noodle with Worbla to create a stable base.

Yarn-Based Tail

1. Prepare Yarn: Use yarn in 2-3 colors (e.g., orange, brown, and white). Cut a long rectangle of cardboard to the desired length of the tail.

2. Wrap and Braid: Wrap the yarn around the cardboard many times until you have the desired tail thickness. Cut the yarn at one end and braid the strands together, leaving some yarn loose at the bottom for the end of the tail.

3. Attach Fur: Wrap additional yarn around your hand, cut, and tie it to the base of the tail to create a fluffy appearance.

4. Attach to Costume: Attach the yarn tail to a belt or carabiner for easy attachment to your costume.

Tips for a Realistic Look

1. Brush the Fur: Use a hairbrush to brush the fur after assembling the tail to ensure it looks smooth and natural.

2. Blend Colors: If using multiple colors of fur, blend the seams carefully to create a natural transition between colors.

3. Weighted Tails: Add small weights (like fishing sinkers) to the tip of the tail to create a swishing motion.

4. Articulated Tails: Use segmented foamcore and wire to create a tail that moves with your body. This method requires precise cuts and a good understanding of weight distribution.

Attaching the Tail

1. Safety Pin: For a simple attachment, use a safety pin to attach the tail to your costume.

2. Belt Loop: Sew a belt loop to the base of the tail and thread a belt through it for a secure attachment.

3. Elastic: Sew elastic to the base of the tail for a comfortable and flexible attachment.

Purchasing Ready-Made Tails

Conclusion