How to train a dragon costume?

How to Train a Dragon Costume: A Comprehensive Guide

Materials Needed

• Fabric: Green, yellow, and purple felt (1.5 yards green, ½ yard yellow)
• Cardboard: For wings and headpiece
• Elastic bands: For securing wings
• Ribbon: Green for detailing
• Stuffing: Polyester for the tail and other parts
• Hot glue gun and sticks
• Scissors
• Double-sided fabric tape
• Sewing machine (optional for some parts)
• Velcro® Brand Sew On Tape
• Polyethylene foam: For wing frame
• Sheer fabric: For wing covering
• Thermoplastic (Wonderflex or Worbla): For headpiece
• Styrofoam: For horns
• Acrylic paints: For painting the headpiece
• Body suit: Plain white to be dyed and painted
• Jacquard Dye-na-flow dye: For dyeing the body suit
• Jacquard Lumiere paints: For painting scales

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Creating the Dragon Wings

1. Cut the Wing Shapes: Cut out two matching wing shapes from cardboard. These will serve as the base for your wings.
2. Attach Felt: Hot glue green felt to the back side of each wing and yellow felt to the front side. Trim off any excess felt.
3. Detailing: Cut strips of green ribbon and glue them onto the yellow side of the wings to create wing line details.
4. Connecting the Wings: Cut two strips of felt and glue the wings together in the center to connect them.
5. Adding Elastic Bands: Cut and glue two elastic bands to the center of the wings so they can be worn over the shoulders like a backpack.

2. Making the Tail and Scales

1. Cut the Tail Pieces: Cut two long matching pieces of green felt with pointed triangle scales along the outside edge. The shape should be thinner at the top and curve to a thicker tail at the bottom.
2. Add Dimension: Cut a long strip of green felt to fit over the inner edge of the tail. This will give the tail more dimension when stuffed.
3. Assemble the Tail: Hot glue these pieces together and stuff with polyester stuffing as you glue.
4. Detail the Scales: Cut yellow triangle felt pieces and glue them to the tips of each scale.
5. Attach to Costume: Attach the tail to the back of the hoodie or body suit using safety pins or fabric tape.

3. Crafting the Belly

1. Cut the Belly Shape: Cut an oval shape from green felt that fits over the belly area.
2. Create Scale Effect: Cut strips of green and yellow felt with one zig-zag edge. Layer and glue them slightly over each other, starting from the bottom and working your way up.
3. Attach to Costume: Use double-sided fabric tape to attach the belly piece to the front of the hoodie or body suit.

4. Building the Headpiece

1. Create the Helmet: Form a helmet shape using Wonderflex or Worbla. Cut out and glue styrofoam horns onto the helmet.
2. Add Texture: Stuff polyfill into the nooks and crannies, then cover it with paper mache. Use paper towel pieces and white school glue for this part.
3. Finish with Thermoplastic: Cover the styrofoam with Worbla thermoplastic. Prime the Worbla with a plastic primer.
4. Paint: Paint the headpiece with acrylic paints to match the rest of the costume.

5. Dyeing and Painting the Body Suit

1. Dye the Body Suit: Use Jacquard Dye-na-flow dye to color the body suit. Follow the dye instructions for best results.
2. Paint Scales: Use Jacquard Lumiere paints to add scale details to the body suit.
3. Create Scale Plates: Cut scale "plates" for the back and tail out of craft foam and attach them to the body suit.

Ready-Made Options from CrazeCosplay.com

• Dragon Ball God Of Destruction Beerus Cosplay Costume: A detailed and impressive costume perfect for fans of Dragon Ball.
• Dragon Ball Z Vegeta Outfit Cosplay Costume: Another excellent choice for Dragon Ball enthusiasts.
• Dragon Ball Super Trunks Cosplay Costume: Ideal for those who want to embody the character Trunks from Dragon Ball Super.

Additional Tips and Tricks

• Customization: Feel free to customize your dragon costume with additional details like LED lights for the eyes or glitter for extra sparkle.
• Comfort: Ensure that all parts of the costume are comfortable to wear, especially if it will be worn for extended periods.
• Safety: Use non-toxic materials and ensure that any sharp edges are covered or smoothed out.

Conclusion