How to Create a Hiccup Costume from How to Train Your Dragon 2
Hiccup, the beloved protagonist from the How to Train Your Dragon franchise, undergoes a significant transformation in the second installment of the series. His new look in How to Train Your Dragon 2 presents an exciting challenge for cosplayers and costume enthusiasts. This comprehensive guide will walk you through creating your own Hiccup costume, whether you're preparing for a convention, Halloween, or just for fun.
Understanding Hiccup's Costume
Before diving into the creation process, it's essential to understand the key components of Hiccup's costume from How to Train Your Dragon 2:
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Helmet
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Upper armor with shoulder pauldrons
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Bracers (forearm armor)
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Leather vest
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Undershirt
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Trousers
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Boots
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Accessories (map, compass, knife, etc.)
Each of these elements contributes to Hiccup's iconic look, combining functionality with a distinct Viking-inspired aesthetic.
Materials Needed
To create an authentic Hiccup costume, you'll need the following materials:
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Craft foam (various thicknesses)
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Faux leather or vinyl
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Fabric for undershirt and trousers
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PlastiDip spray
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Acrylic paint
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Hot glue gun and glue sticks
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Velcro
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Elastic
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Buckles and rivets
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Sewing machine and supplies
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Scissors and craft knife
Creating the Costume
1. Helmet
Hiccup's helmet is one of the most distinctive parts of his costume. To create it:
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Make a pattern using aluminum foil and duct tape on a head cast or mannequin.
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Transfer the pattern to 5mm craft foam.
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Cut out the pieces and shape them using heat.
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Assemble the helmet using hot glue.
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Add details like the collapsible dragon scales at the back.
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Apply PlastiDip and paint for a leather-like finish.
2. Upper Armor and Shoulder Pauldrons
The upper armor gives Hiccup his distinctive silhouette:
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Create patterns for the chest and back pieces using reference images.
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Cut the patterns from craft foam and shape them with heat.
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Add details like seams and stitching using thinner foam strips.
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Create the shoulder pauldrons separately, noting that they're asymmetrical.
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Attach the pauldrons to the main armor piece using elastic straps.
3. Bracers
Hiccup's bracers are both functional and decorative:
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Cut two rectangular pieces of craft foam for each arm.
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Shape them to fit your forearms using heat.
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Add details like straps and buckles.
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Create a small compartment for Hiccup's map and drawing tools.
4. Leather Vest
The brown, woven-looking vest is a key part of Hiccup's outfit:
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Use an existing shirt as a sizing guide to create a pattern.
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Cut the pattern from faux leather or vinyl.
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Sew the pieces together, leaving the front open.
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Add decorative stitching to mimic the woven look.
5. Undershirt and Trousers
For the base layer of the costume:
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Choose a dark green fabric for the undershirt and brown for the trousers.
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Use existing clothing as a pattern or purchase suitable patterns.
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Sew the garments, ensuring a snug fit to avoid bulk under the armor.
6. Boots
Hiccup's boots are another distinctive element:
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Start with a pair of brown boots or shoe covers.
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Add fur trim around the top using faux fur.
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Create additional details like straps or buckles using craft foam or leather scraps.
7. Accessories
To complete the look, don't forget Hiccup's accessories:
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Create a map using aged paper and hand-drawn details.
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Make a small compass prop using craft foam or purchase a replica.
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Craft a small knife prop to attach to the bracers.
Purchasing Options
If crafting isn't your strong suit or you're short on time, there are several options for purchasing Hiccup costumes:
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CrazeCosplay.com offers a comprehensive Hiccup costume set including the vest, wristband, trousers, belt, and shoulder armor. Their costume is made from washing leather, compound leather, and spandex, providing a balance of authenticity and comfort.
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Amazon offers various Hiccup costume options, including both adult and children's sizes. These range from simple Halloween costumes to more detailed cosplay outfits.
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For those looking for a mix of DIY and purchased items, consider buying base pieces like the undershirt and trousers, and crafting the more complex elements like the armor and helmet.
Tips for Wearing and Maintaining Your Hiccup Costume
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Comfort: Wear a cooling undershirt beneath the costume, especially if you're attending a convention or event where you'll be wearing it for extended periods.
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Mobility: Ensure that all pieces, particularly the armor, allow for comfortable movement. Use velcro or elastic straps to secure pieces while maintaining flexibility.
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Weatherproofing: If you're using craft foam, seal it with multiple layers of PlastiDip or a similar product to protect it from moisture and increase durability.
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Storage: Store your costume pieces flat or on a mannequin to maintain their shape. Avoid folding or crushing the armor pieces.
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Cleaning: Spot clean leather or vinyl pieces with a damp cloth. For fabric elements, follow the care instructions for the specific materials used.
Bringing Hiccup to Life
Creating a Hiccup costume is more than just assembling the right pieces – it's about embodying the character. Here are some tips to really bring your cosplay to life:
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Posture and Movement: Hiccup has a distinctive way of moving, especially after getting used to his prosthetic leg. Practice walking with a slight limp or uneven gait.
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Props: Consider creating or purchasing additional props like Hiccup's flaming sword, Inferno, or a stuffed Toothless to accompany you.
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Hairstyle: Style your hair (or a wig) to match Hiccup's messy, slightly braided look. Don't forget the small braids behind his right ear.
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Makeup: Add freckles with brown face paint or eyeliner for an extra touch of authenticity.
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Character Study: Watch the movies and short films to get a feel for Hiccup's mannerisms and speech patterns. This can really elevate your cosplay, especially if you plan to participate in costume contests or photo ops.
Conclusion
Creating a Hiccup costume from How to Train Your Dragon 2 is an exciting project that combines crafting skills, attention to detail, and a love for the character. Whether you choose to make your costume from scratch, purchase it from a retailer like CrazeCosplay.com, or mix DIY elements with store-bought pieces, the key is to have fun and embrace the spirit of adventure that Hiccup embodies.
Remember, cosplay is about creativity and personal expression. Don't be afraid to put your own spin on the costume or adapt it to your skill level and resources. The most important thing is to enjoy the process and feel confident in your creation.
With this guide, you're well-equipped to embark on your own dragon-training adventure. So gather your materials, fire up your imagination, and get ready to bring Hiccup to life. Who knows? You might just discover your inner Viking hero along the way!
