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Halloween and Costume Sewing Techniques

Sewing Techniques to Assist a Novice Create a Costume

By , About.com Guide

You want to create this wonderful costume that you have in mind for Halloween or a school play. The only problem is that you don't know where to start or how to sew beyond sewing a straight line. The links provided here are put together just to help what you have in your mind, come to life in fabric. Explore the different techniques to create exactly what you have in mind!

1. How to Sew Fur

Comb the FurDebbie Colgrove, Licensed to About.com

Fur is one of the most common costume fabrics but it does require a bit of an education to sew fur. For example, did you know you'll need a comb to sew fur?  Learn the simple ins and outs of sewing fur here.

2. Fusible - No Sew Sewing - What is it and how to use it

no sew sewing optionsDebbie Colgrove, Licensed to About.com

In a hurry or having difficulties sewing something? There are fusible options that can save the day. Learn about no-sew-sewing options.

3. Darts

Sew a DartDebbie Colgrove, Licensed to About.com

A dart is a way to add shape to a piece of fabric. They are not a complicated task if you know the basics. These links will teach you everything you need to know about darts and how to sew them.

4. Sewing Ruffles and Gathers - How Ruffles Are Gathered & Formed

Gathering done with basting stitches.Debbie Colgrove, Licensed to About.com

Gathering and easing fabric are two common ways to transform fabric from a flat piece of material to a contoured fabric with shape. These articles will help you understand what you need to know to gather or ease fabric and create a costume.

5. Sewing Elastic - Who, What, When, Where,Why and How to Use Sewing Elastic

what kind of elastic?Debbie Colgrove, Licensed to About.com

Elastic is an easy way to solve a fitting problem and makes costume making a breeze. Learn about the different kinds of elastic that are available and you may find a super easy way to change a thrift store garment in to a fitting costume a matter of minutes.

6. Alternative to a Zipper Closure or Close a Costume Gap

Zipper AlternativeDebbie Colgrove, Licensed to About.com
Don't worry about sewing in a zipper in a costume. Use the information found here to take the easy way out and save yourself a lot of time... you may even decide to use the same trick for buttons and buttonholes.

7. Economical Costume Making Tricks and Tips - Cheap Materials for Costumes

Stop fretting about a long trip to a fabric store... use these tips to find economic fabric at places you may not have thought of!

8. Quick and Cheap Costume Fringe - How to Make Inexpensive Fringe

You've searched for the perfect fringe and just can't find it... there is another solution... make your own fringe and make it inexpensively!

9. Sew Your Own Clothing - Step by Step Techniques for Clothing Details

There are more techniques that apply to costuming as well as making clothing... it's all working with fabric to create something that will be worn. If you need more help, you'll probably find it here!

10. That Sewing Machine! Sewing Machines 101

If your sewing a costume and you only use that sewing machine once a year... or less, you may need a little help. You'll find all kinds of sewing machine information and sewing machine help here.

 

11. Hated Packaging Stiffens Costume Parts

Who would have thought that you could find a perfect sewing notion in the trash. This bit of trash is a great way yo make sure a costume stands up where you want it too.

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