Cosplay Resources

Alice in Cosplayland

Alice in Cosplayland is a cosplay building resource that includes tutorials, tool reviews, and sewing patterns for more advanced cosplayers. Some patterns for detail work and props are also available for free for those who have most of their cosplay built but are still working on the finer details.

Alice in Cosplayland. (2026). Sewing patterns. Alice in Cosplayland. Retrieved March 15, 2026, from https://aliceincosplayland.com/product-category/patterns

The Art of Cosplay and Creative Makeup

The Art of Cosplay and Creative Makeup is a unique resource focused on body paint and advanced makeup. Techniques range from covering tattoos and adding body hair to creating complete transformations for monster and alien designs.

Peck, C. (2024). The art of cosplay and creative makeup: create incredible looks with simple techniques and affordable materials. Rockport Publishers.

Ashweez Cosplay

Ashweez Cosplay is a blog and resource site that includes detailed cosplay builds, tips on the best tools for building cosplays, and reflections on conventions and cosplay contests. Ashweez also manages cosplay repair at conventions, making her a valuable resource for cosplayers and cosplay event planners alike.

Cosplay, A. (n.d.). Cosplay builds. Ashweez Cosplay. Retrieved March 15, 2026, from https://ashweezcosplay.com/cosplay-builds/

The Beginner's Guide to Cosplay Armor & Props

The Beginner's Guide to Cosplay Armor & Props is the most recent introduction to crafting with EVA foam for new cosplayers. This resource includes patterns, tools, tutorials, and practice projects to lay the foundation for and build confidence in EVA foam crafting.

Goor, J. V. D. (2023). The beginner's guide to cosplay armor & props: Craft epic fantasy costumes and accessories with eva foam. Page Street Publishing.

The Beginner's Guide to Sewing for Costuming

This beginner's guide is a resource for new cosplayers interested in hand or machine sewing. Professional costume designer Michelle Winchester covers essential sewing tools, different fabric types, and tips on fasteners and finishing touches to bring a costume to life.

Winchester, M. (2025). The beginner's guide to sewing for costuming. Library Tales Publishing.

The Cosplay Book of Ballgowns

The Cosplay Book of Ballgowns is a resource for beginner and advanced cosplayers interested in planning, building, and sewing their own unique gowns from the ground up. From structural layers and undergarments to accessories and final touches, this guide covers the full process of creating your own masterpiece.

Cerato, R., & Kullman, K. (2022). The cosplay book of ballgowns: A complete guide to creating your own masterpiece. Fanpowered Press.

Cosplay Foundations

In Cosplay Foundations, cosplay veteran Casey Welsch provides a detailed guide on how to create a set of undergarments and support pieces that can be used interchangeably for multiple cosplays. This resource is ideal for cosplayers focused on creating period pieces with realistic silhouettes.

Welsch, C. (2022). Cosplay foundations: Your guide to constructing bodysuits, corsets, hoop skirts, petticoats & more. Fanpowered Press.

Kamui Cosplay

Kamui Cosplay has been the definitive resource for creating props and costumes using EVA foam since the publication of her book, The Costume Making Guide: Creating Armor and Props for Cosplay, in 2016. She continues to support and provide resources to the cosplay community through her blog and other tutorials on her website.

Cosplay, K. (2024). Kamui cosplay blog. Kamui Cosplay. Retrieved March 15, 2026, from https://www.kamuicosplay.com/blog/

Leather in Cosplay

Leather in Cosplay is a unique guide on incorporating the craft of leather-working into cosplays to create historical pieces with a more authentic look and feel. Perfect for beginners, this resource starts with the basics of leather-work before building up to full sets of armor and other gear.

Wigness, A., & Reiswig, J. (2026). Leather in cosplay, from hide to hero: tips, tools & techniques. Fanpowered Press.

Level Up! Creative Cosplay

In this follow-up to her original work, Creative Cosplay, cosplay judge and competitor Amanda Haas shares more of her expertise on building original cosplay designs, using realistic makeup techniques, and creating an on-the-go costume repair kit. This is a resource for all cosplayers, beginners and advanced alike.

Haas, A. (2022). Level up! creative cosplay: costume design & creation, sfx makeup, led basics & more. Fanpowered Press.

Smocking Secrets

Smocking Secrets is a pattern guide for adding textures to fabric for advanced cosplayers. Whether the goal is creating a three-dimensional look for a fantasy setting or adding the perfect historical accents to a period piece, Smocking Secrets has cosplayers who love to sew covered.

Hofmann, M. (2022). Smocking secrets: 20 stitch patterns to create unforgettable texture. Fanpowered Press.

The Ultimate Glue Guide

This pocket-sized guide is an excellent resource for no-sew cosplayers and a valuable tool for cosplayers looking to create their own costume repair kit. Annye Driscoll covers all kinds of adhesives for metals, plastics, painted surfaces, and different fabrics to ensure cosplayers are using the glue that works best for their costume.

Driscoll, A. (2024). The ultimate glue guide: everything you need to know about adhesives for cosplay, crafts & more. Fanpowered Press.