Helpful Tips and Facts: The 5 Most Important Keys To Cosplaying: Knowing The Right Sizes to Cut and Measure

Alright, you know your color palette and your fabrics. Now it's time for you to know the right sizes and measuring aspect of cosplaying. If you don't know this, then every thing won't fit properly so please know this.

This is probably one of the most important key out of the 5 others. Knowing your measurements is the main aspect of all of this.

Tip & Fact:
If you're the type of person that doesn't like to measure the shirts and pants, then go with your normal size of any clothing. For example, if you know that you wear a size medium shirt, then cut the medium size pattern out. This is what I do when I start on a cosplay. It's the same way with pants, jackets, swimsuits, and dresses.

Tip & Fact:
When you're in the process of cutting out pattern pieces, it's always best to go up a size from your normal size clothing. In other words, if you're a size Extra Small, then make the cosplay size a Small. I say this only for the cosplay to fit without being snug or tight when you try it on.


Tip & Fact:
Now, if you're a perfectionist and has to have the precise measurements, then you need to know your ruler and your measurements.

Getting to know the measurements is very important because everything will fit properly and everything will be realisticly close or exact.

Using measurments for non-sewing props is the best way to make it accurately possible.

Tip & Fact
When you measure your fabrics, it's always best to use a yard stick and not a small, regular ruler. If you have trouble measuring, here's a picture to help you to know what line is what.

The first arrow pointing to the number one is your full inch. That part's easy. Next to the number is a very small line, which is the 1/16" inch. After that, the first long line is the 1/8" inch. It'll be hard to tell at first, but look at how long each line is in order to figure it out. The second longest line is the 1/4" inch mark. Lastly, the line in the middle and the third longest line is the 1/2" inch. That one's pretty easy too.

Tip & Fact:
If the example is a little confusing, I'll try to explain it more here. There is a 1/16" inches. The key to knowing the 1/16" inch mark is to find the smallest line first. When you do, count all of the lines (big lines and small lines). All of the 1/16" inch marks are the same size so it won't be too difficult. When you find the smallest line, that is the 1/16" inch mark. Afterwards, count up to 16/16" inch, which is the same as a full inch. For example, 1/16, 2/16, 3/16, and so on. The first longest line is the 1/8" inch mark. When you find the first longest line, count every other first longest line. That counts as a full inch. With the 1/4" inch mark, you have to find the second longest line. When you find it, count that exact line up to 4/4, which is also the same as a full inch. Here like this: 1/4, 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4. Lastly, the third longest line is the 1/2" inch mark. That's the easiest.

Hint: All of them equal a full inch.

There will be times where some measuring tapes WILL NOT have the 1/16" mark! Now, if that's the case, the 1/8" will be the very first line and then you count them all up to 8/8" inches.

Tip & Fact:

Measuring is a key to any sewing that you'll ever do probably. Never forget that and you'll be on your way to making great cosplays. When measuring a pattern or anything relating to sewing, use a measuring tape so it will be easier to move around and won't have to worry about missing any correct marks.

I hope this helps. To be honest, I hate math and measuring was one of my wrost. After I learned about the 1/8" inches and 1/4" inches, I was ready for any type of sewing and making cosplays. So, please don't feel bad if you forgot or just don't know how to measure properly. It's all good.