Okay, I promised myself that I would start cosplay next year. But sadly, I have no experience in making costumes. I have some experience in sewing with just thread and needle. I would really like to cosplay Yoruichi from Bleach. But its easier said than done. I would really appreciate some help cuz i have no clue where to start. Thankies!

Lucky for you you have a lot of time, and there are a number of experienced cosplayers who frequent these boards.

Also, if you are fortunate enough to live in columbus there are a few people in town I know that would be more than willing to sit down with you and teach you the basics!

I'm no cosplay expert, but I can say that I've been in your position a couple times. I've hand sewed a couple costumes and they actually turned out really good. But the thing you have to remember is that it takes a LONG time if you want it to look good with hand sewing because you're going to want to make your stitching straight and all of the same length while also remembering the different kinds of stitches. If you don't have much confidence, you might want to find a friend with a sewing machine.

Another thing. I'm not familiar with Bleach. I've seen like three episodes but I know what Yoruichi looks like and her costume seems fairly simple. You're lucky enough to not have to make her pants. Those you can just buy at Wal-Mart or any other store really. The under-shirt can also be bought and modified and then painted. The orange over-shirt has a very basic pattern that can be found at Jo-Ann's with little searching. Follow the guide lines on the pattern and you should be fine in cutting it out and pinning it all together. You might have to modify it a little first though. Then, like I said before, from here you can either find a friend who has a sewing machine or sew it by hand but remember to take your time!

The wig can be bought from numerous places online but I'd suggest going to costume stores around Halloween time. If you see one you like and it doesn't cost much (make sure it's not crappy though) then buy it there. If it's really nice and it costs a lot of money, wait until after Halloween and return to buy it when they're having their clearance sale.
....or you could do a me thing and just use your regular hair. Dying it purple wouldn't be too bad at all. I know I've been there.

Cosplay.com has tips too. Look in their forums. They've helped me out many of a time.

If you live anywhere around the Cleveland area, then I might be able to help you pick out fabrics and a pattern if you want.

I recently did a Sanosuke costume for Colossalcon so as you can see I'm skilled with making props as well if you need any.


By the way, this costume proves that hand-sewing and using your real hair can still look awesome.

Good luck! And sorry for my long post ^_^

Hey I dont mind that its long, It really helped me. Lucky for me my mom has a sewing machine, and I have alot of time. Thank ya very much. And you look good as Sanosuke.

Which version are you planning on cosplaying? There's the orange jacket version, and the Battle Version, both being the same outfit but one having an orange jacket. As seen below:

Both being extremely sexy nonetheless.

Ive been thinking about it for a while. I plan on doing the battle version. would you recommend a leotard? body suit? Something along those lines?

Leotards and body suits would be a pain in the butt to go the bathroom in especially if you've got other things on too. I would go for buying leggings and a tight shirt that would match well and go with the costume too.

You have a good point! Thanx, I will have this in mind.