Want to Build Your Own Fursuit?
17 years ago
If you need me, my contact info is on my profile info.
Fursuit Information Journal: http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/514068/
-How To's
-Personal Site
-Material Listing
-Fursuit builders who will take commissions
Suggest a creature for a fursuit- http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/632858/
Kitt Creations is open for commissions. Visit our LJ community for commission updates
Fursuit Information Journal: http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/514068/
-How To's
-Personal Site
-Material Listing
-Fursuit builders who will take commissions
Suggest a creature for a fursuit- http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/632858/
Kitt Creations is open for commissions. Visit our LJ community for commission updates
Tips/Tricks I've learned from trial and error, having a fursuit myself at one point in time that was built incorrectly (measurements were all wrong and so it didn't fit at all T_T) Tutorials that I've found, and so forth.
These are all of my resources that I've found myself by browsing around *nod*
Also, some things I have asked other fursuit builders on how to do.
If you have your own sources that you would like to post that are reliable, feel free to tell me their links ^_^ I'm always up for finding new fur sources and other materials that are needed =3
Tools/Supplies:
Hot glue
LOW TEMP hot glue gun
exacto knife
box cutter knife
scissors
shoe glue
buckram (found here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.ph.....ng_id=14422216)
airbrush (if you have one)
acrylic paint
krylon spray paint (I'll tell you why you'll use this in a few minutes)
Sewing machine (heavy duty or industrial- http://www.sewusa.com/index.htm)
EXTRA NEEDLES for that sewing machine
a large work space (the size of a dinner table works)
clipper (dog or human one- pick up a cheap one at walmart or any beauty supply store- you'll need it to shave the fur)
foam
fake fur
foamies
balaclava hood
bouncy balls
plastic domes
pool noodle (http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&.....All-Categories I make tails from these, using the smaller, skinnier ones)
wire (coat hanger wire works or you can get fancy for the tails and ears if you make it from wire)
Links to some other materials:
http://www.vandykestaxidermy.com/pr.....ighting-system
http://www.greyowlcrafts.com/i_claw.....rrow/index.htm
http://www.vandykestaxidermy.com/
http://www.taxidermy.com/cat/12/jaws.html
Fur Fabric Places (high quality, generally soft- avoid Mendel's Monster fur though- that stuff is shit)
http://www.imstuffedfur.com/
http://www.montereymills.com/index.php?id=11
http://www.mendels.com/fur1.shtml
http://distinctivefabric.com/catego.....hp?cat=LONGFUR
http://distinctivefabric.com/catego.....hp?cat=FAUXFUR
http://www.crscraft.com/products/vP.....ics&class=
http://www.fabric.com/SearchResults.....3-26a376046a5e
http://www.denverfabrics.com/catalo.....pes&Page=1
http://www.theatrehouse.com/mm5/mer.....ry_Code=FabFur
http://www.hancockfabrics.com/viewf.....amp;numHits=24
http://shop.ebay.com/items/_W0QQ_nk.....romZR40QQ_mdoZ
http://www.fauxthrow.com/faux-fur-fabric/
http://www.made-in-china.com/Textil.....ur-Fabric.html
http://www.alibaba.com/showroom/Fak.....ur_Fabric.html
http://www.prefurs.com/10Browse.asp.....ur+by+Tissavel
http://buy.ecplaza.net/search/1s1nf.....brics_fur.html
http://www.yiyutex.com/cgi/search-e.....charge&n=3
http://www.tradekey.com/product_lis.....Fur-Co-Ltd.htm
http://www.fabricdepot.com/index.ph.....archstring=fur
http://www.fabricmartfabrics.com/co.....php?string=fur
http://www.comfortworld.cn/products.php
http://www.nftech.com/products.php (i don't like it that you can't see the fur, but i'm sure you can order swatches)
http://www.bearycheap.com/ezimercha.....tegory33_1.htm
http://www.big4fabrics.com/fakefur.html
http://www.fauxpawfurs.com/
http://www.syfabrics.com/Browse.aspx/Faux-Furs/183
http://www.syfabrics.com/Browse.asp.....ky-Cuddle-/418
http://www.usaknit.us.com/
http://www.thefabricwarehouseltd.com/
http://www.craft-fabrics.co.uk/
Foam that I would use:
The stuff I use is green foam found at places like Hobby Lobby, Jo-Ann's Fabrics, or Hancock's fabrics.
The 'base' for my heads are made from camping pads- found at walmart (makes a nice hard skeleton to work with and is very lightweight- the heads come out like normal because you're only making two cylinder shapes *one for around your head, one for the muzzle's base).
Haven't found anywhere to order this stuff online just yet.
Example of what I'm talking about: http://community.livejournal.com/fu.....t/2991876.html
Tutorials for stuff:
http://www.matrices.net/fursuiting.asp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HpHj0EJAKk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ss9GeDcI8eE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPsA.....eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jza.....eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mE3J.....eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pxh4.....eature=related
http://community.livejournal.com/fu.....98.html#cutid1
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/1973576/
http://community.livejournal.com/fu.....it/644168.html (I used this for my 3-D eyes and chose 3 mm sheets of foam and buckram for the materials- works so good!)
Eyes:
Please remember to measure the distance between your pupils as well as from the center of your pupil to the top of your head and from the center to your chin. You can get those two levels by balancing a book there :)
Why? It makes sure that the costume's eyes are centered on the head so it gives you optimal visibility.
If you want more realistic eyes, try these: http://community.livejournal.com/fu.....t/2281486.html
Balls can be found: http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/pr.....;cookie_test=1
Usually for the ears I use the thin sheets of foam you can pick up at a craft store/Walmart (hobby lobby has a good deal on them) or get a bunch from here:
http://craftsuppliesforless.com/kid.....ewfoamies.html
Balaclava hood supplier (this one is a trusted one, I used to order all of my hoods from them):
http://cgi.ebay.com/BALACLAVA-HOOD-.....3A1|240%3A1318
Open faced works so much better.
How to make moving jaws on the hoods:
http://www.matrices.net/balaclava.asp
http://www.matrices.net/fursuit/Law.....ion-By_Jax.jpg
Measure from hinge point of jaw to top of head, then from hinge point to chin. You'll be cutting the elastic long enough to fit over the top of your head and around the back and chin. It should be snug so you can move it.
Make a foam shelf on the bottom jaw then hot glue that to the hood.
Feet:
Use only FLAT BOTTOMED shoes like skate shoes or something. Make sure they also have a GOOD rubber sole on them so you don't slide around everywhere.
Make sure the shoes have FABRIC sides to them, not suede, fake leather, real leather, or plastic. If it happens to have another type of material on the side, consider a stronger adhesive than hot glue or shoe glue.
Before you add the leg part to the shoe, make sure you have a band of elastic in there so it stays on tight and doesn't fall off your leg.
Make sure that you make it a "boot"- which means that the fur should come up past your ankle some. I make mine go to the middle of the calf muscle.
Fold the top part of the fur over to the inside and sew it down.
The part that goes onto your leg should be the first part of the fur that you put on the feet.
What I use: http://www.6pm.com/n/p/p/7150746/c/19729.html They're comfy and fit just about anyone.
Worried about shoe size? No problem!: http://www.i18nguy.com/l10n/shoes.html#adult
Hands:
Trace your hand onto a sheet of paper, then cut it out. Leave a 1 inch space for room around the outline and then add 1/4" for the seam.
Example: http://www.carpentertrade.com/image.....TracedHand.jpg - Make sure you spread your fingers out as much as possible. It'll ensure that you have enough room for the seams for your fingers (the paws won't actually be spread out like that when they're finished, so don't worry)
Body:
Usually only takes 4 yards of fur. To be on the safe side, order 5 or 6. You can do the math for how many yards of each color you'll need.
If you are heavier-set, or taller than average (average ranges from 5'7-6'4), order a little extra so you have some 'play' room. You do NOT want to be short on fur. If you have extra fur, oh well! It's better to have extra than come up short
Make sure that you leave a 1 inch space around all your patterns and then a 1/4" space for the seams. (If it makes you feel better, use 2")
Duct tape dummies (used for making bodies):
Go to goodwill or a second hand store if you need to get some old clothes you can chop up.
You will need a long sleeve button up shirt and a pair of pants.
Use SAFETY SCISSORS when cutting!
For your own good, don't wear a bra or underwear (unless they're really tight up against you) or boxers because you may cut into them and we don't want that happening. It sounds weird, but trust me, it happens. If it happens to you, you're going to be sorry that you lost some of your undergarments.
Tutorial: http://fursuit.org/wiki/doku.php?id.....mies:diadexxus
You don't need the gloves or socks though because I told you how you're making the hands and feet :)
If you're still looking for more info try the Fursuit community on LiveJournal. Ask a question, and people will tell you your answer!
Hope that helps ^_^
I do update this from time-to-time. Whenever I find something new, I add it in I will also update anything that needs to be updated.
These are all of my resources that I've found myself by browsing around *nod*
Also, some things I have asked other fursuit builders on how to do.
If you have your own sources that you would like to post that are reliable, feel free to tell me their links ^_^ I'm always up for finding new fur sources and other materials that are needed =3
Tools/Supplies:
Hot glue
LOW TEMP hot glue gun
exacto knife
box cutter knife
scissors
shoe glue
buckram (found here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.ph.....ng_id=14422216)
airbrush (if you have one)
acrylic paint
krylon spray paint (I'll tell you why you'll use this in a few minutes)
Sewing machine (heavy duty or industrial- http://www.sewusa.com/index.htm)
EXTRA NEEDLES for that sewing machine
a large work space (the size of a dinner table works)
clipper (dog or human one- pick up a cheap one at walmart or any beauty supply store- you'll need it to shave the fur)
foam
fake fur
foamies
balaclava hood
bouncy balls
plastic domes
pool noodle (http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&.....All-Categories I make tails from these, using the smaller, skinnier ones)
wire (coat hanger wire works or you can get fancy for the tails and ears if you make it from wire)
Links to some other materials:
http://www.vandykestaxidermy.com/pr.....ighting-system
http://www.greyowlcrafts.com/i_claw.....rrow/index.htm
http://www.vandykestaxidermy.com/
http://www.taxidermy.com/cat/12/jaws.html
Fur Fabric Places (high quality, generally soft- avoid Mendel's Monster fur though- that stuff is shit)
http://www.imstuffedfur.com/
http://www.montereymills.com/index.php?id=11
http://www.mendels.com/fur1.shtml
http://distinctivefabric.com/catego.....hp?cat=LONGFUR
http://distinctivefabric.com/catego.....hp?cat=FAUXFUR
http://www.crscraft.com/products/vP.....ics&class=
http://www.fabric.com/SearchResults.....3-26a376046a5e
http://www.denverfabrics.com/catalo.....pes&Page=1
http://www.theatrehouse.com/mm5/mer.....ry_Code=FabFur
http://www.hancockfabrics.com/viewf.....amp;numHits=24
http://shop.ebay.com/items/_W0QQ_nk.....romZR40QQ_mdoZ
http://www.fauxthrow.com/faux-fur-fabric/
http://www.made-in-china.com/Textil.....ur-Fabric.html
http://www.alibaba.com/showroom/Fak.....ur_Fabric.html
http://www.prefurs.com/10Browse.asp.....ur+by+Tissavel
http://buy.ecplaza.net/search/1s1nf.....brics_fur.html
http://www.yiyutex.com/cgi/search-e.....charge&n=3
http://www.tradekey.com/product_lis.....Fur-Co-Ltd.htm
http://www.fabricdepot.com/index.ph.....archstring=fur
http://www.fabricmartfabrics.com/co.....php?string=fur
http://www.comfortworld.cn/products.php
http://www.nftech.com/products.php (i don't like it that you can't see the fur, but i'm sure you can order swatches)
http://www.bearycheap.com/ezimercha.....tegory33_1.htm
http://www.big4fabrics.com/fakefur.html
http://www.fauxpawfurs.com/
http://www.syfabrics.com/Browse.aspx/Faux-Furs/183
http://www.syfabrics.com/Browse.asp.....ky-Cuddle-/418
http://www.usaknit.us.com/
http://www.thefabricwarehouseltd.com/
http://www.craft-fabrics.co.uk/
Foam that I would use:
The stuff I use is green foam found at places like Hobby Lobby, Jo-Ann's Fabrics, or Hancock's fabrics.
The 'base' for my heads are made from camping pads- found at walmart (makes a nice hard skeleton to work with and is very lightweight- the heads come out like normal because you're only making two cylinder shapes *one for around your head, one for the muzzle's base).
Haven't found anywhere to order this stuff online just yet.
Example of what I'm talking about: http://community.livejournal.com/fu.....t/2991876.html
Tutorials for stuff:
http://www.matrices.net/fursuiting.asp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HpHj0EJAKk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ss9GeDcI8eE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPsA.....eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jza.....eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mE3J.....eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pxh4.....eature=related
http://community.livejournal.com/fu.....98.html#cutid1
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/1973576/
http://community.livejournal.com/fu.....it/644168.html (I used this for my 3-D eyes and chose 3 mm sheets of foam and buckram for the materials- works so good!)
Eyes:
Please remember to measure the distance between your pupils as well as from the center of your pupil to the top of your head and from the center to your chin. You can get those two levels by balancing a book there :)
Why? It makes sure that the costume's eyes are centered on the head so it gives you optimal visibility.
If you want more realistic eyes, try these: http://community.livejournal.com/fu.....t/2281486.html
Balls can be found: http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/pr.....;cookie_test=1
Usually for the ears I use the thin sheets of foam you can pick up at a craft store/Walmart (hobby lobby has a good deal on them) or get a bunch from here:
http://craftsuppliesforless.com/kid.....ewfoamies.html
Balaclava hood supplier (this one is a trusted one, I used to order all of my hoods from them):
http://cgi.ebay.com/BALACLAVA-HOOD-.....3A1|240%3A1318
Open faced works so much better.
How to make moving jaws on the hoods:
http://www.matrices.net/balaclava.asp
http://www.matrices.net/fursuit/Law.....ion-By_Jax.jpg
Measure from hinge point of jaw to top of head, then from hinge point to chin. You'll be cutting the elastic long enough to fit over the top of your head and around the back and chin. It should be snug so you can move it.
Make a foam shelf on the bottom jaw then hot glue that to the hood.
Feet:
Use only FLAT BOTTOMED shoes like skate shoes or something. Make sure they also have a GOOD rubber sole on them so you don't slide around everywhere.
Make sure the shoes have FABRIC sides to them, not suede, fake leather, real leather, or plastic. If it happens to have another type of material on the side, consider a stronger adhesive than hot glue or shoe glue.
Before you add the leg part to the shoe, make sure you have a band of elastic in there so it stays on tight and doesn't fall off your leg.
Make sure that you make it a "boot"- which means that the fur should come up past your ankle some. I make mine go to the middle of the calf muscle.
Fold the top part of the fur over to the inside and sew it down.
The part that goes onto your leg should be the first part of the fur that you put on the feet.
What I use: http://www.6pm.com/n/p/p/7150746/c/19729.html They're comfy and fit just about anyone.
Worried about shoe size? No problem!: http://www.i18nguy.com/l10n/shoes.html#adult
Hands:
Trace your hand onto a sheet of paper, then cut it out. Leave a 1 inch space for room around the outline and then add 1/4" for the seam.
Example: http://www.carpentertrade.com/image.....TracedHand.jpg - Make sure you spread your fingers out as much as possible. It'll ensure that you have enough room for the seams for your fingers (the paws won't actually be spread out like that when they're finished, so don't worry)
Body:
Usually only takes 4 yards of fur. To be on the safe side, order 5 or 6. You can do the math for how many yards of each color you'll need.
If you are heavier-set, or taller than average (average ranges from 5'7-6'4), order a little extra so you have some 'play' room. You do NOT want to be short on fur. If you have extra fur, oh well! It's better to have extra than come up short
Make sure that you leave a 1 inch space around all your patterns and then a 1/4" space for the seams. (If it makes you feel better, use 2")
Duct tape dummies (used for making bodies):
Go to goodwill or a second hand store if you need to get some old clothes you can chop up.
You will need a long sleeve button up shirt and a pair of pants.
Use SAFETY SCISSORS when cutting!
For your own good, don't wear a bra or underwear (unless they're really tight up against you) or boxers because you may cut into them and we don't want that happening. It sounds weird, but trust me, it happens. If it happens to you, you're going to be sorry that you lost some of your undergarments.
Tutorial: http://fursuit.org/wiki/doku.php?id.....mies:diadexxus
You don't need the gloves or socks though because I told you how you're making the hands and feet :)
If you're still looking for more info try the Fursuit community on LiveJournal. Ask a question, and people will tell you your answer!
Hope that helps ^_^
I do update this from time-to-time. Whenever I find something new, I add it in I will also update anything that needs to be updated.
FA+

Some of the female shoes, however, are made from HARD plastic on the soles or this felt crap. I had to return a pair of boots because i seriously couldn't stand on carpeting without my feet sliding.
My men's ES accelerate skate shoes have that very soft squishy translucent rubber on the bottom and have seen me through everything including snow so far
1.) the rubber has been worn flat
2.) if the bottem of the shoe is just plain normal rubber.
I need to scan all my sketches and talk to someone with experience though XD Cause I may be getting in over my head
But chea.. TOOOTALLY helped and put stuff in perspective :3 Thankye
Sorry, I just could never see myself paying a huge price JUST for a name materials don't even cost that much XD
Tho I'm still waiting for a reply from scribblefox, this really helps me for making my own fursuit.
Got a partsuit i want to make a fullsuit from and fabrics to make another complete fursuit.
This will really help me on my way making my own =^.^=