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DIY fursuiting
5 months ago
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does anyone have some tips/tutorials/resources on DIY fursuiting? specifically I am looking about how to go crafting a suit head of my own. i've heard that 3d printing is possible but that seems like a big object to 3d print or maybe you do it in pieces? I don't know anything and was just born
This is my personal playlist of a bunch of fursuit tutorials! There are a lot of really good videos on youtube, I found all of these just from searching "fursuit tutorial". Whenever you need something specific there's probably a youtube tutorial for it, just look up something like "fursuit tutorial +" whatever body part/stitch technique /etc you need. My playlist is by no means comprehensive but has some very popular creators with other good tutorials on their channels.
3D printing usually refers to making just a head base. It's like a plastic mask of whatever animal you're portraying. I believe they're more expensive than a foam base but much lighter and cooler. The aforementioned "bucket head" is very easy but also adds some bulk. Some people opt to make a mask with foam too, I think they usually start with some foam cut and glued to match your forehead shape and then add from there.
It can be really hard to measure out how much fur you need, I honestly haven't mastered this haha. I usually cut my pattern pieces out and measure how much square feet they need. Remember to account for fur direction! You might not be able to group your pattern pieces up in the most efficient way since they'll need to adhere to the direction of the fur.
VERY IMPORTANT! When ordering fur, people typically order each color in the longest length they'll need it in, and then shave the rest with a pet razor. This is because fur is dyed in lots, and if you get two lengths of fur, which will be from different lots, the colors might not completely match up.
Fursuit Supplies and Howl Fabrics have good fur options. "Luxury shag fur" is the one most fursuits are made of. Big Z Fabrics also has a wide selection, but cheaper options.
A sewing machine helps a lot, but I don't think it's required if you're only making a head. You will need lots and lots of hot glue, invest in a decent glue gun. For sewing supplies, if you don't have anything already I'd say get a basic kit and then use quilting needles thread as they're more sturdy.
I think that's most of what I know. My best advice is just jump into it!! I was really nervous making my first partial fursuit but it's turned out way better than I thought and I've had a lot of fun. Good luck!!!