Hand-sewing

[p8ntballsniper8]

So... I've a bit of a conundrum. I want to remake some of the bits of my Dark Link costume (and potentially make a TP Dark Link) but I don't have access to a sewing machine (nor do I have any remote idea how to use one) so I figured I would hand stitch it. >>

I know hand stitching will take forever and is a pain, but I figured it'd be better than not making it.

Is this idea completely suicidal?

[Reily96]

It's only suicidal if your deadline is super near. Lots of people here on cos.com actually don't have sewing machines - it's not unheard of. And you certainly don't need anyone's approval or disapproval to proceed however you want to proceed. Overall, though, I think folks will be more impressed to hear you hand sewed it. It takes an incredible amount of patience and it's definitely more painful. *has had to hand sew and embroider parts of different costumes*

[p8ntballsniper8]

Thanks! I only came here cause my roommates looked at me like I was bat**** insane. but I wanted the opinions of less cynical people

For funsies, I sewed my hat, and I think it came out well

[Kesra]

The only thing you need to keep in mind is to be patient. Keep your stitches straight and even. Overly clumbsy stitches will make your seams pucker oddly.

[MissLunatic]

As I still don't own a sewing machine I often have to handsew cosplays if I don't get access to a machine via or get the direct help of friends. (And it's not rare that I ask for help cause of time issues or lacking skills.)
I'd not advise it for monstrous robes or dresses since it would plainly take forever. But if you are patient as the others already said and work at least with a little accuracy it is really no problem. Besides sometimes there are some special cases when you have hardly a choice but to handsew plus you have really good control of what you sew.
With a little practice I've already sewn plain trousers in about a day or pleated skirts in 1-2. Sometimes handsewing can even be very relaxing if you've got the time.

Besides ppl at cons may still look at you as if you were insane too if you tell them xD but mostly cause they lack the stubbornness and/or patience to handsew themselves. Usually it's an oh-my-gosh-situation when they consider the work.

[Emrys]

It is not impossible to sew a costume by hand, it just depends on how much time you want to devote to it and you might have to look up tutorials for certain techniques like making buttonholes by hand. Since you aren't remaking the entire costume I would say just give it a shot!

[dizzymonochrome]

Just depends how much you trust your handsewing skills. I don't trust mine, because I don't have the patience, so I just don't do it. But if you think you can do it, then nothing should stop you!