Create a form-fitting costume for your action figure with Vince Callaghan of Project: Custom
By Vince Callaghan
Posted 06/20/08
In the world of comic books, spandex is a right, not a privilege! For today's episode we'll learn how to provide your action figure with the form-fitting outfit that every superhero and superheroine worth their salt requires to fight evil. Actually, it's not that far off from the original Mego "pajama" outfits, but with a more stylin' fit! Quick! To the super-tailors! Awaaaaay!
FIGURE YOU'LL NEED:
• Mego style action figure with head
TOOLS YOU'LL NEED:
• Active wear (swimsuit) fabric
• Matching poly/cotton thread
• Stretch PVC vinyl fabric
• Sharp fabric scissors
• Fabric heat bond
• Iron with variable settings
• Computer with printer
• Glue stick
• Hot glue gun
• The official Project: Custom pattern (available at projectcustom.com/novapattern.pdf)
• Sewing pins
• Standard sewing machine
• Size 9 ball point machine needles
• Hand sewing needles
OPTIONAL TOOLS:
• Super Glue
• Hobby mini-iron
• Color printer
• Computer graphics program
STEP 1:
Look for the "Active" or "Dance Wear" section at your fabric store; that's where you'll find stretch fabrics like spandex and lycra. Match fabric colors with a color printout of the costume, and know whether you're getting two-way stretch (fabric will stretch one way but not the other) or four-way stretch (fabric stretches in all directions).
STEP 2:
Download and print the pattern from the Project: Custom website. Cut the pattern pieces out and pin it flat on the fabrics. With two-way fabric, the direction of the fabric that doesn't stretch is called the "bias." Match the arrow on the pattern with the direction of the bias. Cut the fabric pieces (except the shoulder accents) and set them aside.
STEP 3:
Cut a strip of heat bond larger than two of the shoulder accents and place on the back of the fabric. Fold a plain sheet of paper in half, lay it over the heat bond and iron across it on the highest setting. Once cool, remove the paper backing and fold the fabric back on itself. Iron again and fuse the fabric together, then cut out the two shoulder pieces.
STEP 4:
Cut the heat bond into shapes larger than the insignia and accent designs. Place these on the back of your PVC fabric. Put the folded paper over it and iron. Don't damage the PVC by lingering too long in one spot. Glue the accents onto the paper backing.
STEP 5:
Cut the pieces out from the PVC with a hobby knife. Apply the chest insignia first by removing the heat bond backing and placing it close to the neck opening. Cover with folded paper and briefly run the iron over to "tack" it into place. Flip the outfit over, cover with paper and iron for a little longer to fuse the insignia into position.
STEP 6:
Now let's start to assemble the costume! Sew the cuffs and sleeve sections together and then hem the cuffs to give them a nice finish. Fold the collar piece in half lengthwise, pin to the neck opening and sew into place. Remember, all stitching should be hidden on the inside of the outfit!
STEP 7:
Sandwich together the sleeves and shoulder accents to the main body at the arm grooves, pin into place and sew together. The shoulder accents should be pointing outwards, in the same direction as the sleeves. From here, the outfit will need to be sewn inside out in order to keep all the seams on the inside.
STEP 8:
Following the instructions on the pattern (A to A, B to B, etc.), begin to sew the side edges together. Once completed, match the back seams and sew to the first cross seam. This will make it easier to put the costume on the figure. Flatten the outfit and start sewing the inseam from one foot to the other. Align with pins to make sure your edges meet!
STEP 9:
Now turn the outfit inside out, being careful not to damage the insignia. Pull the costume on to your figure, easing it along so it's nice and smooth. Once it's on, hand-sew a ladder stitch up the back. Tie a knot in the thread when finished and use a tiny drop of super glue to seal it.
STEP 10:
Attach the leg accents and back insignia using a heat gun to heat the PVC and tack the bonding into place. Be careful to heat the PVC and not the figure! You can also use a hot glue gun to apply a thin layer of glue on the back of the PVC and attach it as well. That's one stylin' Nova!
For even more costume patterns and tricks of the costume-making trade, head on over to projectcustom.com.
