When it comes to cosplay, sometimes it can be so difficult finding the perfect pair of shoes. If you’re all about DIY projects and getting crafty, use this opportunity to flex your creative muscles.
Create your own boot covers for your cosplay ideas by using faux leather fabric.
- To get started, wear the type of shoes that you intend on using for the base of your boots. For example, she used a pair of floral printed heels for this tutorial.
- Measure the front side and back side, starting from the heel of the shoe.
- Measure the circumference of your leg from the knee, ankle and widest part of the calf. After that, you’ll be able to create a pattern for the boot, using the measurements taken from your leg, ankle and foot.
- For this project, she used faux leather fabric with a stretchy lycra base, contact glue, needle and thread, chalk and pins.
- Then, she marked out the pattern onto the stretchy side of the fabric. Remember to give your pattern a little extra space in order to have adequate seam allowances along the edges.
- Cut out the pattern, and then pin to the fabric.
- Hand sew the two separate pieces together.
- Next, she tried on the piece and pinned it into place to create a better fit. When you find the best fit, you can sew the two pieces together with your sewing machine. Ideally, you want the fabric to cover the shoe on the front and back sides of the leg. Using Faux leather fabric means that you don’t have to worry about a finishing the edges.
- Pin the fabric to the shoe and cut off any excess fabric, leaving about 1 cm.
- Remove the pins and then fold the edges inward, pinning the fabric to the sole of the shoe.
- Working slowly, use the contact glue to adhere the fabric into place. Follow the instructions on the package and give the fabric enough time to dry before touching it.
Afterward, remove the pins and try on the boot. If the fabric is not stretchy enough, you can always add a hidden zipper along the ankle of the shoe. Repeat this process again to create the second boot. If you’re creating a thigh high boot design, put elastic in order to keep the style in place.
The finished result is just so chic. For variations on this pattern, try opting for different colored faux leather fabric to better suit your cosplay.
Written by Jade Nicolette
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Adding a hidden zipper at the ankle is such a practical fix if the stretch isn’t enough. The suggestion to use elastic for thigh-high versions also helps keep everything from slipping during a long convention day.
I like that you pointed out faux leather doesn’t need edge finishing, that saves so much time. The step about leaving a 1 cm allowance before gluing to the sole is a small detail that makes a big difference.
Using floral heels as the base was a clever example, since it shows you don’t need boring shoes underneath. The tip about measuring calf, ankle, and knee really highlights how important a custom pattern is for a clean fit.