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The Hero's Closet: Sewing for Cosplay and Costuming
Cosplayers rejoice! Gillian Conahan ’ s The Hero’s Closet is the ultimate DIY guide to creating unique and fantastical homemade costumes.
This essential handbook offers detailed, step-by-step instructions that cover the basics of sewing costumes (which often require skills not found in standard sewing guides) to help even the most novice sewists create the costumes of their dreams.
A skilled crafter and avid cosplayer, Gillian Conahan walks readers through finding inspiration online and through their fandom; shares insight into translating character art into real-world garments; and offers advice on pattern selection, alterations, fabrics, and embellishment techniques. The book also features 11 original step-by-step basic patterns—such as jumpsuits, jackets, and pants. It then suggests ideas for mixing and matching these basics to create costumes of all styles, including superheroes, pirates, elves, school girls, and adventurers.
The Hero’s Closet is the first how-to handbook on the art of sewing for cosplay. A must-have guide for Comic-Con and Halloween, it’s essential for all ambitious fans with a DIY spirit who love the idea of cosplay but need the inspiration and technical tips to make an awesome costume.
Includes color photographs by Karen Pearson and black-and-white illustrations
This essential handbook offers detailed, step-by-step instructions that cover the basics of sewing costumes (which often require skills not found in standard sewing guides) to help even the most novice sewists create the costumes of their dreams.
A skilled crafter and avid cosplayer, Gillian Conahan walks readers through finding inspiration online and through their fandom; shares insight into translating character art into real-world garments; and offers advice on pattern selection, alterations, fabrics, and embellishment techniques. The book also features 11 original step-by-step basic patterns—such as jumpsuits, jackets, and pants. It then suggests ideas for mixing and matching these basics to create costumes of all styles, including superheroes, pirates, elves, school girls, and adventurers.
The Hero’s Closet is the first how-to handbook on the art of sewing for cosplay. A must-have guide for Comic-Con and Halloween, it’s essential for all ambitious fans with a DIY spirit who love the idea of cosplay but need the inspiration and technical tips to make an awesome costume.
Includes color photographs by Karen Pearson and black-and-white illustrations
208 pages, Paperback
Published April 18, 2017
56 people are currently reading
221 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 12, 2025
Just as it says, it concentrates on cosplay, most of these are fitted, many are of the superhero skintight variety or SF jumpsuits, this is not a book for historical reenactors. It includes a set of patterns with instructions for modifying for a custom fit. There's also some instructions on basic sewing, if this is your first costume, you may need some more help.
You can make a decent con or Halloween costume with the help of this book.
You can make a decent con or Halloween costume with the help of this book.
August 10, 2025
detailed and comprehensive.
May 11, 2021
I’m a self taught sewist and cosplayer. This book was really helpful and helped me fill in gaps in my fabric- and sewing-related knowledge!
I read the kindle version but will get a physical edition of the book for the sewing patterns as they seem to be versatile and a great starting point for a lot of different garments!
I read the kindle version but will get a physical edition of the book for the sewing patterns as they seem to be versatile and a great starting point for a lot of different garments!
May 26, 2017
Okay this book was great. I'm a complete sewing novice. I learned a lot! Getting the paperback version came with some patterns even! So that made it easier. I can't wait to try some of the outfits out!
August 21, 2019
I picked this book up somewhat randomly because, even though I sew, I don't cosplay, celebrate Halloween or like costume parties. I expected to flick through it and pass it on - but it is a seriously good sewing book, I'd rate it in the top 10% I've ever read.
If you substitute 'garment' for 'costume' (say, in the introduction) this is a book for anyone who sews. Try: 'If you sew your -garment- yourself, you have total control over each piece from beginning to end. You can choose exactly the right fabrics and trims, and accurately replicate details like sleeves and collars. No settling for someone else's interpretation, or for something that's "almost right".' (pg 7).
The book is designed for beginners to the more adventurous right up to pattern hacking and self drafting. There are 11 basic patterns included and, while some of them are for the cosplayers only (seamless super-suit anyone?), the leggings, tunic and coat will suit many.
The Research and Planning section was something new to me - ever seen something on the street or a celebrity and just wanted that exact thing? Turn to this section for the steps to get it done. It's a thoughtful analysis that could be used for any garment you wanted to design or replicate. This is enough for me to buy this book for future reference, and I buy very few sewing books these days.
The Fabric and Materials / Costume Sewing Basics / Trims and Embellishment sections are comprehensive enough that you are unlikely to need an additional resource while sewing. The Alterations and Modifications section will resolve a lot of your fitting and alteration questions, not something you always get in a sewing book that starts from beginner level.
The pictures are not to my taste (not into costumes remember) but are illustrative of the patterns. Good work - some sewing books get arty and it's annoying if this gets it the way of showing seams etc.
To finish you have pattern hacking from the basic patterns provided to the various costumes - again, substitute 'garment' or 'outfit' here and there's something for all sewists.
Very good Glossary of Style Elements with line drawings at the back (pgs 198 to 202) to start you planning that exactly right garment of your imagination. Then back to Research and Planning...
Unexpectedly relevant to the generalist.
If you substitute 'garment' for 'costume' (say, in the introduction) this is a book for anyone who sews. Try: 'If you sew your -garment- yourself, you have total control over each piece from beginning to end. You can choose exactly the right fabrics and trims, and accurately replicate details like sleeves and collars. No settling for someone else's interpretation, or for something that's "almost right".' (pg 7).
The book is designed for beginners to the more adventurous right up to pattern hacking and self drafting. There are 11 basic patterns included and, while some of them are for the cosplayers only (seamless super-suit anyone?), the leggings, tunic and coat will suit many.
The Research and Planning section was something new to me - ever seen something on the street or a celebrity and just wanted that exact thing? Turn to this section for the steps to get it done. It's a thoughtful analysis that could be used for any garment you wanted to design or replicate. This is enough for me to buy this book for future reference, and I buy very few sewing books these days.
The Fabric and Materials / Costume Sewing Basics / Trims and Embellishment sections are comprehensive enough that you are unlikely to need an additional resource while sewing. The Alterations and Modifications section will resolve a lot of your fitting and alteration questions, not something you always get in a sewing book that starts from beginner level.
The pictures are not to my taste (not into costumes remember) but are illustrative of the patterns. Good work - some sewing books get arty and it's annoying if this gets it the way of showing seams etc.
To finish you have pattern hacking from the basic patterns provided to the various costumes - again, substitute 'garment' or 'outfit' here and there's something for all sewists.
Very good Glossary of Style Elements with line drawings at the back (pgs 198 to 202) to start you planning that exactly right garment of your imagination. Then back to Research and Planning...
Unexpectedly relevant to the generalist.
December 8, 2019
Not exactly what I was looking for but seems like it would be a good resource for general clothing-making, not simply costumes. In fact the "costumes" weren't really what I was looking for but it has good info on how to make one's own clothes.
May 13, 2020
This is a great book if you're looking into getting into the sewing side of cosplay and need a little help. I own a hard copy version, and it came with patterns in the flaps that you can mix and match different styles. I dock it a little because by the time it came along I had been making costumes and things like the jump suits I find it a little better to make your own custom pattern- but, once again, when you're getting started it's easier to make the suit and then alter as needed. As well, this is strictly for the costume itself, Props are not featured here.
Also, if you're looking into getting into cosplay on the armor making side, this is not the book for you.
Svetlana Quindt's/Kamui Cosplay armor books or Bill Doran's/Punished Props Foamsmith books might be more up your alley.
*I own some of Kamui's books but not the "getting started", I would recommend Hero's closet over that one simply for the patterns.
Also, if you're looking into getting into cosplay on the armor making side, this is not the book for you.
Svetlana Quindt's/Kamui Cosplay armor books or Bill Doran's/Punished Props Foamsmith books might be more up your alley.
*I own some of Kamui's books but not the "getting started", I would recommend Hero's closet over that one simply for the patterns.
June 11, 2020
If you are entering the world of sewing and costume designing (cosplay or otherwise) for the first time, this is a great book to check out. However, for those more experienced, they will find this book lacking as the information presented will already be familiar unless you are trying out a new technique or skill (i.e. adding embellishments, embroidery, etc.). The author does a great job explaining the process of researching a costume idea, materials needed, and the process of making the idea an reality. While there are plenty of illustrations showing stitch styles, fabrics, and the like, it is lacking on cosplay and costume images until it reaches the instructions for the featured sewing patterns. The costumes presented are your typical basic costume styles (superhero, sci-fi jumpsuit, magical girl, etc.). In the end, this is more of an introduction to costume sewing than a book to find cosplay inspiration from.
March 6, 2024
A hopeful guide for crafty folks interested in expanding their projects into cosplay…
The Hero's Closet: Sewing for Cosplay and Costuming by Gillian Conahan is a how to guide covering a wide range of tips and tricks for developing viable costumes for conventions, trick or treating, or other long term fun times.
As a note, all costumes depicted here are fairly generic which is a wise choose so the author isn’t accused of violating someone’s intellectual property.
The book covers many types of material, stitches, zippers and other fasteners, and accessories you might want to consider when putting together a hand made costume.
It’s kind of hard to cover everything since it’s all crafty stuff, and I’m not crafty but those with sewing expertise will find it useful.
Accompanying the book in a back pocket is a sizable amount of costume patterns tied in with the costumes covered in the book…so it’s literal cosplay blueprints to start with…
The Hero's Closet: Sewing for Cosplay and Costuming by Gillian Conahan is a how to guide covering a wide range of tips and tricks for developing viable costumes for conventions, trick or treating, or other long term fun times.
As a note, all costumes depicted here are fairly generic which is a wise choose so the author isn’t accused of violating someone’s intellectual property.
The book covers many types of material, stitches, zippers and other fasteners, and accessories you might want to consider when putting together a hand made costume.
It’s kind of hard to cover everything since it’s all crafty stuff, and I’m not crafty but those with sewing expertise will find it useful.
Accompanying the book in a back pocket is a sizable amount of costume patterns tied in with the costumes covered in the book…so it’s literal cosplay blueprints to start with…
February 5, 2022
I've flipped through a bunch of costuming books that assumed a ton of knowledge on the reader's part. This book approached the topic as if the reader had a basic level of knowledge but needed a brush up on vocabulary and a boost on techniques. Which is exactly what I needed! It also has a gallery of different sleeve, skirt, dress, and pant types in the back and a couple of basic projects that can serve as foundations for a variety of costumes. Although this was originally borrowed from the library, I went out and bought myself a copy as soon as I got done looking through the one I borrowed.
July 18, 2018
This was a pretty great book with some very useful patterns and inspiration for cosplayers of every level. I loved that the patterns were so adaptable and could used for different costumes. I also like that it was unisex and that there were a lot of things in here for the guys; I feel like men often get overlooked in cosplay books. I wish there were more practical guides like this for cosplayers and historical costumers alike.
July 2, 2022
This is a helpful book for cosplay making basics.
While the patterns in this book aren't for me, there's helpful information in this book. A lot of the information is pretty general like reminders to check the stretch of your fabric, but it's helpful for beginners or those starting out to have a sort of list like this to know what to look for. There's helpful tips on how to hide seams, use zippers, and other ways to design a costume that looks great on you.
Overall an interesting find.
While the patterns in this book aren't for me, there's helpful information in this book. A lot of the information is pretty general like reminders to check the stretch of your fabric, but it's helpful for beginners or those starting out to have a sort of list like this to know what to look for. There's helpful tips on how to hide seams, use zippers, and other ways to design a costume that looks great on you.
Overall an interesting find.
August 17, 2025
Another incredible cosplay reference book, with patterns. This book assumes nothing. All the terms are carefully & clearly explained. The terms and pictures are grouped in a logical fashion. The patterns are shown with sketches and photos; the instructions well written. The patterns cover capes and coats to jumpsuits to leggings and skirts. This is one more reference book I need to add to my personal library.
May 31, 2020
Should have been called beginning sewing without a pattern.
I expected some generic (basic) ideas for cosplay that you could then adapt to specific characters. This really had nothing to do with cosplay at all except that it's an area where you might need to make your own pattern. Probably a decent sewing book but nothing in terms of ideas.
I expected some generic (basic) ideas for cosplay that you could then adapt to specific characters. This really had nothing to do with cosplay at all except that it's an area where you might need to make your own pattern. Probably a decent sewing book but nothing in terms of ideas.
April 26, 2018
My favorite part about this entire book is that one of the costumes was named "Casual Elf'. Like - "Hey guys...this isn't one of those hoity toity regal elf folk. Oh no my friends. This is just your regular Joe Schmoe casual guy Elf much like yourself." So relatable y'know.
July 18, 2017
It provides a lot of great starting points for anyone that is interested in making clothes. For cosplay is provides 11 ideas/ bases but I wish it had more.
February 23, 2020
Very helpful. The patterns were extremely useful.
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October 10, 2020I'm not really into cosplay but I find the whole idea of it fascinating ( which is why I picked it up) and I thought this was a good overview of generally sewing that was useful knowledge!
June 14, 2021
Great intro book to costuming and really good technical reference. For historical costumes it was surprisingly very accurate.
April 1, 2024
Good for beginners, but nothing new for me unfortunately.
June 16, 2020
Nice basic introduction to sewing techniques and terms. Not an excess of cosplay-specific advice but probably a handy reference for a beginner.
March 19, 2022
If you're looking to get into sewing, especially for cosplay or Halloween, this book is great. It comes with some mix and match patterns and it's an easy read with a lot of great basic knowledge!
July 15, 2022
I only skimmed the book but it appears to be aimed at a novice sewist.
A lot of great information about sewing basics and how to research and design a costume.
A lot of great information about sewing basics and how to research and design a costume.
September 6, 2022
A lot of useful definitions and pared-down lists of design elements.
May 31, 2017
pretty cool
January 17, 2018
Good book to help you get started in the cosplay world and start making your own stuff.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews