How to Make Female Cosplay Armor, Tutorial Part 1

[@jaiitup]

I love how everything is done in real time, none of this time lapse stuff you see in other armor tutorials.

[@EvilTedSmith]

jaiitup Thank you. Hang in there… More to come.

[@jessicajewelaine6182]

This is the BEST female armor tutorial I have ever seen! Thank you SO much, you just completely solved every problem I have ever had with armor!

[@EvilTedSmith]

+Jessica Jewelaine Thank you for subscribing.

[@mcomphel87]

Jessica Jewelaine YEAH

[@30181804]

M

[@TheatreDuReves]

These tutorials are amazing. Not only are they comprehensive, but they're easy to understand and follow. If I can drum up the funds, you'd better believe that this is going to be the go -to for my Xena costume. Thank you! x

[@MSadamgasm]

how am i only finding u now? my past three years of cosplay could have benefited so much from your tutorials i am loving these

[@EvilTedSmith]

Thank you for subscribing.

[@clairewoolford73]

Thank you so much for taking the time to do these tutorials. With your expertise I feel like I can achieve doing this myself. Costume making would be my dream job. Thank you!

[@EvilTedSmith]

Yes you can do it!

[@elizak9193]

I Have been contemplating making N7 armor (from Mass Effect) for my female Shepard, and this was REALLY helpful! Thank you!

[@JamesKintner]

I'm sure no one checks these after awhile, but I can't find anywhere else to thank you... So thank you! I'm making foam costumes for my two boys because they are boys and destruction goes well with nice soft foam but my older daughter's costume is a dress (princess buttercup meets katnis) and the registration marks are solid gold! now on to the Xena armor for the wife. Thank you so much, you have saved me so much time and I'm sure money (cause the leather versions are NOT cheap to make)!

[@EvilTedSmith]

Thank you for reaching out. I love that you built costumes for your boys and wife. I'll keep making video as long as you keep watching.

[@PetRUalitY]

You have a rich imagination! It is visible that you put heart and soul in the works! I am glad that my track is used in your videos! Good luck!

[@EvilTedSmith]

PetRUalitY OMG! You are PetRUalitY! I love your music! Thank you for reaching out to me. You have such a great style of music. Thank you.

[@PetRUalitY]

.

[@PetRUalitY]

Evil Ted Smith Yes, it is me)) thanks!)

[@yazmincruz4814]

Amazing. I've been looking at other materials to make my armor but this looks great. Can't wait to try it.

[@doloressims5677]

woo hoo! I got my main pieces together. Followed your directions..it was easier than I thought it would be.

[@EvilTedSmith]

Nice! I'm glad it worked for you.

[@rebeccadunsky4723]

Thx so much this tutorial RLLY helped for my cosplay Erza Scarlet costume

[@EvilTedSmith]

Thank you for watching and subscribing.

[@sandram3ow]

Which outfit! I'm trying to do her flame empress armor which is why I'm here lol

[@sarahchick6838]

Erza is also why I am here lol

[@Itzathenarodriguez]

@@sarahchick6838 same XD

[@kimberlyramkissoon4948]

@@sandram3ow same...nakagami armor

[@spoox7107]

Wow!! your tutorials are amazing Evil Ted!! I am learning so much and can't wait to start my own armor :) Thank you so much for posting these! You rock!

[@Naizaki]

Probably the best tutorials I've seen. Explained so well, that I understood it even as a beginner crafter. Definitely subscribed.

[@EvilTedSmith]

+Naizaki Thank you. Be sure to check out my site eviltedsmith.com

[@FinalGirl1992]

Love your work Ted! I always come back to your videos when doing armour, particularly on my current project. I'm building Jane Shepard from Mass Effect 3 which is head to toe armour and am taking what I can from your tutorials and translating that to my costume. Keep up the good work!! - Jenna

[@EvilTedSmith]

Jennifer Morris Thank you for subscribing.

[@kpeugh2011]

The duct tape body form method was AWESOME!!!

[@EvilTedSmith]

You're awesome for subscribing.

[@royalvalkyrie]

I tried this technique myself with EVA foam armour and i gotta say it was the one thing that actually held together the whole day at a convention xD just don't be afraid to really glue on your sections! Thanks so much for this!

[@EvilTedSmith]

KlaineBlaine Thank you for watching.

[@Alrauneivy]

What good glue can I use?...(not too expensive)

[@royalvalkyrie]

I used shoe glue, I bought it for $3-$4 at my local supermarket.

[@acerdone]

Jesus, these tutorials are so good, love it so much

[@EvilTedSmith]

Klutz Hey Jesus, thank you for subscribing.

[@Grymreaper]

Not sure if anyone has mentioned it yet, but in the fashion biz they call your registration marks "notches". You notch patterns to make sure things line up properly. Thanks for the vids, they are helping a lot! Specially the materials lists, most people don't make it that simple.

[@EvilTedSmith]

+Grymreaper Yes, they do. I just recently discovered that as well. And thank you.

[@doloressims5677]

well I've jumped in and started. Made my tape pattern and have transferred onto paper... fingers are crossed that this will work out. Thanks Ted for your inspiration and instruction.

[@EvilTedSmith]

Thank you for subscribing.

[@EvieLouiseB]

this is one of the most badass tutorials on youtube. you sir, are amazing!

[@EvilTedSmith]

EvieLouiseB Thank you. More to come.

[@Serufi]

I know what it's like to mess up assembling the armor pieces, so I found myself holding my breath as you glued the pieces together. XD

[@DavidM-um2uk]

Lol, me too!

[@ZoeyStarLady]

This was super helpful! Working on a couple of costumes rn and I'm a total newbie to foam

[@EvilTedSmith]

I'm glad it helped.

[@meagwilliamson]

Wow you explain things so wonderfully! So easy to follow along especially for someone like me who is totally new to this! Definitely have my follow :)

[@EvilTedSmith]

Meaghen Williamson Yes, more to come.

[@mirandachapman6609]

Wow! I learned so much from this video and I finally understand registration marks. Thank you!!

[@EvilTedSmith]

Thank you for subscribing.

[@paranoidfurry58]

I know this is an older video, but I'm watching as much as I can because I plan on making Pokemon themed armor! Thank you for making these videos!

[@EvilTedSmith]

Thank you.

[@RonFrazierAK]

Pretty awesome tutorials and links, Ted. I'm new to cosplay crafting, so I, and my wife (because she's my guinea pig), thank you.

[@shishogan79]

Hey Ted, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!!!!! I'm using your principals to build armored chest plates for my next film. You're amazing!!!!!

[@haoyandrak]

Thank you so much! you have no idea how your totorial make me improve so much in my prop's tecniques! :D

[@laurenrodgers2014]

Hello, thank you so much! Looking for an early start for a Comic Con cosplay and I'm thinking of Unmasked Kayle and this is perfect! You explained it really well and are great at what you do! Keep it up!

[@EvilTedSmith]

Thank you for watching and subscribing.

[@silverjewelkitten]

You make it look so easy! Thank you for this tutorial!

[@chickennoodlecup91]

I love your videos! I'm just starting to build foam armor and these videos are so helpful! Thank you so much!

[@EvilTedSmith]

Cayla Taa Thank you for subscribing.

[@ChameLeahn]

I cheat with costume making. I don't need to make a duct tape dummy because I have a twin :3

[@sriana5136]

TwinFangirls1355 lucky!

[@Quackquack1735]

TwinFangirls1355 Lol same 😂

[@mcomphel87]

(ur name says it all! 😄)

[@kathleenrwar7976]

I was extremely lucky to find a dress form that matches my measurements exactly on sale for five dollars at my locally pharmacy

[@kathleenburns7065]

Kathleen Faris your so lucky!

[@Julieiscooliepp]

I'm late to the party, but you are a god among cosplayers. My first full-fledged cosplay is going to have a mechanical arm and a full chest armour piece and this is very helpful for the latter, it also is giving me some materials I know are reliable. I am worshipping your skill.

[@EvilTedSmith]

I'm worshipping that you subscribe. Thank you.

[@jasminehall3837]

I am so glad I found this video!! Everyone else I have found is worbla or expensive materials!

[@EvilTedSmith]

Thank you I agree. I love foam because it's inexpensive and you can find it anywhere

[@LadyOnTheGrey]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge Ted! All tutorials are very helpful!

[@EvilTedSmith]

Thank you for watching and subscribing.

[@tersialeroux2186]

Damn you are so organized..Maybe organizing my stuff will help me with my pressure assignment this term. SO MUCH FABRIC AND STUFF LYING AROUND!

[@supernekocat4660]

This is so helpful, thank you! I just started looking into craft foam and wanted to make armor of some sort and this is perfect for learning

[@conysdream]

Hello! I'm from Argentina. I was looking for help with my first Cosplay armor. Your video saved me :) thank you so much for sharing this video again! :)

[@EvilTedSmith]

Constanza Defiori Thank you for subscribing.

[@patriciahernandez-tl8sm]

oh my goodness this is gonna be so helpful when I tackle armor for my next cosplay

[@RebelMerc]

Hey Ted, while watching you work with your heat gun I had an idea for you. If you have an old adjustable desk lamp that mounts to a desk and had the parallel arms and springs to hold the lamp in place you could remove the lamp and beef up the springs or use wire to hold the arms in place and add a clamp in place of the lamp which will hold your heat gun. This idea would give you an effectively third hand/arm. Also you could add a foot switch so you could turn it on and off without letting go of your work. It might take a bit of work to get the balance of the arms and springs right but I am betting it would be useful aid in your work. I have done a little foam work and having both hands free would have been a real nice thing. Anyway love you work and the way you teach. Great job.

[@EvilTedSmith]

Thank you for subscribing.

[@Alyathaean]

Wow! Great help. I need to make an armour for a friend of mine. She wants a Katniss Evergreen from the third movie. Sewing is not a great deal to me but seeing your videos helps me a loooot! Maybe start with one fantasy armour for my sister

[@EvilTedSmith]

Sounds like a good idea!

[@EvilTedSmith]

Thank you and thank you for subscribing!

[@celina4039]

Thank you so much! This makes being a mega-nerd so much easier! Keep up with the awesome videos!

[@akapustin]

This is Great! I want to make a cosplay for my sister and this really helped me out

[@EvilTedSmith]

Creepy Random Guy Glad to be of help.

[@JGomezabino]

awesome!! Ju joined your face book group.. you guys are teaching me tons!!! thank you so much!

[@EvilTedSmith]

Thank you for becoming a Foam Fanatic.

[@JGomezabino]

thank you for inspiring me!. @@EvilTedSmith

[@lynn_cos6440]

Im so gonna do this for my next larp😳 im currently working on the cosplay and this helps me so much🥰

[@EvilTedSmith]

Thank you for watching and subscribing.

[@Gazellegazellegazelle]

I feel SO enlightened right now omg

[@annazend]

You really SAVE my life, dude! Nice work!

[@Pinkcyaniide]

Oh damn I have to make Syndra's armor for a Con coming up this defiantly helped!

[@golito5503]

You are amazing!!!! *-* You make things seem easy to make

[@Varsidian]

Would you be able to undergo a tutorial regarding appendages? Something to jazz up the armour like horns, mutations that type of thing. Love your videos Ted.

[@MilitantSpider]

Hi Ted, could you do a tutorial on mens armour? Say an NCR Ranger chest piece or something along those lines. Thanks. Keep up the good work by the way.

[@janaejanae7299]

Thank you makes it so much easier! I found this so I can make my warrior costume because I was trying to go with a corset look but, everyone was being difficult in the custom corset making

[@EleanorTheGreatWower]

Dude this is awesome! I used a really hard technique with the cosplay I'm making now (sylvanas from world of Warcraft) and it's such a shame I didn't see this before but I'll be definitely using this in later cosplays! Thank you :D

[@damnjacquie]

Awesome tutorial! Thanks so much for popping in my stream and letting me know about it. All your stuff is super helpful. :]

[@EvilTedSmith]

+DAMNjacquie Thank you for watching and subscribing.

[@damnjacquie]

Of course!

[@noneyobusns5298]

I linked your vid to my animazement group. everyone wanted to know what steps I took to make my armor and I figured it would just be easier to like your vid because its what I used to make mine

[@EvilTedSmith]

None Yobusns Thank you None. Please share it with everyone.

[@JamieRawrasaur]

this tutorial is amazing! that glue...is amazing holy crap i need it! you make this all look so simple haha, very helpful though!

[@j.marchant3138]

This works in theory but most women are actually not symmetrical. Usually on cup size larger or smaller to a size. I recommend doing both sides from specific pattern. The costume will be much more comfortable.

[@tiffanyshackelford7125]

+J. Marchant or make sure you use the bigger boob.

[@3dplay662]

Dude your videos are awesome, can u show how to stick together the frontpart and the back piece of the armor please

[@randomality]

I wanted to add to this in the beginning as it helps to smooth out the bodyform in duct tape: If you put a heat gun to the duct tape, it'll get rid of a lot of the bubbles, and make it malleable so you can smooth it out manually!

[@renansousa6758]

That's great I always wanted to learn how to do it...Thank you

[@GenerationNerdy]

You're awesome evil ted!

[@marifloflo]

Hi, great armor by the way, what size foam did you use for this?

[@Kkkaren1412]

I'm gonna do a vegeta female armor for this halloween .... I love this tutorial it's just perfect

[@EvilTedSmith]

+Karen Hernandez Excellent, glad to be of service.

[@BecomingBri]

That's exactly what I'm doing! I loved this tutorial.

[@kupakins]

You just changed my life haha. Thank you for these!!

[@EvilTedSmith]

+kupa Thank you for subscribing.

[@kupakins]

You earned it! This is amazing!

[@gorillaprops]

Great tutorial Ted! Could you do one on the mens armour in your opening credits? That suit looks amazing!

[@CorneliusSneedley]

This is so interesting and informative, thanks so much for posting. One question I have, though. It seems to me that if you were to make the armor according to the pattern you took off the body form out of a thin material like cloth, it would fit perfectly. But when you make it in a thicker material like foam, the extra thickness of the foam would go in rather than out, and make the interior of the costume considerably smaller than the size of the original pattern. As I have no experience in this sort of thing, I feel I must be missing something. Does the foam stretch easily enough so this is not an issue? Or am I seeing an issue where there really isn't one?

[@T0YCHEST]

By any chance can you tell me where I could get a full body, plastic mannequin custom made for me? Also this is an amazing video very professional and it gives me the confidence to build

[@EvilTedSmith]

I woud recommend making a duct tape body from. Much cheaper. Best Duct Tape dummy Tutorial. bit.ly/1qYvXFg

[@PandahNetwork]

Very helpful! I think I'll try this down the line c: Definitely subscribing!

[@EvilTedSmith]

Alexis Strong Thank you for that.

[@Emma-rh8bt]

I've heard of people using foam from yoga mats and other similar things. Do you think those materials would work well for stuff like this?

[@aduckwithanumbrella]

Rage Darling omg thanks you're a life save

[@djungelskogs_bf]

Emma Donovan 2 years to late but I always use this mats you put under pools for smol childs..they are like, 5$ for 20 plates so it's an hella good deal

[@nope.thankies]

@@djungelskogs_bf Do you have a link to something similar of what you use? I would really appreciate it if so.

[@djungelskogs_bf]

@@nope.thankies www.amazon.co.uk/Interlocking-Gymnastics-Protective-Flooring-Swimming/dp/B01M24DI6H These are very similar to the ones I used, but since I bought them locally, they were a lot cheaper lol Right now I prefer thicker foam mats, like this: www.amazon.co.uk/Rolson-60817-Floor-Mat-Set/dp/B001AXWTTG/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=garage+mat&qid=1597579263&sprefix=garage+m&sr=8-3 They are ca 10mm thick and easy to shape with a heat gun! They also bond really well with contact glue and are easy to work with! You can easily carve into them with a rotary tool c:

[@yacinth2666]

any alternative for cement keeper???. it is too expenssive. im just a beginner

[@ashleysaunders9891]

+Hyacinth Manesca I do not know for sure if it would work in place of barge, but a VERY strong adhesive that is a little more affordable than barge is called "E-6000" You can can get it at craft shops :) If you have a "Michaels" craft store, they have it there! and they usually have coupons on their website so you can get it for 40% off! (I got a 59.1mL tube for less than 5$) make sure to wear a mask while using it though!! I feel like it would be a good adhesive for many cosplay making needs! (it needs to set for 24 hours as well)

[@beatlebabe1969]

Hyacinth Manesca it's been hella days since you asked but just use rubber cement from Walmart haha

[@xpepness]

Still a great tutorial. can't wait for part 2! :)

[@Tinkifinks]

My dream cosplay is Sylvanas Windrunner from World of Warcraft...this might just help me finally achieve it. Thank you!

[@EvilTedSmith]

You're welcome and I look forward to seeing it

[@1JcTv]

Thanks a lot EvilTed 😃 I noticed that the glue you use is very quick drying, Is there a fix/remedy to unstick parts incase of a misalignment? Much appreciated... This tut is so well explained and inspiring 👌

[@EvilTedSmith]

I have barge thinner… So if it misaligned, just take a brush with thinner along the edge. take off then blow dry and apply again.

[@AmerbZoka]

OMG!!!! This is what I've been looking for!! I'm using this to make Aisha Clan Clan's armor

[@caseydinnocenzo8876]

Is there any way I can replace the blowtorch and blowgun with a hair dryer. :( I live in the dorm and pretty sure it's against policy...maybe I can get away with the blowgun. But? would it still work out?

[@EvilTedSmith]

Casey Dinnocenzo Will they let you use a heat gun?

[@sSxtremeskillz]

this is amazingly well done, though very intimidating. You make it seem so simple but I know it's tough. I was to do a cossplay of Riven from league of legends but making her armor will be near impossible for me. :(

[@EvilTedSmith]

SINisterSniper Nothing is impossible!

[@almacatarinadurr4402]

I'm doing lux💙and he's right, nothing is impossible!

[@souleatermister16]

I'm making a Riven cosplay with this tutorial too :D! Don't worry! It'll take time but i believe

[@korynnininm]

Thanks for this I'm making a metroid samus aren power armor (don't like the zero suit)

[@alisaderochefort5508]

WOw! incredible! can you type down the materials you used coz i cant hear clearly the name of materials you are using. especially the sticky thingy Thank you !!!

[@EvilTedSmith]

+Alisa Derochefort There's a supply list below each of my videos.

[@alisaderochefort5508]

Aw i didnt noticed. hehehe Thank you so much ^_^

[@kevin-fp3er]

what type of amazing adhesive is this

[@Alex_Kennedy]

awesome tutorial... thank you papa ted :3

[@MsMeowgan]

Super super helpful! Subscribed, and Favorited! Was wondering a free website for patterns like dpo ones. I need to make and Ashe bow

[@aBlueMoon91]

you make it look so easy ToT. but thank you by the way,this was very helpful !

[@EvilTedSmith]

You will pick it up over time. I took me a while to get the hang of it. Stick to it.

[@dariotime]

Fantastic tutorial, Ted. I see in your supply list that you list floor mats. Can you also give us a supplier for the white L300 foam?

[@EvilTedSmith]

There's 2 places I buy form, Foam Mart and Atlas foam.

[@bethankelly3433]

this is so awesome! can you use a hairdryer instead of a heat gun?

[@EvilTedSmith]

Bethan Kelly No sorry to say the hair dryer doesn't get hot enough to bend foam.

[@IcemistDragon]

Could you use plastic wrap and painters tape for this if you don't have a roll of duct tape on hand? Also..could dress forms that you buy at fabric and craft stores work vs making a duct tape dummy or having a bust like the one you use?

[@MilkWithKni7es]

for sure. I personally would prefer that. They are just really expensive. If you use a store bought one just make sure you use a lot of saran wrap as not to damage

[@IcemistDragon]

Spiderr awesome. .. we have a few around the house.. now I just need barge, barge thinner and maybe somee thinner eva since I only have half inch..haha

[@EvilTedSmith]

IcemistDragon Yes you can.

[@JosephKeenanisme]

gf and I are going to a gaming convention in Nov. I'm starting on a mascot head tonight but was looking for armor. Going more for a pair of the male form tactical armor in your other vid... The male form armor build you did refers back to this set of videos....

[@kesselrun5k379]

Wow, this is amazing!! Thank you!

[@EvilTedSmith]

Thank you for subscribing.

[@reenee64]

Ok this is probably going to sound weird, but I'm new to all of this. Would it be possible to use a hair dryer to seal the foam instead?

[@madmac66]

Amazing techniques. Thanks

[@EvilTedSmith]

Thank you for subscribing.

[@darinounette]

Hello ! Thank you so much for your video, you help me so much for my WoW cosplay ! Sorry for my spelling I'm french so... i don't speak english very well and I have an important question ! Please can you tell me whats this ruler's name at 12:05... I'm looking for this everywhere and I can't find this... Thank you *w*

[@EvilTedSmith]

+Darine B. They aren't rulers, they're sanding sticks. I made them myself. Check out my tools of the trade video to learn how to do it. Good luck, and thanks for subscribing.

[@_hanneko7977]

Hi there!! I was just wondering what thickness this would be? My guess would be 6mm?

[@EvilTedSmith]

It's 1/2 inch, you can use 10mm or 5mm foam.

[@tinykhami179]

what about when your female breast plate is "single boob" like the "cups" aren't separated? do you just pull the tape across?

[@EvilTedSmith]

Yes that could work or a make a cardboard template to fill in the gab between the breast.

[@stretchpadawan1]

Can you use the heat gun to treat the sanded edges of the foam instead of a propane torch, or do you need the naked flame??

[@EvilTedSmith]

stretchpadawan1 Yes, you can use a heat gun.

[@stretchpadawan1]

thanks Evil.. er Mr Evil..

[@riverlucretius7462]

You've helped me so much! Thank you!

[@BlueSharkPinkShark]

With a larger cup size, would it be best to make more darts?

[@tiffanyshackelford7125]

+BlueSharkPinkShark i have d cups and it took 4 darts. he replied to my comment too about it. cause i asked about it. big boobs do not work the same at all. XP

[@killerbunny3192]

great vid i wanted to ask you something i am making a plate chest from wildstar for the up coming gen-con it is made of eva foam but i was wanting to harden it what is the best way

[@EvilTedSmith]

There a product called Rosco's Flex Bound. It's very similar to Elmers glue. You can brush it on. I hope this will help you.

[@killerbunny3192]

thanks it does but i seen this to late and went with wood glue but will know for next time

[@saartjeva]

I am following this tutorial step by step and I need to make the folding cut for the cup but I am not sure where i should cut, is it always just the bottom right?

[@Science3D]

Hi, I like your video and I would like to build something using foam. I went on the site that you mentioned to buy stuff but I cannot manage to find the exact same foam that you are using... I ca see that you use some king of white thin foam in a roll ... can you give me the exact link to buy this product ? thanks

[@onionwarrior7447]

Any alternatives to blow torches for heat sealing the foam?

[@EvilTedSmith]

Yes, you can use a heat gun.

[@azurehuntress787]

I'm making an armored female jacket of sorts (your videos have given me a lot of confidence to finally give this a try) but I'm unsure about how to connect the top part. Should I cut out the full breast and shape it and then connect the upper piece to it or only cut the under part of the breast and leave it as one full piece to connect to the lower section?

[@EvilTedSmith]

My advice is to try and learn as you go. You can do it.