You are saying that you shouldn't cut fur with scissors, that's not true because it depends on how you cut the fur with scissors (I show that in a video) I only cut my fur with scissors, I get a cleaner cut than with my different types of knives.
Mugiwara Cosplay that’s true! I recentley found out a technique in which you can cut fur with scissors. You just have to press up the scissor blades against the backing to not damage the fur.
I've only ever used scissors and cut it like Dominobear. I've tried using a utility knife before, but I hate how unclean the cut is. I don't like jagged backing when hand stitching
That is true though you can do it with scissors only in small cuts to avoid damaging the fur itself, though a cheap Exacto knife from harbor freight will do just as well for $3.
I've used both, and both really depend on the hand that uses them. Scissors can chop the pile, but pressing too hard with a knife will do the same. Scissors can feel safer and easier to control, but take longer. If you use a knife, you just have to have a very sharp blade so you don't have to press very hard. Knives can be faster, but are also dangerous. Just depends on the person!
*High density is more durable and doesn't yellow or fall apart as fast. after a few years regular or low density foam will start to crumble or break. it's not totally necessary to get high density foam, but it is recommended.
Could you do a video on digitigrade and how to fur it. I get the general idea with small digitigrade since I've done it before, I just can't get the full idea though for the bigger ones.
One warning I've heard about upholstery thread with fursuit making is since it's so strong, it'd sooner rip the fur of your suit than pop a seam. People say you shouldn't use it for suits for this reason because it's much easier to repair a popped seam than ripped fur. What are your thoughts on the matter? I'm thinking maybe it'd be fine for seams on heads, feet paws, and tails since there isn't gonna be a whole lot of flexing/stretching movement on those. Then maybe on the body suit just stick to regular thread. I've never made a fursuit though.
Ae you kidding me? You think there wolt be much flex/movement on the tail? Thats litterally what there ment to do most of the time....srry im grumpy right now, need sleep. Hope this didnt offend anyone
@@imafurryowo6822 dude the majority of tails are stuck in a single shape and the wiggle/wag comes almost entirely from where they connect to either your belt or the body suit. now tails designed specifically for wiggling a lot throughout the entire length(like those ones with "spines"), upholstery thread probably wouldn't be great. but for say your average curled husky tail most of the movement comes from the base and there shouldn't be too much flexing along the "length"
Pro tip from a cosplayer here who has used a ton of fluffy fabrics (although I'll start my first big fursuit later this year, or next), when working with a sewing machine and things like minky, fleece, or faux furs, clean out the machine, and remember to change needles! Needles should be sharp to keep sewing smooth, and how long they take to get dull depends on your fabric, but you should keep some universal or knit fabric needles with you at all times. About cleaning, I have one of those high tech sewing machines that I'm too scared to clean, so I took mine to a local repair guy who did a full clean and maintenance for $60 CAD which would be $45-$50 US, but it would depend on where you go. If you're getting different coloured fuzzies on your project or having bobbin issues, usually it needs a clean. And about local fur, I found one store near me has a great selection, but something to look for is thickness. Some of them were really soft and looked good from afar, but were really thin, and would not look good in anything big like a fursuit, especially on curved areas like the face that would end up showing the backing.
How reliable is fleece? Well I’ll tell you! It holds up amazingly, I use it to make beds for my guinea pigs and the one I made almost a year ago has no visible wear (it’s not as soft as it was, but that’s because it gets washed every week and has guinea pigs living on it) As I said, it gets washed every week and it still looks amazing!
I’ve use to have a $100 sewing machine and I was constantly having problems with it. I recently bought a $1,500 sewing machine and it’s the best, haven’t had any issues with it yet, totally worth the money 👍
Those spring scissors are the best for carving in my opinion 😇 You can keep snipping foam and don’t need to worry about your hand cramping as fast as they would with regular scissors.
4:30 on scissors: scissors made specially for fabric will lose their sharpness and cutting ability when used on things other than thread and fabric. I learned this from my my after my siblings used her fabric scissors on too many non fabric items. I personally own like 3 scissors: thread scissors, fabric scissors, and all purpose scissors. One day I’ll own a nice pair of heavy duty shears 💜
(just a blade tip in general: if ya have an electric blade sharpener, like... for knives. You can actually sharpen your "Basic" scissors so ya don't have ta keep replacing them when dull. )
I have access to both white and green foam. I prefer the green foam. I have very sensitive hands and I've found that the white I used had some kind of....coating? It left my hands irrigated.
when I wanted to make my first fursuit I went to a local fabric store for fur. they had quite alot! but I didn't really know what good quality fur felt and looked like so I got pretty shitty white fur (woops). but instead of a hard backing, it had a soft and kinda stretchy backing (not too stretchy tho). but it was still bad fur. the fur I used on my latest fursuit has a pretty rough backing. but the fur is pretty good! fur comes in many many many varieties ;) always check the quality of your fur in multiple ways!
Really do need to upgrade my cheap clippers to pro. I hate it already. Definitely need to get a machine one day. I've been hand stitching since I was a young kid lol. Most of these tips and tricks I stumbled on as a new maker
I used apulstry thread to sew patches on to my friends jacket for a cosplay, I actually cute my finger slightly trying to take off a tack to straighten the patch. It’s really strong I almost ripped the jacket, it was a heavy duty winter jacket.
10:48 Blick is a good store. I didn’t know they had physical US locations but I’ve bought stuff from them online. They have a good variety of most traditional art supplies.
Ahh! You've caught con plague! You've been such an inspiration to me and I've used your videos to help make my first fursuit. Hope I can say hi at Anthrocon!
I get my foam from walmart( One pretty big roll for about $7.00) And it works great. I also have a question because I'm a beginner to suiting and is curently working on my first suit. Well, acually 2 questions:3 1: Do you need a sewing machine? 2: Do you have any tips for beginners? Lol one more... 3: What type of fur do you reccomend? Thanks:) -Maya
For paws no, i did mine by hand, but it was probably alot harder and more time consuming... i havrnt furred a head though so i dont know what to tell you...for fur, definately use luxury shag! Though you will need to trim it
I hand sew the whole head, because even tho there is seam allowance on the fur, the machine still tends to eat it up. Hand sewing works for me, others prefer not. My personal opinion.
you can actually cut fur with scissors if you plan on shaving as long as you cut a specific way! I broke my blades and really needed to get done cutting stuff out, and they worked fine!
Yellow construction tape works way better for patterning heads. Easy to cut markings and lines into with exacto and scissors. Doesn't rip up foam either. Duct tape on bases is my last option.
If you want to save money on the foam, you can also get it from Walmart! They have foam rolls that are $11-$15, they work great and I have been using them for years! You get more for the same price of a single sheet. ^^ the one in the video is great though too! Just more on the expensive side. 😅
My mom won’t let me buy a new sewing machine, all I have is a 60 year old singer and she will barely let me use it cause it might break, oh well! At least I like handsewing!
Other people I watch: "Use low temp glue guns, unless you like melting foam, and burned fabrics!" Elk dragon: "Use high temp glue guns, for durability." Me: * Is incredibly confused, and goes with a medium temp glue gun. It has served me well. * I'm probably confusing the crap outta more people like me. I'm sorry. XD
Wait... I’m a new sub.. did you make your main suit you use or did someone else make it? It kinda looks like more fur less but idk because you said you’re a fursuit maker
Are you talking about a regular blade razor??? Those would get super clogged up super fast and might start pulling fur out rather than cutting it. Probably not good for shaving fur.
because im a pupil i have not very much mones so call me a smart shopper but i resharpen my exactor-knife-blades like 3-15 times it depemds on the kind of the blade. cutter and exactor blades i resharpen not so often but this trapezodial razorblades or exactorknife-blades i resharpen really often because they are more expensive 😉 and this feetmat, i call it so, we here in germanny have a store group called Action. in this strores you can get things like tape, paint acrylic, synthetic resin paints, most kinds of tools, shop-equipment and also a few things you can use for fursuit like this mat unbelivable ceap. i think i have payed for 80 gluesticks 5 mats and 250m tape max 20 euros.
Hand sewing vs Machine sewing... I love hand sewing more than Machine. Buuuuut I probably should do certain thing with the machine instead of hand sewing. I just spent 2 hours hand sewing this balaclava when it could have taken me just a few minutes on the machine. I felt lazy and didn't want to bring the machine out and set it up. I regret this now. XD ( I don't have a sewing station so I have to put my supplies up when I'm done with them so that means setting them up when I do use them. And clearing a space... )
You are saying that you shouldn't cut fur with scissors, that's not true because it depends on how you cut the fur with scissors (I show that in a video) I only cut my fur with scissors, I get a cleaner cut than with my different types of knives.
Mugiwara Cosplay that’s true! I recentley found out a technique in which you can cut fur with scissors. You just have to press up the scissor blades against the backing to not damage the fur.
I use scissor. Never tried knives but it is certainty possiable to cut fur well with scissors
I've only ever used scissors and cut it like Dominobear. I've tried using a utility knife before, but I hate how unclean the cut is. I don't like jagged backing when hand stitching
That is true though you can do it with scissors only in small cuts to avoid damaging the fur itself, though a cheap Exacto knife from harbor freight will do just as well for $3.
I've used both, and both really depend on the hand that uses them. Scissors can chop the pile, but pressing too hard with a knife will do the same. Scissors can feel safer and easier to control, but take longer. If you use a knife, you just have to have a very sharp blade so you don't have to press very hard. Knives can be faster, but are also dangerous. Just depends on the person!
*High density is more durable and doesn't yellow or fall apart as fast. after a few years regular or low density foam will start to crumble or break. it's not totally necessary to get high density foam, but it is recommended.
That is quite true but When buying it I would recommend getting it from Joanns by the yard rate
IM GLAD YOU LIKE IT the art! 😉 hope to see you at FWA next year!
Oh little do did you know that this may be your last furry con 😿
@@imafurryowo6822 uh,, they were talking about 2019 my dude
Could you do a video on digitigrade and how to fur it. I get the general idea with small digitigrade since I've done it before, I just can't get the full idea though for the bigger ones.
One warning I've heard about upholstery thread with fursuit making is since it's so strong, it'd sooner rip the fur of your suit than pop a seam. People say you shouldn't use it for suits for this reason because it's much easier to repair a popped seam than ripped fur. What are your thoughts on the matter?
I'm thinking maybe it'd be fine for seams on heads, feet paws, and tails since there isn't gonna be a whole lot of flexing/stretching movement on those. Then maybe on the body suit just stick to regular thread. I've never made a fursuit though.
Ae you kidding me? You think there wolt be much flex/movement on the tail? Thats litterally what there ment to do most of the time....srry im grumpy right now, need sleep. Hope this didnt offend anyone
@@imafurryowo6822 dude the majority of tails are stuck in a single shape and the wiggle/wag comes almost entirely from where they connect to either your belt or the body suit. now tails designed specifically for wiggling a lot throughout the entire length(like those ones with "spines"), upholstery thread probably wouldn't be great. but for say your average curled husky tail most of the movement comes from the base and there shouldn't be too much flexing along the "length"
@@Ari_C yeah good point, disnt think about regular tails, srry for being grumpy!
Pro tip from a cosplayer here who has used a ton of fluffy fabrics (although I'll start my first big fursuit later this year, or next), when working with a sewing machine and things like minky, fleece, or faux furs, clean out the machine, and remember to change needles! Needles should be sharp to keep sewing smooth, and how long they take to get dull depends on your fabric, but you should keep some universal or knit fabric needles with you at all times. About cleaning, I have one of those high tech sewing machines that I'm too scared to clean, so I took mine to a local repair guy who did a full clean and maintenance for $60 CAD which would be $45-$50 US, but it would depend on where you go. If you're getting different coloured fuzzies on your project or having bobbin issues, usually it needs a clean.
And about local fur, I found one store near me has a great selection, but something to look for is thickness. Some of them were really soft and looked good from afar, but were really thin, and would not look good in anything big like a fursuit, especially on curved areas like the face that would end up showing the backing.
Shaver? Shaver?? Naw man its true name is the fuzzy buzzy! Lol
I second this, and pose it to be universal law to call """"""""shavers"""""""" fuzzy buzzies
Lol I love this community
Omg im calling ut that now
How reliable is fleece?
Well I’ll tell you! It holds up amazingly, I use it to make beds for my guinea pigs and the one I made almost a year ago has no visible wear (it’s not as soft as it was, but that’s because it gets washed every week and has guinea pigs living on it)
As I said, it gets washed every week and it still looks amazing!
I’ve use to have a $100 sewing machine and I was constantly having problems with it. I recently bought a $1,500 sewing machine and it’s the best, haven’t had any issues with it yet, totally worth the money 👍
Yup! Cheeper is not better, somthing more people need to learn
Those spring scissors are the best for carving in my opinion 😇 You can keep snipping foam and don’t need to worry about your hand cramping as fast as they would with regular scissors.
4:30 on scissors: scissors made specially for fabric will lose their sharpness and cutting ability when used on things other than thread and fabric. I learned this from my my after my siblings used her fabric scissors on too many non fabric items. I personally own like 3 scissors: thread scissors, fabric scissors, and all purpose scissors. One day I’ll own a nice pair of heavy duty shears 💜
(just a blade tip in general: if ya have an electric blade sharpener, like... for knives. You can actually sharpen your "Basic" scissors so ya don't have ta keep replacing them when dull. )
Oh thanks for da tip!
I have access to both white and green foam. I prefer the green foam. I have very sensitive hands and I've found that the white I used had some kind of....coating? It left my hands irrigated.
when I wanted to make my first fursuit I went to a local fabric store for fur. they had quite alot! but I didn't really know what good quality fur felt and looked like so I got pretty shitty white fur (woops). but instead of a hard backing, it had a soft and kinda stretchy backing (not too stretchy tho). but it was still bad fur. the fur I used on my latest fursuit has a pretty rough backing. but the fur is pretty good! fur comes in many many many varieties ;) always check the quality of your fur in multiple ways!
With fur generally its a matter of who produced it and the rate per yard its selling for.
I’ll definitely keep those in mind. Thanks!
Really do need to upgrade my cheap clippers to pro. I hate it already. Definitely need to get a machine one day. I've been hand stitching since I was a young kid lol. Most of these tips and tricks I stumbled on as a new maker
I bought an Andis A5 now. Can't wait to try it out
How much foam do you need approximately for 1 head?
Instead of x-acto knives, I use a box cutter. It's a little more durable and since you can sheathe them, they're a little safer. :>
sameee
I’m learning the sewing machine right now. It’s a 1984 Singer. Good machine!
Get spare blades too, always have them around. I did glass art and they’re very handy for many things.
FYI I don’t know if you know that those gold scissors that look like birds are meant for thread. Sorry I’m just really into sewing
On the Topic of thread I have found that Gutterman brand thread is best suited for textile work and will not break compared to coats and clark.
Lives in Australia
Time 3:49
Me: WHY R U POSTIN AND WHY AM I AWAKE
Dinosaur4541aj fursuiters Games and more omg mood
Can you do a tutorial on sewing fur with a sewing machine? I dont know how to sew the fur without getting the fur stuck in the seams
I used apulstry thread to sew patches on to my friends jacket for a cosplay, I actually cute my finger slightly trying to take off a tack to straighten the patch. It’s really strong I almost ripped the jacket, it was a heavy duty winter jacket.
10:48 Blick is a good store. I didn’t know they had physical US locations but I’ve bought stuff from them online. They have a good variety of most traditional art supplies.
Whats the foam link? im confused in the desc
thank you elk for the video i learned a few things from this
This video is great!! It helped me decide on what I needed to make my fursuit head 👌👌👌
For fur I recommend Sy Fabrics
Ahh! You've caught con plague!
You've been such an inspiration to me and I've used your videos to help make my first fursuit. Hope I can say hi at Anthrocon!
I use that same perforated plastic to make cross stitch charms and badges. Good to know that I can use it for other things as well.
I get my foam from walmart( One pretty big roll for about $7.00) And it works great. I also have a question because I'm a beginner to suiting and is curently working on my first suit.
Well, acually 2 questions:3
1: Do you need a sewing machine?
2: Do you have any tips for beginners?
Lol one more...
3: What type of fur do you reccomend?
Thanks:)
-Maya
For paws no, i did mine by hand, but it was probably alot harder and more time consuming... i havrnt furred a head though so i dont know what to tell you...for fur, definately use luxury shag! Though you will need to trim it
I hand sew the whole head, because even tho there is seam allowance on the fur, the machine still tends to eat it up. Hand sewing works for me, others prefer not. My personal opinion.
thanks for all your help
12:54 I’ve really only seen is referred to as a clipper in things like hair styling tbh
I'm caught in between wanting to support my local freind and fursuit maker and becoming his rival young fursuit maker
could you possibly do a future video on paw making? It would help out a ton! thanks! ;)
Osters are amazing. Metal blades get a much cleaner cut then plastic guards.
where did you get the bird scissors :o
I love the emerald 118
you can actually cut fur with scissors if you plan on shaving as long as you cut a specific way! I broke my blades and really needed to get done cutting stuff out, and they worked fine!
I've seen many fursuit makers successfully and exclusively cut fur with scissors even for pieces that aren't going to be shaved
boy pretty awsome im from brasil and i thik some stores in brazil have these suplies but is there that model head a version for kids?????
Yellow construction tape works way better for patterning heads. Easy to cut markings and lines into with exacto and scissors. Doesn't rip up foam either. Duct tape on bases is my last option.
You can also get clippers/shavers (or fuzzy buzzies) at Kmart for about 15 bux. 🙂
If you want to save money on the foam, you can also get it from Walmart! They have foam rolls that are $11-$15, they work great and I have been using them for years! You get more for the same price of a single sheet. ^^ the one in the video is great though too! Just more on the expensive side. 😅
My mom won’t let me buy a new sewing machine, all I have is a 60 year old singer and she will barely let me use it cause it might break, oh well! At least I like handsewing!
Is it alright to use a foam head model as a beginner? Such as what some people put wigs on.
Yeah!^^
I don’t use x-acto knifes when cutting fur. I use small sharp scissors to cut out fur patterns it’s much easier for me
also whats your opinion about fabric land ive herd mixed ideas
Other people I watch: "Use low temp glue guns, unless you like melting foam, and burned fabrics!"
Elk dragon: "Use high temp glue guns, for durability."
Me: * Is incredibly confused, and goes with a medium temp glue gun. It has served me well. *
I'm probably confusing the crap outta more people like me. I'm sorry. XD
You can sometimes get around the hot temp glue gun by getting gorilla glue sticks.
I’m not allowed xacto knifes :/
I don't even have pencils at my house so I'm will have to get everything you mentioned in the video, because I don't have crap
this was actually really helpful! thanks!!
A mini vacuum is also a good tool to have on hand.
One thing I've always wondered, could you use Plastic Mesh for the white part of the eyes instead of sheet plastic? Stupid question I know haha
Killerfoxy 90020 You could but the white wouldn’t pop. If you’re using it in 3D eyes it’ll look really recessed and dark.
I personally use foamies.
Wait... I’m a new sub.. did you make your main suit you use or did someone else make it? It kinda looks like more fur less but idk because you said you’re a fursuit maker
WinterWolfStudios 0 she made it
Sa m oh ok
just ordered a bunch of fur from fabric.com based on your referral ty!
You have Beatrice’s (idk spelling) scissors from over the garden wall
Yay
I have the little gold sk
A good dummy head is by monstermakers:)
I have a question? Could the average girl razor work to shave fur instead of a fancy razor? For like small parts of fur?
Ravenpotter do you mean, a literal razor, like the ones you shave your legs with....
I would say no because of how they produced but a shaver for cutting hair would work just as good
Are you talking about a regular blade razor??? Those would get super clogged up super fast and might start pulling fur out rather than cutting it. Probably not good for shaving fur.
I have the same glue gun
Your a cute fox elk dragon and good video
i have the golden scissors but in tiny :D
21:23 my mom has a lotcof those mats and i could have used them to bad our cats scratched them
because im a pupil i have not very much mones so call me a smart shopper but i resharpen my exactor-knife-blades like 3-15 times it depemds on the kind of the blade. cutter and exactor blades i resharpen not so often but this trapezodial razorblades or exactorknife-blades i resharpen really often because they are more expensive 😉
and this feetmat, i call it so, we here in germanny have a store group called Action. in this strores you can get things like tape, paint acrylic, synthetic resin paints, most kinds of tools, shop-equipment
and also a few things you can use for fursuit like this mat unbelivable ceap. i think i have payed for 80 gluesticks 5 mats and 250m tape max 20 euros.
I always just use fabric scissors.
If you can find it get an antique all metal singer machine from around the 1950s they last FOREVER
Hand sewing vs Machine sewing... I love hand sewing more than Machine. Buuuuut I probably should do certain thing with the machine instead of hand sewing. I just spent 2 hours hand sewing this balaclava when it could have taken me just a few minutes on the machine. I felt lazy and didn't want to bring the machine out and set it up. I regret this now. XD ( I don't have a sewing station so I have to put my supplies up when I'm done with them so that means setting them up when I do use them. And clearing a space... )
Oml I love being a furry even more because of you :3
it sucks cuz since I’m terrified of loud noises it’s hard for me to use a sewing machine lol
Then I definitely recommend hand sewing, it’s really easy to learn. A few years back I hand-sewed my own doll!
Me: Looks for good fursuit vid
*Sees Dipper Pines hat on head*
Me: *Wheeze* YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
Please please please tell me what that mannequin is called 😭
*When your family has all of the right scissors but your left haned so you can't use them*
That's dipper's hat from gravity falls
*-hears Hamilton Beach-*
*ALEXANDER HAMILTON AMERICA SINS FOR YOU-*
me lives in maxico qwq
JESUS 800$ SEWING MACHINE HOLY I have a 100$ machine 😂 *sad poor noises*
hearing you cough while watching this in 2020 is so nerve-wracking
OwO
Yummy