4 ways to add designs to your cosplay and LARP costumes

A costume is rarely just about putting fabric together. It's also about the details: the patterns, the textures, the decorative elements. It's all of that together that really completes the look.

Whether you're recreating your clan's symbol for LARP, or trying to reproduce the patterns from an anime character, there are all kinds of ways to go about it. Each technique has its pros and cons. And each one gives you really different results.

A classic, very accessible technique is paint (I actually have an article where I share 4 techniques for painting on fabric). But there are also other options that'll bring dimension, texture, and a unique style to your costume.

creating patterns on fabric

Technique 1: Heat transfer vinyl

Heat transfer vinyl (also called HTV) is an adhesive film that gets fixed onto fabric with heat, using your iron or a heat press.

The principle is simple: you cut your design out of the vinyl (ideally with a digital cutting machine like a Silhouette or Cricut, but it can also be done by hand), remove the excess around the design, and apply the whole thing onto your fabric using the heat from your iron. It's as simple as that.

It's especially effective for graphic patterns, logos, clean silhouettes. Perfect for more modern-looking cosplays, sports or corporate team emblems, that kind of thing.

If you have a digital cutting machine, I have a collection of ready-to-use cut files (patterns and textures) for this kind of project.
creating patterns on fabric: vinyl appliqué

The upsides:

  • No sewing required
  • Clean, precise look
  • Accessible even if you don't sew

The downsides:

  • Less flexible on very stretchy fabrics
  • Can start peeling off over time and repeated washes

Good to know:

There are all kinds of HTV out there: glossy, matte, iridescent, metallic, solid color, patterned, flocked, name it! Do a bit of research, you'll see, the possibilities are really endless. 🤓

Technique 2: Sewn appliqué

A sewn appliqué is a piece of fabric that gets attached onto the base fabric. It can be sewn by machine or by hand. It can take all kinds of shapes. And it can be made with all kinds of fabric types.

I love using faux leather for this kind of technique because it works well raw edge (without finishing the edge), which means you can sew it with a straight stitch without worrying about fraying. But you can use other types of fabric too. In that case, you'll need to choose your stitch carefully to cover the fabric edge (I'd recommend a satin stitch).

My favorite trick: I always secure my appliqué with spray adhesive before sewing it. It keeps it exactly where I want it while I sew, without slipping or warping.

It's a technique that really lends itself to all kinds of styles, but I especially love it for LARP costumes or cosplays with a badge or crest that needs some punch.

creating patterns on fabric: sewn appliqué

The upsides:

  • Very durable
  • Can create a real three-dimensional effect depending on the material chosen

The downsides:

  • Requires good precision while sewing
  • Generally less suited to very detailed designs

Good to know:

You can layer several thicknesses to create volume, contrast, and texture. No need to stick to a single layer. 🤓

Technique 3: Embroidery

Embroidery adds a huge amount of texture, and it's the technique that gives the fanciest look. But it's also the most demanding.

Hand embroidery

I'll be totally honest with you, personally, I don't have the patience for it. I deeply respect people who hand embroider, it's just not my thing (I've tried a bit, and I tend to gravitate toward other techniques that click better with me, when I can). But if you enjoy slow, meditative techniques, you'll definitely appreciate this one!

That said, for projects that deserve this level of detail, it gives genuinely beautiful, unique results. It's especially relevant for a historical character costume, a formal piece for a noble in LARP, etc.

The upsides:

  • Completely one-of-a-kind result
  • Very customizable (there are so many different stitches!)
  • No machine needed

The downsides:

  • Very time-consuming
  • Requires practice (and patience)

Machine embroidery

If you have an embroidery machine, you can create really cool designs. And definitely faster than by hand. But even without a machine, there are outside embroidery services out there: workshops or artisans who embroider based on a digital file you provide them.

I have a collection of machine embroidery files (designs ready to send off for embroidery, whether you have your own machine or go through an outside service).
creating patterns on fabric: embroidery

The upsides:

  • Professional result
  • Reproducible
  • Very sturdy and durable

The downsides:

  • Requires an embroidery machine or an outside service (and a budget to match)
  • Requires finding the right files prepared in the right format

Good to know:

You can do semi-manual embroidery with your standard sewing machine. Here's what I mean: if your design is fairly simple, trace your pattern onto your fabric and follow the line with a satin stitch (or another stitch if you have access to decorative stitches). Some machines even have a dedicated foot for exactly this. 🤓

Technique 4: Patterned cutouts

This technique is a bit different from the others: instead of adding something onto the fabric, you work the fabric itself by creating intentional cutouts.

There are 2 ways to approach this technique:

Either you "prep a fabric." That means assembling pieces to create a pattern. It can be as simple as piecing together strips of different colored fabrics if you couldn't find the right striped fabric. But if you're motivated, you could dive into a kind of complex quilting to work stars into your fabric (why not!).

Or you pattern your piece accordingly. In that case, you re-cut your pattern pieces to create the design you want.

The first technique gives you a bit more freedom, but it generally uses a bit more fabric. The second approach, on the other hand, is ideal if you're creating a specific design that matches the cut of the garment.

It's a great technique for bold designs and geometric shapes.

creating patterns on fabric: cutouts

The upsides:

  • Strong graphic effect
  • Perfectly integrated look into the costume

The downsides:

  • More advanced technique (especially if you're patterning your own design)
  • Hard to make adjustments without altering the design

Good to know:

You can play with fabrics in the same color but different textures, for a subtle yet really classy effect. It's a great way to create a completely unique look. 🤓

How to choose your technique

Now that you've got a bunch of techniques, all that's left is deciding which one's best suited to your project. There are a few factors to consider.

The texture of the original costume

Sometimes you can clearly see the texture of the pattern on a character's outfit (this is especially true for live-action movie characters). In that case, don't hesitate to draw inspiration from it. If not, think about the fabrics used: a leather appliqué on a sheer voile isn't exactly ideal, you know what I mean? But on a denim jacket, you've got a lot more freedom.

The style of the costume

A medieval LARP costume with embroidered heraldry makes sense. That same costume with shiny heat transfer vinyl is clearly a lot less convincing. Think about the costume's context, it'll help guide your choice of technique as much as your choice of pattern.

The time you have

Embroidery is beautiful, but let's be honest, it takes forever to do. If you're working on a project you want to wear at a convention in 2 weeks, it might not be your best option. You don't want to be frantically rushing to finish your embroidery the night before the convention, right?

Your skills and experience

Careful, I'm definitely not saying "just stick to what you know." But it's still worth basing your choice on your experience. If you hate working with faux leather, try finding another material for your appliqué. If you don't have the patience to hand embroider, experiment with your sewing machine instead. And if you want to try a technique you're less familiar with, go for it!

Just do some tests first. 😉

Ultimately, there's no wrong technique, just some that suit your project, your comfort level, and your character's style better than others.

If this article made you want to dive in, here are a few resources to help you get started:

And if you want to stay in the loop on new products, promos, and new articles to help you with your creative projects, join The Harbour!

In the meantime,
Happy sewing! Happy crafting! 🤓✂🐙

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