Thread: Pirate Costume Help

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Making a tricon isn't all that hard and ya dont really need a template. You could make your first with news paper just to sure.

Start with 2 large circles ( approx 18") I try to elongate the circles. Draw your circle template on paper. cut the circle in 1/2 and lay the template 1/2's on the fabric approx 2" apart. once you have the 2 fabric circles cut, lay them on top of each other and fold them in 1/2.
On the folded line (center) cut approx a 4" semi circle (this is where your head will fit in.)

Unfold and sew the outter circumfrence of the 2 circles together ( brim) you want to do this with the pieces inside out.
Flip the circles right side in and set aside.

next cut a 6-7" strip of fabric. (long enough to wrap around your head) Wrap it around your head and pin/sew together. It should be a little loose fitting (not much) but you will be adding 2 layers of fabric all around the inside of the hat. Once you have the tube that fits your head, flip it inside out and cut/sew a circle large enough to cover the top.

When finished, place the top of the hat onto the brim you set aside.
what you need to do, is make that 4" inner cutout of the brim as large as the "hat" piece.
Basicly, you wanna cut small slits (approx 1" depending on the size of your head) from the center circle to the outter cirlce. these will fold up inside the hat and allow you to sew the 2 pieces together.
Pin up the sides and your done.

A custom fit tricon.

Thanks everyone for the input and replies I'll try making the boot covers and hat as you've posted, but will also check out these great links.

I wanted to look at the Pyrate Magazine Forum, but I'm getting server errors when trying to enter the forum.

I bought some fake leather (pleather?) material from JoAnn's fabric. It's thin and shiny, however, and wondered if there are some suggestions to age it? I'm concerned it can't take much of a beating because it's just this thin layer to make the it look like leather, so I can't rough it too much.

Next, I've bought some felt. It's very flexible, and I think I've mentioned ideas for stiffening it, any more ideas though?

Are there many thrift stores where you are? They're wonderful for finding cheap leather/suede skirts you can cut up for boot tops, coin pouches, and other effects, as well as other more expensive fabrics (from prom dresses, coats, etc...). Also, the more authentic your fabrics are (natural fibers, no shiny stuff) the more authentic (hence cool) your costume will be. Leave the synthetics for Vegas!

One trick for "distressing" the fake shiny stuff you have is sandpaper, another is matte (or flat) latex paint, in a watery wash. You don't want the paint thick or it will crack and peel right off. Use a color matching the item first to cover the shine, and then add another color or two in faded or dirt colors randomly. If you rough up the surface a bit, (sandpaper works) then use a paint used for fabrics, it will last longer than just painting over the shine (although a good rainstorm may kill it either way).

As for weapons, if your good with paint, some of the plastic ones look pretty authentic with the right paint job. I'm currently working on a set of pistols (I will post a DIY when I get them done). Another thing is that you don't really need a whole fancy sword and dagger, just a hilt attached to a scabbord (make the cops happier too!).

Just my 2 pence...

`Wing